Ford E-Series
InstallationTips
RESOURCES:
Begin by watching the general installation video and any supporting videos and reviewing photos of prior installations. Then, follow the installation guide with the steps outlined. If you are not confident performing the installation or are unfamiliar with locating or connecting wires, we highly recommend hiring a professional.
REAR DOORS:
The lock should be installed inside the rear “passenger-side” door, and the bolt should strike the opposing door. A raised strike bracket is NOT required on the rear door.
When routing wires outside a door, they should be routed through a door factory boot to protect the wires. If your van still needs the factory boot, we highly recommend purchasing one from the manufacturer. At the very least, you can use a high-quality thick gauge loom to protect the wires.
SIDE DOORS:
When installing a deadbolt lock in a side sliding door, it gets installed on the side towards the rear of the van, and the bolt strikes into the rear C pillar. If you plan to operate your Thunderbolts from your factory remote, connect the wires to the factory lock wires. If you use an M2 model lock, install the provided contact switch to bring power into the door.
CAB DOORS:
Cab door locks get installed inside the door, and the deadbolt engages into the mating pillar. Some doors may have a wider gap to span, whereas the deadbolt needs to get extended out further. We also offer accessories to span wider gaps, such as the 4” long bolt and the raised strike plate bracket accessory.
Ensure that no part of the lock interferes with the window rolling down.
NOTE: When operating the locks from the factory key fob, the M1+ locks with built-in lock inhibitors should be used where a passenger may be riding to prevent the lock from engaging while the van is driving for safety. If the Thunderbolt M2 locks are used, the locks should not be engaged while driving. Only engage the Thunderbolt locks while the van is not occupied.
VIDEOS & PHOTOS
NOTE: A few vulnerable vans are the Ram ProMaster which allows the van’s locks to unlock when the handle is pulled, and both the ChevyExpress and Ford Econoline when the unlock button is pressed. These are vans that we recommend should use the Thunderbolt Remote Control Kit.