remote starter

[Whymelaugh13]

In general, how difficult is it to install a remote starter yourself? I want to get one for my parents car for x-mas but i dont want to look like an idiot and not be able to install it. It would be a bulldog and it says it has an instructional video, but im still cautious.

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by Whymelaugh13

In general, how difficult is it to install a remote starter yourself? I want to get one for my parents car for x-mas but i dont want to look like an idiot and not be able to install it. It would be a bulldog and it says it has an instructional video, but im still cautious.

Well, you would still end up looking like an idiot if you buy them a Bulldog unit. I mean, why would you buy them something for less than $50? I guess it would be OK on a 10 year old car that was fuel injected. I can install one on a '95 S-10 in about 45 minutes. It takes me about 90 minutes on a new Trailblazer. I would suggest leaving it to a pro especially since you have no idea what to do. Those videos and install instructions are a joke from Bulldog. Especially so if yoh have to bypass any sort of OEM alarm.

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NThe most important thing is the install and the installer. Make sure you use a meter to locate the proper wiring, and solder and tape your connections. Only pros solder and tape. Wire caps or butt connectors save a little time, but I've seen a lot of "shady" things happen because they didn't stay together from some other shop. I can put a remote start, w/ keyless and an alarm in most cars in under an hour, so what, big deal. I still like to take my time and do it right. What year, make and model is the car? I'll get you the correct wiring. And I can get any info on any security bypass or transponder system available. I can even make duplicate transponder keys for most cars. This way if you do need to sacrifice a key ( a dei-555U for example) you still have the same number of keys to use. Let me know. -ICN

[Whymelaugh13]

its a 99 taurus se with no security system (which makes my life easier).

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by Whymelaugh13

its a 99 taurus se with no security system (which makes my life easier).

Not so fast. You should have at least the security on the ignition. Next time you start your car, look on the dash for some security light. You should see something.

Instead of using a transponder to bypass the alarm, you should use one of the new units from DEI that doesn't require another key.

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That year Taurus has a P.A.T.S.(Passive Anti Theft System). It's true you can use a bypass that doesn't require a key, but in order to do this you need two keys to program it. Its called program "C" for on-board programming. If you only have one, you can't program the bypass that doesn't require a key-Dei-555F. What I would recommend, is to use a Dei-555U, if you can swing it, make the extra key, program it, then alter the key cuts so that it will not turn the ignition. Some people are afraid to put a key under their dash in fear of a thief getting it and driving away. Altering the cuts prevents this. My shop makes duplicate transponder keys for about 30 $. The 555F is good, but I've seen problems with them eventually falling out of place, they are shaped like a pill and have to be in a stable inviroment. If the pill moves, it could stop working, why risk it at all? -ICN

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by icon

That year Taurus has a P.A.T.S.(Passive Anti Theft System). It's true you can use a bypass that doesn't require a key, but in order to do this you need two keys to program it. Its called program "C" for on-board programming. If you only have one, you can't program the bypass that doesn't require a key-Dei-555F. What I would recommend, is to use a Dei-555U, if you can swing it, make the extra key, program it, then alter the key cuts so that it will not turn the ignition. Some people are afraid to put a key under their dash in fear of a thief getting it and driving away. Altering the cuts prevents this. My shop makes duplicate transponder keys for about 30 $. The 555F is good, but I've seen problems with them eventually falling out of place, they are shaped like a pill and have to be in a stable inviroment. If the pill moves, it could stop working, why risk it at all? -ICN

I caution using the keys. For some reason, there is a problem with using a transponder where the weather gets really cold. I have never had a problem with the 555f "moving". I use a never-setting putty with wire ties. It has never failed me to this day.

If you want to go the transponder route and already have 2 working keys, go to your Ford dealer. They have plenty of wrong-cut keys that they almost give away. Before I got the 555f, that's what I was using.

MAKE SURE TO HOOK IT UP CORRECTLY. IF BOTH KEYS ARE 'SEEN' AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL LOCK UP THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD BE A NO GO BECUASE IT WILL CONFUSE THE OEM ALARM. I've seen many of the big chain guys get lazy and do this

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You can't program the 555f or any more keys with what you call "wrong cut keys." How do you program them if the "wrong cut key won't turn the ignition? This is essential to program. The idea is to alter the key after you have programmed them. And yes the 555f is fine, I never had a problem myself. I still recommend the U. Cold weather? What? I never heard of that, but maybe you had problems, I'll keep my ears open. In the 11 years I've worked with security, I've never heard of problems with the 555U, unless of course they are not installed right. Ask you DEI rep what he/she thinks. I know some install techs there that would agree with me. Less is more. I'm out.
Hope you get it figured out "whyme13laugh."--ICN

[ponchonutty]

Originally Posted by icon

You can't program the 555f or any more keys with what you call "wrong cut keys." How do you program them if the "wrong cut key won't turn the ignition? This is essential to program. The idea is to alter the key after you have programmed them. And yes the 555f is fine, I never had a problem myself. I still recommend the U. Cold weather? What? I never heard of that, but maybe you had problems, I'll keep my ears open. In the 11 years I've worked with security, I've never heard of problems with the 555U, unless of course they are not installed right. Ask you DEI rep what he/she thinks. I know some install techs there that would agree with me. Less is more. I'm out.
Hope you get it figured out "whyme13laugh."--ICN

It's easy. I even use uncut blanks to program it. After the car is in the "learn" mode, I remote start it with the new key in the cyl.. Then all is fine. Of course you have to use the wait to start wire on some of the cars to get the programming right.

About the problems with 555u and Fords, go to DEI's techsite and look in the forums. They talk all about it. It was about 4-5 months ago when they had a heavy disscussion on it so I am not sure if you can find it.

I never personally had that much problem with it until last year, it got real cold here in Ohio. So, I replaced them with a 555f and haven't had any other problems to date.