For those of you who have them what brand did you go with? Did you install it, and if so, how easy/hard was it and are you happy with it?


Thanks,


Q.

 

Why go aftermarket? The Ford ones are plug and play (30 minutes to install yourself) and integrate nicely with the unit (i.e. remote start triggers HVAC, leaves radio off, lights off).

 

Viper works better than factory. Far more range, and consistently works better from my experience. Only downfall is you won't be able to configure the hvac system to it. Let a pro do the install.

 

The Ford 2 way remote has pretty good range and is reliable. The 1 way system leaves much to be desired.

 

I just bought a Viper 1 way kit. Not yet installed. I also have heard from some people who don't like the Ford kits because of their poor range. The Vipers are good out to 2000' under perfect conditions.

 

I've never understood people caring about range on a 1 way. If you don't know if it started or not,long range doesn't matter. Range on a 2 way makes perfect sense.

Having said that, Viper is supposed to be pretty decent.

 

I guess I must be behind the times. I didn't know Ford offered factory remote start for the F-150.

I'm not sure i know what you mean by configure the HVAC?

What's the difference between 1 way and 2 way?

 

I went with a VIPER 2 way on my truck. As long as I leave the controls set for heat, or a/c, or defrost, the night before, the system starts and the controls work.

The 2 way system that I have has some lights on the left side of the fob, that blinks when start the truck. It just lets you know that the unit worked.

 

The factory remote start automatically turns on the heated/cooled seats, front & rear defrost or A/C.

 

1 way vs 2 way - a 2 way system sends confirmation that the engine started to the fob and the fob beeps/flashes etc so you know the engine started.

HVAC configuration - If it's cold, turns on heat, defroster and heated seats. If it's hot out, turns on AC and cooled seats.

Ford offers 2 plug and play kits that I know of. A 1way kit and a 2way kit. They are designed to be installed after the fact and just plug into existing wiring junctions behind the glove box; no wire cutting or splicing required. You may (and it depends on how the vehicle was programmed at the factory) have to have a ford tech "tell" the vehicle that the remote starter is installed. In 3 vehicles I've put it in, one was ready to go and the other two had to go to my dealer for a 3 minute update (one dealer did it for free, the other lost a customer for life...).

 

Awesome, those were the answers I was looking for. Do you remember how much you paid from the dealer by chance?

 

Here's the one I have and it works great.

REMOTE START SYSTEM - 200 SERIES PLUG-N-PLAY | Genuine Ford | BB5Z-19G364-C


Also here is a great thread with tons more information.

Remote Start 200 Series Plug and Play - Page 5 - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

 

About 350 Canadian... you can get online for quite a bit less in the USA

 

If mine did not come with the factory remote start i would have put a Viper on it like i have on my other trucks. Range sucks on the stock one though, I'm planning on adding the 2-way kit to it...still won't match the mile range of my Vipers.

 

Mine didn't come with the factory one way either. Its really simple.
1. Buy kit from the link I posted.
2. Install kit. Takes 30 minutes.
3. Bring it to a Ford dealer who will use IDS to activate it in trucks computer. $50 is what my dealer charged.
4. Enjoy