Hi all,
I don't anticipate many other folks wanting to do this, but figured I would share the information to possibly save someone the headache in the future. This won't be a tutorial as much as some reference material, hopefully that's OK. I can sense the BS comments already, so please save them. Someone out there may be looking to do something neat to their toy as well.
I don't care for the way I setup the transponder bypass, but it will work. My advice: keep the transponder ring assembly and relay ziptied within a finger's reach of the ignition/pushbutton hole so you can get to it without taking the dash apart in the future.
To consider:
1. This will make troubleshooting no start / no crank issues much more difficult than leaving the factory ignition in place. (I don't care, this isn't a daily driver.)
2. This RFID is not like what you'd see in a Prius or similar where you can leave your keys in your pocket, you do have to swipe the fob within inches of the sensor. (I don't care, I always have my keys in my hand and swipe on the way to my passenger seat where they always sit)
3. The lower dash panel is pretty brittle, at least from my experience. I cracked my original in a noticable area. Do not over-torque screws, don't force anything, and preferably have someone hold it in place while you secure screws. Make the two bolts the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off.
4. Buy 2 of the push-button kits so you can easily swap the module when it fails. Buy a spare relay and spare 30A fuses as well.
What I used
1. RFID Immobilizer w/ Push button module
- Purchase from USA on EBay for ~$60 to receive within a week. Search "Smart Key RFID Car Alarm System W push button start & passive entry keyless go"
- Purchase on AliExpress for ~$34 to receive... eventually. Search "rfid push button"
**I purchased two of the cheaper kits (they were on EBay shipping from China for that price previously). The second is just for backup as mentioned before.
2. 12v Inline Fuse Holder $3.50
30A 12/24VDC Mini Blade In-Line Fuse Holder : Fuse Holders | RadioShack.com
3. MiniBlade 30A fuse
4. 12v SPST Automotive Relay $5
12VDC/40A SPST Automotive Relay - Radioshack
I had issues using a 556U as from what I can tell they are not intended to be used as a complete replacement for the factory transponder ring. In the end, I took the transponder ring and adhered (gorilla glue) a transponder from one of my keys to the interior, then wrapped the assembly in electrical tape so that it won't be lost if it comes loose one day. The wires for the transponder are in one bundle together. It looks like just one wire coming from it, but inside there is 1 stranded silver wire with no insulation and one small black/white wire. Leave one in tact and cut the other in half, then wire per diagram.
The key without transponder still works for the doors and unlocking/locking the car. I carry it and the RFID fob.
I put the RFID sensor inside the center console so can activate via cubby or the right side of the center console.