I purchased a 06 lariat two weeks ago. After putting in a Z1 I went back and forth on installing an alarm. In anycase the cost of the alarm was so low its hard not to atleast consider it. I picked up a code alarm 670 and a XK04 bypass.

I have a really strong background in electronics (BSEE 10 years ago) in anycase.. I know I can install the system. I have no doubt... though it might take me longer than I would like. I have all of the needed wiring diagrams for the truck etc..

My only reservation is warranty issues. I understand that if my install screws something up with the rest of the system then I could end up losing warranty coverage on that area?

So now im debating on whether or not to have it installed by a shop. I contacted my Ford dealer and spoke with the service manager. He said that they dont do the installs but they do bring in a tech from a local installation company called "Techni-Car"

I asked him what the typical cost would be on an install for the alarm and remote start. He said I could expect anywhere from $450 to $550 (and thats with me supplying parts? OUCH! but he also said it wouldnt void the warranty. now im thinking ok I have the name of the place that does their work and obviously if they do all of Fords installs then they must know the product pretty well.

So I contacted Techni-Car and they will do installs with MY supplied parts at $65/hour she said an alarm is typically 2 to 3 hours and with a remote start it could be up around 4 hours. So im thinking $260-$300 max on the install. Knowing its being done right (atleast I would hope) and that its being done by the same people who do the work for the Ford dealer. Would you go the rout of paying for the install or would you do it yourself? I know its probably going to take me a weekend to get everything right... so im leaning towards just paying a place to put the thing in. especially considering it would more than likely not void the warranty.

thoughts?

 

Can't help you much on your alarm install, but I can say that I've had 2 remote starters installed on previous vehicles and after looking at all the crap that goes into it, I was happy to have somebody who does it for a living take on the job.

I gotta ask: did you do the Z1 install yourself, and if so, was it the way to go? Plug and play with the right adapters? I'm probably around your level experience and knowledgewise and am hoping to install an indash unit within a month or so, and wonder if I should go the d.i.y. route or go with a shop.

 

Do it yourself. That's the only way to guarantee its installed correctly. The install is pretty straight forward. The time consumption comes in when you start hiding wires, control boxes, etc... It depends upon how picky you are. Just my opinion!! Good luck

 

Z1 install was cake. It did take a little more time than I wanted but thats because im so picky about dressing wires etc.. also down here in orlando your soaked within 20 minutes when your our in the hummidity. It really doesnt help speed up the process thats for sure.

I put both the GPS and XM antenn under the wiper blade cowel.. works perfect in there and they are hidden (keep that in mind when your putting yours in). Add an extra hour or two to the amount of time you think its going to take.

I decided to have the installation company put in the system. I figure it would probably take me a good 6 to 8 hours or more (depending on how nasty the weather is) I'd rather drop it off and pick it up 4 hours later with something that works (I hope) if some wires need redressed then I have no problem doing that but as for functionality...I'll leave it to the guys who install these things 40 hours a week.

 

They are pulling your chain dude.
I had a Ford Tech come to my house to install my CA-670 and it took him maybe an hour, and that was full system with remote start. Being he worked for a ford dealership, he had the brain all preprogrammed using a RF transmitter, he said they set them up all the same. He asked me a few different mod questions, input it into the hand hels programmer and flashed the brain remotely. I say, go to ford, get an installer to do it on the side some weekend. Nothing in the world spends as nice as tax free dollars.