I have a "Hornet" Auto Security System, remote start, keyless entry, etc... This unit is made by DEI, (Directed Electronics Incorporated).

My E is currently stranded at my place of employment because the car will not start.

The problem started several weeks ago, when I noticed the remote start would not work. It would activate and crank the ignition, but it would never make a "spark."

I took it back to the install shop and they fixed it in minutes. That is where I am confused. The installer was talking about if this happened again, that I would have to go to Honda and get new keys. Now I assume this has to do with the chip inside the key, but I am unsure.

Tonight, I remoted started before leaving work (I could not see the car). The remote signaled that the car started. I went out and it was not on. I get in, put the key in and go to start it and it turns, but does not start like above. I tried remote starting and did the same as above.

Now I am taking an educated guess and blaming it on the alarm/alarm installation process. So my question is what do I do from here? What are my options? Tomorrow it is going to be towed either to the alarm shop or to Honda. I am thinking the alarm shop first then to Honda. The whole key thing has me confused. Any help would be greatly appreciated

what is the part number used for the Transponder Bypass module? Did you have to give up one of your keys in order to get the remote start to work? If so, I'll have to assume that they used the 555U model for the transpoder bypass.

Let me know first then we can speculate more from there.

John

I have the 555I bypass with learn. I believe that is where the problem is. I do not understand the whole key thing. Why would you have to give up a key? What is the difference between the 55I and the other bypass model.

Thanks for your help so far!

[quote:83c09da64e=" "]I have the 555I bypass with learn. I believe that is where the problem is. I do not understand the whole key thing. Why would you have to give up a key? What is the difference between the 55I and the other bypass model.

Thanks for your help so far![/quote:83c09da64e]

The issue is that the Element comes with an "immobilier" chip in the plastic molding of the key. The car sends out a little radio signal when you crank the car, and if it doesn't get the proper codes response from a key, you can crank and crank all you want, but the engine computer won't do what's necessary to get the car started. This is a safety feature to prevent someone from hotwiring and stealing the car: a key is always necessary and the key must be coded for your car.

To make a remote starter work, a key must therefore be housed *inside* the remote starter. I've never liked this idea, because, it makes stealing the car that much easier: if you know it has a remote starter, find it and now you can use the key to take the car. :)

Anyway, it appears that the key chip isn't talking to the immobilizer circuitry very well in your case. Not knowing how the "bypass" works (i.e. does the box keep the key nearby the honda sensor, or does it have it's own sensor wired up next to the key in the box), I can't assume the problem is definitely a hardware issue on the starter. It may be an installer issue on placement or wiring as well.

I find it less likely that the key had a bad chip, but you never know.

-brendan

I would take it to the alarm shop first and give them an opportunity to correct the problem. There might be a connection issue since it worked before.

As for your remote giving you a signal that it started when it didn't, that sounds like a defective alarm to me. I have installed several LCD remote start alarms and have not had it send a false signal like that.

As for you requiring to get new keys, that's a long shot. A lot of installers are not familiar with the element since it is new. The DEI instructions for the immobilier bypass module 555I is not plain black and white to some installers when it comes to the element.

Immobilizer bypass units require sautering versus just twisting and splicing wires. They tend to be a little sensitive when it comes to connections.

John

I have an E with remote start (david levy designs) and I have my Valet key in the "box" When I installed it I had to open the steering column and connect these lead wires around the key cylinder. I have had no issues. I have been told by installers I know that it is possible to actually put the key under the cylinder with out the module but, I am suspicious about that. You need the key in the box to make this thing work. with out it you are going to be cranking for a long time

According to techsoft, the element requires the use of the 555U module to correctly install a remote start. The use of a spare key tied around the ignition switch is not a good idea. If you must take this route, cut the blade of the key off and leave only the plastic base that contains the transponder.