On older vehicles, you’ll likely have issues with electronic components going haywire. Car parts break down with regular use, and the electronics are often the first to go.
The Ford Escape’s anti-theft system is no exception to the rule.
So how can we turn off the Ford Escape’s anti-theft system?
To reset it, you only need to detach the battery for a couple of minutes. But if you want to disable it completely, that’s going to be a little bit more complicated. Luckily, you can do it with basic tools.
Below, we’ll get into the specifics of how the Escape’s anti-theft system works, and how to apply these fixes, whether you want to reset the device or completely disable it. Disabling the system is easier than you may think it is. You probably have the tools on hand right now.
How the Ford Escape’s Anti-Theft System Works
In most Fords, the anti-theft system switches on as soon as you turn the car off and close the door. If someone tries to open the door without using the key or key fob, or if someone tries to tow it, the system kicks in.
The Ford Escape uses the Passive Anti-Theft System, having been introduced just a few years after Ford made PATS standard across all nameplates. So, your issue is probably going to be the engine immobilizer preventing the engine from starting.
At least it’s not a noisy alarm, like in a ’90s Ford.
How to Handle the Anti-Theft System
Your owner’s manual may offer a specific method for resetting your PATS by turning the key on and off or rolling the windows down. It varies from model to model. The method we’re recommending is universal not only across all Escapes, but most cars.
- Turn the car off.
- Remove the negative and then the positive cable from your car battery.
- With the battery disconnected, switch the car to “on” and press the horn or run the headlights to burn through any lingering energy.
- Wait a minute or two, and reconnect the battery, positive cable first.
- This will work almost all the time, no matter what you drive. This will help you out if all you need to do is reset the system. If you actually need to disable it entirely, that’s a little more complicated, but not too difficult.
- Turn the car off and disconnect both cables from your car battery, negative first.
- Find the ignition switch plate on the steering column and use a screwdriver to loosen the panel, then remove it and put it somewhere safe.
- Find the anti-theft alarm wire. Read your owner’s manual — don’t guess at it!
- Cut the wire and wrap it in electrical tape.
- Put the panel back where it goes.
- Pull out your fuse box and remove the anti-theft fuse.
- Now you can reattach the battery, positive first.
This should permanently disable your PATS system, and possibly void your warranty. So, if your warranty is still active, see about having the dealer fix the system instead of cutting it out yourself.
Just to reiterate in case you’re skimming the article: When detaching battery cables, always go negative first, then positive. When reattaching, always go positive first, then negative. If you mix the order up, you’re likely to short-circuit your system and have a whole other problem on your hands.
Big Problems and Easy Fixes
When you look at the price of a vehicle, remember that that’s not actually what you’re going to be paying. You’re paying sticker price, plus whatever it costs to keep it running.
Do your research at Vehicle History and find a car that won’t be a pain to maintain.
