What is the red LED in the 2010 Ford Escape steering column for?

I just got a 2010 Ford escape and there is a little LED near the hazard switch in the steering column that keeps blinking red but I can't find anywhere in the manual what it indicates. My friend has an identical Escape but his does not blink. Anyone knows?What is the red LED in the 2010 Ford Escape steering column for?It's the PATS (Passive Anti Theft System) indicater light. See page 107-8-9 of your owners manual.

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Anti-theft indicator

The anti-theft indicator is located in the instrument panel cluster.

鈥?When the ignition is in the off

position, the indicator will flash

once every two seconds to

indicate the SecuriLock system

is functioning as a theft

deterrent.

鈥?When the ignition is in the on position, the indicator will glow for

three seconds to indicate normal system functionality.

If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock system, the indicator will flash

rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the on position. If this

occurs, turn the ignition off then back to on to make sure there was no

electronic interference with the programmed key. If the vehicle doesn鈥檛

start, try to start it with the 2nd programmed key and if successful

contact your authorized dealership for key replacement. If the indicator

still flashes rapidly or glows steadily, the vehicle will not start, contact

your authorized dealer as soon as possible for service.

Automatic arming

The vehicle is armed immediately after switching the ignition to the off

position.

The theft indicator will flash every

two seconds to act as a theft

deterrent when the vehicle is

armed.

Automatic disarming

The vehicle is disarmed immediately after the ignition is turned to the on

position.

The theft indicator will illuminate for three seconds and then go out. If

the theft indicator stays on for an extended period of time or flashes

rapidly, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Replacement Integrated Keyhead Transmitters (IKT) and coded

keys

Note: Your vehicle comes equipped with two Integrated Keyhead

Transmitters (IKTs). The IKT functions as both a programmed ignition

key that operates all the locks and starts the vehicle, as well as a remote

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I hope this helpsWhat is the red LED in the 2010 Ford Escape steering column for?I think you will find that this is part of the anti theft device fitted to your car. Ps they do narmally blink