Installing Remote Keyless Entry
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2017
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From: Akron OH
Installing Remote Keyless Entry
My locks are all ready starting to freeze so I want to add keyless entry. Mt truck is a 1995 f250 XLT and I do not have the RKE module on my truck. I've researching this and can't find the answer, so can I go to the junk yard and take the model off another truck and plug it all into my truck. Or does it require a lot of cutting and splicing to install a factory ford system.
If it does require a lot of work, then would I bet better off with trying to install a after market system or would that be the same amount of work. I'm no professional so I would like to go with the simplest and most reliable route. Let me know your experiences.
If it does require a lot of work, then would I bet better off with trying to install a after market system or would that be the same amount of work. I'm no professional so I would like to go with the simplest and most reliable route. Let me know your experiences.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
A Ford RKE module needs the wiring harness it's attached to to work properly. Your old harness can have the RKE elements spliced in, but it is a thousand times easier to just use the RKE harness.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
The hard part of putting aftemarket keyless in there trucks is getting to the harness in the kick panel.
I put remote start in mine but gave up on the keyless part. These trucks have this big aluminum casting that covers over the kick panel area and you can hardly get to the wiring harness to cut into and hook up.
I've heard some guys go into the rubber boot that holds the wires going to the door. I don't want to do it that way. My '89 was no problem. My '95 is completely different under there.
I've heard the horror of trying to add the factory harness.
I put remote start in mine but gave up on the keyless part. These trucks have this big aluminum casting that covers over the kick panel area and you can hardly get to the wiring harness to cut into and hook up.
I've heard some guys go into the rubber boot that holds the wires going to the door. I don't want to do it that way. My '89 was no problem. My '95 is completely different under there.
I've heard the horror of trying to add the factory harness.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 633
Likes: 42
I highly recommend going with an aftermarket product. If you time it right, like holidays or Father's Day sales you can a good deal with free installation. Let a local radio/alarm shop install it. I found a basic alarm with keyless remote for $89 and it came with free installation. And while I didn't feel I needed the alarm, it got me a discount on the insurance.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh
I'm going to be adding an aftermarket RKE system on my 1995 F150. I hate using the key to lock and unlock the door, plus I get nervous with keys around my new paint. The Bulldog Brand System on Amazon has decent reviews and a couple people claim to have installed it on OBS trucks. It's inexpensive too.
https://www.amazon.com/Bulldog-KE1702-Vehicle-Keyless-System/dp/B000CS9Q6E
https://www.amazon.com/Bulldog-KE1702-Vehicle-Keyless-System/dp/B000CS9Q6E
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Hotshot
Joined: Sep 2001
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I'd also recommend an aftermarket keyless entry or simple alarm etc. Also, our trucks have reverse polarity door locks. Depending on the model you go with, you may need relays to drive the door locks.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I've used Bulldog on all my vehicles, 95 Escort, 95 F150, 89 F150, 95 F150. I've like the quality.
If you are going to get a kit, you might as well get the remote start also. That is the reason I bought them for my vehicles. The door lock was an added bonus. Though the kits are a bit more expensive.
If you are going to get a kit, you might as well get the remote start also. That is the reason I bought them for my vehicles. The door lock was an added bonus. Though the kits are a bit more expensive.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 258
The hard part of putting aftemarket keyless in there trucks is getting to the harness in the kick panel.
I put remote start in mine but gave up on the keyless part. These trucks have this big aluminum casting that covers over the kick panel area and you can hardly get to the wiring harness to cut into and hook up.
I've heard some guys go into the rubber boot that holds the wires going to the door. I don't want to do it that way. My '89 was no problem. My '95 is completely different under there.
I've heard the horror of trying to add the factory harness.
I put remote start in mine but gave up on the keyless part. These trucks have this big aluminum casting that covers over the kick panel area and you can hardly get to the wiring harness to cut into and hook up.
I've heard some guys go into the rubber boot that holds the wires going to the door. I don't want to do it that way. My '89 was no problem. My '95 is completely different under there.
I've heard the horror of trying to add the factory harness.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Dang, who wooda thunk to use that side? Thanks for the tip!!
Guess maybe I'll get the locks hooked up now?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2017
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From: Akron OH
Well I don't really want to get a complete wiring harness from the junkyard and then completely tear apart the dash to install so I think I'm gonna try that Bulldog kit. So is there a write up to installing this exact aftermarket kit (or similar aftermarket kit) or is very simple to do with instructions in the kit. I have no idea so let me know.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
The kit has basic instructions showing the wiring for the kit itself. You have to get online to their site and check your vehicle for color codes to find out what to attach to. Not a big deal.
http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/bdnew...gdiagrams.aspx
If you are handy with electrics, you can have it working in an afternoon.
http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/bdnew...gdiagrams.aspx
If you are handy with electrics, you can have it working in an afternoon.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20,362
Likes: 823
From: Mi'kma'ki
If you want the parking light confirmation (the lights to flicker when you lock/unlock.I did so with my trucks) then you'll need the additional relay and do a bit more work (though worth the effort) to fish a wire through the door and up to the light switch.