Well this past Saturday i got broken into. Mid Day, public event, and no cars around me. Nothing valuable was in the car so basically i just got an expensive repair bill out of it and the inability to unlock the door from the outside. This leads me to some questions.

1) Method - It looks like they just took a big screwdriver and knocked the lock in with a hammer or something and then unlocked it.

2) Question 1 - Since the lock is just clanking around in my door, I am guessing that it would be pretty easy for someone to unlock it who knows what they are doing?

3) Question 2 - Anyone else seen this method on our vehicles? Is there a way to reinforce the lock?

4) Question3 - Any idea how much the dealer will charge for putting a new lock in?

I know that if they want it, they will get in no matter what. And i am kind of glad they took this method instead of breaking the window. I appreciate the help guys !!

 

Don't keep anything valuable in there for the time being.

This happened when I had my '01 F150. There are products called Jimmi Jammers that will help if someone tries to break in this way. But if a thief wants to get into your vehicle they will find a way.

I don't know how much it costs on the newer style trucks, but I was able to rebuild my lock and put it in myself. I am pretty sure the dealer wanted around $300 to do it.

 

They broke into my old silverado the exact same way. There isn't really a way to reinforce it. Your best bet is a car alarm.

 

Try replacing your handle and install some www.jimmijammer.com plates to protect from the lock punch from happening again.

 

Read up and you'll see this happens quite a bit. It's not just F150's that are prone to the door lock punch out but all vehicles in general.

That Jimmyjammer thing seems more like a false sense of security to me. If they can't use the key cylinder the break the window.

I think I got a new door handle, key cylinder and a local guy to re key it all for under $100.

 

Put in an alarm with a bright LED on the dash left of the wheel, up near the windsheild, or on the driver's window sill. Most theives won't risk the attention. I work in the ghetto, and I have a bright blue LED that warns away criminals. No problems yet, knock wood. Of course, all my valuables are hidden. It's even important to hide pocket change. I learned this long ago. A friend's 10 year old Coralla got it's window broken for the change in the cup holder. I guess the bum saw enough money for a bottle of 20/20.

 

you could always shave the doors and put door poppers in, then there will be no lock to punch out, but like everyone else has said if there is no lock they will just break the window.

 

Yeah i guess there is not much to do except get the lock fixed. I am guessing this way is cheaper than replacing a window. I am going to look into an alarm and i might just disable the passenger lock. Oh well. Thanks for the help guys.

 

I am having a Viper 560XV installed on Friday....the 560 has remote start. I am adding another siren in the rear and a couple of LEDs on the (A) pillars.

 

there was someone on here that bought door handles from the rear of a screw. it just sucks if your battery dies...