Anyone here recommend a good remote starter.......

I was thinking of buying one for my wifes 2004 freestar,My parents 2005 taurus, and my brothers saturn Ion.
Regards,
Joe

Are you looking for just a remote start, or one that is incorporated into an alarm system? Do you want one that can work with the factory installed keyless entry, or a new system? Are there any features the system needs to have such as trunk release, window roll up module, etc? Are any of these cars manual transmission cars? The Freestar and the Taurus likely have the PATS system which will require bypassing during the remote start. The Saturn may have VATS or a similar system that will also need to be bypassed.

I've installed a couple of Omega remote start systems that can work with a factory keyless system. I've also installed a few Crimestopper systems and a couple of Autopage systems.

The Omega is a bare-bones systems with the necessary safety features, but that's about it.

The Crimestoppers with the FM 2-way communication have phenomenal range, but don't have many extra channels or the most attractive remotes. They were quite robust as well. The model I installed was the CS-2015FM (going off of memory here, so this may not be the exact number. The "2015" I'm pretty sure on, the prefix not so much though.

The AutoPage units are attractive (IMHO) with many features, are robust, the price is hard to beat, have numerous channels and add-on modules, but the range is not nearly as good as the Crimestopper. The models I've installed are RF-700 and RS-850 (again, going off memory here). The RF-700 is not a remote start unit, but has a 3rd channel that can be used for remote start. I used it with the Omega units for remote start.

The two Crimestoppers and one of the RF-700 units were installed on cars with manual transmissions. Neither unit was specifically designed for use with manual transmissions, so I had to build my own device to ensure the remote start would only attempt to start if the gear shift was in neutral. I can provide details for you if you are planning to perform such an install yourself.

The two AutoPage RS-850 installs were on Fords with PATS.

-Rod

I've been working with DEI (Directed Electronic Inc.) products for the last 9 years and have had phenominal luck with it. DEI is the company that makes Viper, Sidewinder, Python, Avital and Clifford systems. They also make the bypass modules needed for each of the cars that you mentioned. Like Shorod said, the Taurus and Freestar will most definately have the PATS (Securilock in the Taurus) systems. The Ion will have the Passlock II system. I HIGHLY recommend that you look at upper line systems and NOT the buy off the shelf systems that you see at Wal-Mart and such. DEFINATELY go for professional installation, particularly in the case of the Ion. The top seller at my shop is the Clifford RS 1.1 remote start/keyless entry system. Consistent 3 to 4 blocks of range with a lot of programable options. If you're looking for extreme range, look into Directed's new SST technology. Boasts up to a mile range, and when we tested it at my shop, we consistantly got 3/4 of a mile range in our area.

:grinyes: I've been working with DEI (Directed Electronic Inc.) products for the last 9 years and have had phenominal luck with it. DEI is the company that makes Viper, Sidewinder, Python, Avital and Clifford systems. They also make the bypass modules needed for each of the cars that you mentioned. Like Shorod said, the Taurus and Freestar will most definately have the PATS (Securilock in the Taurus) systems. The Ion will have the Passlock II system. I HIGHLY recommend that you look at upper line systems and NOT the buy off the shelf systems that you see at Wal-Mart and such. DEFINATELY go for professional installation, particularly in the case of the Ion. The top seller at my shop is the Clifford RS 1.1 remote start/keyless entry system. Consistent 3 to 4 blocks of range with a lot of programable options. If you're looking for extreme range, look into Directed's new SST technology. Boasts up to a mile range, and when we tested it at my shop, we consistantly got 3/4 of a mile range in our area.

I've been installing these types of systems for over 35 years and I can't tell you how important it is to get a REALLY good unit as InstallTech mentioned above. If you buy a unit from a discount store you'll probably find yourself along side the road some time soon. These units cut corners and simply aren't engineered to last as long as the units from DEI and Excalibur. The DEI units will also let you use/keep your old Securilock system along with the new system. I'd give DEI a 9.5, and a Excalibur 8-9 out of 10. The discount units mentioned above are around 4-5 out of 10. You get what you pay for :wink:

We recently bought a 2004 Taurus SEL and we added the DEI 791xv. We didn't even consider any other unit. The Securilock is very easy to get around with a extra module that will simply 'trick' the car into thinking that you put the key in the ignition. It does not modify the Securilock system. The new style bypass module for your Taurus is the 1100F and NO extra key is needed to make it work. AuroCommand is also owned by DEI but costs less, and if you look for one you'd want their 28624T model. The Excalibur AL2000E is also a good unit to get but a little harder to find. If you're going to install the unit(s) yourself I could send you the wiring codes for the DEI - Taurus. I highly recommend that you solder most of the connections, especially all heavy guage wiring, which is what I do whenever I work on Police cars/Emergency vehicles. It's really not that hard to install these units. If you're in a hurry definitely let someone else do this as you don't want to rush this type of job. However if you have the time to do it yourself it's really not all that hard. Just know that most shops don't solder their connections. If you're going to install the unit yourself I would also buy it online and save the extra $. If you're not going to install it yourself then you'll have to pay whatever the installation shop wants as they usually won't install a unit that bring in yourself. You might be able to tell them that it was a gift. Some places will install those units :p

Both your Taurus and my Taurus are virtually identical so I could help you with that if you need. Just let me know :)

Interesting, I've had a lot better luck and longevity from the Autopage units. Open one up sometime and a DEI system and compare them. The Autopage circuit boards and solder joints look a lot better than the DEI. My degree is in electrical engineering and I work for a government electronics supplier, I've seen what it takes to design for robustness.

Now, I must mention that the last DEI product I had apart (a Hornet) and used was about 10 years ago. After 3 that had quirky issues, I went to Autopage and have used them since. A lot can change in 10 years.

To each his own I guess.

-Rod

Now, I must mention that the last DEI product I had apart (a Hornet) and used was about 10 years ago.
Hehehe... they used to have a two wire (battery and ground) unit that was basically a shock sensor hooked up to a siren. We sold them all day long at 40 bucks a pop. Took about 10 minutes to install :p The new DEI is now ten times better, dare I say that most in the business think of them as the best aftermarket alarm system company around. They are certainly the biggest. They are the best not because they use military spec circuit boards but because of their innovative features and high dependability. The only time that they come back is when someone installs them wrong. They wear like iron. Clifford used to be the premier alarm company, but then DEI bought them, and got all of their techs and engineers. Now the entire DEI line is much stronger. That is not to say that companies like Omega or Autopage are not good, they are, but just not the same 'grade'. One is a Corvette, the other a Lamborgini. Both are nice and I'd be happy with either :p It just depends on what you're looking for feature wise, warranty wise, ETC. :)

Yes. I 2nd that statement of looking into a good quality product AND installer too. Make sure the install place lets you see their work. A good shop will invite you to look at their bays and see their guys at work. Even though you may not know what you are looking at, your gut will tell you if things look on the up and up or not.

DEI has been the leader for many years. They should be. They've bought up most of the 2nd and 3rd inline companies. Personally I think they've lost a little ground these days though. I've had too many remote failures where the solder joints that hold the battery in fail. Before that was range issues when they went to the current antenna design. Now, they are touting 1mile range on their SST (spread spectrum technology) but I've had some get as little as 10' in my shop. SST isn't something new. It's been out for over 5 years from a company called Compustar.

Once I started getting a lot of comebacks and then DEI changing some of their rules on returns and such, I looked into other companies. I tried all the next in line and I settled on Compustar. I've been running them in my shop for the past 3 years now and have yet to have a comeback that I truely thought the product was at fault. Their range usually is MORE than what is stated and the remotes seem to hold up to a lot of abuse.

Remember, the install can be just as important or MORE important as the install. My personal tastes would be to get a Compustar unit. Also, do not use the bypasses that require keys. There can be some conflicts on Ford cars with using them. Also, I suggest the installer to use tach sensing. Doing so can cause problems if using DEI products though. Ford's electrical system is a little quirky and DEI products tend to run for only 3-4 minutes because it thinks the car revved up. Compstar units don't do that. You can go to either website to find a local dealer.

www.directed.com
www.compustar.com

I've had some get as little as 10' in my shop.
Usually caused from bunching up the extra antenna cable, windshield design or a weak remote battery.

Remember, the install can be just as important or MORE important as the install.
Say what? :p

Ford's electrical system is a little quirky
I'm not sure what was meant by this, as they are one of the most conservative companies around. Any examples?

Doing so can cause problems if using DEI products though.
That is why you are supposed to teach the unit the tach setting. Start the car with the key. Within 5 seconds press and HOLD the valet button. The LED will light when it has learned the tach setting. Release the valet button. There is also the tach threshold on/off jumper that can be used for this. Never had a problem with any DEI unit that was programmed correctly.

Usually caused from bunching up the extra antenna cable, windshield design or a weak remote battery.

Yep, just another example of DEI's faults. Funny thing is that I NEVER bunch the cables. I was one of the few that found this out when the first "powered" antenna was produced by DEI
Say what? :p oops, I meant to say a good product and good install are critical and that a good install could be even a little more crucial.


I'm not sure what was meant by this, as they are one of the most conservative companies around. Any examples?
Yep, According to a senior DEI tech he stated that on certain Ford vehicles there is some abnormal "chatter" that goes on in the electrical system. When this occurs, it causes the remote start to see a "over rev" condition if you have tach sense and engine checking turned on. This can happen either when you actually connect to a tach wire or injector. The fix was to not use tach or engine checking. The other was to use part# 454t which was specifically made for Fords and also some Diesels.


That is why you are supposed to teach the unit the tach setting. Start the car with the key. Within 5 seconds press and HOLD the valet button. The LED will light when it has learned the tach setting. Release the valet button. There is also the tach threshold on/off jumper that can be used for this. Never had a problem with any DEI unit that was programmed correctly.Yes, I know how to program DEI products. I've been a certified dealer of their products for over 13 years now and reach deep into the Power Of One program so I DO install a lot of their products. I just has a Viper 791XV come back the other day for this very problem. Once the temp was down under 25 degrees, it would only RS and run for about 5 minutes. The "event history record" (to use this, press and hold the valet button, turn on the ignition, turn it off, release the button, then press once. Then the LED light will show you why it shut off) I then changed the point of where I got my tach signal and retaught the tach. Hopefully that fixed it. I haven't heard of him yet.

Seriously, this is a VERY COMMON problem with Fords. Go to DEI's tech forumn page. There was a HUGE link on how to diagnose and fix this very problem. Now, from what I heard it only happens in climates that have wild temp fluxuations.

It almost sounds like the cold temperature is creating an open circuit somewhere on the circuit board. Could be a lot of things, even the IC's themselves. I guess that's one drawback to making the units smaller, you need to use more IC's. In any even I will be keeping a close watch on this myself.

I guess that's one drawback to making the units smaller, you need to use more IC's.

Well, typically the ICs become more integrated, and therefore there are fewer necessary. The gate size for the ICs is much smaller nowdays too, and many of the components are surface mount rather than through-hole. The surface mount reduces the surface area to solder to, so the solder joints are smaller and need to be more precise. Likewise, the smaller ICs also tend to be lower profile which helps them survive some shock and vibration.

I'm getting off-topic here, so I'll stop typing.

-Rod

It almost sounds like the cold temperature is creating an open circuit somewhere on the circuit board. Could be a lot of things, even the IC's themselves. I guess that's one drawback to making the units smaller, you need to use more IC's. In any even I will be keeping a close watch on this myself.
Yeah I know but the wierd thing is that the vehicles themselves don't show a problem. It's just that some certain brands of RS don't like what some Ford cars do.