2025 Hybrid XL perimeter plus install security bolt woes

[Bones 615 Tennessee]

I’ve ordered a perimeter plus module to install in my 25 xl hybrid incase there is a connection issue with Ford Pass app and for the alarm system. Getting to the gateway module is a breeze and only takes removing passenger side trim panel. Removing a shield that covers the connector is a much different story.

There is only a single bolt holding the shield in place but it appears that Ford used some kind of security bolt and I can’t get any of my bits to fit it. The shield can be bent out of the way but then I couldn’t get it to go back over the plug. I want to install the module and reinstall the shield just like it was from factory.

I’ve searched for a few hours and I can’t find an actual picture of the bolt head in order to figure out what tool it takes to remove it. I couldnt get a good picture with my phone either. Attached is a diagram showing bolt # W721703-S439 Which is labeled H9 as well as my crappy phone picture. Any ideas on what tool removes it?

Sponsored

 

[UTAlumnus]

I’ve ordered a perimeter plus module to install in my 25 xl hybrid incase there is a connection issue with Ford Pass app and for the alarm system. Getting to the gateway module is a breeze and only takes removing passenger side trim panel. Removing a shield that covers the connector is a much different story.

There is only a single bolt holding the shield in place but it appears that Ford used some kind of security bolt and I can’t get any of my bits to fit it. The shield can be bent out of the way but then I couldn’t get it to go back over the plug. I want to install the module and reinstall the shield just like it was from factory.

I’ve searched for a few hours and I can’t find an actual picture of the bolt head in order to figure out what tool it takes to remove it. I couldnt get a good picture with my phone either. Attached is a diagram showing bolt # W721703-S439 Which is labeled H9 as well as my crappy phone picture. Any ideas on what tool removes it?

Worst case, use something similar to these (https://www.harborfreight.com/nut-and-bolt-extractor-set-9-piece-70921.html) or (https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-sae-bolt-extractor-socket-set-9-piece-70709.html). They won't tighten it back but will get it out assuming it's normal right hand threads. I don't remember what company mine are from but I've used similar from a big name tool company and they do work.

 

[CNJFF]

M5 X 12MM according to Ford. Bolt looks weird but appears to have a regular head.

 

[Bones 615 Tennessee]

@UTAlumnus I don’t these will work as the bolt has a round head to begin with like a Torx but the center is definitely not torx as I have t4 up security and nothing fits.

@CNJFF it isn’t a regular bolt head at all, is round and smooth like a Torx.

 

[CNJFF]

In your picture, It's the bolt head on the right that's recessed in the hole, correct?

If you can get a flashlight nearby to get a better pic we might be able to see the corners/sides. It looks like the pic from Ford to me.

It's entirely possible the factory stripped it during install but need a better look.


edit: see below....

 

[DS_Ohio]

"Types: Some are designed to break during installation (security shear bolts used to prevent theft, leaving a smooth head with no removal access), while others are designed to break during operation."

Ford did you dirty there.

 

[HeyBales]

"Types: Some are designed to break during installation (security shear bolts used to prevent theft, leaving a smooth head with no removal access), while others are designed to break during operation."

Ford did you dirty there.

In which case still a bolt extractor - just the type that requires a drill out for hole and serious insert.

 

[HeyBales]

M5 X 12MM according to Ford. Bolt looks weird but appears to have a regular head.

That's the security head to break off.

Nailed it. Likely.

That gives ya the specs for the drill out extractor to be used then.
If it gave the torque for breakoff, that would give a clue for the extract at least.

At least in this situation - not getting rusty!

 

[CNJFF]

"Types: Some are designed to break during installation (security shear bolts used to prevent theft, leaving a smooth head with no removal access), while others are designed to break during operation."

Ford did you dirty there.

Ah, I see it now.

 

[BlueSpec1]

The shield bolt mentioned in Auto Stop/Start youtube video:

 

[Bones 615 Tennessee]

@HeyBales I don’t see how you could get one in there, it is a very tight space. I’m not sure how hard it would be to remove the gateway module completely in order to drill it out but the truck only has 699 miles and I have a disabled left hand.

@BlueSpec1 maybe Ford swapped from a regular bolt to this security bolt at some point but a regular socket of any size isn’t going to work as there is no metal for it to grab at all. It’s basically the shape of a rounded pimple.

I broke it off and when I remove the plug in order to install the perimeter module I’ll try to get it out then. If that’s successful I’ll buy a new shield and put a new regular bolt back in its place. Thanks for all the help and suggestion, I really appreciate it! Ill update the thread as I go.

 

[Bones 615 Tennessee]

@DS_Ohio you nailed it, here is a picture of the bolts they use and of course the round part is what’s left after the install and they head is broke off after they torque them.

 

[Quest]

Its the same type of breakaway bolt on ignition cylinders
You can walk them out with a small sharp chisel & hammer
The bolt is pretty soft

 

[btas]

I've got my Perimeter Plus installed and enabled it with my FORScan software in my 2025 Maverick Hybrid. Super easy to do. I bent the metal cover out of the way. Once the weather warms up, I plan to see if there's room for me to cut the bolt in order to free the cover then hopefully extract the remains of the bolt after that. I'll use a standard bolt to reinstall the cover if successful. If that can't be done, I'll simply leave it with no cover installed. When I did the Perimeter Plus on my 2022 Maverick, it was plugged in behind the obd2 port without any cover in the way. Ford is just being annoying with this. Seems they're saying it's to do with theft prevention. I haven't heard of anyone going around just to steal gateway modules from any Fords.

 

[Bones 615 Tennessee]

@btas I appreciate your help chatting with me the last few days on Facebook. Quick question as far as Forscan was there only the two settings for perimeter alarm as that’s all I’ve seen on the master list?

Sponsored