theft light always on?
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From: rockingham, n.c.
theft light always on?
i just bought a 02 ranger about 6 wks ago , myson was on the back and noticed a light blinking, (5 yrs old) , so i went to see and my theft light is blinking, it stops when i turn the key, does it do this all the time and i havent noticed or is something wrong. any help appreciated, primer
Laughing Gas
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From: So. Cal.
Blinking all the time when no key is present is normal. Ford calls it a passive anti-theft device (or somthing like that). It's supposed to fool a potential thief into thinking that your truck has an alarm. If all trucks have it, how can you tell if it really has an alarm? I know my local Ford dealer was fooled by it last week !!
Pat
Pat
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Yeah...many aftermarket radios have the "blink LED" feature designed to imitate the same thing. Simply create the impression you have an alarm. I can see mine flashing from here.
My '94 has an Anti-Theft light in the cluster, but it doesn't do anything lol.
RP
Zach
My '94 has an Anti-Theft light in the cluster, but it doesn't do anything lol.
RP
Zach
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by reddog99
Blinking all the time when no key is present is normal. Ford calls it a passive anti-theft device (or somthing like that). It's supposed to fool a potential thief into thinking that your truck has an alarm. If all trucks have it, how can you tell if it really has an alarm? I know my local Ford dealer was fooled by it last week !!
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
That sounds right Rockledge, it's just a warning to a potential theif that an alarm MIGHT be there, and trying it is stupid. The ones who will break in alarm or not...well it doesn't much matter to them.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
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My understanding is that it is on pattsII systems, so it is a real theft device. The light is to tell a would be theif that there is no use breaking the window or busting the door because it won't start anyway, move on the the next one.
Dave
Dave
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From: rockingham, n.c.
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Laughing Gas
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From: So. Cal.
The real anti-theft device is actually the RFID chip in the key. If your key doesn't give the computer the correct code (thru the RFID chip in the key) then the engine won't start, even if the key will open the door. So someone could steal everything in or on the vehicle, but they couldn't drive it away...
Pat
Pat
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From: Eastern WA
You are talking about PATS, a security system in which the ignition key is coded to the vehicle and essentially does a handshake with the vehicle when the key is inserted, thus allowing it to be started. No handshake (correctly coded key) = no start , not even cranking. It's a real system, not a phantom threat. The old 94's (like I once had) have a totally worthless anti theft light on the dash because, if a person wants that light to have meaning (ie, a real and functional alarm) they had to by an Explorer (used the exact same dash assy). Flashing stereo LED's also mean NADA regarding security of the actual vehicle; they might fool suckers into thinking there is a real, valid vehicle security system but what is usually happening is that the deck is coded and or it's a fake deterrant for deck theft. Crooks know what a flashing light on a stereo means.
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Cowboy you're absolutely right. I have the Anti-Theft light on my '94...it does zero. The gauge bezel I ordered even covered it up because it had no use lol.
My friend Patrick has a '94 Exploder, I might see if it works in his truck later on.
RP
Zach
My friend Patrick has a '94 Exploder, I might see if it works in his truck later on.
RP
Zach
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