Alarm system- Theft assesment

[capt512]

Hey guys,

Being the owner of a new MM I'm a litte concerned about the Factory installed anti-theft system.

Without going into system details for obvious reasons I'd like the opinions of other MM owners as to whether they feel that their system protects them adequately or if they would upgrade or change if they could. I'm not sure its even possible with the factory system installed. If you have or would change your system I'd appreciate your input as to what kind of system you would choose and why.

I get an awful lot of envious looks when I'm out and about in this beauty and I'm sure someone or lots of someones would like to get their hands on it. I want to do my best to make sure that doesn't happen.

Does anyone know how I can assess the theft risk on the MM's ?Insurance Studies,etc.

The replies to my previoud threads have been great and I'll eagerly await your replies to this one.

Thanks,
Mike

[BlackHole]

With the chip being in the key its pretty secure straight from FOMOCO thats why the red LED light flickers its sending a signal out and when you insert key and turn ignition Key chip sends a return signal and your car starts. But with so few Marauders out there theft is very unlikely as its just to risky. IMO

[FordNut]

Put wheel locks on it.

There is a Ford alarm system that is installed by some of the aftermarket auto electronics shops. I believe it's referred to as the "Ford system 4" type. It's supposed to be basically a plug and play system which doesn't require wire splicing like some aftermarket systems. It doesn't have shock sensors, but does activate flashing lights and honking horn if the door is opened without unlocking it with a key, remote, or key code first (i.e. break window and open from inside). I'm planning to get one installed in mine but it'll be a couple of months. Will post on performance after install.

[RCSignals]

I'd like it if it's plug and play without splicing.

The Ford anti-theft system is very good, but it isn't an alarm.

I think the Town Car has an optional perimeter alarm. i wonder if it can be adapted to the MM

[bchapman]

The problem with alarms is that so many go off so often, they're ignored. Maybe also look into a tracking system?

[martyo]

I went with LoJack (the tracking system suggested by Ms. Chapman).

Also, in two weeks I will have a "valet" mode chip added to the car. If the car is in valet mode, it will not exceed a preset speed (slow enough to frustrate a thief) and if the car is beat on it will just shut down.

Hopefully that will keep me secure because no one pays attention to alarms, honking horns and flashing lights here in New York. And, i mean no one!

[jgc61sr2002]

Marty - I concur and Lojack is probably the best tracking system. John:)

[Paul T. Casey]

A lot depends on where you live/work and where you park. Most vehicles stolen are taken for parts, so not much to worry about from that standpoint. I live at the beach, and had a 1985 Pontiac GP taken out of driveway by joyriders in 1996. I park the MM behind my other vehicles at home, and at work, well lets just say security is always rather tight. I do worry a little at night as when I'm working the car is in a hotel lot or garage. But, isn't that why we have insurance?

[VaderSS]

I don't know how secure ford is with it's key making policies, but plenty of Impala owners have found out the hard way that it's not that hard to have a key made from the VIN.

That means that someone either working at a dealer, or just able to get a dealer to make the key, can get that key made.

For this very reason, I keep my VIN covered and my VIN etched windows have the last 2 digits replaced with the characters "SS". They would have to try 100 different keys...

If someone REALLY want's your car, it's gone.

That said, the best defence is a multi layered system. My setup is;

1: Factory VATS, chip in key anti theft.

2: High Quality alarm(with remote start, because that's just nice to have)

3: Partial VIN etched windows. They will only match up to 100 other cars... VIN etching essentially makes the windows useless to whoever stole you car.

4: Kill switch wired to a factory switch/button/.... You have to actuate that switch for the car to start. There are all sorts of variations on this one.

5: In a garage most nights and when it's not, it's pretty far from home.

If they really want it, they can always pull up with a flatbad and drive off with it, but that is what insurance is for...


Insurance does not pay you for the love and sweat you put into the car, so you need to make the car next to it more attractive...

[chrtra1]

With the Ford PATS system it doesn't matter if they have a key cut for your car or not. If the key isn't programmed for the car the car won't start.

[VaderSS]

The VATS system is the same. You have to get the key from the dealer because of the chip. The dealer has to have your VIN to know which chip is used on your car. The dealer does not need your key, just your VIN.

I'm pretty sure FOMOCO uses the same type of system.

Imagine the scenario, woman comes in to the dealer with a crying child, almost on the verge of tears herself, says, "My keys are lost, I need a set made, here is the VIN..." Or a car thief has a friend that works the parts counter and they have a deal...

[LincMercLover]

But our cars take the car itself to program the key.

[chrtra1]

I need the car, at least 2 keys, and a very expensive scan tool to program the PATS keys. VIN has nothing at all to do with it.

[VaderSS]

Ok, it seems that the PATS is better than the VATS, but what about this method doing your own spares?

On-Board Programming Method "C"
for Ford keys (Later 1998-newer Ford, Lincoln, Mercury)

If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer equipment. There are two ten minute delays involved while this device erases all existing key programming and sets up the vehicle computer to accept new key codes. Two new keys should be ready because the system requires a minimum of two keys in the program. After the first two keys are programmed, additional keys can be entered individually by following the instructions for adding duplicate keys (below).

If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**

1. Insert and existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.

2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (RUN) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay on for at least ONE SECOND.

3. Remove the existing key and, within TEN seconds, insert a second working key and turn it to ON (RUN) and the back OFF. Ignition must be in ON for at least ONE second, but no more than TEN seconds. Remove the key.

4. Insert the new key before TWENTY seconds have elapsed and turn it to ON (RUN). Leave it the ON position for at least ONE second and turn back to OFF.

5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate that the new key has been successfully programmed.

6. To program additional keys, repeat steps 1 through 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a precautionary measure for all of the above procedures, you should wait at least one minute after you have performed this until you start your vehicle.

That's it! If you need help, check out our forums.

[chrtra1]

That's exactly what I said in my above post. Just more long winded. You still can't do it at home, see step 1.

1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer equipment.

[martyo]

Now I know why my two spare keys cost me $150.00 bucks!!!

[VaderSS]

"""If you want to initiate a new master key....
1. This requires that the vehicle be connected to special dealer...."""

"""If you want to add a key....
**You must have two original keys to perform this procedure. If you only have one key, you WILL have to take it to the dealer to get it programmed**"""


I think the moral here is do your spares BEFORE you lose a key.

[RCSignals]

Exact;y. Fords system does not allow a dealer to program a key simply from looking up the VIN.

You can program your own spare keys for our cars, with out special dealer equipment. Up to 8 keys total can be programmed, and there is an option for the dealer, using his special equipment, to set the computer to allow unlimited spare keys (although I don't know why you'd want that unless you were a company and a hundred people drove the same car)

To program your own key you must first have a PATS key cut, and you must have TWO already programmed keys. That's all, no dealer equipment.
It's impossible for a thief to order a programmed key for your Ford/Mercury

[bchapman]

When we installed the remote starter in the 2002 Taurus, we were first advised to make an extra spare key since one of our keys would be encased in the receiver and thereafter unavailable to us. The new key cost $20 and took a few minutes to program on the driveway. I would assume it's the same with the MM (which reminds me to go pick up a spare key and program it, just in case).

[martyo]

Ms. Chapman: When I took my MM in for first service, I asked them to cut me two spare keys (just better to have 'em around and not need 'em, then need 'em and not have 'em around). The dealer never told me what the charge would be but when I went to pick up the car at the dealer, they gave me a bill for a click over $130.00. Ouch!! Others on the board have told me that that is the "norm." The bill included one hour of labor at $80 per hour. For rates like that for this kind of work, I am thinking of changing careers!

[bchapman]

Marty, the service desk tried to pull that one on me (they told me it would be $100), but I checked the owner's manual and then confirmed the simple procedure with my MM salesman (he's an up-front kind of guy). And it worked!

Sometimes you don't know what's incompetence and what's downright thievery.

[FordNut]

The salesman at the dealership I got my first MM from was knowledgeable and when I asked for an extra spare key he zipped into the service dept and cut one himself, then came out to the car and programmed it, total maybe 5 min.

The salesmen (3 different ones) at the dealership where I got the second one gave me that $150 per key nonsense and I said BULL. When I told them the first dealer must have been more interested in a happy, satisfied customer (of course this was immediately after the survey talk) and I can buy the keys on ebay for under $20 any day then program myself, they said ok, we'll go cut you one. I programmed it with the procedure in the owner's manual in less than 5 min. The salesman was standing there watching and said "wow, I learned something today... you know more about these cars than we do"!

These forums are great.

[VaderSS]

When we installed the remote starter in the 2002 Taurus, we were first advised to make an extra spare key since one of our keys would be encased in the receiver and thereafter unavailable to us.

They put an ignition key in the remote start. I don't know anything about this system, but that does not sound good.

[bchapman]

Originally posted by VaderSS
They put an ignition key in the remote start. I don't know anything about this system, but that does not sound good.

As I understand it, the receiver has to "read" the computer chip on the key in order to start the engine. You still need to place a coded key in the ignition in order to put the car into gear.

[SergntMac]

I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, I have a somewhat more fatalistic view on this topic, which is to say what's already been said, but with the reminder that if the auto thief wants your sutff, he'll get it, one way or another. If that happens to me (and it has) I'd just go get another one.

All these neat alarm packages accomplish, is selling you on "emotional insurance" that boasts of a principle of "make it hard enough, the thief will move along." By and large, this "scare 'em off" rings true in residential alarms, ADT hold up alarms and so on. In the automotive world, it means dick.

Ask yourself this. What do you have on your MM that draws a professional thief's attention?

Body parts? I don't think so, unless its the MM specific trim, like front and rear spoilers, and so on. Anything else is CV/GM available, and over several years. When the "body shop thief" needs doors, hood, trunk, front clip, and so on, he has hundreds of soft targets available, and prefers to shop by matching color. Unless it's another MM being repaired, where is the call for body parts?

Wheels? Tires? Both? Ummm...perhaps. They are big, neat, shinny wheels with superior BFGs mounted, but our wheel/tire combo is not really as compatable with other FMC cars as one may expect. Again, being uniquely an MM, it is less desireable to the money/profit driven auto thief because he has a very narrow market for resale. Moreover, why get caught holding and trying to resell stuff where it is so easy to pin-point a victim?

Wheel locks are good, but deter only the young and stupid, and in our case, it's the young and stupid that will cost us more money than the pro. Y&S usually cause more damage, they break windows, rip stereos out of the dash, tear thing up and usually walk away with useless bootie. Wheel locks deter theft, but don't prevent an attempt. Better off they leave your MM on crates. When you see the bill for re-polishing your wheels from a deterred theft, and compare that against your deductible for replacing 4 wheels and tires with new stuff, you'll understand what I'm getting at. Best to hope they don't try, and if they do, let them get the wheels and tires, you'll do better in the long run.

With so few MMs on the street, stealing the whole car for parts makes criminal sense in only a few cases, my first guess would be the power train, then interior parts. I really don't see the MM as ready for stealing in the eye of a professional "for profit" thief, the MM has a very small resale market today. Hell, can't even re-tag them, folks like us here, up on the VIN 411, make it too hard to get away with anything, and they know that. Niche cars are no-nos to a pro, too many ways to get caught here.

At best, the car is too unique and too rare (at this time) to show any profit for the risks involved. The only real market for a whole car steal, is the export trade to Mexico. Even the european market prefers non descript 4X4s over sports cars, much easier to move abroad and less attention grabbing. Lord, think about how the cops are looking at us all the time. Would YOU steal a car that draws this much attention? Only threat here, is the young and stupid again, the kids out for a good time, maybe a few motor parts for their ten year old retired PI.

I like the computer key security because it got me a 78. rebate from State Farm. It does not make me feel safer. Do I need more than that to feel safe? Well, no, I don't, because the only way to prevent your car from being stolen in this day and age, is to not own a car.

If my MM gets stolen, I worry about the possible chase that may follow, I'd hate to see a cop get hurt trying to get my stuff back, it's just a car, let my insurance pay off. If the theives do get her, I hope they keep her. I don't want a recovered rebuilt MM returned to me, she would never be the same.

LoJack? Yup...As a LEO, I think it's a great system, I've recovered a hundred stolen LoJack cars, but every time I do, I wonder if the owner would want her back now. Most of the time, they don't.

It's a car, nothing more. It can be stolen and you can't stop that, end of story. Use your brain, keep personal propertry to a minimum, no spare keys for the house, no identification-like papers, no guns, and so on. Make copies of your CD collection for the car, keep the originals at home, and most importantly, keep detailed records of the money invested in your MM for the insurance claim.

Best way to look at this, is that your car WILL be stolen, it just a matter of time, and the address of occurance, and then what? Save your custom alarm money for your deductible, minimize your loss and inconveinence. Be emotionally ready to walk away from your MM at any given moment, and never look back. Call the cops, call your insurance, and go shopping. It is just a car, remember that...IMHO.

[LincMercLover]

^Where's a good publishing company when you need one?^ :lol:

[MAD-3R]

Well said, Mac, Well said.

[martyo]

Originally posted by SergntMac
useless bootie


Sarge: Isn't that the term they use to describe you in your kilt???

Sorry, I couldn't resist. You can punch me in the arm when we meet up!

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by martyo
Sarge: Isn't that the term they use to describe you in your kilt?

"Useless"? There are several women in Campbellsville, KY who would disagree with you sir, and you will get that punch in the arm.

Just a note of warning to those of you here who wear a kilt.

When on stage four feet about your audience, who sit at dinner tables, don't turn your back to the audience to pick up a dropped drum stick...

The ladies will never leave you alone.

[martyo]

Originally posted by SergntMac
When on stage four feet about your audience, who sit at dinner tables, don't turn your back to the audience to pick up a dropped drum stick...

The ladies will never leave you alone.

Hey guys, once again Sarge is on to something here: Another "performance" mod that none of us thought about!!!


Oh, um, er, wait a minute, you mean this site is not about those kinds of performances??!!!??!!

[WolfeBros]

Originally posted by SergntMac
When on stage four feet about your audience, who sit at dinner tables, don't turn your back to the audience to pick up a dropped drum stick...
The ladies will never leave you alone.


Ahhhhh the ol' dropped drum stick trick......still works ehh ???:rolleyes:
:lol: :lol:

[bchapman]

Originally posted by SergntMac

If my MM gets stolen, I worry about the possible chase that may follow, I'd hate to see a cop get hurt trying to get my stuff back, it's just a car, let my insurance pay off.

It's a car, nothing more. It can be stolen and you can't stop that, end of story. Use your brain, keep personal propertry to a minimum, no spare keys for the house, no identification-like papers, no guns, and so on. Make copies of your CD collection for the car, keep the originals at home, and most importantly, keep detailed records of the money invested in your MM for the insurance claim.



Very, very wise, Sarge.

[capt512]

Bravo Sarge,

A great response that gives us all food for thought.

Mike

[vegasmarauder]

I just finished installing the factory Ford perimeter alarm upgrade on my 300B. I got it through my friend at the parts counter. It's to late tonight to go into it, and I took some photos of some of the install. I put the LED for the alarm next to the PATS LED. So it kinda twinkles when they are out of sequence. It was fairly easy, ad I have some of the part numbers for the other parts of the various kits. I can't really tell you the cost, but it was less than the cheapie alarms at the audio stores. And it works with the keyless entry keypad, and disarms when you pop the trunk. I post it all in a few days.

Jim

By the way, this is the first new car I have purchased in my entire life, and I get comments and looks everywhere I go asking about my "Custom" Mercury.

[mdmarauder]

I was just going to ask if anyone had the Ford System installed. I'm thinking about getting the same one. I need details the dealer is pretty clueless.

[jgc61sr2002]

vegasmarauder - Welcome to the Mercury Marauder site. Enjoy your new ride. John:D

[vegasmarauder]

Thanks I love this site. I learn something new every time I visit.

I will post the alram info in "The garage" as If I follow this site right, that's where it should go.

Incidentally, I bought a 68 Shelby GT-350 a LONG time ago when they were just "custom Mustangs' that nobody wanted anymore. I see a lot of simularities to the MM. They are getting used for what they were made for, to be driven, and they are getting modified, crashed, etc, and it seems no two are alike even thought they roll off the assembly line right next to each other.

I drive a Crown Vic police interceptor at speed most of myl day at work, and that's what interested me in the MM. We have crashed some a P/I's at triple digits and walked away.

Finally, we got some Mercury Marquis GS's in 1999 as plain cars. They were comfy, but not good at speed (not to mention the 105 MPH top end limiter). Since the rookies were destroying brand new 1999 P/I's at about 2-3 a week, I got with a vehicle services people and got some parts. We took the springs/Bilsteins/steering box, Firestone PV-41 pursuit radials, and engine PCM off the P/I and put it on the 99 Marquis. What a difference! It could run with the P/I's all day. It was a blast putting it in for scheduled service. The Ford techs loved to test drive it and put it on the rack to check it out. It was a poor man's Marauder before Mercury did it. We still have the car with 75,000 miles on it. It's quite a surprise when the Christmas lights come on and you catch some teenager speeding.

[vegasmarauder]

Ok, I tried to post the info on putting in the alarm and it said I wasn't logged in anymore when I was done. I must have taken too long and timed out or something. I'll have to write and paste it in later. I try the pictures.

[merc406]

You can have those alarms, put in your own cut-off switch and hide it, I also use the stick with the lock that goes around the brake pedal-----Auto-Lock. Like it's been said before, if they want it they'll tow it.

[RCSignals]

http://www.govalue.com/images/smartdecals/new/WSBS001_warning_BAGPIPE.gif

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by vegasmarauder
I just finished installing the factory Ford perimeter alarm upgrade on my 300B. I got it through my friend at the parts counter. It's to late tonight to go into it, and I took some photos of some of the install. I put the LED for the alarm next to the PATS LED. So it kinda twinkles when they are out of sequence. It was fairly easy, ad I have some of the part numbers for the other parts of the various kits. I can't really tell you the cost, but it was less than the cheapie alarms at the audio stores. And it works with the keyless entry keypad, and disarms when you pop the trunk. I post it all in a few days.

Jim



I'd be interested in more detail. Is it the perimeter alarm as available for the Town Car? do the components just "plug in" to existing MM harness?

[jgc61sr2002]

Originally posted by RCSignals
http://www.govalue.com/images/smartdecals/new/WSBS001_warning_BAGPIPE.gif The only guy I know with a bagpipe is Sarge.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by jgc61sr2002
The only guy I know with a bagpipe is Sarge.

How DARE you! I am NOT a piper! I am a musician, I play sidedrum!

I am a US National Champion Grade 4 stick, recognized! I am attending the World competitions in Edinburg '04 for review. I've studied under Mic Frantz, Andrew Hoinacki, Tyler Fry, Joe McKee and Carl Lenny! I'm up for a World Championship medal and man-oh-man, you call me a piper?

Would have been kinder for you to kick me in the b*lls, maybe call my MM slow...Only that could hurt me more.

"Reporter; What's the range of a set of bagpipes..."
"Piper; eh?"
"Sidedrummer; Hearings not so good, eh?"
"Reporter; I meant say what's the pitch?"
"Piper; eh?"
"Sidedrummer; Oh...Well then, fifty, maybe seventy-five feet, how good is your arm?"
"Piper; eh?"
"Piper; wot?"
"Piper; eh, where ya going now, eh?"

Please do not mistake me again, I have my diginity to protect. I play drums. Those who pipe, need to get pitched.

IMHO...

[MM03MOK]

Originally posted by SergntMac
I am attending the World competitions in Edinburg '04 for review....
A Tattoo at Holyrood??

:rock: :banana:

[RCSignals]

:lol:

You tell 'em Mac ;)

(Can I come to Edinburgh too?)

[jgc61sr2002]

Sarge - Sorry I didn't mean to offend you. John:bows:

[MM03MOK]

Originally posted by SergntMac
How DARE you! I am NOT a piper! I am a musician, I play sidedrum!

[WolfeBros]

We always knew that Sarge marched to the beat of his own drum !! :up:

[SergntMac]

Oh how sweet of you Mary, thank you.

You're cool John, just breakin your...chops.

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by martyo
Sarge: Useless bootie...

Isn't that the term they use to describe you in your kilt???



Marty:

You keep hasslin' Sarge like that and he'll trigger your LoJack...then you'll have an entire SWAT team rappelling down the side of your house and in your windows, just like at the end of "The Blues Brothers"!!!!

("hut-hut-hut")

[vegasmarauder]

I posted a thread on putting the factory alarm into my 300B It's in teh Garage section.