Bypass module has everyone stumped!

[TorontoJoe]

Car: 2006 Ford Focus ZXW

I recently had a remote starter put in the car to help out my wife as we have an new baby and some cold winters in Toronto. As this car uses transponder keys we were required to add a bypass module containing a key.

Here's the thing - Since this ate one of my spare keys, I decided to order a couple more to cut and program. Unfortunately since installing the remote starter and bypass module, I can no longer program keys using the "two original keys in the ignition" method.

I'm going mad with this. So it's understood here's what I do know and what I've done.

-I have done this procedure before and know how to do it correctly. I'm doing it right.

-I took it back to the shop that installed the equipment. They also tried this procedure with no luck.

- Ford has confirmed that my car does not have a spare key limit as say, Toyota's

- The car starter manufacturer says there could be no interference. This seems correct as there is no relation on that part of the system.

- It seems somehow the bypass module is preventing the system from programming keys. The company who sold me the module said this could not be true, but of course the module {like most other things these days) is a piece of Chinese crap that has no documentation or means of getting info from the manufacturer. Of course it must be true.

- I tried pulling the key from the module and running the programming procedure. No go.

So I ask if any one can help me with one of two things:

a) Doesn't anyone have any insight as to what is causing this and how I may remedy?

or

b) This is a white 2006 Focus wagon. Nobody is stealing this car. Is there a way to use the module (or any other method) so I can use non-chipped cut keys? So the chip is ALWAYS bypassed.

I know people will say this leaves my car vulnerable - Seriously...I'm not worried about this.The car is always in my garage, or parked next to a car a lot nicer.

Please help.

[ricebike]

since there is a bypass module already in the car with a chip,

can you just get a non-chipped spare key blank from a hardware store cut for $2 & try to start the car?

[TorontoJoe]

That would be perfect. Unfortunately the bypass module only does it's job when activated through the remote starter.

If someone could tell me how to make it so the bypass module works all the time, that would be great.

Currently the module is in and the un-programmed keys will not start the car.

I'm open to ideas...Can this be done?

[ricebike]

OK thanks for confirming that my idea didn't work out; I thought the bypass module with your chipped key would work all the time <shrugs>

your only other alternative is to have those installers temporarily remove the whole system, bring it back to factory wiring specs,

then program up to 4 chipped keys following the old way that you have done it in the past (that's usually the limit of key programming that you can do on most manufacturers;wierd that Ford doesn't have duplicate key limits)

after confirmation that your keys are now working, have them reconnect the wire taps to your system & move on

basically, making the installers do double-work... so extra pay may be required.
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in hindsight, I'll have extra keys on the ready if i'll attempt this type of installation with a chipped key...

thanks for this thread, i'll be prepared & buy extra keys when it comes time for the wife to have one of these installed on her acura mdx...

[TorontoJoe]

This might indeed work. Of course everyone points the finger at everyone else so want ME to pay for this...more than the cost of the original install might I add.

Don't really want to do that...I may as well just hope I don't lose and keys. Even one spar would cost less....

Hmmm?

[TorontoJoe]

OK - I think this is the real question then. Can the bypass module be set up to ALWAYS bypass so an un-chipped can be used? This seems the reasonable, long-term solution.

I did a hack of this myself on my last car, also a Focus. I got sick of the price of chipped keys so I broke the head off of one with the chip and uased moiunting tape to stick it just next to the ignition key hole. From then on I could use cheap, unchipped keys. I tried that same method on my current car (without breaking the ley first of course), but couldn't find that sweet spot to place the chip.

If all else fails with the baypass, I may pull the colum housing and see if I can get this to work with the chip in there deeper. I'm not ecactly sure where the reader is in this car.

Still a lot of work. If there's an easier way with the module that would be preferred.

[ricebike]

good luck with that... since your thread gave me some foresight before diving into the remote start crowd, i'm getting one that has a programmable bypass module that doesn't need your chipped key...

guessed you got the cheaper made-in-China model... heck, they're all made in China

the following model from eBay is what i'm planning to get by next winter:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130458455387...84.m1438.l2649

The bypass module included with this kit will temporarily override your Honda's antitheft key only when the remote start is activated - leaving the antitheft system 100% functional. Unlike cheap generic bypasses, ours does not require you to leave a spare key in the car.

not bad for $99.95 and free shipping (now to source out a competent installer since electrical is my weakest field in automotive tinkering)

[TorontoJoe]

Awesome! All for the low price of less than one chipped key...Outrageous isn't it?

BTW - I opened my steering column and placed the original key all around the cylinder while trying to start with the unprogrammed key. No go. It worked great on my 2000 Focus but I can't get that to work on this 2006.

I'm so pissed. Given how little these keys cost.....I'll stop here...Like I shouldn't expect the auto maker to try and chisel me...

Sigh!

I'm going to look in to this bypass. If it can act as a continuous bypass and allow me to use unchipped keys....it's work the money...if for no other reason than spite...

And yup - also made in China

[TorontoJoe]

forgot to mention. you're seeking an installer. i'm generally not a fan for auto work (i do most myself but the starters are brutal) but canadian tire hires independent installers at a pretty reasonable price and they guarantee the work....they put this in and they're actually sticking by my until i get this resolved. .Not that the trip to Toronto is worth it for you but if your local canadian tire is willing to back the install it may be worth going there.

Seriously - I can rebuild an engine...I build electric motorcycles from scratch...but the snakes of wires coming out of this starter totally confused me. I just as well leave it to someone else for the $110 they charged to put it in....works great except for the key programming thing....

Don't forget...You will need an key to permanently leave in the bypass module. You'll need one to leave there.

[ricebike]

not with this unit... did you see the post i quoted?

they said it can be programmed into this newer module so it's a step or 2 above what you have, i guess... and another plus is that the one i linked to eBay will allow the use of the original remote transmitter key fob.

but, to be on the safe side, i'll pre-program 2 extra set of keys and key fobs before i dive into the remote start arena...

in north jersey, at least, there are a bunch of specialists that can do this & at a competitive price to boot... (heck, they know how to chop cars in that area LoOoL). some with a LIFETIME WARRANTY on their work
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I'm with you, i can do mostly all mechanical work, but when it comes to electrical, i'm a dunce in that arena

PS: good luck trying to find the time; i too have a new baby the past year & I can't even keep up with the house chores :P

let us know if you stumble on a fix... i coulda sworn that your method of placing a chip near the steering column should have worked... did Ford circumvent that to deter theives???

[ricebike]

OK so back to programming those other new keys...

With PATS II, things become a little more difficult. Someone decided that two working keys be required for admittance to the programming show. On the surface, this is a good idea. It pretty much insures that only the owner of the vehicle will be making duplicate keys. The down side is that many vehicle owners don't think about making extra keys until they only have one, or even worse no keys!

If you own a vehicle equipped with the PATS II system and find yourself in this situation, you have a couple of choices.

1. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest Ford dealership. They will use their electronic programming equipment to reset the system and program in new keys.

2. Have an auto lock specialist who has electronic programming equipment and is qualified to use it come to your vehicle and do the same.

While option #2 is many times more convenient, neither solution is inexpensive.

or

they should have a very expensive tool called a key cloner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ricN8WQWuOA

makes life much simpler, eh?

[phipps]

Those key cloners don't always work. I have an 03 Focus that we could not get a cloned key to work in it.

[Mangoamerican]

its simple to make it work all the time with your bypass. just diode isolate and grab the negative key in signal to turn on the bypass... poof anything that turns the ignition will start the car

[Mangoamerican]

and as far as programming, you insert first key, wait for light to go out, insert second key, light turns on, off then back on, then insert new key, you can do this with the bypass by remote starting it first, hit your brake, insert second master key, then program new keys

[Palozzi]

I have first hand knowlege of Ford transponder keys. They are now using an 80bit encrypted key identified by SA stamped on the blade. Currently these keys CANNOT be cloned because the technology is not yet available. Also Ford,will only allow a total of 8 keys through the cars ECU and on board programming will only work with two original keys. Ford dealers have the software to go into the cars ECU and pull the original codes and or delete all existing codes and start from scratch. the only machine available to do this right now is the Illco TKO and it costs about $7000.00. We are waiting for a more efficient less expensive way to come out, nothing yet.