Should you ever need to reset your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system, insert your key into the lock on the driver’s side door and turn it partway—leave it in this position for 60 seconds, then turn it in the opposite direction and leave it for another 60 seconds. This should disarm the system and switch off the anti-theft light.
It’s no secret that having an anti-theft system in your vehicle is widely considered to be a good thing—after all, Ford is a brand often targeted by thieves and a reliable security system can help deter them.
Of course, you may not appreciate your Fusion’s anti-theft system as much when it leaves you stranded and unable to start your vehicle—that’s why Jerry, the
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has put together this guide on how to reset your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system. Stick around until the end and we’ll even provide some tips on how to reduce your Ford Fusion’s insurance costs
! How to reset the 2012 Ford Fusion anti-theft system
Generally speaking, there are reliable ways to reset your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system, both of which involve getting the vehicle’s computer to recognize the programmed key transmitter.
If you need to reset your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft light, start by inserting your key into the lock on the driver’s side door. Turn the key without fully unlocking the door and leave it in this position for anywhere from 40 to 60 seconds. Turn the key in the opposite direction and repeat the process—if done correctly, this should give the system enough time to recognize the key and disarm the system.
Should this method fail, there is another you can try, which requires you insert your key into the ignition. Turn the key so that the electrical system comes on, but not so far that the engine actually starts. Leave the key in this position for at least two minutes or until the anti-theft light switches off—if it does, you should be able to start your vehicle as you normally would.
In the unfortunate situation that neither of these methods work or if you don’t have an ignition key handy when your anti-theft system goes off, you’ll need to have the vehicle brought to a dealership and have them disarm the system and reprogram new keys.
What does the anti-theft system in a 2012 Ford Fusion do?
Your 2012 Ford Fusion is equipped with a SecuriLock® brand Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). In this case, “passive” simply means that the anti-theft system does not require action on your part to turn on, but activates automatically whenever the key has been removed from the ignition, the car is turned off, and all doors are shut.
The PATS security framework employs two key features—an alarm system and an engine immobilizer—to help prevent would-be thieves from stealing your vehicle. If the system determines that a non-coded key is attempting to open the door or trunk or is trying to start the car, it will immobilize the engine so that the vehicle cannot be started.
If your Fusion’s security system has been triggered, the anti-theft security light will begin to flash—it will also, however, illuminate briefly whenever the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but should automatically switch off after a few seconds.
Like many modern auto-makers, Ford uses something called a transponder or coded integrated-keyhead transmitter (IKT) in tandem with the anti-theft system. Upon purchasing the vehicle, you will receive two keys equipped with these transmitters—but if you decide to buy a spare, you’ll need to program it in order to avoid setting off the anti-theft system.
How to program a new transmitter key
If you want to program a new keyhead transmitter, you’ll need both of the original keys that came with your Ford as well as the new spare you hope to program. If you lost one of the original keys or don’t have it handy, your local Ford dealership will be able to program one for you.
As long as you have two previously coded keys, you can program a new one by following the steps below:
Insert one of the original programmed keys into the ignition.
Turn the ignition from the “OFF” position to the “ON” position and keep it there for at least three seconds.
Turn the key back to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition.
Within 10 seconds of removing the first key, insert the second previously coded key into the ignition and repeat steps two and three.
Within 20 seconds of removing the second previously coded key, insert the new, unprogrammed key into the ignition.
Turn the new key from the “OFF” position to the “ON” position and keep it there for at least six seconds.
Remove your newly programmed key from the ignition.
As long as these steps were done correctly, your new key should be able to unlock and start your 2012 Ford Fusion without triggering the anti-theft system.
What can trigger the Ford anti-theft system?
Ideally, your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system will only trigger should someone try to forcibly open the hood, trunk, or one of the four cabin doors—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be set off by false alarms. Some Ford owners, for instance, have reported their PATS engaging due to a strong bump or following loud noises such as fireworks.
There are also a number of mechanical/electrical issues that can trigger your Ford’s anti-theft system, including:
Dying transmitter key battery
Broken door handle or door lock cylinder
If you can’t identify what is triggering your vehicle’s anti-theft system, use an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to look for error codes or take your Ford to a dealership for an inspection.
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Can the 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?
Actually, yes! In most instances, having an anti-theft security system installed in your Ford will lower your insurance rate—in fact, it can even knock 5% to 25% off the total cost of your comprehensive coverage!
Of course, the Ford brand is considered to be both safe and reliable, which helps keep insurance rates lower than average—but you can go one step further and install an aftermarket anti-theft device such as a catalytic converter strap or an active alarm system to secure a discount from certain insurance companies.
How to save on Ford Fusion insurance
Your 2012 Ford Fusion’s anti-theft system certainly decreases the risk of it being stolen, but that doesn’t mean the chance is reduced to zero. Should your Ford be targeted by thieves smart enough to work around the anti-theft system, you’ll require comprehensive insurance coverage
before you can submit a claim. Of course, comprehensive coverage will increase your auto insurance policy’s monthly payments, but it’s usually worth it for the added protection. You may, however, be able to afford this additional coverage for less than what you’re currently paying if you use Jerry
. In order to avoid being overcharged for your Ford Fusion’s insurance, download licensed broker and car insurance
super app Jerry—from there, all you have to do is answer a few questions, and in as little as 45 seconds, Jerry will have compared dozens of competitive quotes from the nation’s top insurance providers to find you the best deals available. “Jerry
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