I'm about to order my F-150 and was wondering what everyone's opinions were of the OEM Remote Starters from Ford. Am I better off getting the OEM or should I look for an Aftermarket Starter?

 

Im in the same boat as you neilboy......I have read countless threads and the more I read the more confusing it is........Ive narrowed it down between a Viper or the OEM Remote start/Alarm Combo unit?

Ive got a Lariat Full Load and it sure would be nice to turn Heat/A/C on/off with the remote too....?

While Im deciding...........Ill read on and confuse myself more and more?

Good Luck

 

QUOTE=ajaj;4243977]Im in the same boat as you neilboy......I have read countless threads and the more I read the more confusing it is........Ive narrowed it down between a Viper or the OEM Remote start/Alarm Combo unit?

Ive got a Lariat Full Load and it sure would be nice to turn Heat/A/C on/off with the remote too....?

While Im deciding...........Ill read on and confuse myself more and more?

Good Luck[/QUOTE]



Hahaha...I know how you feel. I've been reading these postings and my eyes are getting sore. It sounds like the Compustar and Viper are tops in most peoples views and from what I've read, it sounds like the OEM ones are somewhat confusing to program.

 

the OEM ones are fine as basic systems. But there's no real options to add to them. They are not hard to program, the only recent issue has been the new 2010 My-Key feature which causes the remote start to shut off if you open the door or put the key in the ignition. For some reason, alot of Ford dealers don't know the new programming option settings for the new 2010 systems, and there's a simple program option setting that you can turn off so that the system works like it should (does not turn off when opening the door...). I have the programming files for the 1-button rmst and 6-button alarm/rmst system if anyone needs them.

I do have the Ford alarm/rmst on my 09 F150, it works good enough for me.

 

Could you send them to me Steve...thanks.

 

they are PDF files and have to be emailed. If you click on my profile, you'll see my email listed. email me and I'll send them to you.

 

I'm not too impressed with the factory unit. With all the truck's features and integration the remote start could have done more. The truck knows whether it is 100 or 10 degrees out. Why can't it turn the defrost or AC on automatically, along with the heated/cooled seats, mirrors, and rear window defrost. I think GM at least has some of these features.
So for $360 or more I will go aftermarket next time.
Mine has been back to the dealer twice now for the remote start. (loose wires)

 

Ford was supposed to come out with a brand-new factory remote start, beginning with the all-new 2011 SuperDuty. Well, I've yet to see it, nor hear any more about it since their initial announcement that has now failed to hold any water at all...

EDIT: I have the OEM remote start, works fine. If you have EATC, you're truck will be the right temp when you get in. But no defrost control or heated/cooled seat control.

 

I think most people prefer the aftermarket route because there are more options to choose from with them, and normally the range is higher. For example, my Viper remote will easily turn the truck on 1/2 mile away (through walls). And it even beeps and lights up an LED to let me know if the truck started or not.