Notices
2009 - 2014 F150 Discuss the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Ford F150
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Remote Start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 13, 2011 | 07:59 PM
  #1  
Aavoxx's Avatar
Aavoxx
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Remote Start

I'm thinking about buying a Viper SmartStart setup for my F-150, but I'm loathe to let any of the certified Viper dealers around here to touch my truck based on reputation.

So, keeping in mind that I'm not experienced working on my own vehicles, how hard are these things to install?
 
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2011 | 09:30 PM
  #2  
jjoyce11's Avatar
jjoyce11
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: CO
It depends on who you talk to. Some say not that hard, if you know what your doing but you gotta know what your doing because of the wires and such. I looked into last winter for my truck and was turned away because of the price. I then asked myself the same question, can I install it? I could if I really wanted to but the more I looked into it the more I didn't want to deal with the hassle of it all. I talked with some guys on here who had installed it themselves and they had some errors such as the windshield wipers got programmed or cross wired so it took them some time and fiddling around to get it all worked out. I would say if you have the patients and time to do it right then go for it. Definitely do the research of what you will need and how to do it before hand. It may just be easier to have someone else do it. There are many places out here in CO that install. Do some research. Car toys, best buy, quality auto sound, Sears...and the list goes on. Good luck! !!
 
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2011 | 09:36 PM
  #3  
Aavoxx's Avatar
Aavoxx
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jjoyce11
It depends on who you talk to. Some say not that hard, if you know what your doing but you gotta know what your doing because of the wires and such. I looked into last winter for my truck and was turned away because of the price. I then asked myself the same question, can I install it? I could if I really wanted to but the more I looked into it the more I didn't want to deal with the hassle of it all. I talked with some guys on here who had installed it themselves and they had some errors such as the windshield wipers got programmed or cross wired so it took them some time and fiddling around to get it all worked out. I would say if you have the patients and time to do it right then go for it. Definitely do the research of what you will need and how to do it before hand. It may just be easier to have someone else do it. There are many places out here in CO that install. Do some research. Car toys, best buy, quality auto sound, Sears...and the list goes on. Good luck! !!
We have a couple of Best Buy's in town, but I work in IT and as such have a pretty low opinion of their "Geek Squad" people. If they hire people like to represent them in that field, to me it's a pretty safe assumption that bleeds over into the other things they do.

I may give it a shot myself just to see how it goes if it's just wiring.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2011 | 05:43 AM
  #4  
jjoyce11's Avatar
jjoyce11
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: CO
Like I said, look around and do your research first. I'm sure there are many other places that can install them as well or just try it yourself and if it fails then take it somewhere. The "stealership" would be more than happy to do it was well and for a pretty penny. If you look under my page there is a post I put up about a year ago with some tips and advice on which company and remote to buy. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2011 | 05:57 AM
  #5  
tseekins's Avatar
tseekins
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,031
Likes: 1,521
From: Maine, Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Aavoxx
We have a couple of Best Buy's in town, but I work in IT and as such have a pretty low opinion of their "Geek Squad" people. If they hire people like to represent them in that field, to me it's a pretty safe assumption that bleeds over into the other things they do.

I may give it a shot myself just to see how it goes if it's just wiring.

As far as I'm concerned, these places are all hiring the same kind of folks. The point is, as long as you go to a place that guaranties then I think you'll be fine. I've had car stereos installed but best Buy with no issues what so ever.

My sister had a remote start installed by Circuit City as they were going under and she's had no issues.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2011 | 08:56 AM
  #6  
Patriot Guard's Avatar
Patriot Guard
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I just had a Viper 5301 installed at BestBuy yesterday. They did a very basic install and had it finished in 2 hours. Now that I have the manual in hand, I'm glad I had it done. Every year, make, and model of vehicle has different color codes for wiring. I could have probably installed it myself, but it would have been a real pain tracking down the different wires.

One word of advice. Be clear about what's covered in the basic install. Hooking up the horn, factory alarm, and any other auxiliary options is extra.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bigb56
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
46
Mar 20, 2019 06:49 AM
Drew1295
2009 - 2014 F150
6
Jan 8, 2016 01:03 PM
deeve
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
4
Oct 20, 2008 01:08 PM
'94Nichols
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
12
Apr 13, 2008 12:19 PM
mowpar
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
7
Nov 22, 2007 05:20 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:34 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE