Got an early Christmas present of a 100 series Plug and Play kit for my 13 F150 XLT. Got it installed just fine and the key programmed. Found out it has to be "activated" with the dealers IDS software before it will work. Called my local 3 dealers and the lowest price is $95, with the other 2 wanting $130 & $140.

Why is this so expensive for what seems like a 10 min max activation? My kit came with the instructions and it's just navigating to a menu and turning it on.

Any ideas to talk the dealers down in price? Was wanting to do it with my next oil change. I live in Las Vegas for what it's worth.

 

Almost every dealer charges 1/2 hour labor minimum for any work. I can see a charge of $50 to $70 depending on their rates, but not more. Call around and ask for their minimum charge, then tell them what needs to be done. My dealer charged $55 plus tax.

 

I just had mine activated this week. I was charged for 2/10th of an hour labor. $21.50. They told be it would be probably a half hour labor at $55 so I was happy they didn't hose me for more time then it took. I also got an oil change, inspection sticker and tires rotated at the same time. You might be able to get it done for cheaper if you are getting other work done at the same time. I was fine with paying the $55 if I had too.

 

Here's to hoping I can get a deal like that. I'm thinking I may just go in for the oil change and ask the service guy how much to activate it while I'm there. May be easier to get a better price if I'm standing there getting stuff done anyway.

 

Paid $90 to have mine activated, it's one of the reasons I now have IDS. No more gouging my wallet, although IDS cost me $2,200. I can make up the cost by offering programming and such at a discounted price and under cut the dealer every time.

Helps that I already knew how to use it. Ex Ford master tech.
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I had mine done during an oil change and they only charged me $55.00.

 

That's what I did. When I called for the appointment I didn't mention the remote start. I asked when I brought the car in for the other work since I figured it would be hooked up to the computer anyways.

 

since this is an accessory you should be charged accessory rate as they take less time to install.

 

The deal here is your not paying the tech for what he does, your paying for what he knows.
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Those IDS's aren't cheap.... We have 3 of them.... I believe we charge an hours labor to do any type of programming in our shop