1997 Eddie Bower Explorer bypass

I am fixing to install a remote start unit on this vehicle.  I need to know what color the passlock wires are and where to find them.  I only need one relay for this bypass right?  Can I also use a pot on this bypass?  I found one at radio shack I think it was a 10 k ohm unit.  Any help you guys can send my way would really help out. Thanks in advance, Brian

Actually if you have an anti-theft device it would be a Transponder based PATS.  This would require a spare key and a relay OR a spare key and a bypass module.  I have only used the bypass modules and they are quite easy to install.   So, If you have a light on your dash that reads "anti-theft" and you have a rather large key, then you have a PATS.  You will need to take both of your keys to the dealer and have them make you a new key, then either they or you can program it. Programming it is very easy. You can get a bypass module here:   https://www.commandocaralarms.com/itemdetails.asp?Productid=557  . 

-------------
J Rilla

Owner/Installer

The key is a small one and there is a theft light on the dash.  I dont belive ford started using the pats system on the explorers until 1999.  Thats what made me belive that it was a resistive type bypass.   Brian

Ford doesn't have a resistence type bypass, so with the light on you dash, you must have a transponder in your key. All wire diagrams I have show them as possible back to 95.  In 97 all of them said there was a transponder.

-------------
J Rilla

Owner/Installer

My brother has a ford explorer(1999) and it has the large key . The key for the 1997 explorer is small.  Is there a type of transponder system that doesnt have the pellet in the key?  Brian

How small is the key? Try having a regular key cut for you at a hardware store.  If it starts your car then you do not have to worry about anything.  Since you have an "anti-theft" light on your dash, that means you either have PATS or had it and someone permanently bypassed it. If you don't want to have a key made to test, just install the remote starter, then try and start it without the key near the ignition.  If it starts then your done, if it doesnt, then try putting the key in the ignition but dont turn it, and try to start it remotely.   Just a helpful hint for if you decide to pull off the shround to bypass the PATS, there is usually a hole in the bottom of the shroud that you can use a long narrow object to push up the pellet that locks the key cylinder in place. You have to have the key in and turned to either accessory or run for it to work.  Usually you need to do this to get the shroud off and it also allows you do leave the tilt lever in place, which can be a pain to screw off. 

-------------
J Rilla

Owner/Installer

I appreciate all of your help today.  I just finished the install and it started right up.  No problem what so ever. T he vehicle was wrecked and we bought it and had it repaired.  Im starting to wonder if maybe the orginal transponder key was lost and the guy who fixed it just bypassed the system completely so he wouldnt have to buy that expensive key?  Just for the knowledge,what color and where are the transponder wires (that you use the bypass module with)located at?  My brother has a 1999 explorer and sometime in the future I will be doing a R.S unit on that one.  He does have the big key you have been talking about.     Thanks alot again!      Brian

You can use this No Key Required module on the 99's.  I have never used these but I hear they work.  Or you just use the universal bypass which doesn't require tapping any factory wires, but you have to properly position a coil around the key cylinder and put an extra programmed key in the bypass module that will simulate the key being in the ignition. You have to make an extra key  by taking both the keys to the dealer.  $16 with both, and if you only have 1 keyy it is around $65.

https://www.bypasskit.com/pkf.asp?cid=12

-------------
J Rilla

Owner/Installer