To reset your Ford F-150 anti-theft system, insert the key in the ignition and turn the car’s electrical systems on—but don’t start the engine. Wait for two to 10 minutes, remove the key, and you should see the security light turn off.

Having an anti-theft system in your vehicle is a good thing—especially if your ride is as popular as the Ford F-150. According to 2021 data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Ford F-150 is the second-most-stolen vehicle in the United States, right behind Chevy full-size pickups and ahead of popular sedans like the

Honda Civic

and

Toyota Camry

But the anti-theft system might not seem like such a great thing when you’re trying to get to work and your truck won’t start!

Jerry

, the trusted

car insurance

broker app, has created a guide to help you get your F-150 out of that pesky no-start mode. And, while we’re at it, we’ll show you how having anti-theft devices installed could help to reduce your

Ford F-150 insurance costs

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

There are two different ways to reset the anti-theft system on your Ford F-150. Both involve getting the truck to recognize your programmed key fob.

To reset the anti-theft light, insert your key into the ignition and turn it partway to put the car in “accessory mode”—that is, far enough to turn on the car’s electrical system but not start the engine.

Leave the key inserted for two to 10 minutes. Eventually, you’ll see the light blink off and you’ll know that the system has been reset. You’re good to start the engine and carry on!

The other way to reset the anti-theft system is to insert the key into the driver’s side door lock. Again, you’ll turn the key partway, but not far enough to unlock the door. Let it sit in that position for about 40 to 60 seconds, then repeat in the opposite direction and wait another 60 seconds or so. This process should give the vehicle time to recognize the key. Remove the key from the door, get in, and start the engine.

If you’re unlucky enough to be without an ignition key when your Ford’s anti-theft mode is triggered, you may need to bring it to a dealership in order to disarm the system and program new keys. If you want to turn the system off entirely, you’ll need to get a dealer to reprogram the PCM (powertrain control module).

MORE:

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

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

The anti-theft system installed in Ford vehicles like the F-150 pickup is what’s known as a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). It’s passive because it turns on automatically, without your action, whenever the key is out of the ignition, the car is off, and all the doors are closed.

The PATS system uses an alarm system and an engine immobilizer to prevent theft of your vehicle. When the system detects a non-coded key trying to start the truck or open the door or tailgate, it immobilizes the engine so that the vehicle won’t start.

You’ll see the anti-theft light flashing if the security system has been triggered, so always check for that indicator light before panicking. Under normal conditions, the security light will turn on briefly when your ignition switch is in the on position, but it should turn off afterward.

Ford uses transponder keys, also known as chip keys, for security purposes. Your F-150 comes with two keys. If you want a spare key, you’ll need to program it to avoid setting off the anti-theft system.

How to program a new transponder key

In order to program a new Ford key, you’ll need both of the original keys in addition to your new spare (which you can get from a Ford dealer or a locksmith). If you don’t have your second key on hand, a Ford dealer can program a new one for you, but you won’t be able to do it yourself.

If you do have both keys, here’s how to program a new one:

Put one of the previously-coded keys into the ignition and turn it to the on position for three to 10 seconds. Turn the ignition to the off position and remove the key.

Wait three to 10 seconds.

Repeat the first procedure with the second previously-coded key.

Wait three to 20 seconds.

Insert the uncoded key, turn it to the on position, and wait for six seconds. Remove the key.

Your new key should now be programmed. You can test it out by operating your Ford’s remote control or keyless entry functions, or just by using it to turn on the engine. If the anti-theft dashboard lights up for three seconds and then turns off, your key was successfully coded.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Ford anti-theft system?

The PATS system on your F-150 offers important protection from would-be thieves, but it can be prone to false alarms. For instance, Ford owners have reported that loud noises such as fireworks or even a strong bump can trigger it. The anti-theft device may translate these as signs of an imminent break-in, and shut down your engine—leaving you with an annoying reset procedure to go through.

Other potential causes of a triggered anti-theft system include:

Dead battery

Broken door lock cylinder or door handle

Failing transponder key battery

If you can’t find the issue behind your anti-theft system coming on, take the truck to a dealership or use a diagnostic scan tool to look for possible mechanical faults.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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

Having an anti-theft device installed in your vehicle can lower your insurance premiums—usually between 5% and 25% off the cost of your comprehensive coverage!

Of course, the anti-theft system isn’t the only reason you might pay a lower rate for your auto insurance. Fords are known to be reliable on the road as well as on car insurance policies. Since the cost of Ford parts is one of the lowest on the market, the Ford F-150 is the cheapest full-size truck to insure.

The balance of practicality and luxury matters, too. The XLT trim, which has more safety features than the XL but less froufrou than the King Ranch, Platinum, or Limited trims, is likely to put you on a good insurance footing.

Adding an aftermarket anti-theft device, such as an active alarm system or a catalytic converter strap, might qualify you for further savings with your insurance company.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive trucks to insure

How to save on Ford F-150 insurance

An anti-theft system can lower the chances of your F-150 being stolen, but there’s still a pretty significant risk to Ford pickup owners. If your Ford is targeted by thieves smart enough to override the system, you’ll need

comprehensive insurance coverage

in order to submit a claim for damages.

Comprehensive coverage will make your auto insurance policy cost more, but it’s usually worth it for the added protection. And with help from a

trustworthy insurance broker

Jerry

, you might even be able to afford that coverage for less than you’re paying now!

To see if you’re overpaying for your

Ford insurance

, download the Jerry app and enter your information. It takes just 45 seconds to get competitive, customized quotes from a pool of over 55 providers, and if you find a rate you like in the app, Jerry’s team of expert insurance agents will handle all the paperwork to switch you over! On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance.

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