has anyone put in the ford remote starter? i see it intheir accessorys for the screw. i thought it was aweful expensive compared to others ive used. the ford one would be nice if i could use one remote for the doors and starter. comments? thanks

 

I have installed a few Direct start units and have had no problems with them or with 12voltdirect.com I did order them over the phone and had great service. You can use one remote to open your doors and start the truck. Here is a link to the unit i have in my truck and several others.

http://www.12voltshop.com/details.as...t=12&path=1,12



I have no relationship with 12volt direct, I just like passing on good info and touting good service.

Ed

 

I'm about to install one in my truck (hopefully this weekend!). Regular folks here have heard me talk about it enough.

Saturday I ordered a Valet 551T (Directed Electronics) from my local accessory shop. Should be here next weekend. This one does not have a remote control, it integrates into the factory keyless entry system.

I went this route to minimize wiring - one wire vs. all the wires necessary to take over for the factory keyless entry (esp. if you want to keep progressive unlocking, interior light, etc).

I also liked the fact that the relays that do the heavy switching are external to the unit - makes for easier replacement if there's ever a problem.

Here's a link:

http://www.directed.com/security/valet/val_rs.asp#551t

By the way, you can also get a unit from 12voltshop that will trigger off the doorlocks. Just send them an e-mail and they'll tell you which ones will do this.

Good luck!

 

Let us know how the installation went with the Valet 551T. Is it just a couple of wires or a bunch that have to be spliced? I had this in my other truck and loved it. I think it will cost about $220 if circuit city does it. Also how much did this unit cost.

 

I tried putting one of the Ford ones in my truck, but I got frustrated with the inadequate directions and gave up on it. I got a Hornet 553T full alarm/remote start instead. Wiring was a major pain with it, but the instructions were immaculate and tech support was great through DEI. I actually educated DEI about my truck, as I found the wiring in the supercrews is that of the Expedition, not the F150 (yes, they are different). After my experience with the Ford units, I would recommend against them, especially since they are so expensive. You can get a much better aftermarket unit that does more cheaper than the Ford factory units.

 

There will still be plenty of wires to splice, but far fewer than if you wanted to replace your factory keyless entry system. You still have the hoodswitch, brake switch, ignition, accessory, tachometer, door lock, plus a few other misc connections.

I count about 11 wires total from just breezing through the 551T installation manual.

As for price, you can pick the unit up for about $120. Installation will add some $$ to this. The only problem you may run into is that most installing shops won't give you a connection diagram. Directed pretty much requires this to keep your regular schmoe from buying the unit and burning something up because they don't really understand the circuits - I can see this from Direct's point of view.

There's still a few questions I have, but they should be answered after I pick up the unit and connection diagram this weekend.

 

Good to hear DEI was willing to help you. I can understand them strongly suggesting you having a shop install this, but it's good they support those who choose to do the installation themselves.

Oh, and thanks for letting us know the screw is wired like the Expy, not the F150 line. I had gotten a color code for the F150 off the net, so I just went back and got the Expy. Who'd of thought? Guess they consider the s'crew an Expy with an open cargo area and wired it as such.

 

it seems to me that these have been out long enough that someone would come up with a plug-in type remote starter they did it with trailer lights. come on all you smart electronic guys give us a plug in starter!!!!!!! i really hate splicing my wires

 

Yes, the Screw should be called the Expedition Sport Trac, as it does have Expedition doors, console, wiring, and even a modified Expy frame. Therefore, it is more like the Expy than the F150. They just called it that because the F150 is so popular. Interesting marketing ploys they use.

 

When you contacted DEI, did you just call the 800 number on the web site?

I sent e-mail Tuesday morning requesting the wiring table for my truck so I can start planning for my install this weekend. So far I've gotten no response.

If I don't hear anything from them this afternoon I may try to call.

Thanks.

 

I obtained the installers number from one of my friends who used to be an installer at Circuit City, so it was not the regular 800 number. I have since misplaced that number, otherwise I would supply you with it.

 

Thanks anyway!

I've got connections at my local install shop, but unfortunately there's no way I can get to them in time after work. I guess I'll just have to go by there Sat and ask 'em to print one for me.

 

Screwed In NC,

Didn't I post a copy of the wiring for the truck in another forum to you? if not, i can try to find it again....and as far as the wiring being that of an expy, it could be but only if the expy is the same as an F150.......I have the manual and it is the same wiring as the F150 save for the screw oddities such as four door locks and electric windows.

 

I was looking at dealer units and had no luck finding a dealer that wanted to mess with it. I called two dealers in my area and they pretty much said go after-market, the Ford unit is a wiring/ complicated nightmare.

Now, I have ordered a DEI Valet 551T and should start my install in a couple of weeks, depending on how classes go.

A plug in unit would be GREAT!!....seems like Ford should be the one to come up with that.

 

You may have posted it when we were discussing these in Other Aftermarket, but I could have missed it.

When I get home tonight I'll look back through the forum to see if I can find it. Ok, Ok, I'll admit it, I didn't remember seeing it so I was lazy and didn't go back through the forum to find it.

Thanks for your help.