passive anti-theft system (the red blinking light on your dash), encoded keys

yes, with another encoded key you will be able to get remote start, remote entry, and if you buy one with an alarm, you'll have an alarm

 

Some lock smiths can program keys and remotes at a far better price then the dealer.

 

So all that red light does is read encoded keys and signals from keyless remotes? It's not an alarm?

 

that red light is to deter would-be thieves from your truck by making it look like it has an alarm... its not an alarm.hence Passive... the second line of defense is the encoded key- you insert a non-encoded key, and the starter locks
the light has nothing to do with the key... that little bubble is also the daylight sensor for the automatic headlights

but, you can have either the ford aftermarket security package installed, which is an alarm, or you can put in your own

 

So, do you really need an alarm if they cant start your truck without the encoded key?

 

I am not sure an alarm does much any more. maybe it is a deterant with amatuers, but not pros. Or maybe it will be beneficial in your driveway when kids mess with the vehicle. People don't even look if one goes off in a parking lot. I have an alarm but it is due to a great marketing method by my dealer. They install an alarm on every new vehicle when it comes in. Their story was that so many were getting stolen off the lot, that this cut way back on theft. Then they tell you they will remove it if you don't want it. Well, I did not want a truck that had one installed and then had it removed, so I paid for it. Neat way to increase your add on by the dealer.

 

Yup, standard dealer con. They wanted 600 bucks for it in mine. I told em to yank it. Then I put in a much better alarm for 50 bucks, used their relays and some of their wiring. Also got a free door keyless actuator out of it.

The alarms the dealers put in are usually put in by a local cheap shop, not the dealer.
The wiring, install, etc. on the one I had removed looked like they had been done by an illegal on his first day in the country.
So I fixed his mistakes and tidied up the wiring.
Later I put in a Ford Deluxe Alarm, a very simple install.
Those dealer markup things are a true rip-off.
Chris

 

Just found this in the forums. Looks legit

http://www.keylessremotesforless.com...es_Remotes.htm

 

You can get new remotes off ebay for as little as $10.00 if you search and the auction does not turn into a bidding war.