555f problems, remote

1998 Mercury Sable
Avistart 4000xl

First, I'm having trouble with my 555f module. I figured out how to make it work, but I don't see how I'm going to be able to install it. In the manual they show it strapped to the outside of the keyring on essentially the same car. I've never once gotten a result from that area. The only place it'll work is sitting right inside or above the little plastic socket on the ignition switch. From looking around I've figured out that it sometimes fails in cold weather. Its 45 degrees or so around here, but I've been fiddling with it in my car while it's warm, so I don't think that's the problem. Is there a way to boost the signal? Any ideas, or alternatives (I don't want to leave a key)?

Secondly, I have yet to figure out how i am going to control this system. I like the factory remote because it has separate lock and unlock buttons and looks stock. I was told I could trigger a remote start using the horn chirps when I repeatedly press the lock button. However, after trying, I realized a few things. First, the trigger button I mounted sounded the horn. So that had to go. I'm still interested in trying with the factory remote, but what I also figured out is that once the remote start sequence begins, I can't use the remote anymore, meaning no unlock when I get outside, and more importantly, no shut-down without the aftermarket remote. So first, is there any way to keep the remote active? And if so, is there something else that is easily accessible that supplies a ground with a lock command from the remote? Somewhere in the exterior light circuit, maybe? That would be great.

Just an after-thought... Is there a way to control it with the panic trigger from my remote? I don't care about the alarm, or at least the ability to control it from my remote. Just thinking...

And if all else fails, are there other compatible remotes? I could deal with another small fob, but I really don't like the one it came with, nor did I hook any of the other features up. If there's a little one with just one button for start, that would be the next best option.

A lot of us have realised that this by-pass is a PITA

I agree, it's a problem piece. All i can tell you is to keep messing with the location and hopefully you'll get lucky.

If i remember right, the factory keyless module is that black box mounted just over the gas pedal. The module is separate from any other controls so you can use a DVM and find the ignition feed to it. Simply cut it and it will work all the time. I have done this many times on Expeditions made in that era and it's basically the same module. On the Expedition, there is also a ground pulse with lock on the module as the relays are not built in the unit. Hopefully you should be able to find this there too.

-------------
Mike M2
Tech Manager
CS Dealer Services

Thanks for the ideas. It makes perfect sense to me, but I'm just a rookie when it comes to electrical stuff, so I wouldn't have thought to kill the ignition signal. And the lock signal seem simple enough. I'll do some research. Right now, I have the transponder strapped to my keyhole cover. I'm just gonna continue experimenting. Thanks again.