Remote start for Ford trucks?

[Luke'sScreenName]

I have a 2016 F250xlt that I want to have remote start. The OEM key and fob are a one piece deal.

Two questions:
1.Are there any aftermarket products where I would not have to carry another fob remote? I really don't want another thing on my key chain.

2. How well does the factory remote start function? Range, reliability, etc...
2b. Do you think I can install it myself? (the 100 series 'plug and play' version)

 

[Sysop]

You can buy the factory remote start module from Ford after the fact. The factory module plugs into the existing harness, very easy... The more difficult part is either activating the feature through a piece of software called FORScan, or go the easy route and have your dealer activate it with their IDS system.

The factory system works really well. About a half mile range with line of sight, less with obstructions.

All of the third party systems I know of come with their own fob/remote. Some of the better 3rd party systems will replace a standard fob/remote with their own 3rd party fob/remote that will handle all the functions of the OEM fob/remote plus add the remote start ability. I do not think any of these will work if you have Ford's proximity fob/remote with pushbutton start (but I think those all have remote start built in).

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get the factory one. As mentioned above you can buy it online, and a hour at your dealer gets it programed and keys set.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

How do I know if I also need the hood alarm?

 

[Sysop]

To verify if your Super Duty came equipped with the required hood switch, open your hood and look in the driver's side inner fender near the headlamp. You will be looking for a "plunger" style switch that is encased in a black rubber boot that would make contact with your hood when closed.

It is there as a safety feature to prevent the truck from being auto-started with the hood up.

Here is an ebay listing from a Ford dealership that has more details, including the part number for the switch.
11 thru 16 F25 F35 F45 F55 Genuine Ford Remote Starter Kit Plug N Play | eBay

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Great! Thanks!
This looks like the switch...


Do you think that's a reputable source?

 

[KyleH]

Good choice on going the factory route.

Can't tell you how many times those aftermarket kits have caused problems and required the vehicles to be towed to the dealership where you'll end up paying a tech to diag it and remove it before you can drive it again. A lot of the times the issues are due to poor installs, but have seen many of the controllers fail as well.

 

[Sysop]

Fairway Ford sells lots of factory Ford parts online. I've never known of any issues.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Fairway Ford sells lots of factory Ford parts online. I've never known of any issues.

I have probably bought something like 50 times from them via Ebay. Never a issue.

Chris

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Very much appreciated :drink: I've been informed that my wife's snow tires come first in the budget so might be a month before I do it. I will report back here.

 

[grandall4]

Not sure if it's changed since 2013, but my factory starter has a poor range compared to what I bought from the aftermarket. To get range, they wanted me to buy an add on module to link to my cell phone

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Do you now have 2 key fobs to carry?

 

[grandall4]

Do you now have 2 key fobs to carry?

I should have been more clear. The aftermarket is on a different truck.

To compare, it is a Viper brand and works it a distance of at least a quarter mile (also from within a large office building) versus less than 500' on my Ford (won't work from within building, even when parked in the 1st row)

If I had to do it again, I wouldn't get the Ford and would go straight tot the viper. The only fob needed would be the viper

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I should have been more clear. The aftermarket is on a different truck.

To compare, it is a Viper brand and works it a distance of at least a quarter mile (also from within a large office building) versus less than 500' on my Ford (won't work from within building, even when parked in the 1st row)

If I had to do it again, I wouldn't get the Ford and would go straight tot the viper. The only fob needed would be the viper

Unfortunately, the Ford's key is built into the fob (one piece).
On my '03 F250 I did have a Viper and the range (especially from within a large brick building) was VERY impressive. I just don't want the Viper fob AND my Ford key/fob combo.

 

[Green Power]

Hi Luke, did you ever get the remote start?

 

[JJZ 109]

Here's how I recently completed this project on my 2016:
Bought vehicle security module DL3Z-19A361-A.
DK3Z-15603-C Bi Directional Antenna.
DL3Z-19A390-B RMU kit. This will allow you to start the truck with Ford Remote Access smartphone app from anywhere.
You can also get a Remote Start RFR Antenna Kit DA8Z-15603-A if you're not using bi directional. I think you can skip it if you buy the bi directional antenna I listed. Instructions I had for this were incorrect. They showed it being installed in the glove box area. For the newer trucks it goes above the headliner near the windshield on the driver side.
Shop around, you can save yourself some money. Look online for instructions, none of the parts will have them. I can email directions if anyone needs them.
You'll have to go to a dealer to have them activate the remote start with their IDS. If you know someone with FORScan, you may be able to have them do it. I haven't read of anyone who has gone that route yet.
Your key with built in fob for remote start is pretty much worthless. Very short range. I bought an aftermarket one. Programmed it and it only worked part time. Got a refund. Find yourself a bidirectional fob to start the truck with. I was lucky enough to buy 2 for $25 from a guy on a Ford truck forum who helped me along the way with my install.

 

[JJZ 109]

Unfortunately, the Ford's key is built into the fob (one piece).
On my '03 F250 I did have a Viper and the range (especially from within a large brick building) was VERY impressive. I just don't want the Viper fob AND my Ford key/fob combo.

You'll find that this IKT (integrated key transmitter) has very limited range. Go with a bi directional fob as noted in my other post.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

You'll find that this IKT (integrated key transmitter) has very limited range. Go with a bi directional fob as noted in my other post.

I did. I really needed more range than the Ford system could achieve.

I ended up with Viper's one button, two-way transmitter. Unfortunately, it is another FOB on my keyring, but it is small. It also does not have the accidental button push problem my old multi-button viper remote had.

More expensive than the Ford plug-in but better functionality.