remote start
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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remote start
I need some information about remote start. I have asked for one for Christmas gift from my husband but he says it will be more of pain than what it is worth. I have a eb 01 with pats key. Can anyone suggest a brand of one they have used or have? How hard are they to install?
Thank You!
Thank You!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 31
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From: Oregon
I checked into one for my wifes 03 E/B. I think the best is Python, even the Ford Service Manager said they are very good. They also said if you do not get the complete alarm package and your insurance agent finds out your pemiums will go thry the roof. Something about the computer having to be in the remote and vehicle is easier to steal. I decided against it, beings its still in warranty and don't want to give them any more reasons to screw me around.
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14
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"Can anyone suggest a brand of one they have used or have? How hard are they to install?"
I would suggest anything made by DEI, Code Alarm, or Audiovox. There is a lot of "cheap" remote starters out there as well and while many people will sit back and bash them, they seem to work just fine in my experience. (Bulldog, Crimestopper, Design-Tech, etc) In addition to the main module, you will need an extra bypass module for your PATS system.
As for installation anybody with a basic understanding of electricity and the right tools could install a remote starter. Knowing how to find and test for the correct wires is crucial. With that said I would still recommend having it installed by a professional. A basic stand alone remote starter on your vehicle could be done in about an hour or two by a pro, and work correctly. Done by an unexperienced DIYer or a mechanic, could take days and never work quite right.
As for the reply about insurance and warranty, I wouldn't recommend taking advice from that Ford Service Manager about aftermarket alarms/remote starters in the future..
Mike
I would suggest anything made by DEI, Code Alarm, or Audiovox. There is a lot of "cheap" remote starters out there as well and while many people will sit back and bash them, they seem to work just fine in my experience. (Bulldog, Crimestopper, Design-Tech, etc) In addition to the main module, you will need an extra bypass module for your PATS system.
As for installation anybody with a basic understanding of electricity and the right tools could install a remote starter. Knowing how to find and test for the correct wires is crucial. With that said I would still recommend having it installed by a professional. A basic stand alone remote starter on your vehicle could be done in about an hour or two by a pro, and work correctly. Done by an unexperienced DIYer or a mechanic, could take days and never work quite right.
As for the reply about insurance and warranty, I wouldn't recommend taking advice from that Ford Service Manager about aftermarket alarms/remote starters in the future..
Mike
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Grand Island, NY
All current alarm features will be the same with a remote starter. There is a PATS bypass module which is programed with the same code as your key. It has a loop which goes around the ignition cylinder which your key goes into, it is inside the steering column you will not see it. When you press the remote start the bypass module sends the code to the loop and the ingnition thinks a key is in it and will start the vehicle. Even if someone broke into it the steering wheel is still locked and as soon as they touch the brake pedal the remote start shutsoff the engine. They only time the "fake Key" signal is turned on is during remote start, all other times it still needs a correct key to start.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
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Since 1998, I have used a model called AstroStart produced by a Canadian company called Astroflex in my 1999 Expedition. Zero problems with the install or product since. Nice to have when it's 10 degrees or 110 degress outside.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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I have the Viper system, which is made by DEI. Im a pretty knowledgable DIYer, and this is not a project that i would attempt, i had it professionally done. They did the bypass as described above, which raised the installation price quite a bit. i also wanted everything on one remote, i didnt want to have the starter remote and the ford remote on my keychain together.... So i got alarm, starter, and remote door lock/unlock all on one Viper remote, installed for $379. Yeah, i cringed at the price too, but after having it for over a year now, i cant imagine life without it, definitely worth it. The range is incredible, its over 1000 feet. I use it with heat in winter, and AC in summer, love it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
I reccomend the Viper systems with a LCD on the remote. That way you know when the car is on, and it will give you a heads up if the alarm goes off. Its the best system, IMHO
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New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7
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Does the PATS bypass module require that a key be inserted into the module or does it duplicate the key without an actual key?
Also, has anyone had a remote start hooked up with advanced features (i.e. Memory Seat Activation (his & hers seats), Heated/Cooled Seats, Window Defroster, Rear Glass Pop, etc). I am looking to have this done in my 2004 EB and having difficulty finding an installer willing to tackle the job and/or with confidence in making all this work.
Thanks.
Also, has anyone had a remote start hooked up with advanced features (i.e. Memory Seat Activation (his & hers seats), Heated/Cooled Seats, Window Defroster, Rear Glass Pop, etc). I am looking to have this done in my 2004 EB and having difficulty finding an installer willing to tackle the job and/or with confidence in making all this work.
Thanks.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Grand Island, NY
The PATS module duplicates the key it is programmed the same as when you program a new key per the owners manual. The options you talk about can easily be set up here is a link to a compentent installer http://www.kcautosound.com/
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Washingtonville, NY
Remote starter
I installed a Design Tech remove starter in my 1995 Aerostar when it was new. Had it for 9 years and it worked flawlessly. Took about 6 hours to install and was a backbreaker. When I got my 2003 Expy I had the dealership install it and at $500 it was expensive but totally worth it. Had Best Buy install a Viper in my new Saturn Vue and its also works flawlessly. Wasn't as expensive as the Ford and had better options for security. Best Buy did a good job installing it. It ran about $400.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Hi All, I am new to this site but I would say you should use an alarm made by Code Alarm. When you go to the dealer and get the remote start system. They will replace your remote with the same looking remote you get when you buy your car but one of the button is for the remote start. The one thing that made me go with Code Alarm is that they make one for Ford. And they have a nice unit that has a pager, Remote start, and other options. I also like the option that works with your keep pad. ex. if you locked your key's in the car you can use your key pad to unlock your car with key pad (with the correct code) and won't set off your alarm. But if it's the wrong one it will set off your alarm..
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 190
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From: New Jersey
I nstalled the Design Tech Air Wolf in my 98 XLT with no problem. They have great tech support that I called on a Sunday when I installed to ask about location of wiring under dash and the support guy knew exactly where they were for my truck. There web site is http://www.designtech-intl.com I picked up some blank PATS key's on eBay and had them cut and programmed them myself in under 5 minutes. For an extra $30 you get the PATS bypass to wire in the system to avoid having to leave a key in the ignition.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 55
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alarms
The main reason I got the code alarm is that they make one for Ford. And like other alarm company they need a copy of your one of your key for the remote car start. http://www.code-alarm.com/remote_ca645.html the one thing you need is another part which is sold by Ford or Code alarm. I did some research on it this system before I bought one. Other dealers send your cars out to alarm company and then they mark up the price on the alarm. I also think they have the mem button for driver one and driver two. I did not finish playing with all the options yet. It feels like a new toy. I am just passing on info that worked for me. I do not get a discount or own stocks in the company.
Last edited by RPar; Nov 28, 2004 at 12:57 AM. Reason: type o