Recommendations for remote start/alarm/keyless entry?
I am thinking about getting an alarm, remote start, and keyless entry for my 04 F-350. Any suggestions as to what brand? I plan on having an installer do the work. Price ranges? Any product I should stay away from?
I have a Clifford Matrix, and like it fine. Most of the better brands [Viper, Avital, and Clifford] are made by a company called Directed Electronics Inc. The difference between the brands are mainly functions and features, so feel confident going with any of their products. Your most important choice will be your installer! Here is a link to DEI's web site, spend a little while going through it and you should be all set.
I bought and installed one from www.autoloc.com. It was pretty good, except the siren froze and cracked in the cold NE winter. Maybe water got in it? The alarm itself was pretty good and withstood off road vibration pretty well.
I agree with PW01........I have the Python Alarm with remote start for my 04 F-150, and I love it. DEI makes the remote start for Viper, Python, and Clifford. They are exactly the same with the exception of the casing.
The feature I like about the model I got is the LCD that hangs on the key fob. It lets you know what zone has violated and it will let you know when your vehicle is running when you do start your vehicle with remote start.
I paid about $600 for the alarm with install. I had to buy a module for the key because the newer vehicles senses the key in the ignition, so this module tricks the truck in thinking it's there. The alarm is normally around $500 with install.
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2004 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew
Medium Wedgewood Blue
4x2 3:55 LS
Vehicle born on 14 April 2004
I had a Viper 2-way installed and really like it. The remote is a bit large for the pocket, but being able to look at the remote to see if my doors are locked, or if the motor is running is a neat feature. It is expensive though, $700-$800. You can add features like window control, but the cost goes up rapidly. I have had DEI products in my last three vehicles and was always satisfied.
While at a local garage I was speaking with a mechanic/installer. He was installing a remote starter and possiblt alarm in an 04 King Ranch. He said the equipment is made by CODE for Ford (it even had the blue oval on it). He said the wiring was pretty simple since it was made to be in there. Just me 2 cents.
Yes, Ford has an autostart module that will work with the existing system. I found it on their web site a while back. It is very basic and works with your existing remote by pressing the lock button twice. My local dealer quoted $450 to install. I had the extra bucks though and prefered the Viper system.
I was thinking of the Commando alarm. 170.00 for the fm unit and a few more bucks for the glow plug time delay. I was going to install it my self. If it takes all day I know that it was not thrown in and my wires were not tugged on, and the insulation probed all over the place Does any one have any experience with this unit good or bad?
Are there installation manuals online anywhere? I'd like to get some idea how involved all this is to decide whether to have it installed or tackle it myself.
"Are there installation manuals online anywhere? I'd like to get some idea how involved all this is to decide whether to have it installed or tackle it myself."
I am going through the same decision process. Clarion-UNGO, Code Alarm and Crime Stopper all have installation manuals on-line. It doesn't look too complex to install but it would probably be beneficial to have the vehicle manufacturer's wiring diagrams to help locate wires.
A couple of installers that I spoke with said that an experienced installer can put in a unit with the basic shock-sensor and remote start in two to three hours. This also will depend on how meticulous their installation is. In looking under the instrument panel at some installations it appeared that a chimpanzee did the work.
I just went into Roanoke, VA (closest city of any size) and got 3 estimates. They ranged from $399 to $650, installed. These were the Viper units from Directed Electronics at audio stores. Everyone thinks all new vehicles have the coded keys, but my XLT does not. One of the dealers I went to I wouldn't even let touch my truck. The sales staff was shabby looking as was the facility. The other two were very professional in their approach and I would consider letting either one of them do the work. Oddly enough, one of these was the lowest priced. One the finance department buys off on the purchase, I think I'll have them install it. My back isn't as limber as it used to be when I would dive under the dash of MG's. Shop around, it pays.
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