I’m asking the Ford truck group on information regarding Remote Starters. I’ve read a couple of the threads on them and still have questions. I’m just about to order an F-350 Super Duty DRW 4X4 crew cab Lariat 6.0 PSD and trying to get my ducks in a row before ordering it. FYI, I’ll be pulling a 24’ enclosed trailer for my 1930 Lincoln (http://www.monmouth.com/~friartuck/30Linc-177(2).jpg ) Comments can also be sent directly to friartuck@monmouth.com Thanks for the help.

1. Does anyone know of any periodical or magazine that did a side-by-side review of remote starters on the market?
2. Has anyone done there own review and what were your conclusions?
3. Directed Electronics Inc (DEI) (www.directed.com) seems to be a distributor for Viper, Python, Valet, and Sidewinder brands. Anyone have experience with Directed?
4. One brand, DirectStart (model CS423) seems to have amble features yet I didn’t see anyone mention it. Does someone know something?
5. Someone mentioned in an earlier thread that Ford may also provide a remote start as an option at the time of ordering. I don’t see it in Ford literature. Is it true?
6. Although Polar Start is Canadian (nothing against our Northern neighbors) is it available here in the US?
7. Peoples experiences; Good, Bad, and the Ugly. From what I’ve read and witnessed (Valet), ample safety is designed in, so why the concerns on smash and grabs?

 

Can't answer them all, only a couple.

I have a Viper DEI (550ESP or ESP550 can't remember which is first numbers or letters) Alarm/ remote start, and also got window module, voice module, and pager on my PSD. Works great. Cranks over after the wait to start light shuts off. Sensitivity of the alarm can be adjusted to your liking. I'm happy with it.

I think you can have the dealer install the remote start after you buy it. They ask if you want undercoating, alarm, remote start, bed cover, etc..

 

I just installed an alarm/remote start from AutoPage, and it is great... I did alot of research, and AutoPage has been around for a long time, and has a very good reputation. The also make just remote starts, that you could add on.

I've also had alarms from Black Widow, Viper, and Code Alarm, and I would think their remote starts are probably pretty good too.

 

Can't really answer any of your questions directly. I've got the Polar Start and it works real well. I'd spring to have it professionally installed though, it's worth it. I'm glad that they had to work out all the bugs and not me.

I just found out yesterday that I have no power to my trailer plugs. Guess who's getting a call? Again, I'm glad I don't have to deal with it.

Waxy

 

Why would you put a remote starter on a diesel when one of the "cardinal" rules for a diesel is dont start a cold diesel and let it idle...." causes stacking on the valves.........

steven

 

Same reason you put one on a gas engine. It's completely acceptable, in fact, advisable, to warm up a diesel by idling for 5-7 mins when cold the same way you would a gas engine. A remote start let's you stay warm while the truck warms up, so that you'll be a lot closer to having heat when you get in the truck.

Waxy

 

I have the same viper DC is talking about. I love it no problems!

 

Waxy is right. Extended idling of a diesel isn't recommended, but letting it warm up for a few minutes is a good idea. And then take it easy on it until it reaches normal operating temps.

 

I ordered my truck in October, 2002.

The remote start was NOT a FACTORY option. These are Ford "acessories" that are ordered and installed by the dealer "after the fact", allowing you to believe it was "factory".

Some dealers may actually allow you to "order" this option with your truck. But, in reality, it is an "aftermakret" item. The advantage to "procuring via dealer" is that it will be covered under the "new vehicle warranty", (36k, 36 months (gasoline engine) barring additional warranty purchases.

There is a Ford "Accessory Catalogue" available via the dealer. The dealer orders the "stuff" and charges you. It is then installed at the dealer, via a third party installer who is under contract by Ford for your local area.

My dealer told me that this is done to give the dealer an "extra profit potential" via certain accessories.

I don't know who the vendor is for the "Ford" remote start system. May well be one of the brands alluded to in this thread.

EITHER WAY, YOU'RE GETTING AN AFTER MARKET ITEM. I guess the nice thing about the "Ford" system is the vehicle warranty rider. Will this make up for a potential cost savings in "shopping" for the system from a non-Ford vendor????....don't know.

Proably would pay to shop around.

 

ford quoted me $399

called local install shops,

approx $200-225

IMO not worth 2x just to get ford factory warranty. heck...if mine breaks i'll just get a second one

 

Guess where the "2x" is going when ordered at Ford?????

BTW...with all of the "balmy" weather we've had around here, aren't those heated mirrors GREAT ???

 

the 2x markup is going into bill ford & friends pockets for sure. well, everyone has got to make a buck!



oh...the heated mirrors are great! nearly two feet of recent snow here...and not a lick of ice on the mirrors. now only if they would make the entire exterior of the truck heated....nothing would ever stick to it!