so lets be realistic... how hard is it to install a remote start/ alarm myself? i have installed audio systems before but i am no expert on this stuff here... would it be smarted if i just payed the local shop or is that a waste of money?

 

I am wondering the same thing. I have no experience installing audio systems or anything like that. I was thinking about getting a Code Alarm from kcautosound.com. I figure with some good instructions I should be able to do it.

 

You just have to be comfortable testing and grabbing wires...but you need to know if what your doing is correct, plan on taking a while with direction! Let us know what you guys wind up getting!

 

Trust me on this. LET A CERTIFIED INSTALLER DO THIS!!! Do not do this on your own unless you have an extensive knowledge on your vehicles electronics, you are GOOD with a soldering gun, and really know how to work a meter. It is very easy to fry a ECM/BCM/Alarm Brain without the full knowledge of door locks, doorpins, tach wires, positive/negative triggers, relays, etc...

 

So your telling them that the tach is not necessary??? That is so much more reliable and better that doing it voltage sense. Hell theres a possibility on v that the truck wont run correctly. Voltage sense maybe on some jap car. But on Ford Trucks esp. Tach is better, You should know that.

 

The remote starter I had in my Grand Prix did not require any soldering to install. If that is going to be the case then I will not be doing it myself. The problem is I don't know of a place anywhere near me that installs Code Alarm.

 

Depends on HOW you install it...you can use t-taps if u want, but to me it's unreliable..I prefer soldering

 

With the Code systems tach is not needed on the newer Ford vehicles. They have an anti-grind circuit that allows you to set the crank time to 2 seconds or longer. It will basically crank the vehicle until it starts but then the anti-grind circuit in the Ford takes over so that it doesn't grind the starter due to over-cranking. Starts your truck every-time.

 

DRJ have you installed anything yourself? i just want opinions on hard this will be with the instructions and the prewired system from travis at kc autosound.

also if i end up having someone install an alarm/remote start for me i would go to the local shop but the use viper systems... any comments about viper?

 

You got to consider I install a few alarms a week, I thought it was not that hard for the times I've installed remote starts on f-150's however when I first started off it was hard to do just a basic alarm with no keyless entry.

I like viper/python..same thing.. they have been the most reliable (for me at least) and straight forward. The only problem I've seen with remote start installs period is the universal bypass module, the last one I did (on an 04 f-150 screw), I wound up using a relay and the extra key as the bypass. If I was a noob, I'd have a reputable shop do it, try Best Buy or Circuit City, best buy has Viper, ciruit has python. They got nationwide stores, so if you are traveling and get problems with your rig's alarm, you can swing by one of their shops to get checked out for free!
BTW I got a viper system in my truck, love it

 

I installed a Code Alarm SRT 6700 from Travis at kcautosound today. It took me a hell of a long time but I wanted to make sure the wiring was good so I wouldn't have to tear back into it again.

The instructions from Travis were great. I never could have done this myself without them.

 

Would 2004 STX be considered newer?

 

Yes.

 

My truck does not have power windows or locks. Im thinking of getting a RS900(Autopage) or something similar. Could this be a problem with 2way alarms?

 

No, you can add power locks via the remote though...