1999 Passkey ? What version ?

[radeohedca]

I'm about to install a remote starter in my 1999 Montana.
There is no mention of having to deal with a passkey bypass in either the remote starter manual nor the install info that I've seen online.

Does the '99 use a passkey and if so, what version ? I see vendors selling bypass modules on ebay. Just wondering if I'll need one and if so, which one.

Thanks.

[JabbaTHutt]

Look at your key, if it has a resistor on it then it has a type of passkey, if it has PK3 stamped on it then it is a passkey, if you have ever had a key made from a local shop and it only cost a few bucks chances are its not a passkey.

[merc81]

Inside the dash display there is a warning lamp that comes on during startup that tells you if its a passkey2 or passkey3. I tried the remote startup stuff and it failed misrabley
I had to place one of my valid passkeys inside a box and leave this installed up under the dash ! Don't do it, its not worth the trouble.
We spent several days getting the install just right and it worked for maybe 3 days. Then a device (the system was comprised of several boxes connected together) failed and I had to send it back for exchange. The new box worked sometimes other times not. Headlights would flash off and on, car alarm went off sometimes, its was ugly. I sent it all back and recommend you by an electric heater for the block. It will keep the car nice an warm so when you startup you get hot air almost at once. Much simpler.

[ponchonutty]

Well, be carefull of the unit you are trying to install. Not all remote starters are created equal. That is obvious from the previous post. NO, you won't "see" a pellet in your key. You have the transponder based PK3 system which is imbedded in the head of the key. I use the INT-SL from Fortin. It's a little pricey but it'll do all electronics plus PK3 bypass with out the need to put an extra key in a box.

http://ifar.ca/en/vehicles/pontiac/montana/2000/

[JabbaTHutt]

So this module is a complete remote starter or just a bypass and you still need to buy a remote starter kit? I am looking for something that will allow me to use my original remote instead of having to add another one and have to buy 2 more remotes to go with it.

Originally Posted by ponchonutty

Well, be carefull of the unit you are trying to install. Not all remote starters are created equal. That is obvious from the previous post. NO, you won't "see" a pellet in your key. You have the transponder based PK3 system which is imbedded in the head of the key. I use the INT-SL from Fortin. It's a little pricey but it'll do all electronics plus PK3 bypass with out the need to put an extra key in a box.

http://ifar.ca/en/vehicles/pontiac/montana/2000/

[ponchonutty]

No. That's just the interface for the remote start. There's no add on remote start that works with your OE remote except for a few. The problem is that your range will only be what your OE remotes do so it's pointless to use them. Aftermarket remote starts with their own keyless entry are so much easier to use

[radeohedca]

turns out my '99 Montana does indeed use the PK3 passkey.

I successfully installed a Pro-Start remote starter but also had to install a Directed 555G bypass module to fake out the key. It seems to work fine except the factory alarm trips whenever I remote start so I have to figure this one out.
Any clues ?

Thanks.

[ponchonutty]

Well since you didn't use a data style bypass like the INT-SL to control things you'll have to setup your remote starter to cycle the unlock on the locks. Your van arms and disarms from the locks only.