Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

theft code in dash

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 05:23 PM
  #1  
boblom's Avatar
boblom
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Talking theft code in dash

just bought a 90 v6 xlt super cab. had it 2 days now the dash light is blinking the word theft. all I was given was 1 key. did this truck have a factory keyless entry and thats why its flashing. truck was bought at an auction 4 4 grand clean runs well with 90,000 on it. any ideas
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 08:25 PM
  #2  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Welcome to FTE!

Not sure about a '90 coming with factory equipped anti-theft. Might be a dealer installed option.

Maybe someone can confirm this?
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 08:29 PM
  #3  
TwoDollarBill's Avatar
TwoDollarBill
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Abingdon, VA
They all do that. It's not a code or anything, it's just funcioning normally. It's just to let people who plan on stealing your truck know that there is some measure of security system. In short, there is a blinking light that says THEFT on your dash to a) remind you that you have to have your super special expensive FORD KEY to start your truck and b) scare off the meanies who wish to deprive you of your truck. The point is, your truck isn't malfunctioning.

Does the light blink when the truck is running, or just when it is off?
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 08:33 PM
  #4  
Ken00's Avatar
Ken00
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
My 89 didn't have anything like that. The theft light in the dash and the special key are part of the PATS system in the newer ones.

FYI, you can get the keys cheap on ebay, cut and program yourself, and your all set for about 15$, thats what I did for my two trucks.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 09:52 PM
  #5  
CowboyBilly9Mile's Avatar
CowboyBilly9Mile
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I bought my 94 new and an alarm was not a factory option. Not sure about a dealer adder, but I have yet to hear of someone with it. I've had my cluster out and there is no bulb installed in the provision for the theft light.
 
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2004 | 11:15 PM
  #6  
73effie's Avatar
73effie
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: yuba city, ca
i think there is a way to disable the light. at least there is on my 2002 f150. im not sure but it involves a series of turning the key off and on and counting seconds. the owners manual will be more specific.

eddie-
 
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2004 | 05:45 PM
  #7  
boblom's Avatar
boblom
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Question my mistake on theft code

my truck is a 2000 ranger. to many beers last night. I notice the plastic around the key is cracked and the restor is showing?
 
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2004 | 06:15 PM
  #8  
Dave257's Avatar
Dave257
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
Sounds like you have a patts system. The blinking light is normal, I think it is to tell would be theifs that they should pass on to the next truck they can't take this one. Anyway you need to have 2 keys to program another key, That means if you loose this key the truck WILL NOT start. It will require a trip/towing to the dealer/locksmith to get new keys and be reprogramed.
Dave
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:30 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE