hageemon

I have an 08 SEL, and have never liked the idea of "Factory Installed" Alarms. I am a strong believer in aftermarket alarms/remote starts for a coulple of reasons. 1. If it is factory installed, you could pick up a $15 repair manual at the local autoparts and could see exactly how to disable it. 2. Range, Range, Range. Whatever you currently have with your keyless entry is what you can expect with the "Factory Installed" options. What good does and autostart do from 20-50 feet? Fine, you can start it without the key, but if I am going to walk that close in heat or cold, I might as well sit in it to start it. As far as the other posts of "you get what you pay for". This is never as true as it is when it comes to alarms/remote starts. I have been installing these on my cars for well over 15 years and actually did it professionaly for over 7 of those. Want to have issues, problems or just frustration? Go to the guy that is offering these for $99 installed or free installation. A quality install will be soldiered with all wiring, modules, harnesses and relays disguised within the factory wiring. The main module should not be the first thing that is seen when you look under your dash. I have always put it as far up and behind the inst cluster as possible. Brand is not always important, but keep in mind a unit that costs $50 probably will have very little support or warranty on it. DEI is the way that I recommend. All DEI products have a "Vehicle Starter Kill" which essentially interupts the starter wire and unless unarmed cannot be overrode. They have the Viper, Python, Sidewinder and Automate lines that are all built on the same line with different names so they can be sold within the same market with limited competition. 2-Way is the best way as it does more than tell you if the car starts. If installed correctly, will tell you if the vehicle is broken into. Heater Seats, Vista Roof, Rear Liftgate are just some of the options that can be added to an alarm/remote start with the use of Relays. The way Fords are constructed, almost every items needs a relay unless it is part of the original keyless entry. I have even added relays to make the alarm open the fuel door on some older fords that had the "push button" fuel door release. Sorry so long winded, but I see alot of reasons in this blog not to get an aftermarket and if installed correctly, with the correct options and accessories, is the smartest way to protect your investment. Brad