In the process of looking at alarms, I stumbled across the Ford "System 6" remote start alarm ($286 + $50 for PATS bypass module). The search was over.  After all, I thought, this must be as close to a plug-and-play solution there is.

Wrong!  Installation will be a nightmare.  The manual is about 60 pages.  Just look at the tangle of wires that comes with the system.

The System 6 does, however, have all the right features:

• long-range remote starter

• full-featured alarm

• car finder

• plug for PATS bypass unit

• motion sensor

• starter lockout

• Ford-specific installation instructions

• lifetime warranty

• my favorite--the ability to let the car run while locked so you can go into the convenience store without cutting off the engine

The connections to be wired include:

• ground

• starter interrupt

• ignition

• heater

• main power

• PATS interface

• impact sensor

• status indicator light

• parking lights

• brakes

• key-in sense

• headlights

• power door locks

• dome light

• programming button

• siren

• hood safety switch

• tach

• antenna

Wow.  Just look at the tangle of wires.

I made all the hard connections myself, but took the truck to the Ford dealer to do the actual wiring.  Best $140 I ever spent.

I tucked the control module up behind the heater panel at the floor.

I wired the alarm indicator to LEDs in the doors.

I used 2-pin Deans connectors (radio control airplane parts) for the connectors.  The wires have to be routed through the bellows between the door and the cab.