Since I have a bypass module for my remote start, do I still have to order a special chipped key to start my truck? Or will any cut key work? Does the bypass module only activate when the remote start function in triggered, or is it always bypassed?

 

And what would happen if I tried to start my truck with a non chipped key? I work in a store that can cut keys and I figured I would try it, lol. But if it doesnt work what happens? Does the dealer have to reset my truck or what happens?

 

I just called the dealership and they said go try it. If you try to start it one time it wont do anything to the system. So im off to get a key cut. lol.

 

Just tested it out and it didnt work. Oh well. I guess the bypass isnt initialized until it recieves the signal from the alarm module. Oh well. Back to the push button starter...

 

Your dealership told you to just "try it"??? They should know that a cut key must be programmed by you (if you have two working keys already) or by them. Find a new dealership.

The key is a "transponder". It has a chip in the head (black part) of the key that is read by the "transiever" (an antenna that is around the ignition cylinder). The "transiever" sends the code to the PATS system which for the 2004 to 2008 trucks is located in the PCM (inside the engine compartment passenger side firewall).

Yes, you can have any new key cut, and your trucks PATS system can "learn" the new key, but it requires that you ALREADY HAVE TWO KEYS programmed to your truck. Your owners manual explains this feature (programming a third key), or a search will most likey find it for you here, as it's been asked by folks that do not have an owners manual.

If you have only one key, then the key you cut must be programmed by a Ford dealership. Once you have 2 programmed keys, programming a 3rd (or more) can be done by you, following the proceedure).

Don't keep trying to just stick a unprogrammed key into your ignition! After a try or two (without following the correct proceedure to program it) will DISABLE the truck from starting on ALL KEYS; even the one(s) that used to work. Then it has to be towed to a Ford dealership to be reset.

 

you xk 04 or whatever bypass you used is only active when the remote start is energized. you could rig up a switch that turned on the bypass which would allow you to use a regular key. i think all you would have to do is run a switch to ground and the the neg activation input of your bypass and in theory it should work. if it is an xk 04 it will be the brown wire coming off of your bypass. use a digital multi meter to test what that wire is doing the way it is hooked up and what it does when the r/s is activated. i believe the wire rests as open and then is shown ground when the r/s is on. it really shouldnt be that difficult.

 

you actually should be able to use a relay and your key sense wire to trigger the bypass to turn on and allow you to use a normal steel key

 

Your dealership should be light on fir e...........

Only two keys have the same code as your ignition does, it has to be reprogrammed, and BOTH keys in order to work if you have remote start with bypass module. When my remote start was installed, I gave them both keys so that they could program both of them into the system.

 

I explained to them my situation about the remote start bypass and he said he wasnt sure how the bypass worked but that I could try it to see. He said he would doubt it would, but was unaware how my bypass was rigged up. Im not to worried about the bypass, just was wondering. I guess I could do what STXbucko said to do with constantly engage the bypass, but eh.

 

I confused as well. When an remote start is installed doesnt the transponder in the keys have to be removed and embedded in the bypass?

 

The bypass switch used in remote starts can cr of two breeds. One uses a keyhead or chip from a key to be read when the remote is used. The other is like a key and is programmed in as a key.

The first version can be problematic in hot weather.

You could use the bypass switch with some wiring but I would advise against it for security sake.

As far as regular keys, they won't start the truck but won't harm anything. Just can't start it for a minute or two for the theft light to reset.
If you have 2 working keys then you can pick up spares from eBay pretty cheap like $10 or so. Just cut and program which you can do yourself.