Hey Guys,
just want to say I have owned my truck since december and was just broken into the other night on vacation! Looks like I need to get a more sophisticated alarm...Ford's sucks! Completely ripped out my passenger front window...$217.00 installed and tried to pry my radio but were unsuccesful aftermarket alpine with xm...thats life but I guess it was bound to happen

 

That SUCKS! Sorry to hear that bro!

I am already looking for a better theft/alarm system for my truck before I order my XM radio. If anyone has something they are happy with let us know!

As far as the factory system goes... any F-150 owner knows it is no up to par with a real alarm system.

The thing I hate about it is that the remote has like maybe 20- 30 feet range.......

 

I know how ya feel. I bought mine in November, had it 3 weeks, and it was broken into. Hammered the lock (drivers door) didn't get in, went to passenger side and popped the window. It took 3 weeks to get it back as the body shop couldn't get a new side window. Driver door had to have serious work from the dent from the blow. But I consider myself lucky. Why? When I bought the truck I threw the spare key (and paperwork) into the console. I hadn't taken it out yet. When I checked the truck, the spare key was gone. I guess the security guy at the hotel chased the punks away just in time... Lucky me.
They didn't take my radio, but they got my palm pilot, and @ 96 cd's and..............

 

Sorry to hear about your truck being broken into.

I hope everyone realizes that these trucks don't come Factory equipped with an "alarm system". They come with PATS - Passive Anti-Theft System, the sole purpose of which is to allow only a key that has been programmed for your vehicle to start it. You shouldn't expect anything else from it.

A good aftermarket alarm system is always a good idea if you keep valuables in your truck or have anything installed that might tempt passers-by with less than honest tendencies.

 

I'm not an expert at alarms, but I have a Karr, Dual Stage Electronic Shock Sensor with starter disable, and I got the windows etched. Figured it was better than the factory set up. Maybe the dealer "sold' it to me, but you know, I figure with how popular stealing trucks in Texas is, I wanted it installed right away. The dealer programed the Ford Key Fob to operate the alarm, no extra "thingy" to carry around.

http://www.karrsecurity.com/

This is/was a dealer install

 

The best alarm I have ever owned is the Ford Motorcraft aftermarket alarm. The parts department has them for around 200.00. Mine has a shock sensor, starter cutoff and 2 really long extended range transmitters. The alarm will go off if you lift the door handles, or touch the number key pad on the driver’s side door. Banging on the windshield or any of the windows will also trigger the alarm. I have used the same alarms for years, never any problems. My aftermarket Alpine and Vipers have been nothing but nightmares. My alpine rarely works and the viper goes off at 2:00 am regularly, but only when it’s raining. I highly recommend you have the dealer install it. Make sure it a mechanic with an electrical endorsement, not the lube tech. And visit the job during the install and talk with the installer.

 

sorry to hear about your guys's trucks. I put an after market alarm in about 3 weeks ago. some person put beer bottles in the back of my truck while it sat in front of my house so it was time for an alarm. my alarm cost me about 350 out the door installed. it has a pager, so if my alarm goes off it tells me. it has auto door locks and remote start. I am happy to this point. it took the guy about 6 hours to put the alarm in. my car alarm is made by impulse, like the viper but didn't come witht he viper price.

 

Had the Automate alarm installed after my FX4 purchase in Sept. This aftermarket alarm is the cheaper alternative to the Ford alarm. My wife also has one in her Mustang GT. Here in Sarasota County, Techni Car (in Venice) installs them for all the dealers. You can deal with them directly (in fact they will come to your house for the install). Cost was $139 plus tax. Interfaces great with the Ford keyless entry. You keep the same FOB's. You might want to see if there is a Techni Car business near you. Don't know if it would be out of Ft. Myers.

 

What brand was the aftermarket alarm? We don't have Techni Car in this part of Va.

 

I am interested in the Ford alarm but sounds like it makes the keypad useless for entry if you have the alarm on. Is this true?

 

RMills8, yes and no
the door keypad will still work, but when the alarm is set and you touch that first button you will set off the alarm. Then you can jump into the car, press the override hidden button and put your key in the ignition to turn it off. Great for when you lose your keys and the only spare is in the car, or you MUST enter the car. But with the ford alarm you would always use the keyfob to disarm/unlock the Truck. So there is no need to use the door pad to unlock the truck, you would use the remote to unlock/disarm

 

L Squared

Aftermarket alarm is called Automate. Their address is 1 Viper Way in Vista California 92083. Don't have a web site address. This alarm interfaces with the Ford keyless entry. Doesn't affect the keypad as well. Can either arm or disarm the alarm with either the FOB or keypad. Hopes this info helps.

 

Excellent, sounds like what I am looing for. I will check with my dealer and see what he says. Is it a good system?

 

RMills8

To me it is a very good system. I've had the Ford alarm in my last 2 trucks and if it wasn't for the sound of the arming and disarming of the truck, I couldn't tell you the difference between the two. Good luck and hopefully your dealer will be able to help.