5 replies to this topic

[sfbluenote]

Does anyone know why the small red led alarm lights on the doors do not stay on? After I have alarmed the car
mine go off after a short time. I would rather they stay on until I re enter the car. It provides a visual
deterrent, not much, but better than nothing.

[Quila]

Those aren't alarm lights, they're just lights to tell you that the doors are locked.  If you want an alarm light, you need to add the optional perimeter security system (FT4Z-19A361-A) with the also optional LED indicator (DM5Z-19D596-A).

 

I added that to my Edge specifically for the flashing alarm light.  I don't care so much about the alarm, but was hoping the light would at least be a bit of a deterrent to someone who might try breaking a window. However the light only blinks about once every 10 seconds and it's only on for about a quarter of a second at a time.  You have to know where the light is and wait for it to see if the alarm is armed.  I doubt it actually would work as a deterrent.

[sfbluenote]

Thanks Quila....Seems strange to me that Ford did not see fit to leave the red led's on as long as the doors were locked...They are at least a small visual deterrent. If some dirtbag wants to break into your car and see's no sign of an alarm I would think it would
encourage them.

[TheWizard]

But why?  They don't indicate an alarm being active - they are there just to confirm the action of locking the doors because there are no actual moving lock knobs.  I guess Ford figured that anyone wanting to fake an alarm system could do it with readily available aftermarket parts.  You can buy red LED lights to mount in the dash that are designed to blink whenever the ignition is off.  You can even buy lights that look like the scanner on Knight Rider.

Edited by TheWizard, 07 December 2017 - 07:59 AM.

[Waldo]

Cause when people leave their cars at the airport for a couple weeks they like to be able to start it up when they get back and not have a dead battery.

[Quila]

My battery was dead after being parked for 23 days last June.  That was with the alarm system installed.  I didn't park it that long before I had the alarm installed, so I'm not actually sure how much of an impact the alarm had, but I'm sure it shortened the life a bit.  Actually, I'm not even sure at what point during those 23 days that the battery died.

 

This was a problem with my last vehicle too, so I've got one of those Li-Ion jump starters that fits nicely in the center console.  That's so much easier than looking for someone to give you a boost.