On www.fordaccessoriesstore.com you can get two different remote start systems for the 2011 F150 that say "plug and play" has anyone put one of these on? Truck is only leased so I dont want to put an aftermarket system in plus I don't think I would trust anyone around here working on this new of a truck. If anyone has installed one of these please let me know how easy/hard it was and how you like it thanks!

 

I didnt personally install it, but my Ford dealer charged me $150 to "plug" it in...

 

that's some "plug".

curious if it really is. i asked for my 02 and the guy at the shop said it's a wire by wire thing, no one manufactures wiring harnesses for alarms like for stereos. seems like a vacuum in the market if it's true. i opted not to get it done because i'm more freaked out about a hacked up wiring harness.

 

yes it just plugs in for 2011. If you goto the link he posted above, then there's Tech Specs tab where you can find the installation instructions for the different systems including 2011. You can attempt to plug it in yourself, but the dealer does have to hook your truck up to their computer and program it to work.

 

As Steve pointed out, it's stupid-easy to install both the OEM and 100 versions of the Ford autostart, as the control module bolts on inside the dash behind the glove box, and plugs into the tire pressure monitor of all places. The only difference in installation between the two is with the 100 series, you have to mount the external antenna behind the rear view mirror, and then run the wire up into the headline where it meets the windshield, then down the passenger side A pillar and into the control box behind the glove box.

The rub, as Steve pointed out, comes after the physical install, as you need a Ford diagnostic tool and software to enable the dumb thing once it's installed. It's literally a four button-press process, but you need $2,700 worth of equipment to do it. I've been considering picking up the OEM module as it comes with two replacement keys that look just like the ones that came with my truck, except for a fourth button that turns the truck on and off from a couple hundred feet, and Tasca sells them for 200 bucks. Pretty sure my mechanic has that Ford diagnostic computer, and could most likely enable it when I take it in for it's next oil change. Any dealer that charged 150 bucks for an install that shouldn't take more than 5-10 minutes needs to be slapped, hard.

 

JohnnyCashAK:
Am I right that the OEM system with the 2 stock keys (for '11) will not work on a '10? It's been a while since I searched the threads for that and my dealer claims it will not, but they also said they've never been asked before! I would love to have the one key/fob combo!

Thanks.
Jason

 

that's funny. I was quoted 100 bucks to 'turn on' my OEM trailer brake controller. and they were too busy until Thursday!!!!

 

I was at the dealer today and asked the parts manager how much to activate the remote start, he said he didnt know they could...

 

LOL Wow, time to find a new dealer.

This is the activation process directly from the manual, which is similar for activating any electrical mod or dealer accessory. Btw, the IDS is the Ford diagnostic tool that looks like an iPad with a huge cable coming out of it that plugs into the OBDII port under the drivers side dash.

And that's it, that's the whole activation process. Step 29 isn't even necessary, as that's something the owner can fiddle with themselves if they want the autostart to keep the truck running longer or shorter than the default 10 minutes. My dad is one of those two-finger typers, that take an hour to bust out a two paragraph email, and even he could have that autostart enabled in under five minutes following the above guide. If you still can't find a parts guy that knows what they are doing, just copy and paste the above steps, and bring it in next time you go. The look on their face should be priceless.

 

Jason,

Looking at the installation manuals for both, I don't think the 2011 model with the integrated keyfob/keys will work with your 2010. On the 2011, the autostart is just a simply box the size of laptop battery that plugs right into an open port on the side of the tire pressure monitor control box right behind the fuse box in the passenger side kick panel. On the 2010 model, however, you have to manually splice the connection harness to the various points inside the truck (tac, ignition, hood switch, brake wire, etc) and it looks to be just as labor intensive as getting a third party autostart installed.

Here's the link to the page that has all the manuals though, maybe you can spot a work-around I'm missing.

http://www.tasca.com/page/framedpage...o?paCode=00796

Click Tech Specs, then under "Type" select "Installation Instructions," and then in the next drop down menu, select the autostart for your year. This is actually a great source for info, as Tasca's website looks to have all the manuals for pretty much every single dealer mod and accessory available.