issues with hornet 564t on a 2003 ranger

THE BASICS:

2003 Ford Ranger XLT
DEI Hornet 564t Remote Start / Alarm

Ok, so I have had this truck for a few years now and had the Hornet 564T installed about three years ago. The problem started a couple months ago but I just thought it was a fluke and it has since become more regular and problematic in the past couple of weeks.

THE ISSUE:

Every once in a while the key will not start the truck. I first time it happend I freaked out, popped the hood and start franctically searching for a loose connection but found none. After trying to turn the key a couple of time I thought, what the heck. Hit the button for remote start and she fired right up. Put in key, turn to 'ON', tap brake, and all was well.

A few weeks later she did it again. Other than this time, the remote start didn't work on the first try. I think it was the third attempt that she finally cranked over and started. The very next morning it happened again. And again the remote start didn't work either but after trying it a few time the key did work.

Well now this has become quite an annoyance to say the least. In the last week it has probably occured at least half a dozen times. Unfortunately, I'm not as handy with complex electronics as with simple mechanics.

So what gives? Any ideas of what may be the culprit? What's the life span on the these DEI remote start units? Is it possible that the unit is ready to be replaced?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated
Thanks
-Bradley

If you had the system professionally installed, the shop that did the job should warranty their labor for the lifetime of the vehicle. Taking it to them is what I would suggest first.

Sounds like there may be more than one issue here, but the first thing I would check is the system ground and load test the vehicle battery. DEI systems do not like low voltage, and a bad ground can cause all types of undesired things to happen.

The only 'life span' issues I have ever come across with DEI systems are the remotes themselves. This is not to say there is anything wrong with the remotes but the remote is what takes all of the abuse, which causes eventual problems.

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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.

Your model has the antitheft transponder key, right? Many Rangers have it, but not all.

Observe the following:

--With the engine off, there's a little red light in the dashboard that slowly flashes. It's either a little picture of a car, or the word THEFT.

--When you start the engine with the key, the light should come on steady for a couple of seconds, and then go out, just like all the other warning lights.

Next time the truck fails to start with the key, observe that light with the ignition on. Is it flashing really fast?

If it is flashing really fast, it means the anti-theft system is preventing the engine from starting.

That would mean one of two things:

1. Your key is defective. Not likely, but anything's possible. If you have another key, try that.

2. The bypass module installed with the remote starter system is "on" all the time, and the car is "seeing" two transponders at the same time...........the bypass module installed inside the steering column, and the one inside the key.

That's why the remote starter still works fine, but not the key.

If that's the case, you should be able to bring it back to the shop that installed it, and have them fix it. Any reputable shop would guarantee their work.

Since the problem is intermittent, be sure to give them all the information they have, since it might be working fine when you go there.