which remote start/keyless entry to add to a 98?

sharpshooter109 · #1 10-21-2009, 02:44 PM

hey all. sorry to start another "which is better?" thread but i dont think i saw anything like this in my searches. i have a '98 f150 with power locks, no PATS system, and no keyless entry. i was looking at walmart today and saw a bulldog remote start kit for $58. this got me to thinking about how i could finally add a remote start/keyless entry to my truck. now, being a poor college student, i dont really have the money to buy a nice, fancy car alarm with all the bells and whistles and a zillion mile range. i just want the cheapset system with remote start and keyless entry. it doesnt even have to have an alarm. it does, however, have to be reliable. i will probably be doing the install myself with the help of a friend who is an electrical engineer major and a whiz when it comes to wiring. recomendations or tips are appreciated. thanks.

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bigchief2472000 · #2 10-26-2009, 09:54 PM

one thing that bugs me about mine is how fast the AAA battery runs out in the fob. try to find one that can be recharged instead of changing batteries.

thejake1989 · #3 10-26-2009, 10:26 PM

you have a head start from where i was. i have a 98 xl with no power locks or keyless. at the beginning of the semester i got a kit that came with the actuators and keyless box and remotes for mine and i love it. the kit cost me 57 bucks and is very simple. i think you can just get the keyless system but idk about the remote start

sharpshooter109 · #4 10-27-2009, 03:18 PM

hey all. sorry for not being on the thread in so long ive just been kinda busy with school and all. anyways, i found something like what i want, but with christmas so close i might ask for something better. i found a prestige keyless entry/remote start unit with a 400 foot range for $59 here.

they also have this. it is also made by prestige but has an alarm, 2 way remote meaning it will tell you when your truck is being broken into if you are within range, an lcd display which can even tell you your truck's internal air temperature, and a 1/2 mile range all for $119.

now, i need to do a little more research into them(like if the remote on the more expensive one has rechargeable batteries, AAA batteries, or a "watch battery," how much some of the next step up alarm systems are, how reliable prestige brand is, etc.) but hopefully this info is helpful to someone out there.

posttal · #5 10-29-2009, 11:36 AM

I'v got the code alarm on my 2006 lariat.Remote start ..full alarm..wired to turn on my heated mirrors and seats.I had the same remote start on my 2000 durango and in 5 yrs of having the truck never had a problem...decent range,good battery life and well priced.I'v been told that the factory ford remote starters are made by the same company.But I went with it bacause it gave me no problems on my last truck.

sharpshooter109 · #6 10-29-2009, 12:47 PM

Yeah, after doing some looking I have decided I'm eithe gonna be cheap and go with the prestige remote start/keyless and no alarm or a full code alarm or viper from kc auto sound. I heard that some viper's have a function where it will start the truck when the battery voltage gets too low. This is nice because I leave the radio on when I am outside a lot so I can listen to some music. I also plan on getting a 750 or 800 watt power inverter and will occasionally use my truck as a poor man's generator(I'll only need it for like 15 or 30 minutes at a time so I won't be burning that much gas). I just need some more time to do some research. I'll keep y'all posted. Thanks for the input.

Sundevil2188 · #7 10-31-2009, 12:42 PM

Absolutely get a viper or a code alarm. There is a reason those other units are so cheap.

Also, no offense, but just because your buddy is an electrical engineer doesnt mean he can do 12v installations. In my experience, its usually the electrical engineers that have the most issues doing it themselves...

posttal · #8 10-31-2009, 01:08 PM

Got to agree with Sundevil2181 on that..I'm a master auto tech been one for 30 yrs but still had mine installed by someone that was familiar with the ins and outs of the specific alarm and the module box and with the ford truck.
Then once he put in the basic alarm I added the relays and wiring for the heated seats and mirrors and reset all the sensitvity setting to my preferences.He knew exactlly what he has to splice into and installed it in about an hour.I could of done it but between having to go buy a set of reading glasses to read the instuction print and twisting under the dash it would of taken me hours.
Whats the old saying..time is money