viper 5301 in a ’97 ford f150

I'm preparing to install a DEI Viper 5301 Remote Start Keyless Entry module in my 1997 F150. The truck is an automatic with a gas engine, power locks, but no factory keyless entry.

For those familiar with the DEI line of products, the first of six wiring harnesses that come with this unit has a Remote Start / Turbo Timer Activation Input, do I have to do anything with this wire? If I understand it correctly, out of the box it is programmed as an on/off switch.

Thanks for the reply ckeeler.  It sounds as if the turbo timer functionality would be an optional use for this wire, with the primary function being remote start activation.  With the unit giving you the option to program this input for other uses, it makes sense that it's not a required input for the remote start functionality, but I just wanted to make sure.  Thanks again!

Perhaps someone can explain something else to me.  Why does this unit have multiple ignition or accessory inputs and outputs, i.e. ignition 1, ignition 2, etc.?  Is it to provide power to multiple circuits that typically have power going to them when the key is in the run position?

I’ve just finished the wiring of a Viper 5301 Remote Start in my 97’ F150, but changes to menu options don’t seem to take.  Specifically, I’m trying to change the default setting for the type of transmission in the vehicle.  The unit is configured for manual transmissions by default, but I have an automatic.  The option is the first item on menu three.  Here’s what I’ve been doing.

1. Turn the Ignition on and then off.
2. Press and hold the valet button.  The LED will flash once, a few seconds later it flashes twice, and a few seconds later it flashes three times.
3. At this point I release the valet button, and the LED flashes three times every second or so until I do something.   I’m assuming I am now on menu three.
4. I press and release the button once and then press and hold the button until it flashes once per second.  At this point I’m assuming the unit knows that I want to change the first item on menu three.
5. I press and hold the valet button and hit the unlock button on the remote.
6. I release the valet button

The instructions say to wait 30 seconds or turn the ignition on to exit the menus.  I’ve tried exiting the menus both ways, but every time I try the remote start, the parking lights flash seven times.

7 flashes - Manual transmission mode is enabled and not initialized.

Is there something I’m missing that I need to do to save changes?  Does anyone see anything wrong with what I’m doing?

Thanks for the reply dtk1.  I went through the procedure you noted above, but when I went to test the remote start I accidentally hit the unlock button on the remote and now the LED on the valet/program button just keeps flashing.  The unit is unresponsive at this point, so I'm off to find out what a continuos flashing LED means.  Any suggestions or explanations would be appreciated.

Does the Control Center LED flash during normal operation?  I can't seem to find anything in the manuals that talks about the LED when the unit is not in a programming mode.  That is, other than a comment that the unit will go into a power saving mode after 24 hours and the LED flash at a slower frequency.