tasmin

OK - I am an avid cyclist with my son and bought the TC for the purpose of transporting our bikes inside the vehicle. I need a two-way alarm system and want the remote start too for cold days. I have installed six of these (Immobilizer ByPass modules)in the past few years for remote start and/or alarms. I am not an expert, but I now seem to know a LOT more than the local shops. Also I have done about two weeks research on this for my new 2012 XLT Wagon Premium - The local Ford dealer offers the one button Ford OEM remote start for the TC for a price of $599 installed, but remember I want a two way alarm too. The typical "BEST" solution for all other US Ford vehicles is to use http://www.xpresskit.com/'>http://www.xpresskit.com/ - this is a direct plug in for all DEI (Viper - Python - Hornet - Avital) alarms/remote start. THIS WILL NOT WORK ON THE TRANSIT CONNECT (Yet - they say they are working on it when I called) - UPDATE the xpresskit will work fine with the 2012 and 2013 models with the instructions laid out for the 2011 models. The ONLY solution I have found is http://www.idatalink.com/'>http://www.idatalink.com/ which states that is works on our vehicle. I know these modules work well with the AutoPage brand of Alarms/Remote as there is a direct link on the AutoPage site - http://www.autopageusa.com/t_inside.cfm?action=products&catID=1011&prodID=1a6c2ab3-8461-4871-bb9d-2888ed1c3fcf'>http://www.autopageu...9d-2888ed1c3fcf I also spoke to a few local installers and no one here is able to recommend AutoPage alarms and the only dealers who have them listed said there are supply issues and one said the company is restructuring (not good) so I am seriously considering going with the Code Alarm that should link to the idatalink module via the serial bus. Additional Note:idatalink also will interface with the DEI products listed above, but not as cleanly. I may actually have a shop install it as I refuse to face the issue listed above where the original key/remote will not work and will have them remove it if it disables that functionality. FWIW - my 2007 Civic has the Viper 5301 two way remote start alarm installed and I leave the extra remote at home inside to start the vehicle and only carry it with me on cycling trips. The OEM key/remote opens and disables the Viper and also locks and enables it just fine. I also could flash the firmware and enable the OEM key remote start too by holding the button on the key as described above - This is the best of both worlds and I want it on my TC. I will update with pictures and results once I make a final decision. Hope this helps anyone else looking for a DIY or aftermarket solution UPDATE - Alarm Installed - no pics as phone broke I had the Avital two way system installed locally with both the idatalink and the Viper/DEI Smart Start and I am MOSTLY happy with the results. The alarm and smart start works great, but the rear door does not unlock by via the new remote. My plan was to get a basic key without the remote on it and just use the alarm remote, but I cant until I either tie the rear door into the other central unlocking, or get the installers to add the wire for the rear door. The Smart Start is a cool feature as I can lock my keys into the TC and cycle away with just carrying my phone and NO keys or remotes with me. It will also geo-locate the TC with a feature allowing me to always find my way back to the vehicle. Very Cool. If you do decide to get the Smart Start system installed, be sure to call you auto insurance company and let them know (if you get the GPS model) and you should receive the same discount as if you had a LoJack system. I have USAA and the discount is $30 per year ($15 per renewal) and the service is only $60 per year so it covers half of my service fees.

FWIW - I had the same issue with my previous vehicle and it wound up continuing to get worse until it also shook when AC was on, wound uip being the engine mounts.