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How can I disable the anti-theft system on a Ford Escape?

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26 answers

★ Top Answer
Hattie J.

Resetting the anti-theft system on the Ford Escape can be somewhat challenging. Here's a simplified guide: Begin by opening the car hood and propping it up securely. Find the car battery and disconnect the positive cable. Leave it off while you turn the car's key to the on position for approximately 10 minutes. Then, reconnect the battery cable, switch the car off, and you should have successfully reset the anti-theft system. If not, you may not have waited long enough with the battery cable disconnected.

More answers

  • Hugh Jass

    My getaway won't kick off - it's not even turning on the alarm, just keeps flashing. Any suggestions on what to do next?

  • Jim Peterson

    If disconnecting the positive cable didn't assist with resetting, you can try this method that worked for me. Instead of removing any cables, perform a factory reset by following these steps: Ensure all doors are closed, put the key into the driver's door, turn it from locked to unlocked twice. Then, insert the key into the ignition and cycle it from off to on and back twice.

  • Sami

    I misplaced my phone ringer. How do I silence the alarm completely?

  • Dev

    To reset the anti-theft system on a Ford Escape, start by disconnecting the positive cable from the battery. Next, insert the key into the car and turn it to the "on" position. After that, reconnect the positive cable and turn the key off and back on to complete the reset process.

  • Bradley S

    The 2006 attempt at escape was unsuccessful.

  • Deann D

    Get rid of it and purchase a Chevrolet.

  • Dwight J

    The 2008 Ford Escape has been parked for over a year and was in good running condition when parked. However, the back window has been broken, and now it is stuck in anti-theft mode. I only have one key. Do I need to get it reprogrammed or do I need a second key?

  • Joe Hirings

    That nonsense is not effective.

  • Dennis R

    I am dealing with the same issue of the anti-theft system being activated.

  • Angelica G

    I listened to Jay C.'s advice and it really paid off for me with my 2001 Ford Escape.

  • Jennifer Dixon

    I helped out with the 2005 Escape project! I really appreciate it!

  • Kerstin W

    If everything else doesn't work, try inserting the key into the door and turning it to lock and unlock twice to deactivate the alarm on my 2001 vehicle.

  • ..

    I've attempted all the solutions provided by Google for my 2004 car, but none of them have been successful.

  • Ava F.

    DB's did a great job on my 2001 car! I really appreciate it!

  • Chevy Dave

    I have a question instead of an answer. I misplaced the keys to my 2002 Ford Escape and I've searched everywhere but can't find them. Is there a way to deactivate the anti-theft system on my car by simply replacing the ignition cylinder? Or is there a method to reprogram a Ford key that is compatible with my vehicle but not with the anti-theft system, so that it will work with the system?

  • Sang A

    I've attempted all these methods but I'm still struggling to reset the alarm. Can you please provide some assistance?

  • Kevin Zarley

    I own a 2001 Escape XLT, and the hazard lights flash for 2 minutes when I start the car or open the doors. How can I make them stop doing this?

  • Kirby M.

    Hey @TheresaDDriver, to fix the issue with your car's PATS system, you'll need an OBDII reader that can control immobilizer functions both ways. Simply changing the ignition cylinder won't work because the problem is likely with the key itself. My 2009 Ford Escape needed the PATS reprogrammed and a new key made, which could cost you between $120 and $180. Alternatively, you can get a device for over $400 to do it yourself.

    If you wait until the anti-theft light stops blinking rapidly (while the key is in the run position), it will start blinking in a certain pattern that corresponds to a code. This code indicates why the passive anti-theft system (PATS) was activated. For example, after the rapid blinking, I received one quick blink, a pause, and then four slow blinks, indicating a fault code 14, which means the PATS is only getting a partial code from the key.

    Below, I'll provide a list of fault codes and their remedies since it was hard for me to find this information online and it's not in the owner's manual. These are the Dashlab codes for PATS SECURITY FLASH CODES:

    - 11: Transponder Antenna (ignition coil) has no power. Remedy: Check fuse or replace faulty antenna.
    - 12: Antenna fault. Remedy: Replace the faulty antenna.
    - 13: Key in ignition is not a PATS key. Remedy: Replace with the correct key.
    - 14: Partial code from key received. Remedy: Check transponder for damage (usually happens with Glass transponders).
    - 15: Invalid key code. Remedy: Use a programmed key or program a new key.
    - 16: CAN Communications error. Remedy: Typically a blown PCM fuse or could be caused by faulty wiring/control module.
    - 21: Not enough keys stored in memory. Remedy: Program additional keys. Most Fords from 2001 are two-key systems, so you need at least two keys programmed. Earlier systems require three keys programmed.

    And so on... Let me know if you need further information or assistance!

  • Basil W

    I own a 2001 Ford Escape. During a storm, the alarm system went off as I lost the remote. The car could still start, but the horn, flashers, and headlights stayed on for a few minutes before I could drive. Thanks to Betty's tip for 2001 Ford Escape, I was able to resolve the issue successfully the first time! I sincerely appreciate the help! To reiterate the steps: Ensure all doors are closed, insert the key in the driver's door, turn the lock position back to unlock twice, then insert the key into the ignition, and finally, cycle the key off and on twice.

  • Ahiles

    My 2004 Ford Escape hasn't been successful with any of these options either.

  • terica

    2004 Escape: Press the driver's door button to lock all doors, then close the door. Turn the key to lock, then switch to unlock twice for an easy process.

  • Lori D

    Tested the recommendation provided by Betty for my 2001 Ford Escape. It was successful! Appreciate the help!

  • Horace S

    Fellas, the solution is to swap out fuse 27.

  • Thomas feeling

    I'm constantly facing issues with my 2003 Escape XLT. My go-to solution is to disconnect the battery for at least one hour. I connect the positive and negative cables using a short piece of speaker wire to remove any leftover electricity and reset the frustrating passive anti-theft system. It's incredibly bothersome, but at least the winter in Manitoba has been fairly mild.

  • Adrian B

    Here is a rephrased version: "First, connect the battery. Once the alarm horn goes off, use the key to unlock the driver's door. This action will deactivate the alarm.

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