2007 focus, remote start issue

Hey there,

I have a Responder one two-way remote starter that I installed into a 2007 base model Ford Focus. I'm confident in all of my connections, checked and double checked right 12v, ignition, accessory, starter. All diagrams indicate there is no 2nd ignition.

Upon first remote start, vehicle cranks for a second and stops. Waits for the normal routine and tries again, same result.

This is not a transponder override issue. Since the customer only has one key and is someone I know, they copied the key and the transponder key has been duct taped to the ring and buried in the dash. Starting it with a hardware store key using the key and not by remote is not an issue. Yes, not my proudest moment, but $1.75 beats $120 for a second key and $50 more for a bypass module.

Reading into the manual, it suggests improper connection of the ignition/accessory wires, and the test was to put the key in, turn it on, and remote start. Upon doing this, the car starts right up by remote. When the key is not in, no go.

I'm confident in my connections to ignition and accessory. The ignition two output from the R/S is not connected to anything.

Leading me to the keysense wire, the only one in the ignition switch harness I have not tapped into at this point. When the key is in the ignition, it tests positive voltage. All of the diagrams I've seen show this as a negative wire, and this is not making sense. Theoretically one should be able to just put 12v to it (e.g. use the 2nd ignition output) but I do not want to attempt putting positive 12v on what (from what I can see) is supposed to be a negative circuit. All keysense functions work properly, the chime activates when the key is in.

Is there anything I could be missing or any insight to help me trace and get this solved?

Thanks

2007 Ford Focus base model

what happens when you try to remote start it with the key in the ignition but not turned?  did you run a tach wire?   Are all of the heavy gauge red wires from the responder being powered?

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Advanced

Here is what I found on a 2005 Focus.  ( 2004 thru 2007 should be the same. )

 12 VOLT CONSTANT      RED (+)                             IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS 
 STARTER                         GRAY/BLACK (+)              IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS 
 IGNITION 1                       GREEN/ YELLOW (+)       IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS
 ACCESSORY                  YELLOW (+)                       IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS 

Fairly straight froward car to do.  Plenty of room under the dash.  Keysense isn't necessary.

I would verify the connections to the car and the remote starters fuses and outputs.  If it remote
starts with the key in and ON, it sounds like it is missing the ignition input or a tach issue.  Run
the Tach wire to the BLACK/ Orange wire at the ignition coil and switch to Tach Mode.

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Soldering is fun!

Hmm, same colours as the Euro Version, no funnies here, I've done loads by removing the chip from the key*, positioning is critical, I always try a few hot wires first, ours by the way have no key sense.
*We don't have the by-passes available.


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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

You might also try to extend the crank time.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

When the key is just in, but not turned on, same result, does not start.

I will try the crank time thing, also may have something to do with accessory on during crank (not getting fuel?) or something along those lines. I was having trouble accessing the programming menu, which may be indicative of not having a connection good. I'll try a few things and post an update.

Thanks for the insight.

Remove the chip and play with it's positioning. As I said before. Never a problem.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.

I did figure this out. Did not have my ignition wire properly connected. Rookie mistake, sorry, kind of embarassing. Didn't do anything with the key sense, everything is copesetic.

Believe it or not I would not have thought to re-check that if not for the posting here, so thanks a lot for the insight, exactly what I needed!

You know screw political correctness in future I'm adding "have you properly checked and tested your connections?" to my by-line.

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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.