Principles of Operation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the operation of the perimeter alarm based on inputs from all of the door ajar switch inputs, hood switch input, keyless entry keypad, door lock control switches, Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) input, and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters. If the perimeter alarm is armed, and the BCM receives an input indicating an unauthorized entry into the vehicle or the ignition is turned to the RUN position without a programmed PATS key, the BCM activates the perimeter alarm. When the perimeter alarm is activated, the horn sounds and both the turn signals and courtesy lights flash in regular intervals.

If the driver door is unlocked by using a key in the door lock cylinder and then opened, the perimeter alarm starts a 12-second countdown. During the 12- second countdown there is a chime from the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and the message center displays TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE. If the alarm is not deactivated during this countdown, the perimeter alarm activates.