To reset your 1999 Ford F-150 anti-theft system, you can try turning the key to RUN in the ignition eight times in 10 seconds and letting it run on the eighth time. This may reset the system. Otherwise, you may need to reprogram the key or replace a faulty part.

There’s nothing more jarring than the alarm blaring or the steering wheel locking when you’re just trying to get out the door. While an anti-theft system is a great deterrent against thieves, it can malfunction just like any other system in your truck.

Unfortunately, the Ford F-150 tops the list of most stolen vehicles in the United States. If your anti-theft system is malfunctioning, it’s critical to reset it so your truck is protected! Here’s a quick guide from

Jerry

, the

trustworthy insurance comparison app

. We’ve got several solutions for getting your F-150 back on the road, plus a few tips on how anti-theft devices can help you save on

Ford F-150 insurance costs

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How to reset the 1999 Ford F-150 anti-theft system

The 1999 Ford F-150 is a PATS vehicle, a passive anti-theft system vehicle that immobilizes the engine unless the proper key is present. This was the first time that a transponder chip key was used in this model, providing extra security against stealing a car with a duplicate key.

In vehicles with transponder keys, there are several things that could trigger the anti-theft system. You need to get your truck to recognize your programmed key fob.

The first thing you should try is a manual reset using the key in the ignition. Get into the driver’s seat and turn the key in the ignition to RUN (but don’t start the car). Do this eight times in quick succession, and allow the vehicle to stay running on the eighth time. The doors should cycle through a lock and trigger a reset. Now, press any button on the F-150 key fob. Turn the ignition off to complete the process.

Another option is to do a manual reset using the key in the driver’s side door lock. Insert the key into the driver’s side door lock. Semi-turn it between almost-locked and almost-unlocked five times, waiting 60 seconds between each turn. Do not fully lock or unlock the car on each turn. Then, get into the car and start the engine.

If neither option works for you, you may need to get help from a dealer to erase and reprogram the keys. It’s also possible that your truck has a faulty battery, door lock cylinder, or worn-out PATS fuse.

MORE:

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

What does the anti-theft system on a 1999 Ford F-150 do?

Your anti-theft system is a clever invention that works whenever your transponder key is out of the ignition and you’re away from the truck. That’s why it’s called a Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS).

The PATS system uses an alarm system and an engine immobilizer to stop unauthorized users from stealing your vehicle. Whenever a non-coded key is used in the ignition or in a door, PATS will immobilize the engine to prevent theft.

If the system has been triggered, you will notice a blinking light flashing. It’s normal for this light to turn on momentarily whenever your ignition is turned on, but it should turn off again after a minute.

The good news is that your Ford F-150 comes with two coded keys. The bad news is that if you lose one, the reprogramming process to reset your chip keys is a bit more complicated.

How to program a new transponder key

If you have both original coded keys, you can program your own spare key. Buy the spare from a Ford dealer or a locksmith.

Here’s how to program a new transponder key for your F-150 if you have both original keys:

Insert an original key into the ignition and turn to the ON position. Wait for five seconds, turn to OFF, and remove the key.

Wait 10 seconds.

Insert the second original key and repeat the process above.

Wait 20 seconds.

Insert the uncoded spare key and repeat the process above.

Your new key should work now! Test it out by turning on the car. If the anti-theft lights turn off after a few seconds, your key has been successfully coded.

If you only have one key, then you will need a Ford dealer to program one for you.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Ford anti-theft system?

Your anti-theft system is smart—but it does make mistakes sometimes. A loud noise or a strong bump could be interpreted as an attack, triggering your Ford’s PATS. If this happens, you need to reset the system.

Electrical problems could also interfere with the anti-theft system’s ability to function:

Bad battery

Faulty door lock cylinder or door handle

Dying transponder key battery

A diagnostic OBD-II scanner could help you learn more about mechanical issues. But if you get stuck, just call your local Ford dealership for assistance.

MORE:

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Can the 1999 Ford F-150 anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

Yes!

Car insurance

companies love anti-theft systems because they reduce the chance of car theft—which would cost them a ton of money.

Vehicles with anti-theft devices usually get a discount between 5% and 25% on comprehensive car insurance policies. There are plenty of aftermarket anti-theft devices that could bring down your rate, too, like an active alarm system.

Ford is a common brand with a good reputation. This means that Ford parts are pretty easy to find. What does this mean for you? It means that the Ford F-150 is one of the cheapest full-size trucks to insure.

Overall, the more safety features your vehicle has, the lower your insurance policy will cost. Every company has its own unique formula for calculating premiums, but you can use the

Jerry

app to find the lowest possible rate for your vehicle.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive trucks to insure

How to save on 1999 Ford F-150 insurance

We’ve established that an anti-theft system can help lower your insurance cost. But that doesn’t change the fact that your F-150 still has a high chance of being stolen. To protect yourself against thieves, get

comprehensive insurance coverage

so you can file a claim if your truck gets stolen.

You don’t need a truckload full of cash to protect your truck. Get help from the trustworthy insurance broker Jerry. You could even find a policy with more coverage for less money.

To adjust your coverage or look for a cheaper

Ford insurance

policy, get the Jerry app. It takes less than one minute to compare rates from top companies. Jerry automatically finds you the lowest possible rate. If you find a great deal, you can simply tap to sign up. Jerry’s experts will do all the paperwork to switch you over for instant savings. In fact, Jerry’s team of friendly experts is available by phone or chat if you need any help.

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