Alarms n Stuff...
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
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Alarms n Stuff...
So my EX apparently has a Clifford alarm installed. I have an indicator led on the dash that says Clifford, there is a Clifford antenna in the top left of the windshield and there's a bunch of wires tapped under the dash (driver side). I haven't yet followed the wires to find the control module to figure out what model it is and I never got any remotes with the truck - I just bought OEM style remotes and programmed them.
I have stickers on the door jams with a code - probably can order a new remote based on that.
Are these alarm systems worth ordering a set of remotes for or should I just forget that it is there?
I have stickers on the door jams with a code - probably can order a new remote based on that.
Are these alarm systems worth ordering a set of remotes for or should I just forget that it is there?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 11
From: freeland, mi
It could be an alarm remote start combo, so for me it would be worth it to get the remote start. Not so much for the alarm but then again my closest neighbors are 1/2 mile away so not real worried about theft out here.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,245
Likes: 758
From: Houston, Texas
It would be worth finding the brain and seeing what you have for several reasons.
-You want to make sure it's installed properly. Poor soldering jobs and butt-connectors and cause these things to malfunction and leave you with a truck that won't start.
-It's a nice to have feature in case some low-life decides he wants something he doesn't want to work for in your truck. You could have a two way pager that will notify you in case someone decides they want to meet Mr.Smith and Wesson.
If you have one nearby, Cartoys does a good job of installing and even reverse engineering how someone installed an alarm.
-You want to make sure it's installed properly. Poor soldering jobs and butt-connectors and cause these things to malfunction and leave you with a truck that won't start.
-It's a nice to have feature in case some low-life decides he wants something he doesn't want to work for in your truck. You could have a two way pager that will notify you in case someone decides they want to meet Mr.Smith and Wesson.
If you have one nearby, Cartoys does a good job of installing and even reverse engineering how someone installed an alarm.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
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I need to troubleshoot a P1910 this weekend anyway so I'll get in there and find it. Should be just a matter of following the ribbon cable.
The P1910 is reverse light circuit open. The cab was recently off for the engine rebuild so I think it is either a harness connector or earth somewhere. Everything works correctly expect for the reverse lights and parking aid sensors. I need to give the shop a break because they did an amazing job. I'll go back if I can't trace it to something easy.
The P1910 is reverse light circuit open. The cab was recently off for the engine rebuild so I think it is either a harness connector or earth somewhere. Everything works correctly expect for the reverse lights and parking aid sensors. I need to give the shop a break because they did an amazing job. I'll go back if I can't trace it to something easy.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 423
Likes: 2
From: Cypress TX
Honestly, nothing good ever came from an aftermarket alarm. Usually the install jobs are so poor that you end up with problems down the road. I would remove it if it were my car. Heck, at least trace the wires and check the quality of the connections.
I see that Toreador recommends Cartoys... they've been hit or miss for me, though it's been at least 15 years since I've dealt with them. You can call Clifford at 1-800-274-0200 and find an authorized retailer/installer in your area and have them give it a once-over if you're curious.
I see that Toreador recommends Cartoys... they've been hit or miss for me, though it's been at least 15 years since I've dealt with them. You can call Clifford at 1-800-274-0200 and find an authorized retailer/installer in your area and have them give it a once-over if you're curious.
Bleed Ford Blue
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,578
Likes: 157
From: Anchorage Alaska
Viper unit on my truck two way installed by a great installer. Still working great 8 years later!
I have a remote start on everything I own.
I have a remote start on everything I own.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
i havent had my excursion long, but i do have cars that ive owned for 20+ years with the same alarm. nice since they feature a turbo timer and i can walk away from the car and let it cool the turbo down without me sitting there. plus the car is locked and wont drive away if someone tries to steal it
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 5,277
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From: Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Where are you located? (Roughly...cold weather?)
I have Clifford/Viper in my Ex. Remote start is great. I also have BitWriter to make changes.
Selectable delay for glowplugs that I change in cold weather and warm weather.
Not the easiest to program remotes, can be picky.
Worth it if you can get it figured out. The code on your door might be for the door keypad, give it a shot
I have Clifford/Viper in my Ex. Remote start is great. I also have BitWriter to make changes.
Selectable delay for glowplugs that I change in cold weather and warm weather.
Not the easiest to program remotes, can be picky.
Worth it if you can get it figured out. The code on your door might be for the door keypad, give it a shot
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 643
Likes: 28
From: Toronto, Canada
Long before factory alarm systems were an option on cars aftermarket was the only way to get an alarm.
Factory alarms for the most part are pathetic they have very limited input sensors and basically it's keyless entry that will honk a horn if someone opens your door.
Aftermarket alarms have much better everything, EVERYTHING.
Glass break sensors, proximity sensors, turbo timers, my 15 year old Compustar alarm gives me the option to set a temperature I want to keep in my car and it will maintain that for me.
Another reason factory alarms such is they're all basically the same. The thieves figure out how to bypass one, and every single car with that alarm is compromised as well.
Having said that...
I 100% agree with the second part of your statement.
I think if you might have had a bad experience(s) with a poorly installed alarm, you'll think that factory is better since most of the time it just works.
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Well I traced all the wiring and found the brain - It's an older system (Clifford Matrix RS2). The valet switch does nothing, so traced power input and I found that the main constant power has been disconnected and the zone 1 hood sensor has been unplugged and that harness was just coiled up near the siren. So no power is flowing through the unit, but everything is all wired up correctly as far as I can tell.
Everything in the truck works properly with OEM key fob so the remote start/alarm system is not interfering with anything as far as I can tell.
I think that the previous owner either lost or broke the old alarm transmitter(s) and rather than ordering new ones before they sold it, they just disconnected the system power. I will re-wire the main power and hood sensor this weekend and if I can get it into learning mode with the valet switch, I'll order up a new pair of transmitters.
Everything in the truck works properly with OEM key fob so the remote start/alarm system is not interfering with anything as far as I can tell.
I think that the previous owner either lost or broke the old alarm transmitter(s) and rather than ordering new ones before they sold it, they just disconnected the system power. I will re-wire the main power and hood sensor this weekend and if I can get it into learning mode with the valet switch, I'll order up a new pair of transmitters.
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