[Freddy]

Has anyone ordered and installed any of the remote start packages available for the Fusion.  If so please share the good, the bad , and the ugly before I order.  I live north of Toronto (Go Leafs Go) and it would be a great thing to have.   Looking forward to the replies.
Keep Smilin' .....
Fred

 

[bartman1]

Freddy - I had the dealer put in a remote start for my SEL V-6. Works like a charm. Had a problem but the dealer had the guy who did the work replace the unit at my home!

Cost was $325 - not cheap, but here in CT it will be worth every penny this January when I don't have to go out to start the car. With auto temp control, should make winter almost (well - that's stretching it) fun!

 

[Freddy]

Thanks for the feedback bartman1.  $325.00 in US $ is cheaper than what I'll pay, but the conveince will be worth it.  What one did you get?  I see there are 3 different versions.  Also how did it work with the key?  Do they re-program the one you had?, or did you get another fob to carry.  Kindda confusing.  How about how many fobs do you have now that you have remote start?

 

[ColdFusion]

I was doing some checking today at some dealers. They want between $600-700 :shock: for the "Gold" package installed! I understand that it is from Ford and will be warranted, but DAMN! It will add an extra fob and doesn't offer a 2-way function.

One dealer told me he doesn't like the one Ford offers because it's less functional and more expensive. Their dealership offers a Clifford RSX 3.5 system installed for around $400 (I think I will go with that one).

Did you decide which package you are going to go with?

 

[stegercreek]

Hi I have had Fords remote starts and sold them While working at a Ford dealership last year(sales), With that being said, they are tempearmental {Doors sometimes will not unlock with Fob} no instructions on install, have to download. Many wiring schemes to sort through. Programing harder than most. Have to use set switch and not fob for programming. Run time 10 min max.  If you have a problem on the road, and you may, good luck finding someone that will work on it...Our dealership had only done 2 and called it quits. Did i say they were way expensive?? They are ! I love Ford and their Products, just not their starters, But they are covered under Fords warranty.... somewhere....  :lol: :lol:

 

[ColdFusion]

So Steger, do you recommend aftermarket instead of Ford's remote start?

 

[Freddy]

Sounds like you tried to instal yourself Steger?  Am I right in my interpratation of your post?  I think the warranty would become viod if I tried to and screwed it all up.  I haven't purchased yet and am glad I haven't.  I'm known to research the heck out anything before I buy.  Thus the reason for My nice black SEL.   They call me "Fusion Freddy" at the golf course where I work.  I actually drove a Fusion earlier in the year out to a hole in one contest, and the rest is history.  Any other feedback regarding remote start would be greatly appreciated.  (good, bad or ugly).
Keep Smilin'.....
Fred

 

[bartman1]

Freddy - my unit is an "Astrostart" made in Canada by a company called "Astroflex" in Quebec. My model is the "cheapie" 701U, which has an extra little fob attached to the keyring, with just one button. They also make a model 903 with lots more goodies like trunks, doors, etc, and a "low temp" mode which will start the car automatically and run it for a few minutes every so often if the temp drops below some threshhold. But I opted for just the start/stop mode.

I don't know how they wired around the key, but the dealer warrants the unit for the life of the car, and I have a pretty good dealer whom I trust.

 

[sternyy]

i may be dumb but i dont get why all these are so much. What are the benifits going to a dealer? I browsed the web web and found this in the Detroit area (Mickey Shorr):
http://www.mickeyshorr.com/newspaperads.pdf

Am I missing something here because let me know

 

[bartman1]

Sternyy - I know you can buy a unit for $150 or so, but the installation is a bitch. I put one in my '96 Contour, and by the time I got done buying extras - switches, etc., I was out another $50. Plus I had to have the wiring diagram for the car (which I haven't bought for the Fusion - they aren't cheap), and tracing the wires takes a lot of time.

The regular installers know what they are doing, and do many cars, so they are fast. But for me to do it, I would gladly pay the $325 and be done with it - including having to fix it if it breaks.

Just my ideas - if you don't mind spending a lot of hours doing the work, you CAN save substantial $$.

 

[sternyy]

hmmm, i know there may be some added parts to install... but the ad said free installation so if parts arnt more then $100, total of $200 - $250 is a lot cheaper than above... just curious though.

 

[ColdFusion]

I called today, I'm going to get a remote start system installed at the dealership on Monday. Thank goodnes, it won't be the Ford version, but it will be a 2-way paging system and will be warranted for 3 years/36,000 miles. I won't say how much it costs, just more than $400. I think it's worth it for the professional installation and warranty if something goes wrong.....I'll keep you posted!!

 

[Freddy]

Looking forward to your posts on Monday night re the install. I agree Coldfusion, and believe the old saying "You get what you pay for". I would also be concerned of a warranty with the cheaper ones, especially if it's not installed by a Ford dealer. I also believe the reason for the high cost with this car is the security built in with the key. Just my opinion. Good luck Monday. Noticed you said thank goodness not the Ford version.....Why was that? Also what one are you getting? Wonder if it's sold in Ontario? Have a great rest of the week.

 

[ColdFusion]

Well, I say that because the Ford version is $700 or more for installation and doesn't even offer a 2-way function. I've also heard that they can be a little fussy....not unlocking the doors, not disarming correctly, etc. I want the 2-way function so that I can confirm the status of the car, without going outside. Oh, my dealer said they have great success with the Karr Security/Remote Start system, and that's the one getting installed.

 

[stegercreek]

Freddy,sorry I have not logged sooner.My dealership passed my install to a local audio shop because they did not want the drama.
They are backed by dealer. Truth be known a lot of dealers farm this work out, bill at dealership. I was up their backsides watching install aways a chg. for watching The installer said he could have saved me 200.00 using viper or clifford. I did reprogram idle time,
interior lights,headlight flash option. No opinion on others ,but will ask our audio installers and get another opinion.... 8)

 

[Dreddstang]

I am about to the get the Ford remote start installed on Teusday. had my car almost 3 weeks now and they are FINALLY getting to it! :?

Anyway, I had Ford's remote start on the '04 Explorer I traded for the Fusion, and never had a problem with it! Never. Everything always worked like it was supposed to, and I didn't have to worry about warranty issues.

I also did not pay anywhere near the full price for either system (in the Explorer or Fusion), so that's another difference.

So, from my experience, there'd be nothing wrong with going with the Ford system. The only thing I don't like about it is that you have to get another keyfob to have it! I like the keyfob being built into my car's key, and REALLY wish there was a way to make the key run the remote start! :x

Anyone know if there is a way to reprogram the stock key to make it work?

 

[Freddy]

Message to Coldfusion and Dreddstang.  Good luck with the remote installs.  I'm looking forward to your evaluations of the work done.  I'm getting to the point the more I look and research the cheaper it might be to pay my wife and go out and start the car 5 minutes early.....at least the rear window and side view mirrors would be turned on . 

 

[ColdFusion]

[quote author=Freddy link=topic=56515.msg958077#msg958077 date=1158521391]
Message to Coldfusion and Dreddstang.  Good luck with the remote installs.  I'm looking forward to your evaluations of the work done.  I'm getting to the point the more I look and research the cheaper it might be to pay my wife and go out and start the car 5 minutes early.....at least the rear window and side view mirrors would be turned on . 
[/quote]

:lol: If my girlfriend lived with me, I actually might be inclined to agree!

 

[WiKDMoNKY]

Does Ford sell one that integrates into the existing key?

There are 2 empty spots on it.

It would be really lame to have to have to a big key and a fob.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[ColdFusion]

No, unfortunately there has to be a seperate fob. Those extra spots aren't really extra spots. I belive the manual describes them as a type of gripping point to make it easier to hold the key.