I have an 05 F150 with factory remote keyless entry, but no buttons on the door handle. I know I can buy a kit from the dealer that is a stick-on, but these are ugly. I want to add the door handle with the buttons built in. I took my panel off yesterday and found that there is a wire-harness for the button pad. So it appears to me that all I need to do is install a door handle with the buttons.

That will take care of the obvious parts, next question is: has anybody done this ? will I need to make a trip to the dealer for a GEM update ?

 

It seems like you could just use a simple glue on push button, and wire it to the existing wires?

 

the dealer ad-on is a ugly self-adhesive wireless unit that operates on the same principle as a key fob. What I am looking to do is the same as a factory installed, light-up buttons in the door handle. The plug is in the door, I have a handle with buttons. I want to know if this will be worth my effort to swap the pieces and most importantly, will it (or can it be made to) work when I am done.

 

I'm sure it's going to be more than just swapping handles. I suspect a pcm flash or more will be needed