Fords with Engine Immobilizer Near Scottsdale, AZ

Ford Dealer > Features > Engine Immobilizer

What is an Engine Immobilizer

A vehicle is often one of the largest financial investments that people will make outside of their home. With car theft a regular headline in the news and a trending topic on social media, how can you be sure your vehicle is protected? If you drive a Ford, you can rest assured that your investment is secure! Along with security features like an integrated car alarm, Ford Motor Company has a long history of investing in theft prevention technology. One of these critical security features is the engine immobilizer system, a favorite among Arizona buyers.

What Does an Engine Immobilizer Do?

You can't always keep your eyes on your vehicle, so aside from locking it or keeping it in a garage, how else can you protect it? An engine immobilizer is one answer. As a critical anti-theft feature, this electronic security component prevents a car from being started unless the correct engine key is used in the ignition. This simple system is a theft deterrent, so your car or truck may be less likely to be stolen by would-be car thieves.

Does Ford Have an Engine Immobilizer?

Ford started integrating engine immobilizers (also called a car immobilizer system/engine immobiliser/immobiliser system) in their vehicles nearly 30 years ago, with the first iterations being introduced in mid-90's model year cars. Since then, Ford has continued to develop and improve the system, which has since become a standard feature on every Ford motor vehicle.

Every new Ford for the 2023 model year is equipped with SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS). This theft deterrent uses electronic chips in the car's computer and the car's smart key to confirm that the proper ignition key is being used to start the vehicle and prevents the engine from starting if it can't confirm it. If you've ever wondered why your key or key fob is so much larger than the ignition key you remember your parents having when you were a kid, this is why-the smart key uses an integrated chip!

How Do Engine Immobilizers Work?

An engine immobilization system prevents someone from starting the engine without using a coded key that is programmed to match your vehicle-but how does it work? For the driver, it's as simple as turning the key in the ignition.

Once the key is turned or the key fob is placed in the ignition, the vehicle uses an onboard computer to generate a radio frequency (RF) code, which the transponder chip inside the car key reads and returns. When the onboard computer sees the correct second code returned, it allows the vehicle to be started. If the computer doesn't see the correct security code, some features are disabled to prevent engine start, such as cutting off the starter, fuel pump, ignition circuit, or other systems. All this takes place in less than a second, which means you don't need to do anything to keep your vehicle safe!

Arming a vehicle's immobilizer system is easily accomplished simply by locking all the doors with the remote control or key fob and listening for an audible chirp or horn honk.

Which Ford Cars Have an Engine Immobilizer?

As of June 2023, every new model year vehicle that Ford manufactures has Securilock® PATS integrated, including many of our top-selling models:

New Ford SUVs with Engine Immobilizers

Ford's line-up of new SUVs features nine different models, ranging from sporty and compact to roomy full-size options. All 2023 model year new Fords include an engine immobilizer as standard equipment, including:

New Ford Pick-Up Trucks with Engine Immobilizers

Ford offers plenty of truck options when you're in the market for your next pick-up. The 2023 model year set includes five models, which all include car immobilizer system integrated, including:

New Ford Cars with Engine Immobilizers

As Ford's last contribution to the passenger car market, the 2023 Mustang features an engine immobilizer as standard equipment.

Pre-Owned Ford Vehicles Featuring Engine Immobilizers

Ford is one of the automotive manufacturers who has most widely adopted this type of electronic security device in their model lines. Since the early 2000's, they have included an engine immobilizer security system as a standard feature on most of their vehicles. 

If a new Ford vehicle is not the right fit for your needs, we have plenty of used and Certified Pre-Owned options to choose from, while still ensuring you are getting the security system features you need to protect your investment. 

What Are the Advantages of an Engine Immobilizer?

According to the Economic Journal, a study between 1995 and 2008 found that anti-theft devices reduced car theft by about 40%. A vehicle equipped with an engine immobilizer makes a far less attractive target to would-be car thieves, due to the fact that typically car thieves prefer to use methods that bypass the ignition. 

The Securilock® PATS system reduces car theft via hotwiring or more brute force methods by introducing a chip key and RF signals to verify the proper key is being used. Along with an equipped alarm system, thieves are much more likely to target vehicles known to not have these security features.

In addition, purchasing a vehicle with an anti-theft system, such as an engine immobilizer, can reduce automotive insurance costs. Depending on your insurer, this could save you as much as 5% and up to 15% on your policy-we recommend asking your Scottsdale area insurance agent for details.

Find a Ford with an Engine Immobilizer Near Scottsdale, Arizona

Finding a Ford with a security system or engine immobilizer is easy with our vast inventory! If you're ready to find your next ride, visit our dealership at 8555 E Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. We are conveniently located near Wal-Mart SuperCenter and Home Depot in Scottsdale. 

Looking to switch from Toyota, Hyundai, or Kia? We accept trade-ins and can apply the value towards your new vehicle. We also have a wide variety of CPO vehicles available.

Our expert team can help you find the right fit for your family's needs and budget. Come see us and take a test drive today!

Disclaimers:

Money Back Guarantee Disclaimer: Money-Back Guarantee is valid for 5 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first. Subject to certain terms and conditions. See store for details. Some restrictions apply. Some used vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. You can check recall status on any vehicle, by VIN, at www.safercar.gov

1Price Pre-Owned Disclaimer: Money-Back Guarantee is valid for 5 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first. See store for complete guarantee details, some restrictions apply. Transfer fee may apply.

Limited Warranty Disclaimer: Ask your Sales Associate for complete details. Some used vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. You can check recall status on any vehicle, by VIN, at www.safercar.gov.

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