Here's another incidence of me feeling like I was ripped off at the Ford dealership. At my local dealership, every vehicle is equipped with the "Star Gard" system, it is an anti-theft device that requires that you insert a small electronic "key" into a slot beneath the dash in order for the engine to start. It is installed on every vehicle on the lot, and costs the customer $300+ for this "option".

Upon reading my owner's manual, I discovered that Ford has a similar system already installed (and included in the sticker price.) It is called "Securi-key" and it incorporates some sort of electronic chip built into the ignition key, where the truck will not start without the use of the actual factory-issued key.

So, isn't the Star Gard system overkill? Did I pay $300 for a redundant and unnecessary device. I live in a small community where car-theft is pretty rare.

 

ABSOLUTELY!!! Not only is it redundant, but I've seen that thing screw up electronic components throughout the vehicle. It's nothing but trouble, and I'd demand that they either: 1) remove it and refund the $300, or 2) provide something in writing that states they guarantee it will NEVER interfere with the vehicle or affect your warranty. It would be interesting to contact Ford with this concern and see what they have to say about it. Most likely, they won't respond for fear they will anger their dealer. This device is what we in the business refer to as ADP: Additional Dealer Profit. They definitely earn my Shameful Dealer of the Week award!! :P

 

>ABSOLUTELY!!! Not only is it redundant, but I've seen that
>thing screw up electronic components throughout the vehicle.
> It's nothing but trouble, and I'd demand that they either:
>1) remove it and refund the $300, or 2) provide something in
>writing that states they guarantee it will NEVER interfere
>with the vehicle or affect your warranty. It would be
>interesting to contact Ford with this concern and see what
>they have to say about it. Most likely, they won't respond
>for fear they will anger their dealer. This device is what
>we in the business refer to as ADP: Additional Dealer
>Profit. They definitely earn my Shameful Dealer of the Week
>award!! :P

The dealers around here install them on every car they receive. They like to say their insurance requires it.

I refuse to buy it, of course. It's redundant these days, and $300 for a $20 ignition kill is criminal. The box sure is pretty, though

I have them plug it, and at the first service I make them remove it completely like it was never there.

TruckLarry

2003 Ranger SuperCab 4X4 4 Door FX4-Level II

 

 

Exactly right. I just yanked the Stargard system out of my '01 F150 this morning after discovering it wasn't allowing my truck to start. It took about 5 minutes.

See this site for instructions: StarGarD ... What junk!!! - MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums

This sytem is junk and doesn't belong in any car or truck in my opinion.