I will be out of the Office on Friday so sorry to say all the VIN checks will -- need to wait until Monday

The good news is my truck showed up at the dealers today so after they install the remote start and I clean up the Trade-in I'll be behind the wheel (most likely Monday after work) -- Pic will follow

 

Say, how does the remote start thing work? I am pondering it for my truck. Does it use a remote? Do you never need the key? Do they take a lot of stuff apart to install it?

 

Congrats BIGMACFX4!!!

I hope your new truck makes you feel as good as all the VIN# Updates have felt to all of us.


Thanks again!!!

 

I got one (From the dealer) for my wife's Escape in 2001 -- It works really well -- you use a new Key Fob to lock and unlock as well as start you truck -- if you hit the brakes or the fog again w/o the key in the ignition it shuts down. -- hope that helps

PS (I work on this stuff a work all day. I had the dealer put it in and add it to the loan)

 

Do you get a new fob for your whole truck? Or do you have to use two? The factory and the electric start one.

 

One Fob for both -- the old fob does still work to unlock the doors - but is unneed

 

What does something like that run? I was out the other day and I saw some dude start his 4Runner. I was all, "WTF?" Then I thought, "Hey, that's kind of cool in a wierd sort of way."

 

Remote start is probably an undesireable thing to have on the 2004's. These trucks have transponders in the keys that must be present in order to start the vehicle. This is designed to make it impossible to simply copy a key and then use it to steal the vehicle. In fact you need two keys (with transponders already permitted on the vehicle) to add a key.

If you add a remote start you have to disable this feature. IMHO this type of passive theft deterrent system is much more valuable than something like an alarm. It's automatic, you don't have to set it or anything. When you consider that the F150 is in the top ten stolen vehicles.... It just makes sense to have this feature.

If you look at the manual, you'll see Ford recommending against remote starts for this very reason.

 

I disagree -- The Escape has the same key -- the chip is to turn the key in the ignition not turn on the engine -- cost is about $300 give or take an alarm

 

Will the memory seats still work with the new fob?

 

Not Sure??

 

do you k now the part number for your remote start? my dealer said there is one with an siren with it, and one with just the remote start. do you rember which one you are getting?

 

Ford says otherwise in the manual:

"SecuriLock passive anti-theft system is an engine immobilization system. This system is designed to prevent the engine from being started unless a coded key programmed to your vehicle is used. The use of the wrong type of coded key may lead to a "no-start" condition."

and

"Note: The SecuriLock passive anti-theft system is not compatible with non-Ford aftermarket remote start systems. Use of these systems may result in vehicle starting problems and a loss of security protection."

and

"Automatic disarming - Switching the ignition to the 3 (ON) position with a coded key disarms
the vehicle."

and so on. Perhaps, they've changed how things worked since your Escort.

 

Hmmm ford sells remote starts, but says if you use someone elses you will run into problems.... I am sure that thats an impartial statement...

I have a remote start in my wifes jeep which also has the same coded key... What they do is take a blank key and code it to the veichle.. The key is then placed in a transmitter. When you press the button, the transmitter activates, and sends the code, and allows your veichle to start.. The key isnt cut, so you cant use it in the ignition.. The transmitter only works when you trigger the remote start.. I am sure giving enough time someone could figure it out, but I doubt it would be easy.. My guess is the ford is similar.... Looking to get one for my screw, but have to make the mortgage payment first...

 

I suppose that's a reasonable compromise, but I still think you're removing the point of the system by introducing a coded key to the setup... But I'm paranoid about security type stuff.