Disable Passive Anti-theft system?

[hdjeff]

I have a 2024 BB and now that snowbird season is coming to a close, my wife thought the Amtrak Autotrain might be a fun way to avoid a not so fun drive up the Interstate 95.

The Amtrak sight recommends disabling your car alarm to prevent it from triggering enroute and having the horn and lights draining the battery to the point of not starting the motor upon destination arrival. I assume this is related to the noise, motion, vibration, etc. encountered during a train ride.

I don’t see anything in the owner’s manual related to disabling the passive alarm as a configurable setting somewhere. It is also unclear to me if the alarm can sense bouncing down the railroad tracks?

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[DonImbimbo]

It will only arm if the vehicle is locked. What's Amtrak policy on locking the vehicle?

 

[hdjeff]

It will only arm if the vehicle is locked. What's Amtrak policy on locking the vehicle?

I’m sure Amtrak locks vehicles as part of their loading procedure. I don’t know if it’s possible to request that they leave it unlocked, but I would worry the whole trip that they would remember to honor the request.

 

[DWG]

You might want to check with Amtrak to see what exactly they are talking about. They may be referring to aftermarket alarms that might have a switch to turn them off. I do not think the built in passive system can be disabled.

What is the Ford SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System?
The SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)* is an engine immobilization system. It helps to prevent anyone from starting the engine without using a coded key programmed for your vehicle.
Using the wrong key could prevent the engine from starting. If you are unable to start the engine with a correctly coded key, contact your Ford Dealer to have your vehicle inspected.
Note: The Passive Anti-Theft System is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. The use of these systems could result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection.

 

[Mark S.]

I wouldn't worry about this unless you have a Perimeter Plus alarm. There is no shock sensor on the basic alarm. It will only activate the horn if a door is opened without the key fob present. The Perimeter Plus alarm system DOES have a shock sensor, and it will activate the horn if the vehicle is jostled.

If you want to know whether your car has a Perimeter Plus alarm you can test it. Lock the car, place the fob at least 10' away, then kick one of the tires. If your car has a shock sensor kicking the tire should set off the alarm.

 

[hdjeff]

“Passive” must be the operative word here.

So the passive alarm “goes off” if the door is opened without the matching key fob present. How does someone open the door without the matching key fob?

 

[Dude]

“Passive” must be the operative word here.

So the passive alarm “goes off” if the door is opened without the matching key fob present. How does someone open the door without the matching key fob?

Break a window....open door

Or, roll down the window, close and lock doors then without the keyfob nearby reach in, unlock door and open door

 

[hdjeff]

Wet I didn’t think anyone would be breaking windows on an Amtrak train but I guess anything is possible these days. Since the Bronco would not be under my control while rolling down the tracks, I will drive it home under my control. Thanks to everyone who provided input on this thread!

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