Looking to see if anyone has added a remote starter to their Excursion. I promised my wife I'd put one in before winter and now is the time. Wanted to see if anyone had attempted this themselves and how difficult it may be.

 

I have one. Its the Python 881XP. I did not install it myself however. I do know the installer was able to make the starter kick over after the Wait To Start light goes out. So far, it has been flawless.

 

I just had a CompuStar installed. It is 900 MHz spread spectrum and has a range of 1.25 miles (the farthest reach that I could find). It works great.

 

When installed, did you have to supply more than 1 ignition key? I'm hearing that you need to "bury" an ignition key with the remote starter in order for it to work.

 

Yes, I did have to supply two keys. I was told that two keys were required to "train" the starter module. Of course, I got my second back after the install.


I had this same system installed on my expedition. That installer actually removed the chip from my key and somehow hardwired it into the remote start. The installer who reinstalled the sys. on my X said that would be the fastest way to get your truck stolen.

 

I had a system installed that was made by Valet, I think it's now Hornet. It's a two way paging security/remote start. They needed to install a module that would allow the system to start without one of the keys being present. My understanding is that this module only works with the remote start and the vehicle is still otherwise PATS protected.

Thinking about keys. I bought extra keys from my dealer, and programmed both the Cobra and the Ex to use them. As long as you have two "programmed" keys, you can program another yourself. If you only have one...you need to pay the dealer. It cost a friend of mine $100. This way, if I loose one...I still have two keys to program yet another from.

 

Personally I wouldn't ever bother with installing my own remote start. Espcially on newer vehicles. I have been into my buddy's shop too many times with a newer vehicle's interior fully apart with wires EVERYWHERE and them having some sort of problem with the install. For some who like to run wire it shouldn't be a problem. For me? Totally worth it to have someone who has the experience and tools/modules on hand to get it working right the first time, but that is just me. I had the 2-way setup on a previous gas vehicle and it was nice while I had it but my ex had it when I bought it w/o the 2-way and I don't miss it. The biggest thing to look for is range.

my. 02

 

Right. Our vehicles have this passive security thing where the key has a chip in it and the vehicle won't start unless the key is sensed next to the column. This is supposed to prevent hotwiring. There are two ways to get over the chip key hurdle. One is to "bury" a key by putting it inside the steering column. The other is to install a "bypass unit" that costs about $60. I got the bypass unit installed because I need both keys (mine and my wife's). Range is a big issue for some people and not for others. If you want the remote starter so that you can start your car in your driveway while you are inside, you don't need a long-range unit or a two-way controler. I work at a nuclear power plant and have to park outside of the security controlled area (about 1/3 of a mile away). Also between my vehicle and me is a large cement cooling tower and high voltage power lines (345 KV). I can't see my vehicle from the control room. I need a unit with some heavy duty power and I need one that will tell me that the vehicle has indeed started. I got the Compustar 6000 foot range (1.25 mi) model with a two-way remote. So, first decide what you need, and then buy accordingly. You do get what you pay for in this area though. If you are reading an ad that claims 3000 foot range and they are selling it for $59.00, be suspicious.

 

Some wise wise words... You really do get what you pay for these days. Buy from a known name, you don't want to have to install a remote start system more than once if you don't have to.

 

More wise words. A remote car starter, especially if it is mated to an alarm system, is not an easy install. If you aren't really familliar with them, get someone who is to install it.

 

I have installed the Ford accessory remote start on my 2004 EX LTD. It works great, but it is far from a plug in type unit. (I quess because it was never offered as an option)
It took a week end to install, but I like to solder electrical conections, no crimp on connectores for me. There were about 25 different splice conections to the wiring harness, all under the dash or in the drivers kick panel area, plus one actually in the driver's door jamb wiring. This is NOT a simple install. I bought mine on ebay for about 1/3 of list price, under $100, and they always seem to be for sale. I quess people by them, read the installation manual, and sell out. Saw a sign at my dealer for them with installation in the $500 range depending on model.
It is nice in the summer to give the a/c a head start to cool down all that space before you get in.