Remote start for my 03 EX?
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8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: Mathews County Va.
Remote start for my 03 EX?
I want to put in a remote start in my EX and I'm looking for recommendations. Preferably one that I won't need two key fobs for.
Last edited by firefight757; Dec 18, 2016 at 09:22 PM. Reason: Spelling
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
I went with a basic Compustar RSG6-AL which is a one-way remote start unit that is good for about 1000 feet. The nice thing about this unit is the control module is expandable if you want to add things like security or smartphone down the road. The unit cost me $300 installed at Best Buy. I have since added the smartphone control (Drone Mobile DR-3400) which was $99 installed. It is really great being able to start my truck from anywhere I have cellular signal. I drive in a carpool and I can now start my truck about 10 minutes before we get back so it's nice and warm for when I get in. The app that runs it also can lock/unlock doors, show battery voltage and interior temp of the truck. So far I am very happy with this setup and Best Buy has done excellent work with a lifetime warranty at any Best Buy location to boot. Good luck with whichever way you go.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: South Texas/RGV
I've had the Viper system for several years.
Good: Integrated well with the stock Ford system. 2 Way system already paid for itself when truck was broken into as I could not hear the alarm from where it was parked. You can lock and alarm the vehicle with the engine running. Very handy if you have a pet and want to leave it in the vehicle while you run into a store. System kills the engine if someone tries to drive it with the engine running in the remote start mode.
Bad: Only the color screen model has a menu to access all of the extra features, but color screen model's button design is horrible. If you breathe on them wrong they will trigger. Forget trying to carry it in your pocket. Also it can be very hard to read in sunlight. The monochrome screen is a better design visually and button-wise but you have to memorize which of the myriad key combinations you need to use for anything other than locking or unlocking.
Note that it looks like the smartphone module solves all of the above problems.
Good: Integrated well with the stock Ford system. 2 Way system already paid for itself when truck was broken into as I could not hear the alarm from where it was parked. You can lock and alarm the vehicle with the engine running. Very handy if you have a pet and want to leave it in the vehicle while you run into a store. System kills the engine if someone tries to drive it with the engine running in the remote start mode.
Bad: Only the color screen model has a menu to access all of the extra features, but color screen model's button design is horrible. If you breathe on them wrong they will trigger. Forget trying to carry it in your pocket. Also it can be very hard to read in sunlight. The monochrome screen is a better design visually and button-wise but you have to memorize which of the myriad key combinations you need to use for anything other than locking or unlocking.
Note that it looks like the smartphone module solves all of the above problems.
New User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Ive had the viper systems for several years as well and love the remote start. I have the 6.0 and it works wonders. The two way paging and integration with locks is great as well. My only gripe is some of the truck systems don't run until the ignition is turned into the on position, like my air suspension. Just keep that in mind but otherwise, its a great system.
Wiser by FTE
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 48
The original owner had b b installed a viper 2 way remote in 2005 and ive only had it in for free adjustment one time. Broke one and reprogramming new($100) remote was easy. My vans have the Compustar one-way remote start units in 2 of my vans for 2 & 3 years with no problems. I'm sure the viper cost more, the compustar remote is more durable.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Ithaca
Ive had the Compustar for 3-4 years now. Local HiFi place installed it. Works great just had to get a new controller $25 cause the pin that held the key ring came off no way to fix. The new ones are better design. I recommend this one.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
My used '04 came with a Clifford 4806X installed. It works great. Starts from a pretty long distance off. Has lock/unlock/start and auxiliary buttons. Valet mode, and you can even set it to automatically start to maintain internal temperature of the vehicle (but I haven't used this function).
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
I've got a viper 2-way on my Ex but I just put a new to market system on my F-150.
This system has the best range of any system on the market. I have not found a place I can't start it from including last night in the back of the emergency room at the hospital with the truck parked a long ways from the building it fired right up.
model: HC3452AF
iDatastart - The Art Of Start - Products
I think retail on the 1-mile 2-way is like $600 installed, I have a friend in the business and he took care of me. I can't say enough good things about this system!
This system has the best range of any system on the market. I have not found a place I can't start it from including last night in the back of the emergency room at the hospital with the truck parked a long ways from the building it fired right up.
model: HC3452AF
iDatastart - The Art Of Start - Products
I think retail on the 1-mile 2-way is like $600 installed, I have a friend in the business and he took care of me. I can't say enough good things about this system!
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
I have the astrostart 2 way in my truck. It has been great so far. The remote has a rechargeable battery and has many diesel features. Only problem I've had was I lost a remote and had to track down a dealer to get a replacement. I think the most important part is to get a two way system.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 644
Likes: 29
From: Toronto, Canada
Ive had the viper systems for several years as well and love the remote start. I have the 6.0 and it works wonders. The two way paging and integration with locks is great as well. My only gripe is some of the truck systems don't run until the ignition is turned into the on position, like my air suspension. Just keep that in mind but otherwise, its a great system.
Most decent alarms in the last decade or longer will have a way to power up multiple auxiliary outputs.
A few of the guys with airbags I've seen set their alarms up that you can raise or dump the air with the push of a button.
Depending on the model of your alarm you might be able to get an installer to wire it up so it works for you without the ignition in the ON position.
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