How Do I Know If I Need a Bypass Module for a Remote Start?

One of the most asked questions by vehicle owners is, do I need a bypass module for a remote start?

Today’s piece discusses all you need to know about why you need bypass modules for your car remote start.

What Is a Bypass Module and How Do They Work?

A bypass module, a transponder module, is an essential component of most modern remote installations.

These days, vehicle remotes come with a transponder – a microchip inside the black part of your key.

When you put your key into the ignition, your vehicle immediately recognizes the chip. It does so by wrapping an antenna around the key cylinder.

You can’t see this because the plastic around the cylinder hides the view.

The antenna then picks up codes from the transponder and transfers them to your vehicle’s computer.

If the transponder code is recognized, your vehicle will keep running. However, if it’s not recognized, the engine will shut down or not start.

The presence of bypass modules in keys is why replacing car keys no longer costs a dollar or two. However, this is a simple yet effective way to prevent theft.

But what do all these have to do with a remote starter? Remote starters make your vehicle start even without putting the transponder into the ignition.

Remote Starts and Bypass Modules: What’s the Connection?

Bypass modules are what made modern remote starts possible.

In the past recent many vehicles have been equipped with immobilizers that enhance vehicle security and reduce theft risk.

While these immobilizers have a lot of pros, they make remote start installation more difficult.

Immobilizers prevent a vehicle from starting without a key, providing more security.

They usually come with a receiving antenna attached to the vehicle and a transponder attached to the car key.

Because of the way immobilizers work, remote starters have to be installed alongside your costly vehicle keys, or else the factory security features of your car will be lost.

There came the factory security saver – bypass modules that enabled a keyless and remote start of your vehicle without tampering with the factory security features.

Now, remember the unique code on each transponder microchip we mentioned earlier?

When your dealer installs a remote car starter, they program the transponder module with your car keys.

This way, the bypass module will emit the same signals as the microchip, thus enabling you to start your vehicle without the key in the ignition.

What makes it more impressive?

Most bypass modules only work when the remote starter is active; if someone tries to drive away your vehicle while the remote starter is involved, the remote start off itself, and the transponder system re-engages, keeping your truck safe like before.

Do I Need a Bypass Module?

In the late 1990s, some car companies started manufacturing vehicles with anti-theft systems that prevented the car from starting, except if it was vital in the ignition.

These anti-theft systems have become more and more increasing and almost cars have them now.

But at that same time, remote starts came in. However, these remote starts won’t be able to work on any vehicle that has an anti-theft system.

To make car owners enjoy both anti-theft systems and remote starts, bypass modules were invented.

Bypass modules are programmed to be accepted by your vehicle system as a spare key in the same way a new key is programmed when you lose the old one.

When you start your vehicle, the bypass module sends a signal to the car’s computer, making it recognize it as a real car key. This your engine will start and keep running.

How does it sound to have your vehicle defrosting and warming up outside while you comfortably take your morning cup of coffee?

Well, that’s the privilege you’ll enjoy having a bypass module.

If your car was manufactured after 2000 and has a transponder microchip, you need a bypass module for a remote start.

If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle needs this, consider talking to your installer.

Also, if your car already has an anti-theft system and wants to start using a remote start, you seed a bypass module.

Below are a few pros of bypass modules that might make you consider installing one on your vehicle.

Why You Need a Bypass Module for a Remote Start

Enhanced Safety

Using a bypass module allows you to save the transponder circuit in your vehicle, which is an intricate anti-theft system that you won’t want to lose.

Without a working transponder circuit, your insurance company may not accept your claims should your vehicle be stolen.

Also, since the bypass only works when the remote starter has been activated, there’s no need to worry about an intruder driving your car away while running.

More Comfort

If your car is out there all night during winter, it would have turned into a refrigerator by morning.

We can’t have you coming out every morning to defrost your car before going to work.

That’s why you need a remote starter with a bypass module.

With this system, you could start your vehicle and allow it to warm up while you prepare for the day’s business.

This way, you’d be able to save time and, of course, protect yourself from the harsh cold.

Vehicle Accessory Control

Some bypass modules have integrated vehicle accessory control features.

For example, the door lock and unlock feature automatically closes or opens your doors when you press certain buttons on your car starter remote.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Bypass Module

With different types of bypass modules out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, down below are a few things to consider before selecting a bypass module:

• Brand: There are a thousand and one brands producing bypass modules, so it will be hard to choose the right one. Consider doing research or asking around about the most reliable brand. Also, it would help if you went for a brand that offers installation services.
• Budget: The bypass modules range from $50 to $160. Go for what won’t be a big hit to your budget. Also, as much as we don’t recommend cheap bypass modules, some too-costly ones might not be high quality, so put quality first.
• Compatibility: Another essential consideration is whether the bypass module will work efficiently on your vehicle. Ensure you confirm that before installations to avoid car troubles.
• Consider professional installation: While hiring professionals to install your bypass module might cost more, it will cost more to repair your vehicle if you make mistakes while installing.
• Warranty: Few brands offer warranty for their bypass modules; if you’re lucky enough to find one go for it. A bypass that comes with a warranty is likely to last longer, and even if it fails before the end of the contract, your brand got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Using a modern car, you will likely need a bypass module for your car starter remote.

With a bypass module, you don’t have to sacrifice your vehicle’s anti-theft security to have a remote starter control.

All you need is to boost on boost sure you go for quality over price.

With a transponder module, you can sit back in your room and fire your vehicle, and be sipping a hot cup of tea. When you’re ready, your vehicle will be all warm and set.