I just bought my '04 F150 and I wanted to install an alarm and remote start made by Viper. The installer at CarToys said that they would have to add some sort of module in order for my truck to remote start.

Does anyone know if this would be a good idea to get the remote start? Also the dealership said that getting an aftermarket alarm could affect the warranty. Should I still do it?

 

I installed the viper kit in my truck and love it. Actually, I had it installed, if I had installed it, I imagine my horn and the rear tires would be the only things still operable. I have had no ill effects from having this kit installed, and have enjoyed the remote start immensely. The "thing" you would have to install is a key replicator, sr something like it. You have to take one of your keys and attach it to the unit because Ford has little chips in their keys to keep from people being able to use just any old key to start the vehicle.

 

This is one of the main reasons I had the dealership install my remote start alarm. It's covered by the Ford warranty and doesn't require the extra key, etc. I just told the accessories department the price I was getting for the Viper and that I'd let them install their version (same protection/features) if they'd match the price. They did ... and I got warranty piece of mind. Plus, if you ever have a problem with your alarm, who are you going to call (in the middle of the night, when you're out of town, etc)? I can call any Ford dealership as well as Roadside Assistance. That, too, is good piece of mind.

Now, the Viper is a really good system. Are you really worried about your warranty? The 'law' is that which will break will only do so after the warranty has expired.

 

I got a clifford rsx3.5 alarm installed in my bad boy about a month ago. The remote start comes in handy, especially in this hot Texas weather! I really like the range on the remote and of course the fact that it notifies me if my alarm has been triggered.

 

When I had my command start installed, I didn't get it done at the dealership. I have a friend who runs a Audio and Accessories store in town and got it done there. I asked my dealership if it would void my warranty and they said it wouldnt. Anyways, the guy who did mine showed me a few that the dealerships sent to him to fix. Once I saw the way they wired everything (from the dealership) I was glad I didn't get it done there.

I also didnt have to give up my spare key either, I have some sort of module where I have to give him both keys to program it and after that it is set. Put the system in just after christmas and it still works great.. love the 1000 foot range too

 

I have the prestige installed in my 04f150 with a 1500 foot range they say. It works at about 1000 or so but still nice. I got the LCD display key fob, but the some of the crystals went out on it and I'm still waiting for the replacement. It tells inside temerature of truck and shows any and all intrusions if there are any. It also shows exhaust on the LCD if you auto start, it's pretty nice when you are far out and can't hear it running.

 

I have an alarm with the fm modulater and remote start on it. I love it. in the winter time its nice to start my truck up at work when i am walking out to the parking lot so I can turn the heater on and get hot air. its also nice to be able to know when the alarm has been set off. it tells me when a door is open or my truck is on.

 

Gotta go with the ford alarm & remote start. Have a buddy with a viper deal, and he has two keyrings, his seatbelt buzzer and dash lights have a mind of their own, ugh.

I be t you could buy most of the parts for the ford system and do a decent driveway job, maybe need the dealer to hlep program or something.

 

Is there any info on web about the systems that Ford offers? I can't seem to find any info at all. Would like to maybe see some of the features, pricing, etc. of the different systems.

- Justin

 

I have been deciding what to get. My cousin has a pretty nice set-up. What I like about it is that there is a digital picture of a truck on his key fob that shows when the truck is running or the alarm is going off. And also, he can start it up from 1/4 mile away. The Ford system only allows for 500 feet. But also with his, you HAVE to start it with the remote start. Just putting the key in and turning won't work.

 

Guigster,

That is the type of system I am having put in tomorrow. I am getting the Viper 690XV put in, which has the 2-way LCD pager. The Viper 791XV is the same thing, but has the remote start.

It has a good bit of features on it. I was thinking about the remote start, but the extra $100 for the installation, and with the possibility of complications with a remote start, I left it off. The total price, with install, is running me $349. I think I am also going to add a proximity sensor ($65 extra for parts/labor) to keep peering eyes from the windows and maybe ward off vanadalism. The guys over at sounddomain.com forums recommended not putting a prox in because of the difficulty of setting it up and number of false alarms it may generate. So I am still undecided on that.

- Justin

 

Remote start is fine. It doesn't do anything that turning the key doesn't do. Clifford is the best but Ungo, now owned by Clarion is also very good.