You’ll need two coded keys to reset the anti-theft system on a 2001 Ford F-150. Insert your primary coded key, turn your F-150 to the ON position without starting the engine, then repeat the process with your second coded key within five seconds. You should see the anti-theft light turn off.

The SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) in the 2001 Ford F-150 is an important security feature that’s popular for drivers (and thieves) alike. The Ford F-150 topped the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s list of most stolen vehicles, trailed by Chevrolet pickup trucks and the mass-produced

Honda Civic

This important security feature can backfire, though, if you, the owner, are the one it ends up keeping away. If you need to reset the anti-theft system on a 2001 Ford F-150,

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How to reset the 2001 Ford F-150 anti-theft system

Resetting the 2001 Ford F-150 anti-theft system is relatively simple, but it will likely require two sets of your F-150’s coded keys.

If you’ve simply set off your 2001 Ford F-150’s alarm by accident and need to turn it off, you’ll just need your electric keyfob. Press the alarm button on the keyfob to deactivate your F-150’s alarm.

The alarm will also turn off if you use your F-150’s key to put the car into ON or Accessory (ACC) mode.

However, if your car’s anti-theft system has activated NO START mode (signified by the THEFT light blinking and your F-150’s engine not starting), you’ll need two coded keys. You must use keys that have been specifically programmed to your 2001 F-150—otherwise, NO START mode will remain on.

Here’s what you need to do:

Insert your first coded F-150 key into the ignition.

Turn the key to the ON position for at least one second, but do not start the engine.

Remove the key, then repeat the process with your second coded F-150 key within five seconds.

Once you’ve completed this simple process, you should be able to start your car’s engine.

Don’t be surprised if your car’s THEFT light remains on when you take the second key out. This just means the anti-theft system is armed. You should notice the light turn off when you turn the key to the ON position again after completing the reset.

If you don’t have your second set of F-150 keys for any reason, you’ll need to get your truck to a Ford dealership to disarm the system and have another set of keys programmed for you.

MORE:

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

What does the anti-theft system on a 2001 Ford F-150 do?

The 2001 Ford F-150 uses a SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), which is a passive anti-theft system. These systems are referred to as passive because they turn on automatically whenever you are not using your car.

Specifically, the 2001 F-150 SecuriLock PATS turns on whenever you switch your key from the ON (fourth position) to the OFF (third position) in the ignition. Your car’s THEFT light should flash every two seconds or so to let you know the system is armed.

Your 2001 F-150’s keys are programmed to your unique model. If a non-programmed key is used on your F-150, the PATS system will activate an alarm and NO START mode, which immobilizes the engine.

Every 2001 Ford F-150 comes with two coded keys, but there’s a good chance that one of them might have gone missing after more than 20 years. The second coded key is required to deactivate the 2001 F-150’s anti-theft system as an additional security measure, so you should make sure you have at least two. Who knows—you may want even more!

How to program a new transponder key

You’ll need both original keys to program a new spare key for your 2001 Ford F-150. If you only have one original key, you’ll need to get this done at a Ford dealership.

Here’s what you need to do to program a new key:

Put one of your original coded keys in the ignition and turn it to the ON position for at least one second, but do not turn on the engine.

Remove the coded key from the ignition and repeat with your second coded key within five seconds of removing the first one.

Remove the second coded key from the ignition, then repeat once again with the new, unprogrammed key within 10 seconds of removing the second one.

And just like that, you’ve got another programmed key for your 2001 Ford F-150! Use the key to try turning on the engine. If the process failed, your F-150’s PATS will activate, but if it worked, you should be zipping off with your extra F-150 key!

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the 2001 Ford anti-theft system?

We know that a non-coded F-150 key will set off the SecuriLock PATS, but there are a few other instances that can cause false alarms. For example, loud sounds and strong bumps have been known to set off the 2001 F-150’s alarm system—like those from a firework or a parallel parking job gone wrong.

The good news is this means that someone trying to force their way into your truck will also set off the anti-theft system. The bad news is that if it was just a firework, you’ll have to go through the whole anti-theft reset procedure.

According to the 2001 Ford F-150’s owner manual, your truck’s NO START mode could also be activated if any other keys, pieces of metal, or electronic objects touch your coded key when you try to start the engine. Make sure that anything that is hanging on the same key ring is positioned away from your coded F-150 key to avoid activating NO START mode.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

Can the 2001 Ford F-150 anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

A working anti-theft device can most certainly lower your insurance premium. Most drivers with this feature see a 5% to 25% reduction in their comprehensive coverage costs alone!

However, car alarms aren’t the only safety features that insurance companies will reward you for. Your 2001 F-150 may not have any modern-day driver assistance features to help lower its premium, but it does have the F-150’s reputation for great reliability and safety.

Parts for a Ford F-150 are also characteristically cheap—which helps make the Ford F-150 one of the cheapest full-size pickup trucks to insure.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive trucks to insure

How to save on 2001 Ford F-150 insurance

Making sure your 2001 Ford F-150’s anti-theft system is properly working can help lower your insurance rates—and anxiety! However, it’s still smart to go the extra mile by investing in

comprehensive coverage

to protect yourself in the event that a thief surpasses the PATS and damages your beloved truck.

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