Remote start
 

Looking at installing a viper remote start. Has anybody tackled one of these themselves or would professionally installed be the way to go? Any models or brands preferred?

Re: Remote start
 

What do you drive?!

If you have the PATS system you will need a bypass module in addition to the system itself.

Should make a signature so we know what we are dealing with: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/site-...ger-forum.html

i would say professionally install, but that cost more than the system itself. If you do it yourself find the vehicle specific parts list and go over it multiple times. It's very time consuming and there isn't a lot of information on install because each vehicle's install is very different and requires different parts. You will be spending a lot of time identifying wires yourself.

Re: Remote start
 

Speaking strictly for the Viper branded systems:

If you buy it from an authorized location (Best Buy for example) - the price provided will include the install. You will still have to pay for the bypass module, but the rest would be covered.

Authorized Viper resellers aren't allowed to sell the product without the install - due to warranty 'issues'.

I drive a 2009 ranger sport. I have found on ebay refurb systems from reputable companies at a fraction of the cost and they come with warranties. They do not however come with install. I know refurb can be a gamble but it saves ALOT of money. Thoughts?

These forums are about details. A link to the site would help. ...words like "ALOT" ARE BASICALLY USELESS.

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I agree with rangersport that said find a Pro. As a rule I am all for doing stuff yourself and always encourage it. Remote starters might be the exception. Time consuming and tricky. You might find a Pro to do the whole job for $250. Parts and labor

Re: Remote start
 

I do not care for ANY aftermarket product that inhibits, re routes, or otherwise interferes with A factory system.

In a few years if you start to develop issues with your vehicle diagnosing the problem becomes worse by aftermarket add-ons Let alone if a "non" professional installs it.

I would NEVER do such a thing. But that is me.

x 2

Ford offered remote start on the last years of the ranger. I would call a dealer and see what the cost is for them to add it before you go for a viper system. I know you get less out it it but you can't beat factory installed and warrantied.

Re: Remote start
 

I would pass.

Your truck burns down and they will warranty it by giving you another $99 remote start system. lol

Not worth it in my book.

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The Ford system is an option as well (gut feeling is it will cost even more $$$ than the better equipped Viper setup) - but the Viper systems shouldn't be seen as a notch lower by any means.

Directed (The maker of Viper & many other name brands) is one of the top manufacturers for security/remote start systems out there.

Now if your comparing a Ford remote start or Viper system to some 'no name' fly by night company - that's a different story.

Also, all bets are off if you self-install a refurbished Viper unit to save a couple bucks. Can't blame the manufacturer there! lol

i definitely think Viper has more to offer for the money, but if warranty is a concern then the ford system is a better option. I don't know if ford does it but Toyota will actually install and warranty the viper systems.

Thanks guys! I had no idea ford gave that option for rangers. I will def call them soon.

see if they'll install the viper system to. Toyota does it and warranties the install, I don't see why ford wouldn't.

Re: Remote start
 

I installed one into our previous Dodge car, and it always worked flawlessly. Very handy for those exceedingly cold mornings when the snow crunches underfoot.

It's not hard, but is VERY time consuming (all weekend) to correctly find all the DOZENS of wires to tap into, and to solder all those many connections. It helps to colorize a wiring diagram with a yellow highlight pen, as you go. You need LOTS of patience to carefully map & track that many wires at once, as you install. How is your patience?

Back then, it involved adding a small black control box (with 2 dozen wires), plus some switches, and about 5 relays. But my device did remote-starter, plus windows, doors, trunk, and alarm. A remote start (ONLY) gadget would be a subset of that.

The remote starter circuit itself mostly needed new 3 relays to supply power into the START, RUN, and ACC circuits, since you're now bypassing the ignition switch that normally supplies those circuits. Also, it needed a safety switch to disable it when the front (engine) hood was lifted, plus a glove-box (valet) switch to manually disable it. Other than the hood safety-switch, everything else was wired under the dashboard, near the fuse panel & the foot pedals.

I'd get one from Ford, but the Viper was good.

Re: Remote start
 

I installed one once.. never again lol