2004 Ford Ranger, 2007 Ford Mustang, Remote Start Bypasses?

I have a couple questions. I have a 2004 Ranger and a 2007 Mustang that I am installing an RS alarm in. I'm not a rookie to installing RS alarms. I used to be MECP Master certified, but I am a rookie to what the new bypass modules are. What would be the best bypass module for these vehicles? I don't want to give up a key. I'm seeing the DB3 will do both vehicles, but what is involved in programing them? Do I need to have a shop program them? Also, is DEI still the best alarm products out there? It's been about 10 years since I was big in the game.

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It's not broke unless I want a new one.

From my understanding, yes, someone with dealer level access would still need to do the programming of the DB3. I used to use Viper and I'm sure you can still find sellers online that will flash for you.

Forin and Idatalink both have interfaces/bypasses that can be DIY installs and handle much more than just the immobilizer (door locks, door status, tach, etc.). They both have their own flash cables you'd need to buy and create an online account for programming. If you choose one of these options just lookup your vehicle on their websites and download the install pdf which shows you what wires you need.

https://fortin.ca

https://www.idatalink.com/

I have since moved to Compustar. They are compatible with Idatalink's Blade-AL, which is an interface cartridge that slides into the alarm/remote start module making for a clean install. You can also see what t-harnesses are available to make your job quicker.

Thank you for the info. How is the Compustar equipiment. I remember installing them about 15 years ago, and it wasn't very impressive. They had a few bugs the wiring had way too many two-tone colors.

I'll look into the Idatalink. If I have to pay for a membership, it might be worth it because I have two vehicles. The Blade-AL will work for both of my vehicles?

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It's not broke unless I want a new one.

I like Compustar. I have the 7900-AS. I used a t-harness and it was pretty straight forward.

Compustar (Fistech) has its own handheld programmer (FT-OP500), similar to DEI's Bitwriter which allows more programming options. If you decide to buy one, just make sure it has the latest version firmware. Mine didn't so I paid a local dealer to update it for me. The guy at Car Toys said it shouldn't need it, but I didn't have all the menu options. He didn't understand so I went somewhere else.

One thing I find annoying is if I remote start and try to disarm immediately after, it doesn't respond. I have to wait several seconds for the 2 way to give the confirmation sound. Then I can unlock. I've learned to start it earlier, so as I'm walking up I can disarm no problem.

I prefer Idatalink. You don't need to be a dealer to create a login and it's free.

It looks like only the immobilizer is controlled by the interface/bypass. I guess that's a Ford thing. So although the Blade is very versatile, it's not really saving you much wiring on either install.

Whatever you go with, download a Fortin manual pdf. The color pictures will help locate the wires you need.

I'll check out a Compustar. I already figured I would have to do all the regular wiring. My cars are too old. I already have the alarm portion installed in the Ranger. I'm haven't purchased the alarm for the Mustang yet. I was looking at a Compustar because they were so much cheaper than a Clifford or Viper.

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It's not broke unless I want a new one.