98 GT factory anti theft

[Dave Maple]

I bought my 98 GT used. I believe it has a factory anti theft system because when I turn the key on the theft cluster light comes on and goes out like the rest of the lights. However I can't arm it . I have tried to do it following the owners manual but it won't arm. Any ideas??

[CADreamin]

Press the "lock" button on your key fob twice...your car's horn will beep and the theft light on the dash will come on. It will go out after a period of time, but the system will still be armed.

I believe the system automatically arms itself after you take the key out and shut the driver's side door also.

[GaryDawg]

I think anytime you lock your doors (without the key in) it arms.

It's easy enough to check.

Leave a window down, lock your doors and then reach in and unlock your door by the door switch and open the door... does the horn start sounding? You may have to use the keyless to arm it but I don't think so.

Play around with it, you should be able to figure it out.

[Dave Maple]

I've done all this. It just does not work. I've checked fuses too. Can't find the problem.

[Badass_yellowGT]

the important thing to check is if the imobilizer portion works so the car can`t be hot wired and stolen alarms do nothing to protect your car realy people have become numb to there sounds and don`t even look anymore seems like they are always going off

[ac97gt]

im sure this is stupid, but you do have the remote for it and stuff right? i only ask because my 97 GT flashes the theft light when i turn the car on too and it also goes out with the rest of the lights, but the car didnt come with a remote (or theft/keyless entry system that im aware of). its my understanding (im not sure though) that these cars were all wired for the system, but depended if the option was ordered from the factory or not? i guess that would explain the light going on and then off even on cars without the option. not sure, sorry i cant help

[Red Mustang Gt 46]

I'm just curious if you are talking about the P.A.T.S. system, if so it is an anti-theft device based on the chip in your key. This is standard on all 1998 and up models.

Ford's SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system
This electronic passive anti-theft system is composed of a small transponder embedded in the ignition key designed to prevent the engine from being started without the properly encoded key.
The system requires no battery power or electrical connections between the two elements.

A seperate alarm was an option, usually dealer installed.

Hope this helps...and yes it is effective.

[ac97gt]

Hope this helps...and yes it is effective.

ehhh, sure its effective, until you want to have a spare key made and it costs $57 ... i guess its good so it cant be hotwired, but im also sure that the good thieves have found a way around even this... they always do.

[Red Mustang Gt 46]

Originally posted by ac97gt
ehhh, sure its effective, until you want to have a spare key made and it costs $57 ... i guess its good so it cant be hotwired, but im also sure that the good thieves have found a way around even this... they always do.

Just wondering what your reply has to do with the question????

Last time I purchased a programable key from a locksmith it cost me $19.00...

[ac97gt]

you're right, it is off topic, but thats the way things go here, sorry. im not trying to start a flame if thats what you think, but i went to the ford dealer to get a spare key made and they told me only ford dealers could do the programming, and its $24 for the key and $33 for the programming. im probably getting ripped off, but whatever, i just need the key and dont have time to look around. my appt is tomorrow.