Printer Friendly Forum Posts - 2001 Ford Ranger Remote Starter

Hi All,

I posted this question to the list about three weeks ago, but it either didn't make it through the moderator or something else funky happened.

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 that I am trying to install a DesignTech remote starter in. The only problem that I am having is bypassing the Transponder. I am able to remote start the vehicle when the key is in the ignition.

I have spoken to DesignTech multiple times about finding the Dk Green / Purple wire in the driver kickpanel. They say that if I can find that wire that I'll be able to bypass the factory alarm without adding a bypass unit. I’ve looked all over (meaning in both door looms, all looms under the driver dash, all of the kickpanel wires, under the passenger dash) for the wire, and I swear I cannot find it. Can anyone tell me specifically where this wire (or at least give me a general idea where to start) is?

On another note, I’m very disappointed with DesignTech in general. Their tech support has been pretty much useless to me thus far. If I decide to scrap the DesignTech unit and start over, can someone give me a suggestion as to what to get?

Thanks in Advance,
Janell

Janell- All I can say is that I've tried a lot of remote starters over the years and I just don't have time to fool around with design tech products. We use the Audiovox Aps-685 and love the installation, features and programming.

You must install some sort of transponder bypass to make your vehicle work, I use the Directed 555u with an additional key, very reliable. You might also check out https://bypasskit.comfor other products.

The disarmwire should be in a loom in the kick- it will go negative when you unlock the door with the key. Some Fords don't care if you connect to this circuit, or you may not have a factory alarm.

Have fun ! Steve

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victor

I have worked with design tech products before, but only when a customer brings one to me. I would never buy one myself, but I wouldn't start over unless you can get a full refund. They are not so bad that you should scrap it without getting your money back. If it was a Bulldog i would tell you to scrap it no matter what. You should use a universal transponder bypass module like radsta mentioned, they are very reliable and not terribly difficult to install.

if you want a decent intro level starter unit, try the EZ2300 here: https://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?Productid=495 . This is actually the EZ2200 here, but they have gone to the EZ2300 and you can give them a call and request the EZ2300. This is a quality starter unit for the price.

If you want something a little nicer you can go with the RS-560 : https://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?Productid=1186 This unit has an alarm as well, but you do not need to hook up the alarm features. This is a great midrange unit for the price.

They also have FM two way units, but judging by the fact that you went with an Autocommand, you probably are not interested in spending $189 on a starter.

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J Rilla

Owner/Installer

Forgive me for my ignorance or obvious lack of experience with these things. I’m a computer geek, not an automotive guru. Quite frankly, I think I have it easy in the computer world!

So, even if I find this pesky Dk. Green and Purple wire and hook it up according to the instructions, it won’t do me any good? If that’s the case, it makes me even angrier with DesignTech for leading me astray even farther than I already was. I'm going to rip it out and start over with one of the Commando ones that jrilla suggested.

Another problem I’m facing is that my boyfriend managed to lose one of my Transponder keys, so I also have to get another one of those. That's why I've been desperately searching for a way to not need at least two keys.

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it!

Janell- Ouch, the lost key WILL be a problem. As far as I know, you will need two original valid keys to program a new key or the bypass kit for your vehicle. Basically, find it or be at the mercy of your Ford dealer. They will probably charge you some $$$$$ to program new keys. Our local dealer only charges us about $20 US and we program them ourselves.

Don't worry about the disarm until you get remote started and see if it's an issue. Steve

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victor

If you use the 555u, you could make a regular copy of your key and put the one with the chip in the 555u. It will work, but if anything happens to the key with the chip i dont know if they can replace it without a replica.

I have never had a key made, but I always tell my customers to take both when they go to the dealer. I heard that it costs $16 with both keys, and @ $65 with only one. I think this is because you need two programmed keys to program the third. What you have to do is put one good key in the ignition and turn it to run, wait for the anti-theft light to turn off , then quickly pull it out and put in the other good key, turn it to run and wait for the anti-theft light to turn off, then pull it out and put the new key in and if the anti-theft light turns off just like the two previous keys, then you are done, If it makes the anti-theft light flash rapidly then try it again in a few minutes.

This is why I am sure it is more expensive with only one key. They must have to use some fancy equipment and cut two keys and program on with that fancy equipment then you will be able to do what I described above. I am just speculating though. I have never tried it, but I wonder if you could just put the one key that you have in the ignition twice, and fake it out, but that can't work, that would be too easy. There are some people who permanently bypass these and I am sure they could tell you how. Good luck

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J Rilla

Owner/Installer

Scrap the key idea and go to your Ford dealer and get the Transponder bypass kit from Ford. It is easy to install and it works. You wil need two good keys to program it and thats all. I pay like $23 for them and like I stated it is easy to install. Easy to program with two valid keys.

DanDan

Did not realize you lost a valid key. You will have to either purchase a new key and let Ford reprogram it or put the transponder bypass in and have them hook up there tester and program it. Either way it will cost you money to finish your project. Sorry,

DanDan

She still needs to go through the expemsive key making process though since her boyfriend lost a key. I think you would need to go with the permanent bypass pf some sort to avoid making the extra keys, unless you find an extra key in which case you should go make an extra key and buy the No key Required bypass.

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J Rilla

Owner/Installer

Why not just permanantly bypass the Ford transpnder system.

Take your one good key and go to home depot and get a couple copies made.

Take the steering column shroud apart and free the PATS antenna ring from the ignition switch.

Place transponder key over ring and try to start car with new key.

If it starts, wire tie key to antenna ring and bury under the dash.

Put column back together and enjoy not being at Ford's mercy.

Make sure your keyless or alarm system has at least a starter kill and you are good to go.

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Chuck

owner/installer

remote concepts

20 years automotive aftermarket experience

The KEYLESS bypasses still need you to have two valid keys to program the module unfortunately. What you can do is permanently bypass the PATS II system and use normal keys to start the Ford. Otherwise your stuck paying for the dealer to program a new key. Here is a place that sells OEM keys at a reduced price about 7.50 or 8.99 depending on if it's a Stratec or not: https://www.nvo.com/deter/transponders/

These are not programmed but at least they can be and it will save you some money at the dealer for not having to have to get them to supply you will an unprogrammed key.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Nobody makes a module that bypasses the 2001+ Rangers. Buy an unprogrammed key from the previous link and you can program it yourself. You don't even need to cut it. Install the remote start including the bypass module with the new key inside. Make sure the remote start works properly by remote starting the vehicle with a programmed key in the ignition. If everything works then do the following. Take key one and turn key to run position for 5 seconds. Take key two and turn key to run position for 5 seconds, remove key. Immediatly remote start vehicle. If bypass module is installed correctly, vehicle will start and the key is programmed.
Don't permanately bypass the system. Why defeat a good factory security system when it is not needed. Flame me if you will, but only a hack shop would do that.

JWorm I'm just going to flame you for two things. First of all, www.bypasskit.com claims that their no key required module works on the 2001 Ranger. Second, you must not have read anything written above since your advice has either alrerady been given, or it was invalid since you did not address the issue that she only has one programmed key. I do however agree with you that you shouldn't permanently bypass the PATS, and I would never do it myself unless a customer wanted to. But Janell's boyfriend lost a key and it would like mentioned above it can be expensive to make an additional key with only one. And since she expressed interest in avoiding paying more money for a new key, a bypass module, and a second remote starter since the first one she bought was not what she wanted. Permanently bypassing will save her a lot of money as well as a big headache, not to mention her boyfriend could lose another key and then they would have to go through this again.

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J Rilla

Owner/Installer

I will add to the fire

............... if a customer wants the system permanently bypassed, I will state my claim to them and let them decide wether or not they still want to disable the PATS system. I do not consider my operation a HACK SHOP if I do disable an OEM immobilizer system if the customer wants it. On the other hand if I did disable the system without the customer's knowledge, then pin me up and call me what ever you want.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Damn straight Jeff! Much better put then I did before you.

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J Rilla

Owner/Installer

jrilla, you obviously didn't read the note at the bottom of bypasskit.com web page that states vehicles made after July 24, 2000 will need to lose a key. How many 2001 Rangers do you think were made before that date?? Not too many since that is right about the time the model year changed.

I don't see anywhere where the original poster said she wanted to permanately bypass the PATS system...that idea was brought up by "professional installers" on this post.

What happens if it gets real cold out and the transponder in the key stops working? Thats right, she's stranded until it warms up.

Janell, first of all, check the date code for your vehicle and see if its an early 2001 model. If so, you could use one of the bypass kits made by bypasskit.com or DEI (555F). Unless you want to permantaly bypass the system (not recommended), you'll need to get at least one key made. It probably won't be too much more to have 2 keys made at the same time. One for the remote starter, and another spare in case you (or your boyfriend) loses one.