[pierze]

I've got an 04 SE. I'm wondering if there's a known way to allow remote starting without the key that won't shift out of park until the security key is in place?

I promise I crawled as many remote start threads as I could handle and nobody asked this particular question (perhaps because it's nuts?). I sure I've seen this kind of remote starting before, but I'm not sure where. It's similar to a lot of the keyless cars now that let you start the engine without much hassle and all the security focuses on getting the transmission out of park.

 

[smon]

I believe they all do this (at least bulldog does), but it centers around the brake pedal. If you depress the brake pedal after remote starting without a key in the ignition, the truck will die. So the shift lock from the brake pedal also won't work. You have to put the key in the ignition in order to depress the brake pedal and shift.

 

[AZPRO4X]

You can't unlock the steering wheel without putting the key in.

 

[FishnAlaska]

You can't unlock the steering wheel without putting the key in.

I believe they all do this (at least bulldog does), but it centers around the brake pedal. If you depress the brake pedal after remote starting without a key in the ignition, the truck will die. So the shift lock from the brake pedal also won't work. You have to put the key in the ignition in order to depress the brake pedal and shift.

Both correct on every remote I have had (8 different ones, 8 different vehicles). Never seen one that had the shift lockout.

 

[pierze]

Ahhhh- ok, so any of those solutions is fine with me (I don't care if it's a shift lockout, brake lockout, etc). The question is "can the bulldog* work without an RF bypass or taping a key under my dash?" Maybe I'm misunderstanding "bypass" but I believe that basically means "entirely disable the RF security system." Right?

* just an example

 

[pierze]

I found the product page for the "Universal Learning Bypass for Remote Starter Installations model 791" and it clearly specifies "Please Note: If your vehicle has a Transponder anti-theft system, you will also need an additional key to put inside the 791 bypass." so that's not what I'm looking for.

I'll keep looking around and see if I can find out how the Viper and other systems work.

 

[nightowl]

The Bulldog requires a key installed inside the unit to work as far I know. The RS82B is what I have in my Titan and it works great just no range for the remote. $80 you can't beat it.

 

[smon]

Like Nightowl said - you will need to put an extra key (usually the valet key) into the unit. It doesn't disable the RF system, it just uses that key for a split second to start the truck when you remote start.

The other, more expensive units, have a bypass that can "learn" the RF so that you don't lose an extra key. Still way cheaper to get the Bulldog and have a couple extra keys programmed.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Yeah I was quoted something like $650 the other day for a Viper remote start/alarm 2 way system that needed the bypass plus labor. Decided I didn't really mind as much as I thought running out to my truck for 30 seconds to start it.

 

[nightowl]

Yeah I was quoted something like $650 the other day for a Viper remote start/alarm 2 way system that needed the bypass plus labor. Decided I didn't really mind as much as I thought running out to my truck for 30 seconds to start it.

It sure was nice hitting the button on my $80 remote starter this morning and having a nice warm truck when I got in it. :wink:

 

[nightowl]

There is a awesome install thread on this site that is better than the instructions included with the kit. I used it over the included instructions which made it a lot easier as it was Titan specific and not general.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Is that basically the newer version? I'm willing to give it a try, since I saw you bump that install thread. Can I still use my OEM keyfob with it?

Sorry for de-railing a bit OP.

 

[nightowl]

Amazon.com: Bulldog Security RS83B Remote Starter with Built-in Bypass Module: Automotive

Is that basically the newer version? I'm willing to give it a try, since I saw you bump that install thread. Can I still use my OEM keyfob with it?

Sorry for de-railing a bit OP.

Yes hit lock 3 times and it starts. Get a good solder gun, heat shrink tubing and some good 3M electrical tape and plan on 4-6 hrs. I have the phone number to Bulldog tech line direct with extension number so if you have issues you can actually talk to some one direct.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Will most likely be doing this once I get moved into my house after this weekend then. I'll text you about that tech number.

 

[FishnAlaska]

My $300 for an Autostart 1 way remote was not a waste of money, this weekend was in single digits below with a -25 to -30 windchill. When you deal with that type of weather for multiple months out of the year, its money well spent.

 

[pierze]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to take the message here that "there's no way to keep RF key security and have remote start on older Titans like mine."

Last attempt, just in case: what if I'm willing to use a computer or Android device? I have both sitting around and I've been noodling a CarPuter or just a dedicated Android phone (with a data plan) for always-on OBDII monitoring, dashcam, and maybe even "via Internet" remote controlling (start, door locks, whatever). I'm not interested in the Viper module that requires _their_ service, but I'd be ok with other solutions that require _any_ cell service and a device that's connected to the car...

 

[JohnnyMac]

I installed a $60 Crimestopper and used this bypass module. No key needed.

 

[smon]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to take the message here that "there's no way to keep RF key security and have remote start on older Titans like mine."

I believe what everyone is saying is the opposite. The remote start doesn't affect the ignition security. No difference in the system between 04-15. All remote start systems need a way to bypass the transponder system to start the truck. Some use an existing key tucked away in a box under the dash, and others learn the code to duplicate it when started.

You cannot drive the truck without a chipped key in the ignition. Remote started or not.

Even if you go the cell service route (I have no idea if it is possible or not), you will still need to bypass the transponder somehow.

 

[pierze]

I believe what everyone is saying is the opposite. The remote start doesn't affect the ignition security. No difference in the system between 04-15. All remote start systems need a way to bypass the transponder system to start the truck. Some use an existing key tucked away in a box under the dash, and others learn the code to duplicate it when started.

You cannot drive the truck without a chipped key in the ignition. Remote started or not.

Even if you go the cell service route (I have no idea if it is possible or not), you will still need to bypass the transponder somehow.

Good to know there's no difference between 04 - 15 (which is my assumption, of course, since the Titan's didn't change much otherwise).

Perhaps I didn't explain my complex question well. Let me try again by describing a use-case: Let's pretend I remote start my car and then, for whatever reason, someone breaks the window and uses a screwdriver to physically turn the key cylinder (thus unlocking the steering wheel). In the case of OEM remote start systems there will not be an RF chip within the requisite ~20cm of the car's sensor, and any one of the OEM protections will kick in (usually either the engine dies when one steps on the brake or when the transmission is shifted out of park). My goal is to have the same behavior. Basically, "the RF key is designed to prevent someone without a programmed chip from stealing your car" and with bypass modules *one of those chips is hidden in your car already* . I don't want that.

Sidebar: what are "bypass" modules? My understanding is that these are essentially a way to physically store a key and that's pretty much it. The old school way to install these systems was to literally just tape a key inside the plastic of the steering column. That's bad because someone could discover the fully functional key and take your car. In my case I have a transponder chip (literally the tiny chip about the size of a grain of rice) that's programmed properly, so I don't believe I even need the bypass because I can glue that chip into my truck.

 

[smon]

Perhaps I didn't explain my complex question well. Let me try again by describing a use-case: Let's pretend I remote start my car and then, for whatever reason, someone breaks the window and uses a screwdriver to physically turn the key cylinder (thus unlocking the steering wheel). In the case of OEM remote start systems there will not be an RF chip within the requisite ~20cm of the car's sensor, and any one of the OEM protections will kick in (usually either the engine dies when one steps on the brake or when the transmission is shifted out of park). My goal is to have the same behavior. Basically, "the RF key is designed to prevent someone without a programmed chip from stealing your car" and with bypass modules *one of those chips is hidden in your car already* . I don't want that.

Right. That is what is going to happen.

When you remote start, the bypass module tricks the ignition into thinking the chip is near it for a split second. Just enough to start the engine. The bypass module is now dead again, it does not continue to send the RF signal to the ignition. So in order to drive away, you need to put the key in the ignition, turn it to "run" and off you go. The bypass does not constantly transfer the RF signal to the ignition.

The bypass module is tucked up way under the dash. No one is going to get it, unless they have plenty of time and know exactly where you installed it. With the cheaper systems, there is a key inside that module. It is not taped to the ignition switch. So I guess theft is a possibility...unless you jacked up the key portion or just stuck a loose chip inside the box.

Higher end systems don't keep a key in the bypass module, they just duplicate that RF signal when its called for. So absolutely no way for them to get to this signal and steal your truck. If they are capable of that...then your screwed either way.


Bypass module is just the generic name for the system that allows remote start on anti-theft systems. It can hold a key or learn the RF signal. I think some companies call them different names.

Hope that helps some.