What Exactly Is A Bypass Module And Why Do I Need One?

When Enormis Mobile Specialties is talking to clients about a remote starter, the subject of a bypass module, or transponder module, often comes up. As we are getting to know the client better, they will often ask the question:

What exactly is a bypass module?

The Transponder In Your Key Is An Electronic Key

A bypass module, or transponder module, is an integral part of most modern remote start installations. Have you ever tried to get a replacement key made for your vehicle? It doesn’t cost 99 cents anymore, does it? The reason is that there is now a microchip inside the black part of your key, called a transponder. When you place your key in the ignition, your vehicle picks up on that hidden chip. It does this by having an antenna wrapped around your key cylinder. You don’t notice that because the plastic around the cylinder hides it from view. Your vehicle computer compares the “value” or coding of the chip against what is stored in your vehicle’s computer. If these match, it lets your vehicle start and continue running. If they don’t match, the engine will either start and shut right back off, or not start at all. Take a minute to watch this video that describes this concept further:

That all sounds great, but what does it have to do with your remote starter? Great question. When Enormis Mobile Specialties installs your system, we safely fire up all the electronics in your vehicle, just as if you were sitting in the driver’s seat and turning the key. What that means to you is the vehicle shouldn’t start because it doesn’t see a transponder key in the ignition.

The Bypass Module Makes The Car’s Computer Think A Key Is In The Ignition

Here is our solution. We install a bypass module that gets learned by your computer system as a spare key, much the same way that a dealer would program another key to your vehicle. When you ask your vehicle to remote start, our bypass module sends a signal to the vehicle computer that it understands as a valid key, and it lets the engine start and keep running. Sounds simple enough, right?

Our Bypass Modules Retain Factory Anti-Theft Devices

But there’s more. The transponder circuit in your vehicle is a sophisticated anti-theft device, and you don’t want it defeated. Not to mention the fact that, if it is defeated and your vehicle is stolen, your insurance company may not honor your claim. Our bypass only works when the remote starter is active. If someone comes out to your vehicle while it is running and tries to drive away in it, our remote start shuts off, the transponder system re-engages and your vehicle is just as safe as before. We will never defeat this safety circuit – that goes against everything Enormis believes.

In rare instances, we may need you to surrender a key to perform your installation. You can rest assured that the same safety features still apply, just like when we use a bypass module.

We invite you to stop by Enormis Mobile Specialties with your vehicle and get to know us better. Let us show you why more and more people trust us with their remote starter installations. You can also click here to fill out or remote starter quote form.