It still has 10,000 possible combinations. That does not change because you can just continue to enter digits.
In fact if you are really trying to brute force a code you would want to keep track of the combinations you have tried. if you don't it would be pure luck which is higher odds then winning to lottery. :-)

 

No it really does make it faster even though the number of possible combinations doesn't change.

Say you are brute force cracking. you start with. 11111 next up is 11112. Since the keypad doesn't care the smart cracker would instead first use 111112. By typing 6 digits you have effectively typed two codes to test 11111, 11112. The same principle carries through to the others meaning the actual number of keystrokes would be much much smaller than 5 times the possible solutions.

There are computer codes that will output the string of numbers to type in order that can quickly give all possible combinations. Unless ford put in a safely valve to kill after x incorrect presses.

 

There are only 3125 combinations. 5 positions, each with 5 possibilities (buttons).

Anyhow, if someone knows your factory code, you're screwed. And that's why I use my own code and change it from time to time.

 

I think ford has put a limit on the number of codes entered, I'm really not sure but I noticed on my 09 if you enter the wrong code the entire keypad flashes at you three times.

I know on my 2000 Mountaineer that was not the case. Someone on the explorer sight found a sight that linked to page of numbers that some math wiz had figured out was the shortest way to enter all possible codes, knowing that the codes carry over so when you typed in 6 digits you have tried 2 codes, 7 digits three codes and so on. It was relatively short and if you had quick hands could be typed in, in under 15 mins...

Found it:
Here is the sequence of numbers you have to go through to guarantee cracking the code. If there is no disabler.
(remember there are only 5 buttons)

 

You guys should try reading the manual sometimes as apposed to WAGing theories. True that factory code cannot be changed. You can program three personal codes with the key pad or my touch. If you enter 35 consecutive numbers that are wrong it will disable the system for 1 minute. With two programmed keys it's possible to display the factory code on the key pad if you forget or lose your card.

 

No matter what numbers are on the keys there are ONLY five buttons. Ford put two numbers on each key so us humans can use any number for our code. Five buttons STILL make a lot of possibilities. I do not see the firemen guessing and sounds like they got hold of the owner's manual package and use the factory code.

I do not keep this number in the vehicle.

 

You can have the dealer install a new drivers door module that will have a new factory code in it

 

Wonder when it changed. It definitely wasn't always that way. Very good that they changed it though.

I think the reason they ignore incorrect numbers is so you can hit any number the first time to turn on the lights and see the numbers to press the correct code.

 

I am sorry did I miss something? Everyone is talking about the keypad still and not the fact that someone messed with your own personal property. A prank is a prank, I work for a municipality and pranks happen everyday, but we don't mess with someones lunch or their vehicle.

 

I was thinking the same thing. When I was working for Baker Hughes a few years back some of the younger guys were pranking each other, screwing with each others vehicles. It started off harmless untilsomeone ran a line of engine building grease along the top of someone's wiper blades. The guy had his kids in the car when he turned on the wipers and almost wrecked because of the grease smudge. It kept up for a while after that with vehicles getting damaged. I had my Mustang at the time and told them if they even thought about messing with it their day would not end well. I like to have fun as much as the next guy, but keep personal property out of it.