After having my car broken into, we decided that we would get an alarm installed to deter any would be thieves away from our car. I know there are many great quality aftermarket products available but I opted for the factory "Gold" alarm. It is the keyless entry/remote start/alarm- 6 button fob system. I bought it right above cost from a local dealership and had it installed at their outsourced shop. They also installed a DEI 506T glass breakage sensor on the alarm for me.

Initial thoughts-
1)The remote start is awesome. It really pays off here in the 107 degree Texas heat when you can start it when you walk out of the store and it is cool by the time you get there (I always park far away from the entrance).

2)The alarm works great and the glass breakage sensor makes it way better than your typical "stock" alarm. This "stock" alarm is actually a Code Alarm alarm that is built for ford.

3)The Gold system is worth the extra few dollars because it incorporates everything into one key fob so you dont have to have two on your keychain.

4)I can arm/disarm the alarm using the keypad on the door.

5) My wife's favorite feature has to be the AUTO UNLOCK!!!!!! I still cant believe that Ford did not offer this in the car's programming menu. With the Gold alarm, the auto unlock is an available option in the alarm's module. When you turn off the car all of the doors unlock automatically now. The money for the alarm is almost worth it for this feature alone.

I am pretty happy with what I got for my money. The alarm ran me $275 and the install came out to $150.

Now I can't decide to place the Ford alarm decals on the windows or should I opt for some actual Code Alarm decals so thieves will think that it is just another factory alarm? Please post your opinions so I can make a decision. Thanks!

 

Put no stickers on the car whatsoever. Don't give a "good" thief the information he needs to come back next week with the tools to take care of "XYZ" alarm system.

Keep them guessing. Part of being security conscious(sp?) is never letting them know you know. I have a security system in my home. No stickers.. no nothing. The only thing that hints security is the sign that says "German Shephard on Guard"..... That's one I don't have to explain.

 

The auto unlock was removed from cars due to safety concerns. I agree, I want control over the doors unlocking.

 

I had auto unlock on another vehicle and my kid opened the door into oncoming traffic before I could get around to her. Very scary, I am glad Ford realized the risk and took the option away. Auto Lock when you shift into Drive is a great option and I think every vehicle should have it!

 

That is EXACTLY why they removed it. I am glad nothing happened. It's a stupid idea to have all the doors unlock without provocation.