Remote Starter question

[Plasaj]

Can someone let me know why you have to have 2 keys when getting a remote starter installed?

 

[jnealg]

it's to program the brain. It basicly acts like a new key and needs to be programmed just like programming a new key to your truck.

 

[cdsl227]

I had one place tell me I needed 2 keys, one had to be used for the remote starter- in other words I'd be losing a key.

I went elsewhere had the Viper installed w/remote start.

They used the key I had with me- 5 minutes after the wiring was done it was up and running. Something about scanning the key or something so the remote starter can learn the code to activate the ignition. No need to waste a key cause they're kinda expensive.

 

[spta97]

I had one place tell me I needed 2 keys, one had to be used for the remote starter- in other words I'd be losing a key.

I went elsewhere had the Viper installed w/remote start.

They used the key I had with me- 5 minutes after the wiring was done it was up and running. Something about scanning the key or something so the remote starter can learn the code to activate the ignition. No need to waste a key cause they're kinda expensive.

Actually, you can get the Ford PATS key on eBay for about $10. Take it to Home Depot and have it cut, then flip through your owners manual and take a look at the section on programming. I agree that the better remote starters have a learning function, but I installed my Bulldog remote starter for like $75 total (oh, and about 3 years off my life with all the stress )

 

[jnealg]

If you can get Home Depot to do it. 'round here they wont.

 

[Plasaj]

So can it be installed with just one key?

 

[cdsl227]

Actually, you can get the Ford PATS key on eBay for about $10. Take it to Home Depot and have it cut, then flip through your owners manual and take a look at the section on programming. I agree that the better remote starters have a learning function, but I installed my Bulldog remote starter for like $75 total (oh, and about 3 years off my life with all the stress )

The remote start has been in there since about a week after buying the truck and is working perfectly...in this climate it sure is nice to go out to warm leather seats.

I swear I have a second key in the house somewhere! I've seen it- it does exist...now I just gotta hope I don't lose the one that I have in pocket...

But I never thought of E-Bay, thanks!

 

[spta97]

If you can get Home Depot to do it. 'round here they wont.

Really? They are making the key cutting fee without having to use their blanks (you would provide it). Any locksmith will do it if not home depot. Do they have a reason?

By me they gave me a disclaimer "If it get's f'ed up it's not our problem"

 

[spta97]

So can it be installed with just one key?

Not quite sure of the question, but one key is required for the learning type so it can learn and you keep the key. The Bulldog I have needs one key always on the system. But I beleive you need two working keys to do the programming (it's been a while). It's always a good idea to have a spare as well.

 

[cdsl227]

So can it be installed with just one key?

Yes, if the shop knows what they're doing. The place that did mine does after production factory installs for the Ford Dealerships (specialty systems). They did mine 1 key, no problem.

 

[spta97]

The remote start has been in there since about a week after buying the truck and is working perfectly...in this climate it sure is nice to go out to warm leather seats.

I swear I have a second key in the house somewhere! I've seen it- it does exist...now I just gotta hope I don't lose the one that I have in pocket...

But I never thought of E-Bay, thanks!

I'm in Long Island so I hear you about the weather! I got rid of my second car so I now park the X in my one car garage. It is probably a good 12 degrees warmer but I can't use my remote start while it's inside. I think I liked it better when I parked in the driveway and started it after I got out of the shower. It was nice and toasty!

As far as the keys, just do a search for Ford Pats Key. I got it from eBay member "patrickfrancis365". It was reasonably priced and shipped super fast. You can contact him through eBay to see if he has more but he doesn't have any auctions currently. Just remember you need the two working keys to program the 3rd (I'm pretty sure).

 

[Stuman78424]

it all depends on the bypass module you use, i personally have the 555F which is a little pill(the chip) so i needed 2 keys to actually program the "pill" into the explorer's computer and i still have 2 usable keys......where-as the 555U has a black box that you put one key in and leave it there...the 555U is the most reliable by all means i would reccomend it, but once the 555F is positioned correctly you should never have a problem with it, it was just a P.I.T.A. to get it positioned correctly but i could do it again in 3 mins on any other ford now that i've got the "ideal spot" for it to go....hope this helps a bit

 

[spta97]

Yes, if the shop knows what they're doing. The place that did mine does after production factory installs for the Ford Dealerships (specialty systems). They did mine 1 key, no problem.

What did they charge you? Also, is there any chance of it loosing the code if the battery dies or it is disconnected?

 

[spta97]

it all depends on the bypass module you use, i personally have the 555F which is a little pill(the chip) so i needed 2 keys to actually program the "pill" into the explorer's computer and i still have 2 usable keys......where-as the 555U has a black box that you put one key in and leave it there...the 555U is the most reliable by all means i would reccomend it, but once the 555F is positioned correctly you should never have a problem with it, it was just a P.I.T.A. to get it positioned correctly but i could do it again in 3 mins on any other ford now that i've got the "ideal spot" for it to go....hope this helps a bit

Ha ha! It's a pain finding the "sweet spot"! I had to make a few calls to Bulldog Security with my 751 bypass module (same as your 555U). The problem is with Ford PATS keys is you can't tell by looking at the plastic where the chip is.

 

[Stuman78424]

i only got one key with my explorer and since my 1998 sport has the PATS II system i had to have 2 keys to program the module....i went ahead and bought 2 keys(under $20) and had to go to ford to get one programmed(cost $32 and some change)
total cost....prestige aps-786 $132(would be 150), 555F $27.50(would be 50 RIP OFF!), 1 extra key $10, key programming $32.50 total $202 thats with the alarm/remote start and bypass module bought at my employee cost. installed by my self in a little under 3 hours

 

[Stuman78424]

im for real man! i ended up taking the PATS reader apart(the black thing around the ignition), cutting a slot in it and packing it with electrical tape so the "pill" wouldnt move and snapping it back together....havent had a problem since i found the spot

 

[spta97]

Cool deal. My Bulldog has been working, but I did have a dead brain when I first got it and their tech support has this "We'll call you back in 8 hours but you better be there" thing. For the money it's not bad, my next car I'll probably get a better system (although the Bulldog is geared toward the DIYer).

 

[spta97]

im for real man! i ended up taking the PATS reader apart(the black thing around the ignition), cutting a slot in it and packing it with electrical tape so the "pill" wouldnt move and snapping it back together....havent had a problem since i found the spot

So wait, the "pill" sits at the steering wheel? Doesn't that mean you have to cut the chip out of the other keys? I know with mine if I've got the key in the ignition it won't start (there can't be two PATS keys read).

That's hard core though man. Good for you!

 

[cdsl227]

What did they charge you? Also, is there any chance of it loosing the code if the battery dies or it is disconnected?

I think they got me for $400 installed. It has never lost the code on me and I disconnect the batteries regularly when I do work on the truck. I don't think they lose the code once programmed, probably a flash module or some other type of non-volatile memory.

 

[Stuman78424]

the only way they can lose the code is if it's reflashed or the PATS(Poor A$$ Technical S***) module goes bad i have read on here about that happening