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Alarm and Electronic Van Security
Factory alarm behaviour, hard-wired load-area PIR detection, high-position switches and electrical modifications.
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Factory alarm fitment should not be assumed as it may not have been fitted on all specifications of new Ford Custom vans and it isn't always obvious from the key fob alone. Here's how to check for certain, using the van's own manual key.
Whether a new Ford Custom actually has a working factory-fitted alarm isn't something you can tell just by looking at the key or the dashboard. This is a simple test any owner can carry out themselves, using nothing more than the van's own manual key blade and remote control.
Separate the key blade from the remote control by pressing in the button marked with two lines, near the keyring, and pulling the two ends of the remote apart.
Press the lock button on the remote control twice, and watch the van lock — or see the indicators flash — to confirm the van is locked.
Take the remote control part of the key at least 25 metres away from the van, or place it inside a metal box.
Wait 60 seconds.
Go to the van holding only the manual key blade — leave the remote control part behind.
Insert the key blade into the manual lock barrel on the driver's door and turn it anti-clockwise.
Open the door by pulling the door handle.
See if the alarm goes off or not.
If the alarm doesn't sound, your van most likely doesn't have an active factory alarm system fitted, it's worth knowing before you rely on it.
Whatever the result of the test above, it's also worth having a visual look for ultrasonic movement detectors, since detector coverage varies by specification and isn't always obvious at a glance.
Alarm fitment is only one part of the picture. Whether or not your van has a working factory alarm, it's worth considering it alongside mechanical security such as Stealth shields that are fitted covertly inside your load area doors to protect the factory latch / locking system, additional manual deadlocks, and layering your protection rather than relying on a single system.
Alarm fitment isn't guaranteed and isn't always obvious. If you don't already know for certain, it's worth testing it for yourself.
These extracts are from genuine five-star Google reviews.
★★★★★"Matt installed alarm PIR sensors, and external and internal lock shields on two vans. He explained what he was doing and was very knowledgeable. All was completed in one day."
Dawid Piatkowski · Google review, 2024
★★★★★"I had Matt from Sussex Installations do a platinum package on my Ford Transit Custom sport van."
Chris Cox · Google review, August 2017
★★★★★"I travelled 180 mile round trip today to have the Platinum package fitted to my Transit Custom. Jeff and Matt carried out the work, both great guys who thoroughly explained what they were doing."
Ben Macara · Google review, August 2017
Review wording has been lightly shortened for display without changing its meaning. Full reviews remain available on the Sussex Installations Google Business Profile.
Alarm fitment depends on the trim level and specification the van was ordered with, so it isn't automatically fitted to every Ford Custom as standard.
Yes. It only uses the van's own manual key blade and remote control as the manufacturer intended. Just make sure the remote is genuinely at least 25 metres away, or shielded inside a metal box, before you use the manual barrel.
Consider it alongside your wider van security, including mechanical protection such as deadlocks and internal shielding, rather than relying on an alarm alone.
Factory alarm behaviour, hard-wired load-area PIR detection, high-position switches and electrical modifications.
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A real example of a factory alarm being disarmed through the driver's door barrel, and why owners should check their own van.
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How the factory alarm's blind spot to door-folding attacks was found, and fixed with Replock and a high-position switch.
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