Has anyone added remote keyless entry to their Supercrew that did not come with the factory installed option? I was astounded to find out that my dealer wanted $595 for a system (KARR) that is around a $100-200 option. They say "it costs more when its not installed at the factory" I knew that, but Gee whiz-600 bucks!
Has anyone added a keyless remote system or alarm to their vehicle. Any recommendations or suggestions. I liked the simple Ford "lock/unlock/horn alarm" key fobs I had on my '98 Ranger, but my S/C didnt come with this feature.
I dont want fancy- just lock/unlock and MAYBE an alarm- no sirens, I like that ford horn much better! Thanks

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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L

 

The price is high because they are charging a lot for labor. Over 50% of that price is labor. The installer must remove all the doors and install separate actuators into each door. My guess is that the actuators will be an aftermarket brand. I would shop around if I were you at different respectful car stereo shops. There should be some in your area that could get you the remote locks and extra features for about the same price.

 

If the truck already has power locks all they have to do is plug in a modual and program the remotes,

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F150 4x4 XLT Supercrew 5.4 3.55LS 17"wheels medium graphite interior skid plates tow package

 

Dear Surfing Cowboy & Others- I see your located in my old hometown of San Diego. I can recommend a better alternative than your dealers cheap system.Go to La Jolla Audio off Balboa Ave(858-581-6545). Ask to speek with "Donald"(young Asian guy)and tell him Peter Fletcher sent you.He will be able to install a highter quality alarm/remote(Alpine,etc.)than anyone else.Also,ask to have "Clark" do the instalation(blonde guy).I have taken 8 or more vehicles their in the last 10 years and never had to return for any problems.In fact, I drove 450 miles from Northern Calif. just to have them do my last 3 cars!! Good Luck

 

There are no actuators to add, and no "factory" modules to add. Your dealer may use the aftermarket Ford keyless entry system, it is made by Code-Alarm. It is a nice unit. They may also use a non-Ford aftermarket part. It may be garbage, it may not be. Then, they might not even have their mechanics do it, they may sublet the job. My dealership used to sublet all the alarms, remote starters, and keyless entry systems, until I came along. Now they have me do them. Your best bet $$$$ wise, is to go to a good alarm shop. You'll pay half that price and get an alarm too. Oh, and ask them to solder your wires. It takes longer, but you don't have to worry about wiring problems.

Oh, and the Ford units actually cost the dealerships more than an aftermarket unit of good quality would. I deal with Black Widow personally, and my dealership pays more for Ford units than I do for a similar Black Widow unit. Then, they probably get something like 2 hours to do it, at around $70 an hour. That all adds up. (not to mention the mark-up on the unit itself).

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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Ford hvy dty rubber floor mats, Kenwood 10-disk cd changer, Kenwood am/fm cassette head unit, Ford bugshield, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar with 2 KC 100w Daylighters, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, Lund Premier tonneau cover, cab and bed professionally undercoated, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)

 

Thanks for all the info! Thanks to ptfii on the La Jolla tip. I will check it out. (Just had a Line-X installed so that will be next payday for the remotes.)
Yes, my truck does have power locks, so it will definitely be easier.

 

Surfin Cowboy & Others-
One last thing.. the owner of the shop is a relative of mine, so push the fact that we are friends or something and maybe you can get a deal.But I warn you, these guys are HIGH end audio(no chop shop here) and dont be surprised if Ferrari's and Porsche's are on either side of your Supercrew!!
The owners name is Scott Carincross.My number is 831-429-5962 if you have questions or need help.

 

It wouldnt be "La Jolla" without those yellow and red two seaters. I will be sure and kick off the mud before they drive it up on the carpet!!!!! As for "high end"- my truck is "High" on the 'front' and the 'end'- but at least I know it is quality and not that window tint shop down the street that also doubles as a donut shop during morning rush hour!
Thanks for the info. I will probably stop by there some time this weekend. (Heading to Doheny State Park for an F150 mini rally) All of you who are near Orange County- Check it out in the "Events & Happenings" board.

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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L

 

Believe me, my friend Clark the installer whould rather work on a 4x4 than anything else! He's just a little confused, thinks Jeeps are the way to go!Hell, I'm getting the Supercrew to get out of my Wrangler!!
p.s.-LJ Audio is closed on the weekends.
p.s.s.-if you want, I can call and let them know you are coming? It's up to you.
My e-mail is: ptfii@aol.com

 

Thanks- I went with the Clifford Concept 100 (G4).
Pretty cool set up: Auto locking and arming, keyless remote, and a very awesome add-on: a datalink connection and software for laptops. You can program the whole alarm system to the settings you like. You can program the siren sounds, the duration, the auto features, turn of features thru the use of drop down menus.....man I am now the HIGH TECH red neck!!!!! The datalink goes from the alarm brain to your glove box (or wherever you want it) and you hook it into the 9pin serial port on any laptop.

Thanks for everyone's help.

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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L,K&N Filter,....what's next?

 

FYI -

Yesterday I picked up the "ford trucks accessories" catalog (MMS-34570 / ABT-2043) from my dealer. It covers F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Econline. I imagine that a lot of the F-150 stuff can transfer to the SCrew, so...

They list Base Part No.: 54220K51 as a Remote Keyless Entry system (FORD).
"If your truck is equipped with power locks, add the convenience of Remote Keyless Entry. Our system features anti-code grabbing to prevent scanning the remote's transmission codes, remote panic button that activates the vehicle's horn when pressed, and a starter kill feature that prevents the engine from starting when the remote is used to lock the doors. Two, three-button remotes are included. Installation by your Ford dealer is recommended."

The price list shows $174.00

 

pftii and SurfinCowboy...
I too am in SD and looking to add on.
What did you pay for your alarm?
Did you add some sounds at the same time?
I am finding the SC stereo to be a little lacking on the base.
Also, Where and how much did you get your Line-X? What Color? I have a White Lariat 4x4 and was thinking grey rather than Black?
Thoughts?

 

paid $348 for line-x. looks and to date has worked great. only comes in black from what i've been told. rhino does the colors.

 

Hey- welcome RCMerlin!
I bought my Line-X at a place in your neck of the woods-Escondido. The company: Custom Bedliners of Escondido. Phone 760-735-9800. I bought it in dark grey. awesome job. Professional masking, clean lines, goes under the rails, no overspray. Saturdays- plan on leaving it for the day- very busy on Sat's. If you can get it to them any other day of the week- it might take em about 2 1/2 hours. They were doing another white SC the day I got mine-along with six other trucks, and trailers.
I postponed the stereo add-ins for a few. Last night I found a large dent on the passenger side door from Sunday night at the movies. Some jerk didnt like my new ride and decided to show me on my passenger door! a little upset about it right now. :-(

As for the alarm. I went to the clifford web site to get shop references. I chose Diamond services on Miramar Road. Please dont go there. I had to go back FOUR times until they got it right. I wont be going back or referring anyone else there. I was one step from having them pull all the wires out and going somewhere else. I have made a complaint with Clifford about their "authorized installer". The alarm- very good- now that it works properly.
You will have to opt for the siren rather than getting the horn wired for the alarm. (they didnt tell me that many of the alarm features would not work with the horn until i picked it up, thus- one trip back just for the siren install.)
I did check out La Jolla Audio- indeed they had two ferrarri's in the shop that day- VERY PROFESSIONAL shop- very expensive as well. The labor for the alarm install was over 100 PERCENT more than the alarm and parts cost. (360 for alarm, over 450 for labor). but they basically remove your dash board to hide the alarm components and take their time doing everything just right-very meticulous. They were my first choice, but the cost was a little more than I had expected or could afford for an alarm install. If you have the money- I would choose them, but there are plenty of places to get installs. Check the website of the alarm company you choose- and get an authorized dealer from them. I noticed that the big stores (circuit city, good guys) were not on the list in my area.)
feel free to email me with any ?'s
tbail108@aol.com

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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L,K&N Filter,....what's next?

 

Dear Surfin Cowboy,
Im sorry that LJ Audio didnt work out for you.I agree, you pay more for labor there that has always been the case, but to get the best install/service quality it's worth it to me.I understand if the cost is an issue.
For me,to know that I will always be honored and will never have to argue or struggle with repairs or problems is worth the extra cost.
I guess I just have to many horror stories of discount shops and teenage installers hacking up my vehicles.Driving home only to find gremlins now living in my vehicle
Oh by the way, I'm moving back to San Diego soon, so keep an eye out for a White 4x4 XLT with the plates that read BEARS 2. Give me a honk as you pass by!!