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Auto Theft Prevention/alarm not working -flashing instrument cluster
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Question
2005 Ford Excursion (diesel). I bought the vehicle used and do not have the aftermarket v1per alarm manual. I have a 4 button remote, which has worked for several years. Not sure of the sequence of events, but the altenator died, killing the batteries on a long trip, and was replaced. My remote buttons seemed to get stuck a bit when pressed, and also seemed to die slowly - I replaced the battery, but still kept dieing. The remote start used to work, but in recen past would crank and crank, but no start (that may have been due to a bad fuel injection control module issue (just replaced yesterday). But now the remote does not work at all. the green light blinks on the remote, but does not unlock, remote start or anything. The strange thing is that when the car is started, all instrument lights including LED instruments (radio, odometer) flash on and off for a minute or so. Sometimes I can cancel that by pressing the lock button on the remote with the key in and car running. This has a button (springloaded mounted near the steering column, but behind the plastic knee kicker) with a blue led which is flashing) as well as a silver toggle which is accessible to flip with out much trouble (probably the valet switch). Not sure if this is related, but the overhead information cluster is also out, and due to research, apparently very common due to a poor solder connection. I will be taking that down today and resolder. Thanks for your help - sorry for the long post.
Hello,
Problem one, the unit is outdated from 2005. Problem 2, I have no idea of how this system is wired, but I can tell you the installation is worthless if the valet switch is excessable.
Your 2005 did not come with a factory theft deterrent like the F-150 did, even though they were not much, but they slowed the thief down with the chip in the key.
I was just speaking with a SGT from Dallas auto theft not more than 4 hours ago and he was tired of seeing so many F-250, F-350s stolen because of the cheap ignition lock in them. Your Excursion is basically a F-250 with no protection. The Plastic door lock is broken from the door. The ignition is bypassed one of 2 ways. Either the cheap ignition lock is force rotated with a screwdriver, or the screwdriver is placed between the magnesium lock housing and ignition lock and smacked with a hammer. The ignition lock falls out and the truck can be driven off with a screwdriver.
Please heed my words and get a newer alarm put in with starter disable, a hidden valet switch and a pager so you can reach out and touch someone.
If you can, stay away from remote start because it just makes it easier to be stolen. If the dummy installers don't install the brake safety switch, say BYE!!!
I love Excursions. They are a neat truck. I have the next best thing-1999 Chev 3/4 ton Suburban, the last of the big ones with a 4x4, and 454 engine.
I will have the system of systems coming out in three months and I guaranty there is nothing on the market like it. Why? Those that design these alarms, security systems and so-called anti-theft devices obviously have no clue about car theft. At least most of the installers don't!!!
My experience evidently is second to none from what it appears. I oppose these know it all locksmiths that have no clue about what they are talking about in court when working for the insurance companies.
I am not arrogant, but after 25 years of dealing with repair in excess of 10,000 theft recoveries, designing a patent to prevent air bag theft, defeating the "Unstealable" Ford Securilock with one wire without needing the chip for a key, it does make one feel there is no challenge out there.
I am opposing an expert right now that states that BMW keys can only be purchased from BMW because he checked with them at BMW. If he would have even bothered looking on the web, he would have seen there are 3 pages on google alone for after market BMW keys and programming equipment to make completely different keys for a BMW. This is the "experts" I commonly successfully oppose!!!
With in 3 months, I am going to revolutionize the auto security business. Right now, "Forensic" locksmiths as they call themselves work for the insurance companies as experts in auto theft. As I explained earlier about entry to your door handle where they do no damage to the lock itself. What is the sense in using a locksmith to look at a truck like yours to examine the ignition lock laying on the floor? In such a case they will state that the vehicle's ignition lock was last operated with a key of the proper type, even though it has nothing to do with the theft of the vehicle!
My point is this. Locksmiths look at a vehicle as to how they would defeat the security. Who cares?
The engineers look at the vehicle for things such as hot wiring which no matter what you have heard, even by cops, cars have not been hot wired since 1969 and trucks from 1973. Only in the movies, but the engineers from the car makers thinks is still happening. They have no clue.
Alarm installers are generally kids and have no idea of how vehicles are stolen and that explains why your valet switch which shuts off the alarm functions once the ignition is turned on.
If you were to categorize me, I am a professional thief that does not steal cars and the years of experience of working with theft recoveries has really paid off.
It does not matter the name brand (Directed Electronics owns most of them anyway), it goes back to the install. Relying on someone else for your siren to go off is kind of naive these days. I don't know how many alarms you have heard go off, but the truth of the matter is, no one cares or will get involved. With all the budget cuts, don't count on the cops to come out and take your report of a break in or a theft.
By the time the alarm goes off from the impact sensor, your door handle is already broken and the alarm is disabled.
There are two things I would recommend to you for now if you can live without the remote start. Install a hidden starter kill switch and a paging alarm. That way if they break the ignition, flipping the valet won't shut your starter disable off and a paging alarm might alert you quick enough to get down to the truck when they are breaking in.
As I stated, we are doing some R%26D right now and we fully intend for it to be the slickest thing out there and will basically eliminate the noise makers.
Keep watching my site http://www.autotheftexpert.com for details.
At the same time, I highly recommend you look at an expert's resume I have on the first page titled "Rosenberger." He holds himself out as an expert in auto theft and locks for the insurance companies in our court system. His sworn testimony is there as well, but I won't bore you. His resumes states he is a certified automotive locksmith, but his testimony reveals, he has never made a key, never seen a key made and stated he is not a locksmith or a mechanic!!!
I am starting to get tired with this whole industry and that's why I want people to get their money's worth for security.
Sorry for the long reply. We are even (LOL)
DEI Directed Electronics is the maker of Viper, Side Winder, Auto Mate, Clifford, Maxigard and many others, who you can find on the web.
By the way, we were a Viper dealer and we installed kill switches too and never had a car stolen or re-stolen because of our installs. That is not bragging, that is fact!
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Answers by Expert:
Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI
Expertise
My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.
Experience
ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician Certified Forensic Locksmith Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert http://www.autotheftexpert.com Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com P.O. Box 190 Big Bend, WI 53103 Phone (414) 698-9696 Fax (262) 662-1352 As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as: Auto Theft and Fraud Expert Forensic Vehicle Analyst Fire Origin and Cause Expert In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.? BUSINESS EXPERIENCE Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community. 1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?. Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior, locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction. During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement. Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects. Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles. Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft. PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices. PUBLICATIONS Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry. Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001) Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001) Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001) Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001) Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report. Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000) Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998) Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel) Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999) Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000 Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000) Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000) Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000 Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done! Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves. Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle. Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000. Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999) Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft. Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence. Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999) CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS ? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years. ? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com. ? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud). ? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud) ? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud} TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE ? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....
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