I have a 01 Expedition and last year i had a Viper Remote starter put in for my wife and at first it would only run for a few minutes than it would shut off. They used a little transmitter that they zipped tied against the key cylynder that would make the pats system think that a OEM key was in the ingnition. Well they ended up putting a pats by-pass in and it works great and it has been a year now. I can be in a movie theater and start it up. They say the range is 1/4 mile. The remote does the same that my OEM remote did and it all cost me $290. Hope this helps

 

"should I go with the Bronze system and if I do (go w/ bronze) will I be carring 2 key fobs?"

Yes the bronze remote only has 2 buttons. (Start & Panic) So you will need to carry two remotes. Also in a lot of cases (READ: not all) once the car is remotely started, your OEM fob won't work with the car running so you'd have to use the key to enter the vehicle. I can't tell you how many dealerships order the bronze system to save a couple bucks and then have us upgrading it to a silver because either the customer doesn't want to carry 2 remotes or the OEM remote won't work with the car running. That's another plus to going with the silver system you don't have to worry about that issue. Your OEM fob also probably does driver door priority which most places may charge extra for, or if they don't you at least have to request it, if you want it.

Mike

 

Thanks, I really appreciate all the info. All my questions have been answered, awhole lot better than what the parts guy was telling me.
I also found that the prices on all the R/S systems and PATS bypass have been reduced at Fordparts.com. (don't know for who long)
All I have to do is find somone to install it or try to do it myself. A friend of mine is a "sparkchaser", he might be able to give me a hand.
I'll let everybody know how eveything goes.

 

eds72, the Costco in Bridgewater, NJ has that model in stock. There has to be hundreds of them piled up on pallets?

 

Thanks NJXLT! I have a friend that just got a job in Somerset about 6 weeks ago. Looks like that's pretty close. Hopefully he can pick one up and ship it off to me.

 

Installz,
Thanks for all the great info. Are there any optional features you might add per the customers request? Such as hooking up heated seats, etc? Thanks again.

Brian

 

AF, u will know if it has the PATS in it if it will not start with a regular cut key. they do make PATS bypasses that DO NOT need a key installed into it. i personally just installed a crimestopper system into a 2002 mustang and used a PKF II bypass, and it works great. you just have to program the bypass to learn the same resistance that the transponder in your keys gives off. basically, the bypass will put out the same resistance and trick the ECM into thinking that there is a key in the ignition, and then will allow the starter to engage when the command is given from the remote starter unit. it takes me a lot longer to install these units, but that is because that i WILL NOT install one without soldering and shrink wrapping EVERY connection that i make. cars get too much vibration over time to trust a crimp, or even worse, just tape. i hope that this helps you if you have not yet chosen a model. i bought my system from ebay, its a company called my pushcart. if you do a search under "crimestopper" you will find lots of options. good luck.

 

I'm on track to install an omega rs4lx in a 01 f150 (basically same vehicle) I'll let everyone know how it goes, it uses the factory remotes.

 

hey INSTALLZ,
I have an 03 Explorer XLT V8 and it has only one KEY and remote. I have the blinking red light near the center vent by the windsheild. does that mean that I have the ALARM? this may seen like a stupid question to ask, but this is my First FORD and I bought it used. I want to install a remote start system in my truck BY MYSELF and save some 400.00 bucks. can you tell me which system to get and if there are instructions?

thanks

 

Prestige APS 997. 2way Remote start, keyless, alarm and LCD display for $275.00 parts & Labor!!.

Awesome system and the install only took about 2-1/2hours.

If you are in Chicago and suburb and want to install this, let me know. It is a Benz master technician doing a side job from his home and you get receipt and all the paperwork needed!.