who has what in their cars? and what is easy to install, fairly cheap and works well.

i have seen too much when i look around and dont know if i should get my hopes up to high.

 

I do know if you have the Sentry system (the gray key; not sure if that's the correct name for the system they use), and aren't great with wiring and such, it's best left to a professional. Another item you'll have to get for the remote start if you have the sentry system is a bypass unit. I just want a remote start, so that shouldn't be too bad. As for the rest, best of luck.

 

Most of the brand name ones I’ve looked at in Canada are sold to be installed by the dealer and they will not supply you with the install manual. I know there are also off the shelf ones that are sold for self install. I have installed one of these and would not recommend it unless you are familiar with automotive wiring and have a copy of the wiring diagram for your car. Plus be prepared to stand on your head under the dash for a couple of hours. My 2001 had a Polar start in it when I bought it, unfortunately it was missing the remote and as it turned out had a defective fuse holder as well as a broken wire. The folks at http://www.everything12volt.biz/e12v/ were able to match up a remote and provide an install manual making repairs much easier. As far as the transponder key system, yes you need a bypass module a spare transponder key.

If you decide to install it yourself I would recommend soldering all the connections (or at least the main power) to avoid intermittent connections and operation.

NOTE: If this is to be installed with a manual transmission make sure remote starter is made for a manual transmission the wiring and programming is different than an auto.

 

Some bypasses don't need the extra key. That's what I'm going to need.

 

This is true, the bypasses that need a key can be found for around $20.00 the ones that don't need a key are considerably more. The spare key doesn’t even need to be cut just programmed. If you have two valid keys you can do this yourself and a blank transponder key an be had for $15-$20.

 

My problem is I only have the one programmed key. I'd have to think that bypass is still going to be cheaper than paying for another key to be programmed? Besides, leaving a programmed key in the car isn't something I want to do.

 

I’m not sure that would solve your 1 key issue, without a working 2nd key how do you program the bypass? The Keyless module also requires programming, I think it has the same chip in it as a key.
Leaving a programmed key in the car is only a concern if it's cut to fit the ignition, you can brake the key off and just place the key head in the bypass.

In either case you will have to have programming done if you only have one key.

 

I understood it as not needing a second key? I guess I'll have to figure that out for certain when I actually go to do it. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

Just to clarify, as far as i understand ,the keyless bypass has the same chip in it as a key does and still needs to be programed.

Transponder key programming (these instructions are in the owners manual)
NOTE: this requires two working programmed keys to program additional keys.

1. Insert one of the two valid keys into the ignition and turn to the ON (RUN) position.
2. After the key has been in the ON position for at least 5 seconds, but no more than 15 seconds turn the key back to off.
3. Remove the key and insert the 2nd valid key and turn to ON within 15 seconds. (the 2nd key must not be the same key as the first key).
4. A theft alarm will light should illuminate after 10 seconds and a single chime sound will indicate entry into the “Customer Programming Mode”.
5. Turn the key to the OFF position within 60 seconds and remove the valid key.
6. Insert the new key and turn to the ON position.
7. After approximately 10 seconds, a single chime will sound and the theft alarm light will stop. Wait 5 second and turn the key to the OFF position.
8. The above steps must be repeated for each additional key.

If you do not have two valid keys or if you have exceeded a total of 8 programmed keys, you will have to take it to a dealer for
programming.

I assume that programming a keyless bypass module would use a similar process see link.
http://www.velocitymotorsport.com/se...ransponder.htm

 

There are transponder bypasses that do not require a key to be left in the car. However, needing two keys to program them may be a necessity. That I am unsure of.