Vehicle Theft Protection

I am not sure exactly what brand it is other than V.T.P. It came preinstalled with the car. It has a perimeter alarm as well as securilock pass anti theft with a mini keypad on the dashboard by the steering wheel. I cannot start the car without putting in a PIN. It is dead otherwise. Both the dealer and a couple of the mechanics where I purchased the car could not get it to take a new PIN before I drove it off the lot. Should I just stay with the preinstalled PIN and forget about trying to change it to one of my own? Was a rather simple PIN so that is the reason I wanted to change it. The dealer wanted me to bring it back on Wednesday to see if they could figure it out again. Not sure if they are going to be able to do so. Do not want them tearing up the dashboard and such on my new car. It is working as is. Thought someone may have had the same problem as me on a new 2011 Ford with the same preinstalled system.

[quote author=Fordsters link=topic=182906.msg3870190#msg3870190 date=1291004936]
I am not sure exactly what brand it is other than V.T.P. It came preinstalled with the car. It has a perimeter alarm as well as securilock pass anti theft with a mini keypad on the dashboard by the steering wheel. I cannot start the car without putting in a PIN. It is dead otherwise. Both the dealer and a couple of the mechanics where I purchased the car could not get it to take a new PIN before I drove it off the lot. Should I just stay with the preinstalled PIN and forget about trying to change it to one of my own? Was a rather simple PIN so that is the reason I wanted to change it. The dealer wanted me to bring it back on Wednesday to see if they could figure it out again. Not sure if they are going to be able to do so. Do not want them tearing up the dashboard and such on my new car. It is working as is. Thought someone may have had the same problem as me on a new 2011 Ford with the same preinstalled system.
[/quote]

Hi Fordsters. :wavey: It is possible that someone else here may have had the same problem with the same system. And if that is the case, hopefully they will jump in to help you soon. The problem is that what you had installed is not a Ford Motor Company/Factory installed system. It was an aftermarket system installed by the Dealer or a subcontractor working for them. And different Ford Dealers install all different brands and types of aftermarket systems. So without knowing more information (or without having a lot of luck/lucky guesses), it is difficult for any of us to determine what system you have in your car. And the likelihood of finding anyone here with knowledge of the particular system becomes less likely if the brand is unknown.

I do have a few questions. How much did the Dealer charge for this system (and did you ask them to install it, or was it something they try to put on all their new cars to pack their profit)?

The reason I ask is because all 2011 Fusions are equipped with the "SecuriLock Passive Anti-theft" system and perimeter alarm system as standard equipment from the factory. You already paid for those features in the basic car and there was essentially no need to pay extra for an aftermarket system. So other than a keypad on the dashboard, this "V.T.P" system is completely redundant, since you already had the other features on the car from the factory. If you wish, since the system will not operate correctly and fails to accept your personal PIN programming, this may be the perfect chance to get a refund for whatever they charged you for the system, since it is completely redundant.

If you really want to keep the system, your best chance of getting the PIN problem corrected is to have the Dealer or outside contractor that installed it (most Dealerships have outside contractors perform their alarm installations) troubleshoot and correct the problem. Or learn to live with the system having limited features and use the default/pre-installed PIN.

There are a few members here who have expertise in aftermarket alarm and audio systems, so you can wait a bit and see if any of them may jump in and be able to help.

Let us know how you make out.

Good luck. :cheers:

[quote author=Fordsters link=topic=182906.msg3870941#msg3870941 date=1291078228]
The Dealer charged me $179 for the V.T.P. It was already installed on the car. In order for me to start it at the dealership when I took a test drive, a PIN had to be put in on the keypad otherwise it acted like a dead battery. I am so new to all of this. If I call the Dealer and get a refund for the system, how does the SecuriLock Passive Anti-theft system and perimeter alarm system work? Do I have to have a special key seeing as the keypad right now is the only thing that will activate and deactivate the ignition?
[/quote]

Hi Fordsters. :wavey: As Gilbertsville (and I) have previously stated, if you wish to keep the system, return to the Dealership and ask them to help you troubleshoot the problem and program a personalized PIN for you. Or learn to live with using the preset PIN. The problem here is that it is unlikely any of us can troubleshoot the system over the Internet.

You still have a key that you have to insert and turn in the ignition switch on the steering wheel, correct? Is it the factory keyfob or an aftermarket keyfob. If you are not sure, post a picture of the keyfob here and we can tell you. The factory SecuriLock system is enabled by a transistor in the keyfob. In fact, it is not unlikely that the Factory SecuriLock and Perimeter Alarm are still enabled and performing the bulk of the work you think the V.T.P. system is doing.

However, the V.T.P. system is/was completely redundant and unnecessary. Essentially, the Dealer charged for the installation of a system that only does what the Factory systems already did. As already mentioned, all 2011 Fusions are already factory equipped with "SecuriLock" and Perimeter Alarm systems. There is/was no need for an aftermarket system to be piggybacked over it, other than to pad the Dealers profit margin. Essentially, if you read your Fusions Owners Manual, the Factory SecuriLock and Perimeter Alarm systems are explained in detail. It would be easier for you to read the Manual than for us to explain everything. Then if you have questions, we can answer them.

So at this point, your best course of action is to return to the Dealership and ask them to correct the problem or refund your money. Which you choose to do is up to you.

After you read the Owners manual sections concerning the SecuriLock and Perimeter Alarm Systems , feel free to ask any questions you may have. Keep us updated.

Good luck. :cheers:

PS - I just wanted to add: I hope you understand that I am not trying to browbeat you into having the V.T.P. system removed if you wish to keep it. Just trying to give you all the information possible, so you can then make an educated decision. Good luck.