JDC,
I know your post is from a while ago, but how has it been working since you got the Remote Start installed? We just got a 2006 Explorer XLT and the boss/wife would like to add remote start to make these cold NJ mornings a little less cold.
1. How has the system been working for you? Any bugs that had to be worked out?
2. Was the install plug and play? Or did it require cutting and splicing of wires?
3. Any other tips you might have for someone trying to follow in your footsteps? Anything you wish you did first? Or would have done differently?
I am an EE and am comfortable around wiring. I also have pulled a dash or two apart over the years, so I am not a novice to car electronics.....I just want to gain some idea of how much work it will be for me to install.
Thanks
Ron
Ron,
Sorry I'm just getting back to you in this thread. Overall, I'd rate the remote start installation and functionality a C+. If I had to do it again, I'd just buy the basic remote start add on and use the separate key fob for remote start, and not buy the kit that is meant to entirely replace the factory fob.
The VSS kit I got from autoalarmpro.com had everything I needed for the installation, and the directions were good. I had some questions that were usually answered within a half a day from their tech support. The installation of these remote starters, especially the one I bought which replaces the factory fobs altogether and increases the range, are pretty intrusive. I've installed multiple electronic devices on my motorcycle, and installed a new head unit, XM radio, and an additional power adapter on my Ex, and this was by far the most difficult electronics install I've done.
There are several connections under the dash, in the steering column, under the interior lighting panel, and in the wiring bundle in the drivers door. The instructions from autoalarmpro walked through these connections about as well as any instructions could. Testing all the wires as they say is VERY important, because sometimes the colors don't match up, and often colored pairs are used for multiple different functions, so the green/white wire you find might not be the right green/white wire you're looking for once you test it. My installation took a full 8 hours. I made the mistake of installing the unit outside in 20 degree temperatures, which probably added 1-2 hours to the install once my hands went numb.
I have two minor issues and one major issue with the unit. The first minor issue is, I really didn't benefit much from the increased range of the unit I installed. Because I installed new fobs and a new antenna, I guess my expectations were that I'd get a much greater range for the remote start. Going from the stock 500 ft range to the 1000 ft range really isn't all that much of an improvement, and parking garages usually negate the increased range. Often when you've parked out of 500 ft range, you've also parked out of 1000 ft range, especially if you're in a parking garage.
More importantly, the major frustrating issue that I haven't resolved yet has to do with waking up the Ford GEM module. As installed with the autoalarmpro.com directions, there are times when the key fobs will not unlock the doors of the truck unless it has been started by the remote start. In these situations, when I don't need to start the truck but need to get something out of it, I have to use the key or the keypad to unlock the truck. It is pretty frustrating if you want to get something out of the tailgate, etc. The situation occurs any time the doors are locked, via the fob or the interior door lock button, BEFORE the doors are closed. If I close the doors and lock the truck via the key fob, the situation doesn't occur.
I've tried to resolve this with autoalarmpro.com's help, but haven't cracked the code on it yet. autoalarmpro.com sent me an additional cable with directions to install it that was supposed to allow for the GEM to "wake up" when I hit the unlock button, but I couldn't find 2 of the 3 wires I needed to install the new cable. The tech said he was going to look into it more, and that I may need to install a relay into the system to accomplish this function. He also recommended I contact CodeAlarm directly for recommendations for a possible resolution. I haven't contacted them yet and haven't really followed up with autoalarmpro.com to completely resolve this, so I'm as much at fault as anyone for not having this resolved yet. Right now I deal with it by remembering to close the door first then lock them with the keyfob so the fobs remain functional.
The second minor issue is related to this. I will often lock my keys in the truck when I go running or biking, and use the keypad to get back in. If I use the keypad to unlock the doors and then grab my keys and don't hit the unlock/disarm button on the keyfob, the alarm goes off when I try to start the truck. Although this is avoidable and I just need to hit the unlock button on the fob even though I'm sitting in an unlocked truck, it's still pretty annoying, especially when I forget about this and set the alarm off while trying to start my truck.
Hope this info helps. Have you decided on an option yet?
JDC