2002 Explorer XLT, remote starter

Hi guys and gals, hate joining a forum with a problem, but needs must....

I have in my hands a Bulldog(no wait) RS1200EP remote starter, I just bought a 2002 Explorer XLT, and wanted to put it in. After doing a little research I found I needed to get some extras so I ordered a 791 module and FD-3 harness and an FDKEY-4 blank key for the transponder unit(791).

Ok, I then did a little more research and discovered the bulldog starter is crap,lol.

So, I have a T-harness, a 791 unit with key. Question, without spending a fortune, can you recomend a 2way starter that I will be able to use with the 791? I was looking at something like the 2W900FM-S or the 2WSS-S from compustar, you all seem to say decent things about them. I will be installing myself(I am an electrical engineer, so I should not make too many mistakes,lol), but I read that compustar won't honour their warranty unless it's pro installed, is that correct? If that is correct, can you recomend another brand/model?

Going back to the Bulldog extras I have, that T-harness states it's for a 2002 explorer on their website only when you expand the menu. Does anyone know if this is good for a 2002 XLT?

I'm sure there will be a few more questions once I get going, I'm a little concerned atm, at how the remote starter will affect the vehicles standard security. I don't want to make it too easy for the car to be stolen. :)

any remote starter will work with your 791, most all havce the same in, and outputs on them.....

I am an electrical engineer, so I should not make too many mistakes,lol       Ya, that is kinda funny. Most manufactures want the units installed by a "pro" but as you can see by the posts on this site....that really not enforced very well. They are trying to eliminate the tech support phone calls that would put em in a terrible spot on "their end" as well as the dreaded....OOPS, I messed up, oh well its under warranty mistakes!.

If you install it corectly it should work damn near forever. Most "quality units" will not be covered, if you install it yourself.....thats a chance you need to decide on whether you wanna take or not. If you feel qualified enough to read and understand the install manual, AND the circuits in your car.....dive in, youll either love it, or understand why it costs sooo much.

The ignition harness on your XLT will be the same as what was listed for the other trim levals in your year. If you need the range....theres nothing better than the compustar units. They are a bit spendy though, and the install manuals are vague at best. They are written for a guy who has installed a hundered units allready...ya know?

Be carefull with buying off of E-bay............

The factory security will NOT be an issue either, the aftermarket stuff "piggybacks" the factory stuff

http://www.directechs.com/directwire/wire_body.asp?action=select&yr=3422&product=Remote%20Start

heres a link for a tech sheet on your truck....GOOD LUCK

Kar tuneman, sweet link, thanks for that.

You know, I thought about ebay last night, then stopped by the auto security shop today and picked up a Viper 591XV, any good? it's DEI so it should be at least competant as a starter,lol.

Before I came out to the US, I did a "few" clifford installs in the UK at the weekends, I'm no stranger to wires, but pride goes before the tits up fall,lol. I'm fairly sure I can do this, even if it takes a weekend, and when it's your own car, it HAS to right, so there's only one way to make sure of that......do it your damm self,lol.

Only weal spot maybe the bulldog 791, but if I have to throw away $25 and get a new DEI unit, I will, any comments?

I wish there had been a decent forum like this around in the UK a few years back when I was doing installs(mainly audio) Would have made doing my Mi16 pug a lot easier, man when I think of the money I wasted on that,lol.

Well, I'm sure I'll be asking more questions, thanks for the replies you two, much appreciated.

Ok, quick Q, before I get started on this, the ford remote push button, has lock/unlock, you push unlock once it does driver door, 2nd push does the entire car, no problem the 591 can do that. However! push lock once, it locks the doors, push a 2nd time it beeps the horn, and I presume enables the factory alarm, is that correct? if that's the case, how does the 591 do that? it has no lock twice function that I can see?

Also, regarding the locking/unlocking, will I need any additional supplies before starting? relays, diodes atc? need advice from someone familar with the newer fords I guess, or at least newer than I know,lol

Ok, got the DEI 556S, I'll try and sell on the bulldog system with the 791 and key. I may be able to use the harness.

Anyway, got all the bits together now, so I will be making a start Friday afternoon (guess that's my memorial WE shot down,lol). If you don't hear from me by Monday, send a priest and tech with a soldering iron :)

[QUOTE=hawn13]if you want a compustar just get the new scosche rs alarms it is the exact same unit as 2w900fm I have the coumpustar 2wss generation one on my 91 caprice and 96 impala ss and I just bought the new scosche 2w900fm about a month ago for my wifes 04 monterey it works like a champ all they did was put a scosche sticker over the compustar sticker on the brain and put differnt logos on the remote and ant. they didn't even bother taking off the compustar one on the brain. my range on the scosche is close to the 2wss. thinking about changing out my other 2 because on the new 2w900fm you can control 2 cars. got mine from www.audiooutfitter.com[/QUOTE]

Just looked at those scosche, damm!!! if was not in such a hurry to get it done by the end of the weekend, I'd of risked ordering one. Looks exactly the same for about half the damm price. I feel robbed.

Anyone here familiar with the viper 591XV?

On page 14 of the install guide, wire H1/3 WHITE/ blue remote start activation. What's it for? is it just a manual push button in case the battery in the remote dies? If so, why not just start the vehicle with the key? Seems like a severe security risk, even if it is hidden away somewhere.

It is for testing the alarm during installation.

Don't think so, it says to hide it away so it can't be easily found? I think it's optional anyway, so I won't bother with, I see no reason to have there.