2016 Fiesta i inherited from my Mom. love this car. last week someone got in and cracked the steering column cover, but didnt steal the car. I have always been good about locking the car. I have read that thieves can copy/mimic the signal/code for the car and use it to get in. Ive also read that the key/remote constantly emits the signal and a thief could drive by my apt and get the code and then use it to unlock my car.

So what I want to do is to disable, on the car, the ability to remote lock and unlock. I want the only way to get in the car is to manually use a physical key to unlock the door. So is it possible to disable the remote lock/unlock feature?

It is not a remote start. The key looks like a standard old fashioned key with 4 buttons on it and a battery inside. Two of the buttons are the lock and unlock, one button pops the trunk and the other one helps you find the car by making a honk and flashing the lights. 

I called Ford and they suggested going to the dealership. they are terrific but very busy and my wait would probably be a couple hours. Can anyone please help?

Thank you

Put the key in a Faraday Box. These block the signal and are easily available from Amazon. I wouldn't recommend the Faraday pouches as, in my experience, these can stop working.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) is the ability to lock & unlock the vehicle by pressing a button on the remote control fob

Keyless Entry (passive Entry) is the ability to walk up to the car, with the key and open the door, you lock the car with a button on the door handle.

Keyless start is the ability to start the engine by pressing a button on the dash

Which system do you have?

If you have passive entry they can scan the code from the key and unlock the car, you can deactivate this and the vehicle will default to RKE or keep the key in a faraday pouch to block the signal.

Keyless start: they can scan the code from the key, break a window and start the car (within 20 seconds) keep the key in a faraday pouch

Keyless start: they can also break the window, plug a unit into the OBD port and program a new key to start the car, you could put a CAN link further down the harness, that you leave disconnected all the time and just reconnect for servicing to prevent this. No CAN no programming

RKE: they cannot copy this system unless they sit beside you with the scanner whilst you lock/unlock the vehicle. It only sends a signal when you press the button. If you deactivate RKE you will not be able to fully set the alarm or the double locking system on the car.

If you feel you are further at risk I would recommend a steering lock, that is a good, visible, deterrent

4 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

If you feel you are further at risk I would recommend a steering lock, that is a good, visible, deterrent

Y'all know whats coming next, don't you 🤣