installing factory alarm?

Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives

my car did not come with the factory alarm but did come with the remote keyless entry. it is a 98.5. a former roommate of mine has threatened to vandalize my car and i would like to have the alarm so i can hopefully have a better chance of catching him if he follows through. i would like to keep the same remote and have the alarm activate and deactivate with the power locks. i believe that is how the factory system works. where can i get this and is it possible? if so, anyone have some ballpark figures?

sounds like a real alarm might be better in your situation

Just buy a good aftermarket alarm. The alarm fob should be programmable for your keyless entry.

any suggestions? im a student on a comfortable but not huge budget. under 200?

Originally posted by DanburySE:
any suggestions? im a student on a comfortable but not huge budget. under 200?

if you look around ebay you maybe able to find a factory System 3/4 add on alarm. I found one and just installed it on my car. It will interface with the factory keyless entry to arm and disarm the system. It has the standard features, like a siren, override switch, valet/indicator switch and shock sensor and starter lock out. It wasn't to bad to install just took some time.

I would go and get a better alarm if you are really worried, that or if something happens you know how to blame

and btw no contour came with a factory alarm

ok. i have been searching online and havent really found what im looking for, and the info available is pretty confusing. i want a shock sensor, proximity warning, the chirp feature when car is bumped, as well as standard alarm and i want to keep my original remotes. i like the factory style remotes and just invested in 2 new ones. can anyone point me at a system like that? i am lost in the sea of info

Originally posted by DanburySE:
any suggestions? im a student on a comfortable but not huge budget. under 200?

Go around to your local shops that sell alarms.

I picked up an alarm for $80 something with starter kill, keyless entry, and shock sensor. Install was $100. I actually prefer the remote over the stock remote.

what exactly is the shock sensor? is that the proximity sensor?

You don't need the proximity sensor, thats for convertables and such when the top is down. Its like a microwave kinda thing. The shock sensor is what senses when your car has been bumped or hit and most come with it IIRC. You need to make sure it is a 2 stage sensor though (bump [warning], and a hit [full siren]).

A feature you may want to look for is a 2-way remote so it lets you know when and what is happening to your car like a half mile away. I have the Clifford 3.5 and love it. BTW, you won't be able to use your factory remotes anymore with a good aftermarket alarm.

There really isn't a factory alarm. There is a Ford accessory alarm that is dealer installed and is available for cars that already have factory keyless fobs as well as those that don't. The fobs are completely different and not interchangable.

The Ford accessory alarm isn't anything great. I would not go out of my way to find one. There are better ones available.

You can probably find a good aftermarket system that will tie into your existing keyless system so that you don't have to get new remotes, but you may have to search a bit for it.

Whatever system you install, be aware that eventually they all fail. Many sooner than others. Again, the Ford accessory one doesn't have a track record any better than average. Because they all eventually fail, make sure you understand how it was installed in case you ever want to remove it. Also keep the document someplace safe for the time when you need to call for troubleshooting help or replacement parts.

Originally posted by 00_HO_Contour:
You don't need the proximity sensor, thats for convertables and such when the top is down. Its like a microwave kinda thing. The shock sensor is what senses when your car has been bumped or hit and most come with it IIRC. You need to make sure it is a 2 stage sensor though (bump [warning], and a hit [full siren]).

A feature you may want to look for is a 2-way remote so it lets you know when and what is happening to your car like a half mile away. I have the Clifford 3.5 and love it. BTW, you won't be able to use your factory remotes anymore with a good aftermarket alarm.

the proximity sensor is still a great feature. i love seeing it give a warning when someone has been standing next to my car for a bit longer than they should be.

but if your worried about your roommate, the shock and glass sensors would be recommended. i'd check with some local shops about some entry level alarms. they wont have 2 way or remote start but should include the 2stage shock sensor and glass sensor and lock/unlock features. for around 200 u should be able to find a very basic system installed.

Try this

Alarm

umm.. try ?? not much to the clip

it takes a little bit to load