Hey guys. So I just picked up a 1998 f150 automatic , the only problem is: it doesn't have keyless entry. I would also like to have a remote start installed while I'm in there, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or suggestions on remote starts.

Also, if anyone has installed one theirselves, how hard was it? I know everyone says they're a pain in the ***, but I don't know what that really means. Bad enough to cough up the 200 bucks to have it installed, or just bad, but manageable?

Any help is appreciated!
thanks

 

you cant go wrong with the viper alarm and remote start. i installed one on my brother in laws explorer, took about 1 hour. it was pretty easy, just wire it up. the instuctions were really good to follow, it broke it down alot.

 

Yea, Vipers are pretty nice systems. Do you remember how much you paid for it by chance? If you don't mind me asking?

 

I have bought 2 viper remote starts (5701, and a 5301 I think), 1 cheapo (Car Alarms, Remote Car Starters, Keyless Entry & Car Accessories, EZ2500), an Avital 4113. The Avital is just a 1 button remote start, and looks pretty nice. I've had the commando EZ2500 for about 6 years now, and it still works after being transfered to another vehicle.

The viper ones are both 2 way, which means they tell you if the vehicle is started, locked, unlocked, etc. The biggest problems you will run into would be selecting the proper bypass for the antitheft system. Once you have that figured out, its a matter of just soldering in the wires.

 

I have had good luck with the Bulldog and Ultrastart systems.If you don't have a good understanding of auto electrical systems it is best to pay to have it installed by a professional.That goes double if your car has a chip key anti-theft system.

 

The viper ones are both 2 way, which means they tell you if the vehicle is started, locked, unlocked, etc. The biggest problems you will run into would be selecting the proper bypass for the antitheft system. Once you have that figured out, its a matter of just soldering in the wires.[/quote]


What is this bypass thing people keep talking about? Do I need one if I'm installing this on a 98?

 

I belive you wont go wrong by stopping by your local dealer to get one. The systems that we offer here at Munday Ford, Texas, are pretty simple to install. I've installed 9 systems since i've been employed here, and also one on my own vehicle, "(2000 F150 FX4). For me it usually only takes about 2-3 hours on a vehicle without PATS. If you wanna save some money, that would be the way to go.

 

I'm not positive but I don't think they had the PATS (Passive anti theft system) back on the 98 trucks.
So you shouldn't have to worry about that.
I also have a Viper installed in my truck but I had it installed.
I think I payed about $400 including installation.

 

No, they dont have a PATS system, but thats what I mostly install them on....

 

Sweet. I'm glad they dont have the PATS. well, I mean i guess I shouldn't be happy about that, but in this case I am. I found a local dealer that installs most systems for $100. Seeing as how I am kind of garage-less up here at school, I may have to go with that. I've found some systems online for about $100 bucks too, and for $200 I think it's pretty worth it.

Thanks guys

 

Whats the best way to get around the PAts system? I have an 01, that I have a remote start for already, just haven't had the time. I have heard of guys just taping a transponder key to the top of the column, but breaking off the actual key itself and just taping the transponder to the top of the column.
Rich

 

Audiovox worked well for me.

 

They make bypass kits for most vehicles. If you go to BypassKit.com - Direct source for Bypass Kit and databus interface solutions: No Key Required you can select your vehicle and then see what bypass's are needed for it. According to the website you need a transponder bypass for a 1998. I would imagine it also depends on how your truck is equipped though. Take a look at your key, if the loop for your keychain is offset or looks like this http://www.paulgunstone.com/images/transponder-key.jpg then it is a transponder key.

If it looks like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370322647199

Then you do not have a transponder key.

If you do have the transponder security system, then they do make products similar to this 555FW - FORD PATS1 RF TRANSPONDER BYPASSKIT: Chip select 1996-2005 to bypass it.

Essentialy this device is just the guts to a transponder key, which you mount up near your ignition switch. When you activate your remote start, it turns on this device to bypass your security. Otherwise if you just tape an old key to your column it will be bypassed all the time.

Notice that you also need 2 keys to program this device, this is because you actually program this as if it was a key.

Other systems you need to store an extra transponder key inside of the unit itself, and the unit will basically pretend to be the sensor on the ignition switch, faking the computer into thinking it is really in the ignition switch, and starting the vehicle.

Hope this helps and does not further confuse.

 

I have installed several remote starts. A company called Directed makes 90% of remote starts out there (Viper Clifford Python etc). They make the best, don't buy one that is not made by Directed. So, start here Directed Electronics - Security & Remote Start | Home Theater | Satellite Radio | Car Audio & Video and pick the one that has the features you want. Then I usually by my stuff from here if they have it in stock Car Audio Video - Car Subwoofers - Car Speakers and Amplifiers as their prices are great. If you can read wiring diagrams, you can install a remote start.