Mysterious “intruder” captured

[Tangible]

My MME started beeping and sent intruder alert messages to our phones yesterday while parked in front of a house we were visiting. I ran out to the car and found nothing amiss.

This morning I saw my EZ-Pass transponder lying on the floor of the car. The adhesive on the Velcro pads that hold it to the windshield had failed. Apparently, as it fell it triggered the motion sensors in the MME, generating the false alarm. Elementary, my dear Watson.

Last week in Boston we had mid-90s temperatures with bright sun, probably heating the windshield to well over 100°. The transponder is (was) mounted on the black-dotted area to the right of the rear view mirror. I’m wondering if that painted surface offers less adhesion than clear glass, and in combination with the heat caused the adhesive to fail. I also wonder if the intruder sensor could be programmed to ignore small objects. My home security system, for example, let’s pets move around the house without getting all panicky about it.

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[WWJPD]

I had the same thing happen with a Velcro visor thing last night. The car was fine.

 

[Mach-Lee]

The transponder is (was) mounted on the black-dotted area to the right of the rear view mirror. I’m wondering if that painted surface offers less adhesion than clear glass, and in combination with the heat caused the adhesive to fail. I also wonder if the intruder sensor could be programmed to ignore small objects. My home security system, for example, let’s pets move around the house without getting all panicky about it.

No, it will stick just as good as glass if you do the surface prep right. Both surfaces should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe and dried before sticking. If you get your finger oils on the surfaces or tape it will fall off. Use 3M VHB tape only, handled by edges. Press and hold firmly for 60+ seconds (use a timer) while in the shade and when the temp is below 75ºF. Allow to sit below 75F for 24-48 hours before parking it in the sun so the adhesive cures. So do it in your garage and leave it parked for a day.

You can tape over the ultrasonic motion sensors if you want to permanently disable them. There are 3 of them behind the grille slots in the white overhead console.

 

[SWO]

My MME started beeping and sent intruder alert messages to our phones yesterday while parked in front of a house we were visiting. I ran out to the car and found nothing amiss.

This morning I saw my EZ-Pass transponder lying on the floor of the car. The adhesive on the Velcro pads that hold it to the windshield had failed. Apparently, as it fell it triggered the motion sensors in the MME, generating the false alarm. Elementary, my dear Watson.

Last week in Boston we had mid-90s temperatures with bright sun, probably heating the windshield to well over 100°. The transponder is (was) mounted on the black-dotted area to the right of the rear view mirror. I’m wondering if that painted surface offers less adhesion than clear glass, and in combination with the heat caused the adhesive to fail. I also wonder if the intruder sensor could be programmed to ignore small objects. My home security system, for example, let’s pets move around the house without getting all panicky about it.

Same thing happened to my F150. Wasn't home at the time so I freaked out. Got home, opened the door and saw it laying in my center console.

 

[Tangible]

Use 3M VHB tape only

Thanks for the advice. I’ve heard that while VHB holds very securely, it’s also very difficult to remove intentionally should that ever be needed. I’ve been using the material supplied by Mass RMV for many years and never had this problem. Though I called it Velcro it’s not really a hook-and-loop fabric; its stiffer and
sort of clicks together. But whatever I choose I will do the alcohol surface prep, after using Goo Gone to remove the old residue.

 

[RickMachE]

I also wonder if the intruder sensor could be programmed to ignore small objects. My home security system, for example, let’s pets move around the house without getting all panicky about it.

Unlikely, since no Ford has that.

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