You can bypass the anti theft system on the Ford F150 by using a duplicate key taped to the original transponder chip. Likewise, you could use the power door unlock button or the override button. Moreover, you could decide to reprogram the PCM altogether or use a PCM reflashing/tuning kit. Alternatively, you could use a PKFM bypass kit to remote start the F150. Furthermore, you could use the FordPass or program a new key fob.
Are you still confused about how to bypass the anti theft system on the Ford f150? Do not worry. I have explained all the methods both in brief and in detail to help you out. Now let’s dig in and find out.
How to Bypass Anti Theft System on Ford F150: 8 Methods
Here are 8 methods to help you bypass the anti theft system on your Ford F150. The methods are ranked starting from easiest methods, all the way to the relatively harder ones. Here I have mentioned them for a quick overview, but if you need more help you can look at the next section.
| Methods to Bypass Anti-theft System on Ford F150 | Required Tools | Applicable F150 Models | Brief Process | Estimated Cost | Approximate Time to Execute |
| Using the power door unlock button | – | 1996 to 2000 Ford F150 models | Turn the ignition key to the ON position and then press the power door unlock button 3 times. Then, switch off the ignition and back on again and subsequently press the same button 3 times again. | – | 5 minutes |
| Using the override button | – | Early models | Locate and Press the override button to bypass the anti theft system. | – | 5 minutes |
| Using FordPass | FordPass Connect modem | F150 North American models from 1995 and onwards | Install FordPass app. Add your Ford F150 to the app. Then start the truck remotely. | – | 5 minutes |
| Using the duplicate key with the original transponder key chip | 1. A duplicate key2. Transponder chip from original key | All Ford F150s that use a transponder chip with the key. | Take out the transponder chip from the Ford provided key. Attach the extracted chip to the duplicate key. | $5 to $10 | 20 minutes |
| Programming a new key fob | 1. A Key with un programmed chip inside | All F150 models from 1996 and onwards with the Ford Securilock feature. | Start the engine with the old key. Then take it out and insert the new key. Now start the engine. | $100 | 10 minutes |
| Using A PKFM bypass kit for remote start | 1. PKFM bypass kit2. Remote starter | All F150 models | Determine the PATS version of your Ford F150. Connect the kit to the PATS connectors and program it. | $125 | 30 minutes |
| Reprogramming the PCM module | FORScan ELM327 device | All Ford F150 models | Connect the OBD2 port of your Ford F150 to the ELM237 device. Run FORScan on your PC. Reprogram the PCM. | $20 to $300 | 1 hour |
| Using PCM reflash/tuning kits | PCM reflash/tuning kit | 1996 to 2010 Ford F150 models and 2011 F150s with 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine. | Connect the PCM reflash/tuning kit to the computer of your Ford F150. Then reflash the PCM to disable the security features. | $100 to $400 | 1 hour |
Are you confused about how to follow these methods? Do not worry. My detailed sections below will help you out.
How to Bypass Anti Theft System on Ford F150: In-Depth Fix
Here is a list of methods in detail that you could perform to bypass the anti theft system on your Ford F150. I have organized them from easiest to hardest order.
Method 1: Making Use of The Power Door Unlock Button
You could use the power door unlock button in your F150 to bypass the anti theft system. However, this method only works for early Ford F150 models from 1996 to 2000.
Tools: No tools are necessary for this method.
Estimated cost: Following this method will not cost you anything.
Step 1: Enter your F150 truck.
Step 2: Shut off all the doors of your F150.
Step 3: Switch off the engine.
Step 4: Rotate the key in the ignition barrel so that it is “ON”.
Step 5: Locate the power door unlock button. You will find it on the driver’s door.
Step 6: Bear down on the power door unlock button three times consecutively.
Step 7: Now put the ignition key back in the “OFF” position.
Step 8: Ensure that the electrical systems in your F150 are powered off.
Step 9: Again, press the power door unlock button three times consecutively within 2 seconds.
Step 10: Now, turn the ignition key back into “ON” position for the second time.
Step 11: You will hear a chirping noise indicating that the anti theft system has been bypassed in your Ford F150.
Method 2: Using The Override Button
Using the override button to bypass the anti-theft system is applicable for only earlier models of Ford F150.
Tools: You do not need tools for this method.
Estimated cost: Following this method will not cost you.
Step 1: Locate the override button in your F150. It can be situated in multiple places. This is because the person installing the button can decide where to install it. You may find it behind the hood latch on the kick panel at the driver’s side.
If you could not find the override button, try removing the lower panel beneath the steering wheel. The override button is often taped to the harness under the steering wheel.
If you still can not find the override button look for the power code module. The power code module is always mounted underneath the steering wheel. Remove the lower panels and trace the wires. Two tan wires from the power code module will lead you to the override switch. You might be needing to open the lower panels for this purpose.
Step 2: Press the override button.
The anti theft system of your F150 has now been bypassed.
Method 3: Using FordPass
Tools: No tools are required for this method. But you still need a Ford F150 that has a FordPass Connect modem equipped.
Estimated cost: This method will not cost you, provided that you already have a FordPass Connect modem.
Follow these steps to bypass the anti theft system in your F150 using this method:
Step 1: Turn off your F150.
Step 2: Download the FordPass application onto your smartphone. You will find it at the Google Play Store or at the Apple App Store.
Step 3: Install and run the FordPass app.
Step 4: Go to the “Add Vehicle” option.
Step 5: Input the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of your Ford F150. You will find the VIN on the driver’s side door jamb. You may also find it inside the glove compartment and on the right-hand side dash panel.
Step 6: Give a name to your vehicle.
Step 7: Press the “Activate” button to activate the vehicle.
Step 8: Remote start your vehicle.
You have now successfully bypassed the anti theft system of your Ford F150.
Method 4: Using The Duplicate Key With Original Transponder Key Chip
This is a quite easy procedure that can be conducted in a very short time. It is particularly useful if you have a broken key and need a new one quickly. Follow these steps in order to make a duplicate key and bypass the anti theft system of your car:
Tools:
- An anti-cutter
- A heat gun
- A copy key (optional)
Estimated cost: This method will cost you roughly $5 to $10.
Step 1: Make a new key similar to the original key from the auto dealer. But this may be expensive. Alternatively, you could get a copy key from the hardware store and take it to the locksmith. The locksmith will cut the grooves on the copy key and make a duplicate for you.
Step 2: Take the original key whose chip you are going to extract. You will have to cut open the jacket of your original key for this process.
Step 3: Insert the blade of the anti-cutter into the mold parting line of the plastic jacket of the key.
Step 4: Slowly apply pressure to the blade in order to pry open the plastic jacket.
Step 5: Locate the immobilizer or transporter chip inside the plastic jacket of the key.
Step 6: If the chip is glued to the key use the heat gun to melt the glue.
Step 7: Take out the transponder chip from inside the key.
Step 8: Attach the chip to the duplicate key using tape or a string.
Step 9: Use the duplicate key instead of the original key to start the engine.
Here is a video that could help you to extract the transponder chip from the original key: Mobokey – How to remove transponder chip from your car key
Method 5: Programming A New Key Fob
You could use a new key fob to bypass the anti-system as well.
Tool: Key with an unprogrammed chip inside
Estimated cost: Roughy $100 for a key fob from Amazon. A new ford key, on the other hand, could cost you from $50 to $250.
The steps to follow in this method will vary depending on the model of the new key fob. Here are the steps you could follow if you are trying to program a Ford key fob:
Step 1: Close all the doors of the F150.
Step 2: Bear down on the unlock button on the vehicle’s driver’s door and enter the truck.
Step 3: Close the door.
Step 4: Put the key in the ignition barrel and turn it to the “ON” position from the “OFF” position.
Step 5: Now put the key back in the “OFF” position.
Step 6: Repeat the steps 3 and 4 8 times within 8 seconds. You will find the doors lock and unlock. This means that you are now in programming mode.
Step 7: Press any key on the new key fob. The door locks will cycle again to show that the fob has been programmed and is ready for use.
Step 8: If you have additional key fobs lying around, you could press any key of the fob within 8 seconds to program that too.
Step 9: Turn the ignition off. The locks of the door will lock and unlock to show that the programming has now been completed.
Your new key fob is now successfully programmed. You can use this key fob to bypass the anti theft system on your Ford F150.
Method 6: Using PKFM Bypass Kit
Tools:
1. PKFM bypass kit
2. Remote starter
Estimated cost: Following this method will cost you roughly $125.
Using this method you could use a PKFM kit to bypass the anti theft system of your Ford F150 temporarily.
Step 1: Determine what PATS version you have installed on your F150 based on the make and model. You will usually find this information provided by the maker of the PKFM bypass kit.
Step 2: Connect the PKFM bypass kit with the remote starter, the battery, and the PATS connector. Check the wiring diagram provided alongside the kit.
Step 3: If you have PATS version 1 in your F150, follow these steps. You will need only 1 valid key for programming.
- Insert the valid key into the ignition.
- Subsequently, put it in the “ON” position and keep it there.
- When the LED lights on the PKFM kit light up, put it back in the “OFF” position.
- The programming of the kit is now complete.
Step 4: If you have PATS version 2 or version 3, follow these steps. You will require 2 valid keys for this step.
- Insert the first key into the ignition barrel.
- Rotate this key to the “ON” posture. Keep the key in this position until the security light turns off.
- Bring the key back to the “OFF” posture.
- Take out the key from the ignition barrel.
- Now, within 5 seconds, insert the second key into the ignition barrel.
- Rotate the key so that it is in the “ON” posture. Keep the key in that position until the security light turns off.
- Take out the key from the ignition barrel after rotating it to the “OFF” posture.
- Then, within 5 seconds, remote start the vehicle using the remote starter.
- The LED on the PKFM kit will flash to show that the kit has been programmed successfully.
Step 5: Remote start the vehicle to bypass the anti theft system on your Ford F150.
Method 7: Reprogramming The PCM Module
Tools: FORScan ELM327 device.
Estimated cost: The FORScan ELM327 device will cost you roughly $20 on Amazon. But if you need help from a programming expert that would cost you about $300.
This method for bypassing the anti theft system of F150 trucks works for all Ford f150 models. But it requires a certain level of expertise to pull off.
Safety precaution: Reprogramming the PCM module can damage your car and could even void your warranty. Only do this if you have to and know what you are doing. You could take aid from the people who are experts at programming the PCM.
Step 1: Locate the OBD2 port of your Ford F150. you can expect to find it under the dashboard panel.
Step 2: Connect the OBD2 port of your vehicle to the ELM327 device.
Step 3: Connect the ELM327 device to your computer. If you connect the ELM327 device to your computer using RS232/COM port, you do not need additional drivers. But you will be needing to download and install specific drivers if you are connecting via USB or Bluetooth. Download and install the required additional USB or Bluetooth drivers from FORScan ELM327 Software Download.
Step 4: Install FORScan on your computer. To do this, first of all, download the latest version of the FORScan distributive from Download FORScan. Run the distributive and answer the questions on the prompt. Then wait for the software to install. It is a very standard installation procedure and should not cause you any trouble.
Step 5: ensure that the key remains in the “ON” position in the ignition barrel.
Step 6: After installing FORScan, run it.
Step 7: Do not change the connection settings in FORScan. FORScan will automatically detect the communication parameters of your Ford F150.
Step 8: Go to the “Vehicle Section” of FORScan on your computer. Click on Connect. Then wait while FORScan connects to your vehicle. FORScan will automatically detect the ELM327 device and your vehicle. It will show you the Vehicle Identification Number and part numbers and will unlock the main menu. At the left of the menu, you will find the FORscan functionalities listed.
Step 9: Locate the PCM module on the menu from the “Vehicle” tab.
Step 10: Reprogram the PCM module as required.
Step 11: Disconnect the vehicle in FORScan. You should be able to locate that option at the bottom of FORscan near the “about” tab.
Step 12: Unplug the vehicle from the ELM237 device.
Your F150’s anti theft system is now bypassed.
Method 8: Using PCM Reflash/Tuning Kits
Tools: PCM reflash/tuning kit.
Estimated cost: about $100 to $400. The kits for more advanced models usually cost a bit more.
This method is applicable for early Ford F150 models that were manufactured within 1996 to 2010. You may also use this method on the 2011 Ford F150s powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine.
Safety Precaution: Ensure that the battery is fully charged before you start this process.
Follow these steps for this method:
Step 1: Connect the PCM reflash/tuning kit to your PC using a USB cable or any other compatible connector.
Step 2: Install the software that had been included with the PCM reflash/tuning kit. You could also download the latest software from the website of the manufacturer and install that instead.
Step 3: Run the software. Insert all the information asked by the software.
Step 4: Connect the reflashing kit to the OBD2 port that is attached to your Ford F150. You can generally expect to find the OBD2 port located under the display panel of the F150.
Step 5: Rotate the key in the ignition barrel to “ON”.
Step 6: Switch on the tool and then wait until the start screen comes up.
Step 7: Enter the VIN or the Vehicle Identification Number of your F150.
Step 8: You may need to follow additional steps to initiate the reflashing process. Go through the instructions that were included with the PCM reflashing kit. You could also try downloading the instructions from the website of the manufacturer of the kit.
Step 9: You will see a progress bar as the software loads. Wait till the programming is completed. It could take you about 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 10: Wait till you receive a notification notifying you that the data has been loaded. The data will then be reflashed into the PCM.
Step 11: After the reflashing is complete, disconnect the PCM reflashing kit from the F150.
Step 12: Put the ignition key back in the “OFF” position.
Your PCM is now reflashed and the security features have been removed for bypassing the anti theft system of your Ford F150.
Should You Bypass the Anti Theft System on Ford F150?
There can be many disadvantages to bypassing the anti theft system of your Ford F150. Hence, you should consider them before making this decision. Here are some possible disadvantages of performing such an action:
- You could end up voiding your insurance claims. You may even end up having to spend more on insurance due to the reduced security of your vehicle.
- Your F150 could become more vulnerable to threat.
- You could damage your F150 while programming or reflashing your PCM.
- The warranty of your F150 can get voided.
So, if you are still going to bypass the anti theft system of your Ford F150, make sure you are very careful. You could take the help of experts as well to minimize risk.
How to Reset The Anti Theft System on Ford F150?
Instead of bypassing the anti theft system of your Ford F150, you could choose to reset it. Here are two methods that you can use to reset the anti theft system on Ford F150:
Method 1: Inserting The Key Into The Door Lock
This method requires you to use the key to your F150. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: place the key into the Ford F150 door lock of the side door at the driver’s side.
Step 2: Turn the key as if you are unlocking the door but do not turn it the entire way.
Step 3: Wait for 40 to 60 seconds. This will let the system recognize your key.
Step 4: Now, rotate the key in the counter clockwise direction.
Step 5: Again, wait for about 40 to 60 seconds.
Step 6: Now get inside the F150.
Step 7: place the key into the ignition barrel.
Step 8: Rotate the key in order to start the engine.
The anti theft system on your Ford F150 has now been successfully reset.
Method 2: Inserting The Key Into The Ignition
Step 1: Get inside your Ford F150.
Step 2: Insert the key to the ignition and turn it so that only the electrical systems are powered on. Do not turn on the engine. After the display on the car dashboard blinks or the anti theft light lights up, then proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Leave the key as it is for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Start your engine.
The anti theft system of your Ford F150 has now been successfully reset.
FAQs
What is PATS in Ford F150 Trucks?
PATS in Ford F150 trucks is a system that reduces the risk of theft of your vehicle. It is an internal name given by Ford to its immobilizer system. The system is also referred to as Ford SecuriLock®. The system prevents people from starting your engine without a key that has been preprogrammed to your vehicle.
Is There A Fuse for The Anti Theft System?
Yes, there is a fuse for the anti theft system. You will usually find the fuse in the fuse box situated on the driver’s side near the left knee. If you do not find it there, check the fuse box under the hood.
Which Sensor is Used for an Anti Theft System?
Proximity sensors, Shock sensors, and Motion and Tilt sensors are used for anti-theft systems in vehicles. Apart from these, Pressure sensors, Window Sensors, and Door sensors may also be incorporated into the system. The anti-theft systems in modern vehicles use a variety of sensors in order to protect your vehicle from theft.
Conclusion
I hope I managed to satisfy your curiosity on how to bypass the anti theft system on the ford f150. You will often find yourself in circumstances that will require you to bypass this system. I expect the methods mentioned here were very helpful to you.
That is all for today. I Wish you the best. Thank you for reading my article. Goodbye and good luck!
