2004 Ford F-350, Alarm/Remote Start

Hello, first post here. I am sure these questions have been asked before so maybe someone can point me in the right direction or help me out. I have a 2004 Ford F350 crew cab. I'm wondering if a guy like me (read very little tech. know how) can or should attempt to install an alarm himself??? I'm leaning toward the ford remote start/alarm. I believe it's called gold, but i'm not sure. I want to do it myself for the satisfaction and knowledge of doing it right. But I want to add roll up windows etc. What do you think, can I do it or am I biting off way more than I can chew? Thanks for any help.

Have you got a digital multimeter? If you got one, look for the wire listed below. They are all located in the truck.

Starter,Ignition,and 12V constant...

If you sort of understand the function of what each one of the wire does. I say you are ready to do the install with somehelp. If you are not up to that task leave the install to the pro.. Can be an expensive learning experience.   



DIRECTWIRE™ WIRING INFORMATION - FORD / F SERIES SUPER DUTY / 2004 /

12volts     wire: find this wire
yellow & lt. GREEN/ purple       +       ignition harness

Starter     wire: find this wire
green       +       ignition harness

Ignition wire: find this wire
RED / lt. green or WHITE/ yellow       +       ignition harness


Accessory wire: find this wire
gray / YELLOW & RED / black       +       ignition harness


Second Accessory wire: find this wire
blue/lt. green       +       ignition harness
           


Power Lock      see notes            
Notes: Without keyless entry use pink / YELLOW for lock and pink/lt. green for unlock. They are 5 wire reverse polarity mastered from the driver switch and found in either kick panel. With keyless entry use WHITE/ red for lock and BLACK/ white for unlock. They are negative trigger and found at the VSM.

On the vehicles with keyless entry the GEM shuts down after the doors have been locked for a certain time period, to wake up the system refer to DirectFax document 1094.

Power Unlock      see power lock notes            

Parking Lights+      brown       +       headlight switch
           
Door Trigger      BLACK/ lt. blue       +       passenger kick panel
Dome Supervision      use door trigger            

Tachometer      NOT RED / lt. green       ac       any ignition coil
Notes: On diesel vehicles the tach wire is GREEN / WHITE in a 5 wire harness held up with white tape behind the parking brake release.

Wait to start      see DirectFax document 1091            
Brake Wire      lt. green       +       brake pedal switch
Parking Brake      lt. GREEN/ red       -       parking brake switch
Horn Trigger      blue       -       steering column or VSM
Notes: The VSM (Vehicle Security Module) is to the right of the accelerator pedal above the transmission hump below the radio. Not accessible from radio opening.

Immobilizer Bypass Module:      Required: No      Type: N/A      Part #: N/A

    
This wiring information is being provided free of charge on an "as is" basis, without any representation or warranty. It is your responsibility to verify any circuit before interfacing with it using a digital multimeter.
Directed electronics, Inc. assumes no responsibility with regards to the accuracy or currency of this information. Proper installation in every case is and remains the responsibility of the installer. DEI assumes no liability or responsibility resulting from improper installation, even in reliance upon this information.




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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

It is possible, but you picked a heck of a vehicle as a first.  Stay away from the factory alarm/remote starters which usually work within 20ft. Go with an aftermaket. The aftermarket world has it hands down. The window module can be a little tricky. All in all, it is better to bring it to an installer but if you want to do it Im sure that myself and the others @ 12 volt will be more than willing to answer any questions. Also stay away from dealer installs. I did a ford Expidition about 2 weeks ago that had the installed ford factory alarm. It was a nightmare. Upon me taking apart the dash I found melted wires, connections that had not insulating material, and worst of all these joints were just wrapped around, no solder no nothing. The expodition was a rolling firehazard from the dealership. He went back to ford after I showed him the melted wires I cut out and porly made connections. Guess what they did, DENIED THEMSELVES OF DOING ANYTHING LIKE THAT. Go figure. Find a reputable installer if you want it done right. Even try to stay away from places like circut city or best buy. Im not putting them down some of there installers a top guys but some of the places are not that great. Stay with a shop that does nothing but alarms, remote starters, and car audio.

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MECP certified (If it really means anything)
Jeremy

A LIL INFO ON THE FORD GOLD SYSTEM. IT IS A CODE ALARM UNIT THAT IS BASED ON THE POWER CODE PLATFORM. GREAT RANGE. I PERSONALLY HATE IT, BUT IT WORKS VERY WELL. AND I JUST REALIZED THIS IS IN CAPS. and i take offense to the comment about dealer installs. but i am not here to sling mud. tkae your time, dont be afraid to ask alot of questions, and say enjoy your new remote start alarm combo

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Well that wasent a hit against you jim. I just went by what I saw. Granted I guess you take this chance no matter where you go. Sorry about the offending part!

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MECP certified (If it really means anything)
Jeremy

no worries j.      we have all seen bad installs. let that be a lesson to you sam... take your time do it right.

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I would rather have a pro do it, but knowing who to go to is a whole nother topic lol.