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Ford Hybrid Security Issues

7 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2008 at 3:45 AM

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#1 of 7 Ford Hybrid Security Issues by sdctcher Jun 20, 2005 (6:12 am)
There is a serious security issue surrounding the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. Many of us on other forums, and in the press, have tried, to no avail, to pressure Ford to acknowledge and fix the problem.   When I purchased my FEH back in September of last year my salesperson assured me that my RFID (transmitting chip) Key would protect me from having my car stolen, make my theft insurance rate lower, and by the way he could sell me (for about $100) extra keys. I thought I was doing well because I talked him into programming an extra one for free.   Over time I began to hear reports from owners about how they could get a cheap key made and it would work. I also noticed the lack of a flashing light on my dash to demonstrate the arming of the Passive Anti-Theft System.   Let me stop for a moment and discuss the advertised security systems on the FEH (as so stated in the early versions of the owner's manual):   There is the Permeter Alarm which is supposed to go off when someone breaks into your vehicle. This is standard on the 2005-06 and it does work. It does not involve the use of your key chip.   There is the Passive Anti-Theft System or PATS. It was thought to be standard in both 2005-06 models but according to Ford they have not been able to make the RFID Key chips work with the interference from the AC/DC Converter in 2005. They maintain it will take a substantial software and hardware refit. We, the owners, maintain that we should have a refit as soon as possible because we thought we were buying a working PATS in 2005. We do know that it does work in the 2006 and there is a blinking light. We do know that all the components are in place on board the 2005 but the programming is not turned on. The downside for the 05 is that any key ($1.49 from a hardware store) can get you into the FEH and start it and drive away. And there are still some dealers selling chip keys (that are unusable) for over $100.   Further confusing, apparently there are some dealers who have installed their own security system in the 2005 models on lots and they may have a blinking light. These are after market solutions that the dealer should disclose, and may make you pay extra for, and may or may not be under warranty, and may or may not interfere with the operation of the hybrid's other systems.   There is at least one report from a dealer that he has taken delivery of some 2005 models where the PATS was operational and he had to program the system and keys before customer pickup.   It is been about a month now since my last official contact with Ford where I stated nicely that they owed something to us pioneers, us customers who bought early, to at least give us some assurance the problem would be worked on and hopefully fixed. The only thing I had been told was that it would be a difficult thing to fix. Some of us feel a bit betrayed by Ford. And they remain silent.   Some of us believe that the solution might be as easy as just replacing the AC/DC Convertor. I would like to hear from others who think they have a problem.   Thanks, Mike Replies to this message: randykato (Jun 20, 2005 7:40 pm) davek1117 (Jun 21, 2005 6:36 pm) stevewa (Jun 21, 2005 10:21 pm) jbvance (Jul 25, 2005 10:51 am) walta (Apr 21, 2008 3:45 am)
#2 of 7 Re: Ford Hybrid Security Issues [sdctcher] by randykato Jun 20, 2005 (7:40 pm)
Replying to: sdctcher (Jun 20, 2005 6:12 am) I was also told by my salesperson that the 2005 FEH I was buying was equipped with the PATS system. He explained how it works, that only the original/programmed keys would start the vehicle, and that if I wanted extra copies of keys, they would have to make/program them and they were quite expensive.   My owner's manual explains the PATS system as well.   However, there is not a working PATS system in my FEH. I feel I was deceived, and that the product I purchased was misrepresented. I paid for a vehicle with this system, and my owner's manual even details the system that is supposed to be installed and working.   I have heard that the 2006 models have a working PATS system. I think Ford should rectify the problem for the affected 2005 owners... much better than facing a class action lawsuit.
#3 of 7 Re: Ford Hybrid Security Issues by davek1117 Jun 21, 2005 (6:36 pm)
Replying to: sdctcher (Jun 20, 2005 6:12 am) I also verified that the same problem exists on my '05 Escape Hybrid. Instead of the $100 key from a dealer, I only need the ordinary key from Home Depot to unlock the car and drive it away. So, why does the Ford web site still (6/21/2005) advertise the SecuriLock key with chip as standard equipment? Come on Ford, if you can build the car in the first place, you can fix an interference problem as well.
#4 of 7 Re: Ford Hybrid Security Issues [sdctcher] by stevewa Jun 21, 2005 (10:21 pm)
Replying to: sdctcher (Jun 20, 2005 6:12 am) Indeed where the 1st Printing of the owners manual mentions the PATS system the 2nd Printing has that text mysteriously missing.   If Ford was able to get the system working for 2006 (and possibly some 2005) vehicles I don't think it unreasonable to request that they make whatever retrofit is needed to bring our vehicles up to snuff.
#5 of 7 Dealers may be the best approach by stevewa Jul 08, 2005 (11:16 pm)
It appears local dealers are willing to investigate why the PATS system isn't working in 2005 Escapes...whether that will end quickly is anyone's guess, but people who are taking their vehicles in and asking "why does the hardware store key start the engine" are getting surprised reactions from the dealers.
#6 of 7 Re: Ford Hybrid Security Issues [sdctcher] by jbvance Jul 25, 2005 (10:51 am)
Replying to: sdctcher (Jun 20, 2005 6:12 am) I have had the same PATS / Securilock issue with regards to my 2000 Ford Explorer.   I have had the PATS system disable my keys for the second time in the life of the car this weekend.   I have asked Ford for guidance on how long to expect a "key to last"; however, I received no direction for that.
#7 of 7 Re: Ford Hybrid Security Issues [sdctcher] by walta Apr 21, 2008 (3:45 am)
Replying to: sdctcher (Jun 20, 2005 6:12 am) "The downside for the 05 is that any key ($1.49 from a hardware store) can get you into the FEH and start it and drive away. "   Well, come on. That is a bit of an exaggeration, no?   One just can't take any key, and use it to start your FEH. It has to be cut to match your lock cylinder, and once cut, it changes from an "any key" to a unique key.

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