Ok, I have owned my Platinum since Jan. and have been gaining much info. about Ford trucks since then from this site. My question is about my security system. I have read many threads about after-market systems...Why isn't the factory system enough? I'm not concerned about remote starting...So why would I want to change anything? I understand about performance and appearance mods, I have already installed a CAI, MF exhaust, chrome front turns, antenna, BF HD cover, BedRug, and removed the 4x4 stickers. Please explain the advantages/disadvantages of my fact. alarm system. Thanks.

 

The factory security system in my truck is a passive system. My after market system is an active system which notifies me if my truck is tampered with. I have a proximity alert which keeps people out of the bed of the truck, a tilt sensor, which does not allow any lifting of the truck. Backup battery system and hood trigger prevent access to the engine unnoticed. The major disadvantage of my system is the cost but I do have peace of mind...

 

what kind of grille guard is that? and what sec. system do u have?

 

I went for the Viper system over the ford system because of the range and 2 way page system it uses. If someone sets of my alarm it will tell me upto about 1-2 miles depending on terrain. When i lock the doors it will close all windows, It has a glass break sensor, Tilt sensor, Shock sensor and batt backup in case someone trys to disconnect the batt leads or batt goes flat. I can also remote start the truck from a massive distance and i can crack the windows or open them to what ever position i choose. I can also leave the truck running and get out and go into shop quickly but take my keys with me. I can get it to cut on when it reaches a low or high temp and it tells me the temp inside the truck so that i can choose if to remote start before i get in or not. There's quite a bit to the high end systems and they have many more parts you can add. but the best bit is that i can one touch all windows up and down from my control panel when im driveing.

 

Unfortunately the alarm system in our trucks is easily bypassed by a knowledgeable thief. My 2005 Screw was broken into twice before I went to an active system. First change I make on any truck is an active system install.

 

I think you guys are confusing the meaning of active and passive. those terms refer to the way the alarm is activated, not how it notifies you. Passive alarms automatically enter an armed state after the ignition is turned off and the last door is closed. Active alarms require you to press the remote fob button to arm and disarm the system. Most alarm systems, including the Ford accessory alarm systems, can be configured as passive or active arming.

(the notification you are talking about is 1-way vs. 2-way confirmation. 1-way means the remote fob only talks 1-way to the brain. 2-way means the remote fob and brain can communicate back and forth, so the brain unit can send a signal back to the remote fob to let you know if the alarm went off, or what the temperature is inside the vehicle, or whatever special features the system can tell you)

The Ford alarms are made by Code-Alarm. They are good basic 1-way systems. They can be set for active or passive arming. They have a hood switch and a built-in shock sensor with 2 settings (light touch and full shock). They don't come with a siren but rather just use the factory horn for alarm sounding. If you want a good basic system and are not worried about all the extra custom features, then don't be afraid to try the Ford factory accessory alarm.

This is the basic alarm that works with your existing keyless entry remote fobs is part number 7L3Z-19A361-AA, Vehicle Security Kit (VSS)

Or the alarm with remote start and keyless entry that comes with 6-button remote fobs is part number 7L3Z-19G364-AA, Remote Start w/Deluxe Vehicle Security & Keyless Entry Kit (RKE/VSS/RMST), also known as the Ford Gold alarm system.

I was going to install the Viper 5900 in my truck, but now I'm going to install the Ford 6-button Gold alarm/rmst.

 

I didnt know the trucks were availabe with a factory alarm. I know there is PATs and keyless entry is an option but an actual alarm?

The Ford alarm options I'm aware of are dealer installed.

 

^hmm, I just re-read his post. Yeah, there is no standard alarm for our trucks from the factory. The alarms are part of the Ford Accessory division and are dealer installed like you said. I posted the part numbers above for the 2 different alarms offered by Ford Accessories. I guess some people think they have an alarm because of the red blinking PATS light on the dash.

 

The grille guard I have on my truck is made by Go Industries. It's the Rancher Grille Guard which is comprised of an fully welded 1.9" tubular construction, it's very strong. The security system that I have installed is the Viper 5900 Responder with auto start
(Dash Mounted Auto start Kill Toggle Switch) with the following upgrades:
Viper Programmable Voice System with P.A.
Viper Invisibeam Field Disturbance Sensor
Viper Digital Tilt Motion Sensor

The auto start kill switch is for maintenance when the battery must be disconnected.

 

yeah it looks really good and strong, i loke how it protects the sides of the bumper which others dont.

 

Does the factory alarm system also cause the headlights to flash four times rapidly if set off?

 

I had a Viper 5704 2 way sec system installed about a week ago and I have to say I am very pleased with it. I have not seen a Ford system in action but I did some research on them before deciding which system to go with.

The dealer wanted close to 1K for sec system and remote start :0 I got my viper alarm/remote start from Best Buy installed for $500. I think the Ford system is too expensive for what it offers. It is not 2 way communication and doesn't have the programmable features you can get with an after market system.

From what I read the Ford system has a horrible shock sensor and the alarm only goes off when a door is opened. My Viper system has a adjustable external shock sensor and a audible glass break sensor.

The 2 way remote tells me when the alarm goes off and which sensor has been triggered. The remote works for up to a mile away. I can be at work in my office and the remote start will work and tell me the status of my vehicle. The remote shows the temp inside the cabin and also shows the remote start run time.

The Viper 5704 IMO is way better than Ford's system, and less money.

 

definitely

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