100 Series Remote Start
Just a quick note on my experience with getting a "Remote Start System - 100 Series Plug-N-Play" (Part No: DA8Z-19G364-A) for my 2013 XLT with a power lift gate. Here is a link to the part on the Ford Accessories website:
http://accessories.ford.com/kit-remote-starter-10493.html
As the title says, it truly is plug and play. You just need to get the new keys, get them cut, program them for your truck and then get the dealer to go into the computer and turn it on. Also, even though the description says one key, two are included with the kit.
The service dept at the first dealer I walked into to try to get this installed looked at me like I had two heads. The second dealer, "Westfield Ford" in Countryside, IL, was much more accommodating. I think I just lucked out and got the right guy and he sort of guided me in the right direction. So here is what I did and I think this is the best way to get this done.
Basically, I left the service dept and went to the parts desk. I had a printout of the part from a part supplier with a price much less than $200. Using that I was able to get a pretty good discount off the list price. I ordered the kit on Saturday evening and they called me to tell me that they had it for me Monday afternoon (nice!). When I went in to get the keys, I asked if they would cut them for me which they did for no extra charge!
Here is what I got:
Note: that right on the other side of the box are instructions for the dealer on how to get info on turning the remote start function on.
I went home, opened the owners manual and figured out how to program the keys to the vehicle. It is super easy and takes less than 5 minutes including reading the instructions.
Once I had the keys programmed to the vehicle I went back to the service department with vehicle (and all 4 keys but not sure this was necessary). I had about an hour wait and then the brought me the truck and the remote start worked first time. I'd say this should cost less then $75 -- I paid less than that. Overall, I got it done for under $250 which to me seems to be what this should cost.
I've only tried it twice but it seems to work pretty good. In a restaurant, I was able to start it from inside the building but it was only maybe 100' away and through a glass window. At another location, I was inside a concrete building and probably 200' away from the truck and it was running when I got outside.
All in all I'm happy with it.
Thanks to the guys in this thread for blazing the trail and hope this helps someone else! If anyone has any questions, post away... -- Bud