Hi all, I'm in a very unpleasant situation, in which I've had an attempted break-in in my 2008 Focus Mk2.5. I am sure it was an attempted (but unsuccessful) break-in because the metal right over the left-hand side (driver's) door handle is bent, the lock face on the handle is bent aswell, and after attempting to unlock the car with the key (normal keyblade, not keyless, only remote unlock) I noticed it's harder than usual and the key would get stuck inside the mill. This got me thinking the following:

1. Does my focus have PATS?
2. What exactly is Passive Anti-Theft System on Ford vehicles and how does it operate?
3. How do I go about enabling PATS on my vehicle?
4. What other solutions are there to keeping my vehicle secure?

This attempted break-in has had me quite rattled today, although I guess this happened within the last week. Any help would be much appreciated and it would certainly calm me down!

Thanks for the time!

Hi,

1. All UK Mk2 Focus's have PATS.  Specifications may vary for other countries.

2. The engine can only be started when the unique micro-chip in your key fob is detected next to the key barrel.*

3. It is always active unless your key is in the ignition barrel.  

4. You can buy a steering wheel lock to physically prevent theft.  There isn't really anything you can do to prevent a break-in without theft intent.

 

(*Of course, people lose their keys, so there has to be a way of programming new ones.  This is the main vulnerability with any immobiliser. Professional thieves will have access to locksmith type tools that can get around the immobiliser.  That is why some people chose to use a physical deterrent as well.)

Thank you Tom, I really appreciate the reply! this has been helpful.

If you prefer an old fashioned style of device, from keeping your car being nicked, I can recommend the DiskLok. I've had mine for decades and never lost a car yet 🤣