I just picked up the 2002 Brochure for the F-150 and they list a remote start as a dealer installed option. It uses a Key-Fob that looks similar to the one that came with the truck new except it has a fourth button for the starting function. Does anyone know how difficult this is to install? Plug and Play? How much?

 

Assuming the starters offered in 2002 will be the same as the ones that are offered today, no they are NOT plug and play.

They are Ford branded starters that require all the usual wire splicing/soldering. I believe they are actually Code Alarm units with a Ford sticker.

Check with your local Ford dealer, but I think they range somewhere from $100 to $300. They have a few different models available (with or without keyless entry).

 

When I asked my parts guy about them, he said they are having problems with them, and to wait a while till they sort it out. I belive it was something to do with the PATS system.

 

When i bought my 2000 F 150, I went to Circuit City and had them install a Viper secruity system with the Remote Starter. It was around $400 for it. I love having my Remote Starter, especailly on those really cold mornings, my truck is already nice and warm for me.

 

Same thing here, I have had the Viper remote starter for about three years now and I LOVE
it on those Nice cold mornings...It's great when your running late and you don't have time to stop and start the truck.

 

I got the Viper system installed from day one and love it. I get into a warm cab in the winter and a cool air conditioned cab in the summer BTW, the key fob is expandable for other funtions and it works from a surprisingly far distance away.

The dealer did my install and once in a while the horn sounds from the factory alarm. They claim they cannot disconnect it because it's wired into the harness Do any of you other viper owners have this problem??

AHOFFMAN, 98silverf150, I'm looking your way on this one

 

i paid $400 for my AutoMate starter/alarm/keyless entry installed.
I had to pay $60!!! for an extra key from the dealer to circumvent the factory anti-theft system and $40 for a transponder to send the signal fram that extra key to the ignition reciever. ALL WELL WORTH THE COST! Mine flashes the park lights instead of beeping the horn.

However, I got my wife a remote starter for her car last christmas at Best Buy for $180 installed. Works just as well and a lot cheaper. Wish I knew about Best Buy when I bought mine

Even cheaper!!! A woman who I work with got one at Sam's Club for......get this.....$49!!!! Her husband installed it on her F-150 (came with instructional video) and it works just as good as mine.

Even though I paid alot for mine, I love it. It is one of the best features of my truck.

 

I'm kind of ignorant regarding these things, but I'm wondering if theres a way to get a remote start system that works with the PATS system, so you could somehow push the button to start it, but not drive off unless the key was in the ignition or something? Those that have the viper system, how did you get around the PATS system problem?
I really like the PATS system, I find it more secure then any car alarm. But on the other hand I'd REALLY like a remote start system .

 

have it installed you will be much happier with the results..lol...

 

Matt, I know alot about alarms. The one reason I was interested in the Ford OEM one was because I like the look of an OEM Key Fob.... thats it, only reason. To be honest, the Ford one probobaly sucks as a remote start because of their terrible range (500 feet). Most companys will do one of two things to bypass the PATS. The first is to mount a PATS chip under the steering column... thus the need for the extra key purchase. Some use a device that is basically a wire loop that wraps around the steering column (internally) to send the PATS signal only when the remote start is enabled. If you press on the brake pedal or increase RPM above a set limit without the key in the ignition the engine will shut off. The problem with the permanant bypassing of the pats via the first method is that it defeats the purpose of the PATS system. If someone cracks your steering column and turns the ignition, off they go! With the system that works by sending the PATS signal you are much safer! I am actually looking at a couple of different alarms on E-Bay right now. They have a two way Key Fob that actaually displays what area of the vehicle has been opened or if the vehicle is running (remote start). They are made by CrimeStopper and are only about $200 on E-Bay $400 elsewhere on the net. I know I saw a crimestopper how-to in the how to's section. Might be worth checking out.

 

thanks for that information! I definately agree, the one person I'd asked about an alarm/remote start said they use the extra key, and I said whats the point in having a passive anti-theft system if it's disabled by a non-passive alarm? I'm going to check around, I don't have the knowledge to do this myself nor does anyone in my immediate area to help. I'm looking to get one with all the bells and whistles I can get, remote start, alarm, remote keyless entry, hell maybe one that I've seen that you press a certain button and it rolls your windows up or down, I can think of many times that would be advantageous. Thanks for the help!

 

I just finished installing my own Hornet 553T (DEI) with an alarm and remote start system. I paid $100 for the system, $30 for the extra module, and $20 for the extra key. Installation was kind of rough, but Ford makes some really complicated wiring in the trucks, so it makes it difficult. If you are not electrically inclined (I am an electrical engineer by the way) do not try to install one yourself, you will mess things up.

By the way, my insurance company had given me a discount for having the factory PATS system, but they also gave me an additional amount off for adding another alarm to it. It will pay for itself very shortly.