Aftermarket car alarm interfers with Mav electronics?

[TrailFit Truck]

Had the service light show up indicating a potential problem with the emissions control system. Dealer tried to diagnose and initially couldn't connect to the system using a laptop. Eventually, they did connect using VCM Lite (whatever the heck that is) and cleared the issue. Nothing was actually wrong apparently. Ford thinks my after market car alarm may be interfering with the electronics. 5 year old Mav XlT and the alarm is also about 5 years old. One or two prior incidents where Ford techs weren't sure what was going on and hinted that the alarm was the cause. Ford reccomends removing the alarm and I'm inclined to go along as this is hassle. Think I may just have the alarm company cut power to the alarm system so that I could turn it back on if I ever sold the truck. Got the alarm when I was leaving the truck at Sierra trailheads for a week at a time but now it lives 90% of the time in the garage. Dealer has generally been honest so I think this is a sincere comment on their part. Maverick Hive Mind: comments, suggestions? Thanks!

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[Hootbro]

Dealer may be right or they may be lazy in their troubleshooting and your Alarm was the easy scapegoat.

Not all alarms or their installs are equal. Some are shoddy install methods using Scotch Lock or worse using wire nuts or just plain twist and electrical taped up. Also, some alarms tap into the vehicle can bus for enhanced features that can affect vehicle function.

Really though, without putting eyes on your alarm install and know exactly what alarm is installed, anybody's guess if the dealership was right or wrong in their assertions.

 

[CarbonGrayFX4]

Ford Perimeter Plus is plug n play and adds remote start. Wait for a 20% or 25% sale at Ford.com. My only small complaint is the shock warning is not as sensitive as I would like.
It also sends alerts to the Ford app.

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