Choosing a remote start

[SweetBabyRay]

I'm looking for some expert opinions on a remote start system for my wife's 2010 Ford Explorer. I've seen the expensive Ford system and I've talked to a local car audio shop who recommended a Viper but he said that we would need to carry two fobs if we want to continue to use the factory security system. That's not the desired plan. Here's what I'm hoping to accomplish:

- Retain all functionality of the factory system (lock/unlock/tailgate unlock/panic/set alarm/sound horn to locate vehicle) AND add remote start/stop.
- Everything must work off one remote.
- Extend the range from the current 100' or so to 1000', at least for the remote start function.
- Use as small and unobtrusive antenna as possible.
- A 2-way system would be nice.
- Turning on the heated seats would also be nice if there's a way to do that.
- I don't want to disable or interfere with any oem systems.

I won't be doing this myself but I'd like to understand which systems might meet my needs before having something installed. There seem to be lots of choices from Viper, Code Alarm, Prestige and others. Does anyone have a recommendation?

I should add that this will be a Christmas gift so I'd like to be able to continue to use the oem key fobs for their current functions after the remote start system is installed (and until I give her the new fob).

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

 

[p38fln]

Viper is pretty popular, can also start/stop with a cell phone (So it will work over wifi, useful if you work in a steel building or something and radio signals wont work, will start the car from anywhere that there's a cell signal).

You shouldn't see an antenna on any properly installed system, they usually hide them behind the glove box

Check local car audio shops, they usually have very good information on remote starts and what they can and can't do - and they usually know how to make them do whatever you want, too. They don't cost too much more than a big box store - sometimes cheaper

 

[Trac Marks]

Last year & again this year, Best Buy had a phenomenal sale on Viper systems. Unfortunately, the deal was yesterday only - where were you!!! You might be able to call/go into Best Buy customer service with some story about their website giving you trouble or whatever to see if they'll honor yesterdays deal, but I'd do it today.

Viper LE5806V with installation package, $239.99 installed
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/viper-r...&id=pcmprd256300050000&skuId=9999257900050000

I understand not wanting to carry two FOBs. The above system WILL lock/unlock all doors just like the factory remote, meaning, one press of unlock does the drivers door and a 2nd press of unlock does the rest. One press of lock button locks them all, and a second lock hit chirps the horn/flashes lights just like factory, because that doesn't change. She can do this in liu of the panic incase she forgets where she parked. There is an AUX button which can be installed for a panic feature if you must have it. This same AUX can also be installed (with additional relays and install cost) to turn on the heated seats, rear glass defroster, pop the rear glass only, etc. Its a 2-way system, range is crazy, like upto a mile. You can also add the cell phone app module, which is expensive and has a monthly fee.

There is no external antenna. It mounts inside, usually along the tinted strip along the top of your windshield. Can't be seen from outside and you have to look to see it inside. Not obvious in other words. Some systems don't have an antenna, and furthermore when they do, some installers hide them in the dash - this can (and often does) limit/reduce range.

This Best Buy package INCLUDED the DBALL2 module, which is needed for the Ford PATS system. I'd probably stay away from an installer that wants to hide an extra car key in the steering column. Some do that, its just not my idea of best method.

The system your local guy mentioned was the LE4205V, which was also on Best Buy's weekend deal. Its a more entry level and does require you to carry the 2nd fob and doesn't have any of the additional features of the LE5806V.

Another thought is, most systems (Viper and others) can be installed in a manner in which the factory remote is used exclusively. Something along the lines of press unlock 3 times in 5 seconds or similar. She'd be none the wiser you had a system installed.

 

[p38fln]

Absolutely stay away from anyone wanting to hide a key in the column, that disables your anti theft system. The good remote starters are added like an additional key, but only send the PATS signal when they're activated from the remote

 

[Rcflyer330]

Check out Compustar remote starters.

 

[banditxp]

OMG how did i miss that sale!!! thats the one i wanted and really didnt want to deal with installing it my self to save money since on these new cars/trucks with the CANBUS can be a real pain in the but to do. Im going to call them later and try to get it for that price!

 

[SweetBabyRay]

Thanks for the suggestions.

where were you!!!

Viper LE5806V with installation package, $239.99 installed
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/viper-r...&id=pcmprd256300050000&skuId=9999257900050000

LOL. Yeah, that would have been a good deal if only I'd have known. Today, that same set of items is $400. I'll stop at Best Buy on the way home in a little while and see what they say. To be honest, even at $400, if it does everything I need, it's still $200 less than the Ford 1-way system with less range and capability.

I gather that the antenna isn't part of the system or it can be replaced with a different antenna. The only one I've seen was in a YouTube video. It was pretty chunky and they were mounting it to the windshield behind the rearview mirror but it was still very obvious. The only reason I care, though, is that I want to have it installed ahead of time and don't want her to know she has a remote starter until Christmas. I'm sure she'd notice a big block stuck to the windshield. I'll try to work with the installer on that.

 

[banditxp]

Well yopu can get the same system with out the alarm for $300. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/viper-r...tion/9999212600050003.p?id=pcmprd211500050003

 

[SweetBabyRay]

You're right, Trac Marks did say 5806V but the link went to the 4806V package which is no longer available for $239. I thought he was referring to the 4806V without an alarm.

Today, the 4806V is $300. The DBALL2 is another $100 and it's required for the Ford PATS system.

The $400 5806V with an alarm is more than I need, but it, too, would presumably require the $100 DBALL2 on a Ford PATS vehicle.

The Best Buy nearest me said there was nothing they could do about the price different.

 

[banditxp]

yea i went to the store and called and they wouldnt do anything.

 

[SweetBabyRay]

If it isn't on sale like it was last weekend, Best Buy isn't afraid to charge. They gave me a price of $534 for what was $239 a few days ago.

I'm checking with a couple more local audio shops. I'm worried losing features if I'm not clear about how the system is programmed and I'm not sure what will be controlled by the new system and what remains under the control of the factory system, if anything. For you guys that know how these systems work, this may seem like silly questions.

When you press the unlock button on the remote start key fob, will the factory system get that signal and do what it does today? Or does the new keyless entry system have to be programmed to do each thing? For example, when you press Unlock once on the factory key fob, the driver's door unlocks, the dome lights come on, and the factory security system is disarmed. Press it twice and the other doors, the tailgate and the tailgate window all unlock (the tailgate and window do not pop open, they just unlock). If the new system passes the unlock commands to the factory system, everything will continue to work fine. Or do I need to tell the installer about each of these steps and what happens? Or does the system get programmed to "work like a 2010 Ford Explorer" and do everything a 2010 Ford Explorer does?

 

[banditxp]

yes if its all installed and configured correct the Aftermarket keyfob will operate the doors just like the factory one. Pretty much the interface box talks to the factory CANBUS and tells it to unlock the door(s) or rear hatch window.

 

[banditxp]

Im kinda temped to do the install my self now.
I have done older ones but this would be my first with CANBUS
This is the system i picked out. all made my Directed same as Viper.
$102.32 AVITAL 5303L Security/Remote Start System
$40.90 XpressKit DBALL2 Databus All Combo Bypass Module
$28.63 Directed Electronics Inc XKLOADER2 XpressKit
All on amazon.

 

[MotorCityFats13]

if you want to do the install yourself then I recommend this product.. CA6554... $140 http://www.ebay.com/itm/121133485393?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT it retails for $400 on crutchfield you will need a pats bypass kit... your choice of key or keyless..... if you choose the key one you can always program it and shave off the blade or put the chip in a dummy blank so its useless if you try to start the truck... with good knowledge of relays you can make it do anything you want with the AUX channels... this is the one I will be doing and making it roll down/up the windows.... now if you have the keypad on the door and you want to keep it 100% functional then you are in for some grief... it will set off the alarm when you open the door but its still good for locking the keys in the truck ..... the code alarm models with the CA are professional units and come with a hefty price unless you buy from an outside source

 

[SweetBabyRay]

I'm a little frustrated with trying to get an accurate quote. Everyone I talk to wants to give me a ballpark number. One guy told me $350 for a one-way system and $500 for 2-way. He could use a CompuStar system or something else. When I pointed out that I wanted everything to work as it does today but with restart added, he said that might take a lot more wiring but he wasn't sure. I mentioned at Best Buy that I wanted to unlock the tailgate and all doors with the second push of the unlock button, just as it does today with the factory remote. Tailgate? Yeah, now you'll need a $100 trunk pop module and another $40 install. I don't think that's true. I don't want the tailgate to pop open like the trunk on a sedan. I want it to unlock like a fifth door. But here's an installer who, hopefully, has installed a few of these systems and that's what he thinks it will take. Now, MotorCityFats13 says that to keep the door keypad functional, I'm in for more grief. Why is this such a mystery? I have no desire to install this myself but if I did, I'd have no idea what all I might need to buy. And I don't want to go in expecting to pay $400 and leave with a $600 bill after their trial and error install.

Maybe I'm over simplifying this, but I assumed the new remote sends a signal to the new on-board receiver which determines what is needed, then through the vehicle-specific interface module, it sends appropriate signals to the factory BCM to unlock locks, turn on lights, chirp the horn or whatever just as if the request came from the factory remote. I think I should need to have the remote start system, an interface to the vehicle's system and a PATS bypass.

Sorry for the rant. It's just frustrating trying to get a firm quote from the professionals I've talked to so far. Arrrgh!!!

 

[banditxp]

I think ill just give up lol. too much of a pain to do it my self with no good place to work on my truck also to try to deal with all that stupid security factory stuff ugh... But yea i ran into the same problem too SweetBabyRay. Like for a basic 1 way one at best buy installed it would be like $310 after tax because they charge you for EVERYTHING like even programming the bypass kit on top of charging you for isntalling the kit too. So yea to get a good 2-way one your looking at $400-600 installed. so stupid.

 

[SweetBabyRay]

I think ill just give up lol..

It's a shame this has to be so complicated. I didn't have this much aggravation getting a quote on replacing the transmission on this Explorer a few months ago.

However, I stopped by another local shop today and got a better feeling about this. They recommend an Excalibur AL-1860-EDPB for $375 installed. I don't know anything about Excalibur. It's a security system as well but they can just install the remote start components. The two guys I talked to seemed pretty knowledgeable without trying to talk me into anything. It comes with an LCD display remote although I think I'd prefer the simpler LED remote. But finally someone who isn't adding extra charges for each door. LOL

Any thoughts on an Excalibur system?

 

[MotorCityFats13]

the 5 unlock actuators are just a matter of finding the trigger wires which the diagram all installers have on hand will show you, no need to add anything there, ive looked through this install and nothing is out of the ordinary what they are doing is charging you the basic $110/hour labor charge and a quote for an autostart/alarm is 3 hours minimum and the SJB fuse box is in a horrible location!!!!
06-08
http://diagrams.marktoonen.nl/index.aspx?MakeID=18&ModelID=19738
09-10
http://diagrams.marktoonen.nl/index.aspx?MakeID=18&ModelID=20040

 

[banditxp]

the 5 unlock actuators are just a matter of finding the trigger wires which the diagram all installers have on hand will show you, no need to add anything there, ive looked through this install and nothing is out of the ordinary what they are doing is charging you the basic $110/hour labor charge and a quote for an autostart/alarm is 3 hours minimum and the SJB fuse box is in a horrible location!!!!
06-08
http://diagrams.marktoonen.nl/index.aspx?MakeID=18&ModelID=19738
09-10
http://diagrams.marktoonen.nl/index.aspx?MakeID=18&ModelID=20040

wiring isnt the problem. its dealing with the factory security and CANBUS crap to make everything work. i use my keypad on my door A LOT when i go swimming or hiking.

 

[SweetBabyRay]

Here's what another Best Buy quoted yesterday:

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According to the installer, the $299 price includes only basic installation. Car has an alarm? Add the first $40 extra. Want to unlock the rear gate? Add the second $40 extra. If you want a bypass module, you have to buy it for $100 then there's the third $40 extra charge if you want it installed. I'm surprised there's not a fourth $40 extra charge for that tilt switch.