The quickest way to reset your 2000 Ford F-150 anti-theft system is by turning on your car’s electrical system without starting the engine, waiting up to 10 minutes, then removing your key. This should turn your security light off.

Anti-theft systems come in pretty handy, especially if you’re driving a Ford F-150. Even a model as old as the 2000 F-150 may be at risk for theft since according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Ford F-150 floats between being the first and second-most-stolen vehicle in the country—only beating out ultra-popular sedans like the

Honda Civic

and

Toyota Camry

Your anti-theft system may not be so handy if it malfunctions or prevents your truck from starting when you need it, though. Need help resetting your F-150’s anti-theft system?

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How to reset the 2000 Ford F-150 anti-theft system

You can reset your Ford’s anti-theft system by getting your truck to detect your programmed key, and there are a few different methods to do this.

If you’re trying to reset the anti-theft light, just put your key into the ignition and turn it to “accessory mode.” This should switch on your truck’s electrical system without starting your engine. Keep your key in place for two to 10 minutes, and you should see your light turn off, indicating the system was rebooted.

To reset the anti-theft system, insert your key into your driver’s side door lock, turning it partially but not unlocking the door. Leave it here for about 40 to 60 seconds, then do this again in the opposite direction. This should get your truck to recognize the key, so you should be able to get in and start your engine normally.

If these methods don’t work, try this:

Get in your F-150 and shut all the doors

Turn your truck “on” without starting it, then push the power door unlock button three times before turning your key back to the “off” position.

When your truck is off, press the unlock button three more times.

Finally, turn your truck “on” again, and you should hear the horn make a noise.

Hit the unlock button once more, then turn the car off again. This completes the reset process.

When all else fails, you might have to take your Ford to a dealership to disarm your anti-theft system and get you squared away.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

What does the anti-theft system on a 2000 Ford F-150 do?

The 2000 Ford F-150 has an anti-theft system called the Securilock™ Passive Anti-Theft System. The passive part means that the system activates automatically anytime the car is off, the doors are shut, and the key isn’t in the ignition.

This type of system—known as a PATS—employs both an alarm system as well as an engine immobilization system, which prevents your engine from starting without your vehicle’s specific coded key. If your system detects a non-coded key attempting to start your truck or open one of the doors, the engine won’t start.

In your dashboard instrument cluster, you’ll see the theft indicator light flashing every two seconds when your engine is off. This shows that the system is working to protect your truck. When you turn your F-150 on or start it, this light will illuminate for three seconds, then go off.

The anti-theft system in the 2000 Ford F-150 uses coded keys to operate, and your truck should’ve come with two of them. Without these keys, you can’t turn on your engine, so if you need a spare key for any reason, it’ll need to be programmed so your anti-theft system recognizes it.

How to program a new transponder key

The easiest way to program a new coded key yourself will require two already-programmed coded keys. If you only have one (or none!), you’ll have to take your truck to the dealership to get a new coded key programmed.

If you do have both coded keys and a new coded key cut for your specific vehicle, you can program it to your F-150 with these steps:

Insert your first already-coded key into the ignition, then turn it to the “on” position (for at least one second) without starting it.

Turn the key to “off” and remove it.

Within five seconds, insert the second programmed key, repeating the process from step one. Keep the key in the “on” position for at least one second but not longer than five seconds.

Turn it back to the “off” position and remove the key.

Within ten seconds, put your new unprogrammed key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position for at least a second.

That’s it! Your new key should be programmed to be a coded key that your Ford recognizes. If it works, the theft indicator light will be illuminated for three seconds before going off, and you’ll be able to start your truck.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Ford anti-theft system?

No matter how protective your F-150’s PATS system is, it can still fall for false alarms. Some Ford drivers say that even heavy bumps or loud noises like fireworks can set it off. Your anti-theft system may detect these as signs of a break-in and cut your engine—which isn’t very convenient if you need to drive!

Here are a few more reasons your anti-theft system may be falsely triggered:

Your door lock is broken or malfunctioning

Your transponder key battery is dying

Your Ford’s battery is dead

If you have trouble pinpointing the cause of your triggered anti-theft system, head to a Ford dealership or scan your truck with a diagnostic scanner to find the cause.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Can the 2000 Ford F-150 anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

Anti-theft devices not only protect your truck—but they can also lower your insurance premiums by as much as 25% of your comprehensive policy!

Fords already have better insurance rates than average due to their reliability and lower-than-average prices for parts. In fact, the Ford F-150 is one of the most affordable full-size trucks to insure—and the 2000 model should be even cheaper since it’s a few decades old.

If you want even lower premiums, consider adding an aftermarket anti-theft device, like an active alarm system or a catalytic converter strap.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive trucks to insure

How to save on 2000 Ford F-150 insurance

Your Ford F-150’s anti-theft system can lower the risk of theft, but that’s no guarantee that it won’t be targeted by more tech-savvy thieves. In that case, you’ll have to have

comprehensive insurance coverage

to be compensated for related damages. However, with an older model, you might be safe to

drop full coverage

from your F-150.

Either way, you may still be able to cut costs on your

Ford insurance

simply by downloading the

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app and shopping for a new policy. As a

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