How To Reset the Anti-Theft System on a 2004 Ford F-150
To reset the 2004 Ford F-150 anti-theft system, you’ll need to get your truck to recognize your coded key. Here’s how!
Written by Christelle Agustin
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
To reset your 2004 Ford F-150’s anti-theft system, insert your key halfway into the ignition to enter Accessory Mode. Leave your key in for 10 minutes until the dashboard lights turn off and remove your key.
Grab your keys and your keys only, because the anti-theft system on the 2004 Ford F-150 will not start without them! With car thefts on the rise and Ford F-150 pick-up trucks being the top target, having a functioning anti-theft system is more important than ever.
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow to reset the Ford F-150 anti-theft system
Resetting your 2004 Ford F-150’s anti-theft system is simple! All you need is a safe area to park, your key, and a little over 10 minutes.
First, insert your key into the ignition and turn it between the OFF and ON positions to put your engine in Accessory Mode, meaning your truck will be turned on, excluding your engine.
Now, the waiting game—leave your key in Accessory Mode for 10 minutes to allow the onboard computer to reset. You will know that your computer has reset when the theft indicator light shuts off. At this point, you can remove your key from the ignition.
Finally, leave your truck off for a couple of minutes before starting the engine to ensure that the computer has completely finished its operations. You can then start your engine and get going!
What does the anti-theft system on a Ford F-150 do?
Officially known as the SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system, the 2004 Ford F-150’s anti-theft system is a security measure that prevents the engine from being started by unauthorized keys other than your own. With no initial setup or powering required, the SecuriLock system activates once the ignition is off—ready to accept coded keys (keys that correspond to your vehicle) and decline access to unauthorized ones.
Using a combination of an alarm system and engine immobilizer, your vehicle’s engine is immobilized when the wrong key is used, such as third-party or non-corresponding keys, to prevent vehicle theft.
You will know that the SecuriLock system is activated when the theft indicator (located at the top of your instrument panel) flashes every two seconds when the ignition is off. When the ignition is on, the theft indicator will stay on for three seconds to signal proper functioning.
How to program a new transponder key
On brand new 2004 Ford F-150s, you receive a standard of two coded keys that have already been pre-programmed to start your F-150’s engine. However, you may pair up to eight keys to operate your F-150.
To program a new key, make sure to have two coded keys and your new key on hand, then follow these instructions:
- Insert the first coded key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the ON position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the first coded key.
- Within 10 seconds of removing the first coded key, insert the second coded key into the ignition and turn it into the ON position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove the second coded key.
- Within 10 seconds of removing the second coded key, insert the new key into the ignition and turn the ignition to the ON position for at least one second, but no more than 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position and remove your new key.
And that’s all there is to it! If you have additional keys you want to program, repeat the process starting from step 1.
Your new key should be able to start your engine. If you were unsuccessful, your new key will not be able to start your engine and you will have to repeat the process from step 1.
What can trigger the Ford anti-theft system?
Ford’s SecuriLock passive anti-theft system is designed to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. When your F-150 is turned off, its alarm will be triggered by discernible movement. However, its system can also be triggered by false alarms and result in your engine entering a no-start state.
Some things that can trigger the Ford anti-theft system include:
- Rough movement from inside or outside the vehicle when the vehicle is off
- A strong bump to the vehicle’s exterior
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes
- A dead battery
In case the anti-theft system is triggered, you may disarm it by unlocking the doors with your key fob, unlocking the driver’s door with the key, or turning the ignition on.
Can the Ford F-150 anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?
Depending on your provider, having
vehicle anti-theft devices
installed on your F-150 can lower your insurance rate. The more security measures you have in place, the bigger the discount will be off your comprehensive coverage—usually between 5 and 25% off!While Ford’s SecuriLock passive anti-theft device is a great start, driving newer models is an easy road to protection thanks to current technology. If purchasing separate anti-theft devices seems like a tedious task, consider the 2022 Ford F-150 XLT, the most premium trim of the F-150 lineup.
Some of the F-150 XLT security features include:
- Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm
- Remote keyless entry system
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
- Spare tire and wheel lock
- Driver’s side SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad
However, it’s good to remember that lower insurance rates are possible without extra purchases. From being a safe driver and maintaining a
clean driving record
to securing a good student discount by maintaining a 3.0+ GPA, savings can be found everywhere. How to save on Ford F-150 insurance
Breathe a sigh of relief for the SecuriLock system being there to save you from your F-150 doing a disappearing act. However, with a truck that’s nearly two decades old, it becomes easier for thieves to crack the system and steal your Ford F-150, one of the
most stolen vehicles in the US
. That’s where having
comprehensive car insurance
comes in to cover the cost of your vehicle. In most cases, though, upgrading your insurance policy can be pricey—unless you know where to look. No need to look any further—
Jerry
, the #1-rated car insurance app
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