I have a 2013 Ford F150 and I am thinking of adding a remote start. What is the best brand? How does the remote start interact with the factory key? Is there any way to incorporate the remote start button into the factory key? Can you give me an estimate of the cost for the unit and install?<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

 

I have Compustar remote/alarm. It has an lcd screen that pages me back to tell my truck has started, I don't think it has ever not started for me, has a 5000 ft range or so. Can't link it to your factory key as far as I know. Just the remote start without the alarm is much cheaper, I paid 600$ for the remote/alarm-installed

 

I installed the Ford 2 way remote start. Very, very simple to do, although you still may end up running back to the dealer for them to program the truck to know that remote has been installed. The 2 way with alarm system was about 375 Canadian at fuller dealer pricing. It took about 30 minutes to install.

The factory remote start is very, very smart.... turns on heat/ac depending on temperature, including seats; leaves the radio off. Once you put the key in, everything returns to how you last left it. Perfect.

The two way remote can not be integrated into the key. I know that you can get a one way remote from Ford as well; I believe it can be integrated onto a key.

I prefer the 2 way start so that I know that the truck started, and it has much greater range as well.

 

I have the factory one-way remote the came with mine. Works very well. Ac/heater comes on, defroster, seats and it can be set for 5,10,15, or unlimited time limits. The 2 way would be nice but I really have no need for it as I dont start my truck without being able to see it. Usually in the mornings from inside the house or right about time to leave work. Its parked right outside my office. Ill start it when walking out of the grocery store or the mall if I can see it. I have exhaust so thats my 2 way communication. If I can hear it then I know it started.

Basically if you dont need the 2 way. Go with the factory 1 way, its just as good and has a very good range to. I have started it from up in the stands at a high school stadium from about 400 feet away and 30 feet up. But I could see it in the parking lot.

 

I think the factory remote start will work for me. I will use the remote start mainly for cold mornings to defrost the windows. My truck and my wife's Suburban will not both fit in the garage and it appears she may win the battle between who's vehicle sits outside. My truck is in a parking garage all day at work, so I will just need it in the mornings and I will be able to see if the truck starts from inside the house. I like having everything incorporated into the key as well. I guess we will then have 4 keys for the truck, two with remote start and two without? It looks like the dealer cost is around $225. Any idea on how much it costs to get it installed?

 

the ford one way start gives you a key dongle like the 04-08's had for command start. hooks right in the system and you do get an antenna up near the rear view mirror put in.

 

i just had the compustar one button remote start installed, cost me 279..nice small remote, one button simple..start/stop..happy with it so far

 

I want the remote start too...for me it is not about the cold days really...it is all about oil circulation before I drive away. Having the remote start would be a great little gadget! (Especially on those HOT days!!)

 

Yeah, it was nice, for the three hot days we had this year, getting much more use to clear window frost.

 

Oh sorry to hear that! Maybe you need to move to a better climate! I know I will really love the remote start feature, and my wife will love having her seat all warmed up.