All,
Warning - my first append is going to be a bit wordy.

First of all, let me say that I have found this board to be an INVALUABLE source of information. You guys are a great bunch of folks. I'm just sorry I didn't find you BEFORE I bought my screw. I've been following the issues for about 3 weeks, and I now need to ask for help.

I bought my Gen I screw about a month ago. At purchase time, I didn't know anything about the Gen I - III differences. I did notice that my console was different, but I just speculated that the console containing the CD changer was different. For some reason, I also didn't notice the seats. Although I do believe I got a reasonable deal, I'm kicking myself now because I apparently bought a leftover. Given that I have a Gen I, I also don't have Keyless Remote Entry - which is the reason for my post.

When I bought the truck, I assumed the remote entry was standard - as did my dealer. As part of closing the deal, they said they would "find" the fobs and have them ready when I picked up the truck. On delivery day, no fobs. They told me that for some reason the truck was shipped without the module and fobs, so they ordered them. I got a "WE OWE" sheet.

After a week of waiting, I called to check on the status. I was told that Ford wouldn't agree to pay for the parts because "on some models it wasn't standard". They told me that they were working with their rep and would have it solved in a few days - otherwise they would pay for an aftermarket installation. At the time, my thoughts were that if I accepted an aftermarket installation, I would probably end up with cheap junk. So I specified that I wanted "Ford parts". After a little complaining, they agreed.

I have since found this forum. It sounds to me like I should have accepted the aftermarket solution, as I'm not quite sure what my dealer is now doing. As of today, they've had the truck for two days, and they apparently need it for at least one more. According to the service manager, it's a HUGE job - they've got the dash, seats and door panels removed, and they are installing about $800 worth of harnesses and components.

At this point, I am extremely worried. I don't think my truck will ever be the same. I will be VERY surprised if it doesn't come back with all kinds of squeaks and rattles.

Does anyone know what my dealer might be doing?

1. Could they ACTUALLY be trying to install the "factory" remote keyless components (with the door harness for the keypad, etc?) If so, what would all the other harnesses be for? Are the harnesses for screws without keyless really that different? I'm hoping these new harnesses replace existing ones - I don't want a bunch of additional wires incorrectly run under carpet, doors, etc.

2. Given the fact that there is a "Ford" parts kit (apparently made by Code Alarm), why would they mess with the factory stuff? Should I be worried about competence here?

3. To anyone else who has made significant mods, how does the screw handle being taken apart and put back together? Should I be overly worried about squeaks and rattles?

So much for my new old truck. I had this same feeling when my house was "completed". By the time things were done the way they should have been in the first place, it wasn't new anymore and the excitement was gone.

Any insight, ideas, thoughts would be appreciated...

---------------------------------------
Gen I XLT, Black & Silver, 5.4L (waiting to hear PS & the tranny thunk), Class III (wrong radiator), captain's chairs, CD changer, moonroof, Line-X

 

vt-screw,

Fortunately for me I was reading this post for at least a month before I bought my Screw. You are correct, it is a VERY VERY valuable source of info.
When a dealer located my truck (only one in 100 mile radius) I told him I wouldn't take it unless it was Gen-III. Luckily it was.
Funny thing, I was on ebay the other day and there were 2 Screws for sale. Close inspection showed the Gen-I seats and I laughed.
As far as the alarm goes I would have went without it and got some price reduction or something or some extras like a bed extender.
As long as it is insured who cares? Most people ignore them nowadays anyway.
I think your dealer is learning how to take apart a Scew.
Good luck with the truck and welcome to the boards!

------------------
01' Supercrew
Black Lariat/Med. Parch.
4X4 5.4L
Everything but the A/V package

 

I don't know what there doing, I also have a Gen1 and I installed my own keyless entry. A few relay's, and spliced wires. I would think that they could just plug in their system. I wish you the best of luck.

Rick

------------------
2001 Super Crew XLT 4x4,Toredo Red/Harvest Gold, Tan Interior, 4.6l, Keyless Entry,Towing Package,Captain Chairs, Line-X Bed liner, Limited Slip,3.55 axle,Skids,and Sliding Rear Window, Tek Boards from Aero-Tek.

 

vt-screw, when I bought my screw it also cam without keyless entry.complained to dealer on delivery and the next day Ford keyless was installed in less the an hour, truck must be wired from factory. they must just plug in a few modules. works fine. hope this helps

------------------
2001 Supercrew(1), XLT 4x4,5.4l,tow,3.55ls, captains chairs
Island Blue & Silver Frost.6 disc changer,keyless entry,bug shield,vent visors,expy console,duraliner bed liner,extang tonneau cover, more to come

 

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Quite some time ago, there was a guy named Sycoholic that posted to these forums. He was an alarm installer at a NJ Ford dealer. In several of his posts, he indicated that the factory keyless system was significantly different from aftermarket systems. At one point, he told another member that it would be a monumental task to install the factory system - if it was even possible at all. He seemed to know the systems well. I'd like to understand why the factory system is so different. For instance, why is it so much more complex than aftermarket systems? What does it do that aftermarket systems don't? Why does it need to tie into other systems when the lock controls can be accessed from under the dash?

Oh well. Hopefully it will be done tomorrow and I can get some of my answers. I will say one thing, I'm going to do a complete inspection before I accept the truck back!

 

I too, have a Gen I, and wish I would have found this board prior to buying.

I had to tell the dealer I would not take delivery of the truck w/o keyless remote entry. They took about an hour 1/2 to install the remote keyless system.

Additionally, fight for things, and use documentation. I wrote 3 letters, and eventually was given the Ford/Duraliner bed liner because of the "difficulties" I had. In hindsight, these difficulties were actually the Gen I - Gen III changes, and were not factory installation problems.

I think the Ford delearship knew all of this, they just didn't want an unhappy customer, so they didn't want to tell me.

Good luck - I hope it all works out.

 

I have a Gen I and all the wiring is there. The Lariat Gen I had the keyless and the XLT did not. It should take less than two hours unless you do not have power locks. That would be the only reason to tear apart your doors (unless, as you mentioned they may be installing the keypad). I am going to install the Crimestopper RS900ER starter which includes keyless in mine.

------------------
01 Black XLT 4x2 Screw Gen I, 5.4, Moonroof, 3.55LS, Cloth Captains, Slider, Extender, ClassIII towing, 6 Disc etc.
Mods planned:
Gibson Single Sweptside, AirRaid, Superchip, Line-X bed liner, Fog/driving lights, Tint, Speed grill.

 

This is all a little confusing. I have a Gen III but I do know that the keyless entry is quite a bit of work. Once that basis is in, the keypad entry and/or the system 4 alarm system isn't that tough. It all ties in with the starter disable, smart key, etc. I don't understand why they don't make the system 4 alarm a factory option. I don't like how you have to have dealer do it, and then it is quite redundent to the existing antitheft system. Just adds shock sensor and siren. Oh well, glad I got it now and it works.

------------------
- 2001 F150 Harley Davidson Special
- 1993 Mazda Miata, wifes car
- 1994 Harley Davidson Heritage
- 1976 Honda CB750K, Original
- 1965 Honda 305 Dream, Original
- 1971 Triumph Trophy 650, Original
- 1971 Norton Commando
- 1970 Honda Trail 90, Original
- Yamaha 500 Short Tracker, racing #69
- 1984 Yamaha Virago 1000, wifes bike
- 1981 Honda Passport 70, wifes bike

 

Well, I just got off the phone with my service manager. They need my screw for another day. He told me that they had to run new harnesses to all the doors, the dashboard and under the seats. Looks like they pulled the carpet too. Geez!

According to him, the good news is that it is going back together now.

Here's the kicker - he said that at this point, it would have been easier to order a new truck. My comment was simply that if they had offered me that option I would have taken it!

As a side note, he said that the "Ford Parts" keyless (I assume aka Code Alarm) wouldn't have worked because I didn't have the harnesses! I'm really confused now...

 

First, Great to see another Vermonter on the Boards.
Second, I too own a Gen I, with no keyless entry. I talked to the guys at the service desk about getting the ford installed. He told me that the one ford sells, is different than one put in at the factory. He said I would be better to get a door opener and alarm aftermarket, like Viper. So I am now checking into them.
3rd Truck from them, so I trust his word.
Glad to see that they are putting back together now.

------------------
2001 Supercrew, Silver/Blue, 5.4, 4x4, CD Changer, Sliding Rear Window

 

Thanks for the welcome!

You got the answer I believe I should have gotten. I too would have gone elsewhere if the dealer hadn't offered to do it for free.

I would have been happy with the kit Ford sells, but it sounds like my dealer just took it upon themselves to try and retrofit the factory version. I find it hard to believe that installation of the kit would require ripping out the seats, doors, dash, carpet, etc.

Well, if it goes back together well, maybe I'll have the autolock function and ability to add the keypad later. I guess that can be considered a plus. In addition, my dealer would have created a Gen 1.5!

It's really a shame. I REALLY like this truck. I haven't been this excited about a car since my first. I'm kinda bummed that this all had to happen.

 

In case anyone is interested, here's the latest...

As of today, the wiring is apparently done, but it doesn't work. The dealer is working through it with Ford, but since they don't know what's wrong, they don't know when it will be complete.

My feelings about this whole thing just keep getting worse. Dang...I can honestly say this has been a pretty bad week.

Anybody want to help me haul some stuff this weekend??? ....just kidding.

 

Do yourself a favor and stop wasting your time! You were sold a vehicle that does not have an option you were lead to believe was included. DEMAND A NEW SCREW!

------------------
1999 Expedition XLT, 5.4, Oxford White, LLS
2001 SuperCrew XLT, 5.4, Metalic Silver, Gen III (Loaded - Even has Rear Ent. Sys!)
1999 30'Wilderness Travel Trailer

 

I would have to agree with N6van, and request a new Screw. If they can't get it too work right, makes you wonder what else they may have have done in the process. If nothing else it is worth a shot to talk to them about it. Good Luck.

------------------
2001 Supercrew,Gen I Silver/Blue, 5.4, 4x4, CD Changer, Sliding Rear Window

 

vt-screw:

I too, realized the "no keyless entry" problem the day I went to pick up my vehicle. I had been told about the vehicle options from the marketing brochures and expected all the 'standard equipment'. If you do a search by my name you'll be able to piece together the entire saga... but here's the bottom line. Many aftermarket security systems will enable vehicles with power door-locks to be operable remotely. My dealer sells the Lo-Jack product line...the Lo-Jack System 5 provides keyless entry with a fob. It works just fine, except for some on/off light sequencing that's different than factory standard. I refused delivery and the dealer and Ford Credit worked a dealto cover cost.

At the time I was not aware of the differences between Gen I, II, III, etc., but happened to find this site in the midst of my SCrew dealings...it was very helpful. As I've said before on this site, if I hadn't paid the deposit with a credit card (and refused payment) I never would have resolved the issue...the dealer said I owned the vehicle and threatened to tow it when I refused delivery.

Good luck hope it goes well...time to install the Lo-Jack was under 3 hours.