I don't know about the others, but "most" DEI products are only warranted if installed by a certified professional...

and the two ways are nice, but you've got to consider you'll be carrying around that LCD screen in your pocket, and if your easy on your keys that's fine, but I know a guy who thought he was, but found out those little boogers ain't cheap to replace...

 

closer9


I was researching installing a Clifford Advantguard 4 system that had ALL the toys and a kit for home computer/laptop interface. I could have gotten it for less than 350.00 NIB. I did some researching on it and found that the lifetime warranty and theft insurance they offer was null and void in full if purchased or not installed form a non authorized dealer (ie:Ebay, street etc)
Something others may want to look at before buying anything from a un-authorized dealer. Some of the local shops wouldnt install anything they didnt sell.
The install schematics I looked at was something I didnt want to even come close to trying at home.

 

The other guys have pretty much covered it, but I thought I'd add in my .0000012345 (where the hell is the "cents" key at on the keyboard??) cents and kinda sum it up for ya.

The DEI products are very good. I've got the Python 880 alarm/starter with 2-way paging. Yeah, the pager is a little big, but you get used to it. ...and they are expensive to replace! Have had zero problems with my system (after they got it all installed properly) and have no complaints.

Get the PATS bypass module that does NOT require a key to be left in the vehicle.

Purchase the unit at, and have it installed by, an authorized dealer. Mine has lifetime warranty on parts and labor which I think is well worth paying a couple hundred bucks for.

Expect to pay between $400- $600+ for all the toys.

Do what closer9 and others did and get the proximity/motion sensor. Very handy especially since you have the slider.

 

I've put in alot of remote starts but only the Ford ones and another brand called Autostart. Both of them seemed to work good, but you have got to solder all your connections. Most of the problems I've seen have to do with connections that are not soldered.

 

Too little too late on the key info, Best Buy claims that the only item they sell requiires the key be hidden under the dash, My last truck had the same alarm but was installed "on the side" and the installer pulled the chip out of the key and wire tied it to the ignigition system and I kept both keys. BB wouldnt do that the second time so I bought the bypass moduale

 

Starter:
http://www.12voltshop.com/proddetail...t=12&path=1,12

No key option:
http://www.12voltshop.com/proddetail...12&path=1,1312

 

Norm,
I agree with your links....ninty bucks...I've installed at least 10-12 of them now without a hitch....3 f-150's.....2 f-250 diesels.......my wifes mazda and a friends volvo to name a few......I do have the by-pass that needs a key......twenty bucks at the hardware store...I programmed it myself and cut the key portion off after.....if someone finds it......good luck, they still have to rip out the lock. The install was not difficult, I soldered all connections and have not had a probelm with any of them.

 

Hey RP, I have had one since I got my truck. I got a Hornet (DEI) 555T (I think) with alarm and remote start. I installed it myself, and it was fairly difficult. Since the screws have expedition wiring, you have to get the Expy wiring diagrams instead of the F150. I had to get a number of them before I found the right one. If I had to do it over again, I would have in installed by a pro, even though I am an electrical engineer. It was enough of a hassle that I think it is worth it to have it installed.

 

Just to kinda go along with what dufunnel said. I have always installed everything on my vehicles, this was actually the first alarm/remote start system I've had. and even if it weren't for voiding the warranty, it took two very knowledgeable and experienced pros nearly two full days to do everything to my truck. It was nick-named the PITA Ford... I wouldn't have it any other way though, I love all the goodies... Trying get it installed my GF's car now...

 

I have a clifford in mine. I Had it installed and it was worth every penny. Around 400 is about right depending on extra equipment that you want. Mine has the doorlock option but I did not go with the tailgate lock. Extra $$$. They are great in the dead of winter. I just push the button, get dressed and jump into nice warm vehicle. Snowmobile buddies love it for breakfast runs!

 

This sounds like a GREAT mod but, I didn't realize it was quite this pricey. I was expecting in the $200 ballpark.

Not sure that it's worth $400+ to me... I'd really like to have it but, I'm struggling with that much dough.... especially where there is a BOATLOAD of stuff that we need to buy for the house that we JUST FINISHED building.... hrrm... I'll have to run this one by the wifey I suppose. LOL

Thanks for all of the help guys.

RP

 

Well, you could do better/pay less if you just went strictly remote start. You might talk to your local shops, and see what that's going for in your area...

 

Honestly... that's all I want... just a remote starter. I don't want an alarm honestly as I really don't have much of value (outside my HU and XM) inside my truck... and even that isn't top $.

Are any of the systems that you guys have discussed STRICTLY a remote start system? It sounded like just about all of them had alarm functions of sorts.

RP

 

Thanks, It was you that helped me when I was looking for mine, you even sent me the wiring digram. Thanks again.

 

RP, yes most of the systems mentioned you can get in just remote start. Look here www.directed.com I personally would recommend, and probably will only use DEI products...