So, I know some people have used the homelink modules that can sometimes be found on eBay. I decided to go a little cheaper and a little more stealth.

I bought a mini-transmitter for my garage:


Then I drilled a hole in my maplight dome (using a dremmel):


Take the guts out of the remote, tape it into the dome and walah:




I think it turned out really well.

 

Good idea, I can't tell from the picture, is the button sticking out? Right now it seems you have to stick something in the hole to hit the button.

 

It's out just enough for me to press without trying too hard.
At first I almost had to poke my finger in the hole (don't laugh) but then I padded the button so it came down further and it works great.

The plastic is much thicker than I was expecting!

 

They have been breaking into houses from people leaving garage door openers in cars around here. Be careful....

 

I think ieee_raider made that opener pretty invisable to the theives. Who would ever see it let alone think its an opener.

 

At first I almost had to poke my finger in the hole (don't laugh). I tried, really I did. Looks good though. If anyone should happen to break into your truck I don't think they would notice it there.

 

a thief......

 

not a bad idea. good mod

 

why didnt you just use the homelink that came in your truck? or does it not come on all models?

 

Nope, it's an option on the Lariat. I don't recall it being an option on the XLT (which I have).

Anyhow, much cheaper than paying Ford or buying a homelink module.
Only downside when compared to homelink is that it runs on a battery. Worst case, I can take it down and replace the battery though.

 

that's a great idea....did soemthing similar to my motorcycle...lol.


btw...where did you pick up that transmitter, and does it work with any type of opener?

 

I got mine on eBay, it works with LiftMaster, GarageMaster, and Sears brand openers.

You can also get the homelink module on eBay. I believe that they are more versatile and work with different brands. What I would do is check on what brand you have then search the web for a mini-remote or keychain-remote that works with that brand. Once you get a model #, check froogle and ebay.
This is the one that works with mine: http://search.ebay.com/970lm
For the homelink, you usually have to rip it off of a junkyard part or find a new one like some guys on here have. http://search.ebay.com/homelink

Good luck!

 

I opted out of the Homelink option because I didn't want anyone breaking into my truck and then getting into my garage. i bring in my opener each night.

 

I like the idea of having something in the vehicle to open the garage. I am a police officer and we had a lot of garages get broken into by getting into the car parked in the driveway and using the remote stashed in the car. We have been telling people to use the shut off for the opener that some have at the wall switch. ANother idea is to put the opener on a timer so it only gets power during the day or when you are home and awake.

I would like to figure out a way to use an idea like the Homelink, but have it only be powered when the engine is running, or something similar. That would solve the above problem, I think.

Anyone ever done that?

Dave

 

That's a great idea!! Would be very easy to do.
I might look at running mine off of the truck power for that very reason.