OK, I know, wrong forum, but I know I'll get responses here, and more importantly I'll get USEFUL responses.

I'm looking to get a remote start installed this week, as the cold looks like it's going to settle in.:-(

1- What are the best brands? What are the worst?

2- Can you install them yourself or is it more hassle than it's worth?

4- What are the key features to look for?

3- Most importantly - What is a reasonable range? The whole attraction of this thing for me is to be able to start my truck from the office. Is starting a truck almost 2 blocks away from an office on the 32nd floor completely unrealisitic? There are no obstructions in the way, I can see the truck clearly. If so, what's a reasonable range, 1 block? 100yds? I know they say up to 3000' with the real expensive ones, but do they work?

4- Are there any deals out there?

Thanks in advance folks,

Waxy

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Dec-02 AT 11:35 AM (EST)]Waxy,
Depends on your skill level, on the SD it doesn't get much easier!
If you can read color codes and know what they are, piece of cake! Don't want to insult you, I just don't know where you are with electronics! Anyway, as for the brand I use Bulldog Security, I have installed a lot of 'em and they are easy for me. As for one NOT to use Auto Command, tried one and, well does POS mean anything? There was a thread on these a few weeks ago, and a lot of folks talked about various types, Viper etc. As for me Bulldog http://bulldogsecurity.com. I installed one that is remote start and "GULP" door locks.. Mine works anywhere form on the bumper to about three hundred feet. It all depends on atmospheric conditions. Mine was about $50, there are ones that go for much more. My truck is usually about 200 - 300 feet away and I'm on the second floor of a steel building, starts most of the time!
If you decide to go with Bulldog and need help send me a PM.
Good luck......

 

What about existing power locks? I think Yeti had to change some solenoids? What is that about?

If the Bulldog system comes with one key fob controller, will my original controllers still unlock my doors or do the frequencies change?

Matt

2002, F250 SD, SC, 8' Bed, V10, 3.73 LS, Arizona Beige, ICI Stainless Step Bars, Truxedo Tonneau, Prodigy Brake Control, Flowmaster 40

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 04-Dec-02 AT 01:14 PM (EST)]On some cars you have to get a second relay system for the locks. I think it costs an extra $10, no more than that. My '96 F150 needed the relays and it was still a breeze to install, I think they went in the passenger kick panel. My '99 SD has after market door locks, no need for the relays.

>If the Bulldog system comes with one key fob controller, will my[br] >original controllers still unlock my doors or do the frequencies[br] >change?

Yes, your originals will not be effected. You can still use your original door lockl key fob to unlock the doors, it will NOT work with the bulldog starter though. Meaning your original will still work and the bulldog will work to, but your original will not start your truck.

Hope this answers your questions.....

 

I had the Viper remote start/ alarm ( dont remember the number though)installed on mine have had no problems yet I LOVE IT! really good range too!

 

now is that with power locks or factory keyless entry that you will need the extra relays?? Since I have a CC do I need 4 relays?? Or can it even unlock all 4 doors??

 

>now is that with power locks or factory keyless entry that
>you will need the extra relays?? Since I have a CC do I need
>4 relays?? Or can it even unlock all 4 doors??

I am not their factory rep! HeHehe ..... now I got that out of the way, you'de have to contact http://www.bulldogsecurity.com to find out. On my '96 F150 I just needed one relay pack for the two doors. I have never installed one on a four door. It should, however be able to do all four doors as they sell these things for cars too.
The way mine is set up now I hit the remote and both doors unlock, hit it again and both lock. That works fine for me as mine is a SC.

 

>What about existing power locks? I think Yeti had to change
>some solenoids? What is that about?
>


I had power locks, but not keyless entry (no fobs) so with the bull dog, I had to run the extra relays for the locks.
I guess New fords are "type c" locks, which is different from gm stuff. The relays , if I remember were $9 bucks and very easy to install.
My las BD quit so I just replaced it with the identical unit, and my range is way better than the old also the time it takes for locks to work is much faster than the old unit.
It is a very easy install, I would recomend the BG, but I don't run the alrm so i can't comment on that part.

 

I have the Astro Start Remote unit, no additional relays, but is was about $200 CAD installed. Got it as a Christmas present. Where I live, trucks have a nasty habit of disappearing from driveways, so I had them install the ignition deactivator as a security protection. additional $45 installed The truck will not start until you press a specific button the key fob. I also use Club on the steering wheel as a visual deterant. I friend had the same system on his truck, but no Club, the would be thief smashed his steering column and ignition before he figured out he couldn't get it going. Took more than a month to go through insurance etc to get it fixed. Would recommend this add on if available. The unit has great range, on clear days its more than 500 feet.

 

>I am not their factory rep! HeHehe ..... now I got that out
>of the way, you'de have to contact
>http://www.bulldogsecurity.com to find out. On my '96 F150 I
>just needed one relay pack for the two doors. I have never
>installed one on a four door. It should, however be able to
>do all four doors as they sell these things for cars too.
>The way mine is set up now I hit the remote and both doors
>unlock, hit it again and both lock. That works fine for me
>as mine is a SC.

I just dropped them an email. I also noticed if you have a trunk release button you can get other relays that will control power windows up or moon roofs.... I will post what I find out.

 

I looked into it yesterday.

I got quotes ranging from $350-$500 installed.

This includes:

One 5 button remote that also activates my power locks
1/4 mile range (I need the longest range I can get)
All the other gizmos and gadgets they throw in.

Brand names were Direct Start and Polar Start.

I had to argue with one guy about there being a security chip in the key. I know the truck doesn't have one but his "manual" said it does so he insisted on pricing it with the key override. Tell me I'm right on this one.

Another guy tried to tell me that Ford has a "two stage ignition" and requires some tricky wiring to maintain the proper operation of all the electronics and engine functions. Of course this "tricky wiring" will set me back to the tune of about $50. Anyone heard of this?

I can buy the Viper unit or the Polar Start unit for ~$170 CAN if I'm willing to install it myself. For a $200 that's the way I'm leaning. Is this a project that can be done in the driveway or is it a little more involved than that? I'm not afraid of the task at all just wondering what tools and time I'm gonna need. I'm a little short of both right now.

Thanks all,

Waxy

 

Waxy,I was not able to buy viper alarms down here in states,they were a dealer installed item only ,so I was told.

I find that interesting that you can!

The tricky wiring has to do with the powersaver mode these trucks use now ,alot of relays and delay shutoffs for lights! If they give you the wiring diagram with the installation should be a piece of cake.
But my dealer had to have the company fax him the wiring connections for my alarm directly from DEI!

Just my $.02

Rich



02 F250 4x4 SC 5.4v8 6spd 3.73ls Trueblue/Silver and Chrome Nerfs

"All Levers"

 

I had the viper put into my wifes van.
Always worked well enough but you need to push 2 buttons at the same time which I found was a royal pain. I was forever re-locking or unlocking the doors in my attempts at starting the thing.
My Autostart in my F-350 only needs 1 button pushed and has been working well since 98.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Dec-02 AT 12:02 PM (EST)]>I had to argue with one guy about there being a security
>chip in the key. I know the truck doesn't have one but his
>"manual" said it does so he insisted on pricing it with the
>key override. Tell me I'm right on this one.
>

Don't know about Ford but Chev got passlok II which is just a resitance that is built into the system, if it doesn't get it from the ignition when trying to start it shuts off the fuel pump. The guy is trying to sell you a universal deal that checks the resitance required and delivers it to the system. It also keeps your system working instead of completely by passing it. My '99 does not have passlock on it, it was an option. You may or may not have it, if you do when you turn your key on you will see a SECURITY light on before you go to start just in ignition mode. The resistance is not a chip in the key it is built into the ignition switcvh itself, has to have a key start it not a slide hammer and screw driver!

>I can buy the Viper unit or the Polar Start unit[br]
>for ~$170 CAN if I'm willing to install it myself.[br]
>For a $200 that's the way I'm leaning. Is this a [br]
>project that can be done in the driveway or is it[br]
>a little more involved than that? I'm not afraid[br]
>of the task at all just wondering what tools and[br]
>time I'm gonna need. I'm a little short of both[br]
>right now. [br]

It all depends, everything you need to get to is in the large panel under your steering wheel. You can almost sit in the drivers seat and do the job. Depending on your electronic abilities 1 hour to several.

Hope this helps

 

I have the AstroStart in both my '00 250 SD Diesel and in my wifes 98 Regal GS and they work great. The thing that is really nice is the slide switch on the side that allows one remote to run two different vehicles. Range is also excellent, I've gone as far as 1400' and had it work fine with the vehicle in site down the street from my second floor office. I also like the feature that allows you to press the start button with the keys in the ignition and then pull the keys out and keep the vehicle running. It is the best unit I've seen.