Hi guys, I just bought a viper alarm system off my friend, I have the whole alarm all wired and hooked up. I am having problems with the auto/remote start though. Do you have to scan both keys in order for it to work? Have you guys had any problems with auto/remote start? If anyone knows please let me know, I am anxious to get this done. Thx

 

You need the PATS bypass module (DEI 555F).

 

The dealer installed my Ford Gold Series alarm (I bought it aftermarket, then chickened out on the install). They called me up and made me bring in the second key so that they could program it. Not sure what they did.

 

SVTDVM, I got that module and I am ready to go. I believe it depends on having both keys, and scanning both chips from the keys into the module, so it will unlock the auto/remote start. I will go try it out and see what happens. I will let you guys know how the out come is.

 

Just my 2 cents but i thought that the keys came in pairs so wouldnt 1 key be the same as the other key?

 

Spank, thats what I thought too, but I guess there is a difference in each one. I think in order to make copies of the keys you have to buy them from the dealer, and you have to give them both keys in order to make a copy. I think it's weird....

 

Every key is differant because no transponder is identical.

Ok the 555f is a transponder , similar to the one inside your current key, what makes this useful is it allows you to not LOSE a key on the installation of the remote start. There is no learning of them into the module, its learning the new transponder into the truck (like a 3rd key)

What you need is two keys already programed to the truck (98+, 96-97 is 1 key [if memory serves])

Basically u start the truck with teh first key, let run for 5 secs, turn off insert other key within 5=10 secs, start let run for a few secs, turn off, then valet start it, this will learn the new transponder in.

Inside your 555f box it tells you how to learn the transponder into the truck....(in case i botched the instructions...i cheat and read the book)

Brandon

 

Wow cool, sounds like a nice thing to have. Whats it cost for a decent alarm with remote start?

 

We get vehicles with PATS and remote starts towed in all the time for no-starts. It seems what happens is that everything works great when remotely started, becasue the system sees the "fake key" of the add on. But the customers seems to get a lot of no-starts when cranking normally with a key. ITs like the vehicle is seeing 2 keys at one time, the add on module, and the real key. If one doesnt greatly over power the other, then the results are flasing theft light. Do these aftermarket manuls address this in their instructions/troubleshooting guide?

 

I have a Prestige/Audiovox remote start on my truck and I had to sacrifice one of my original keys to be placed in the module, wrapped with a wire acting like a extension of the P.A.T.S system. As of this date I have not had any trouble in 2 years of use. Sure is nice on a typical Chicago winter morning or for that matter a hot summer day. You just have to remember to set the heat temp and fan before you leave the vehicle.

 

You don't have to lose a key for remote start. The PATS key can be removed from the end of the key and place in the steering column. Hope this helps...
Graeme

 

When my truck sits in the hot sun the remote start doesn't work. Whats up with that?

 

Jeff, the 555f is activated only when the valet start is running so this does not happen. Of course it could very well be in the installation of it....In the last 8 years of doing this ive never had that occur. (of course pats has only been around since 96, but none hte less no problems so far)

Brandon

 

WHip,

I would bet the placement of the transponder is not close enough to the antenna ring of the key cylinder. Prolly just need to move it a tad, or possible relearn the pats code back in.

Brandon

 

If you place the P.A.T. S chip in the steering collar then anyone with any skills can defeat the system. One of the reasons the insurance rate is so low on the L is cause of the PATS. I don't see any diff in sacrificing a whole key for the install or just the chip, it still cost the same, and if you ever really, really, really needed the key in an emergency you could get it, unless you didn't do the best mod of all. (keypad)