Community Forums

moisheh · 03-22-2013, 09:16 AM

Our 05 Bounder uses a keyless entry syetm that is no longer manufatured. Used on a lot of FW's in that era. Model RKE100. I am the new owner and the PO had trouble with the system and just gave up. I spoke to the tech that worked onit and he said the black box was NG. I can get the whole system including FOB's for $120 to $150. AFAIK it only locks and unlocks the door. Maybe a light flashes. The compartment doors are not part of the system. I can easily access the black box in the under dash swing away compartment. Theswitch in the armrest is also easy to access. I have the wiring diagram. I could just buy the new one and plug it in. But this simple system should be easy to retrofit with a Universal system. I see them for under $50.00. I can follow a wiring diagram but don't want to spend 100 hours doing the work! Has anyone done this retrofit? Was it complicated? Any help appreciated.

InfinityJim · 03-22-2013, 09:51 AM

We've done many retro fits over the years.... Currently replacing/upgrading to the essex KE-1700 http://www.keyless.com/KE-1700%20Main.htm

Not sure I'd use a universal or not? What I do know is that when it hic-ups and someone is locked out - that someone is never happy! Our shop is next door to a custom auto shop that does lots of different electronics, along with many different alarm kits with all kinds of different options such as remote start to lock/unlock, all accessible thru a smartphone. I've looked into these systems many times, and followed their progress. The aftermarket kits have gotten much better, with hardly any problems after the initial installation & setup. But, it isn't always that way, we've also seen many have constant issues - erratic operation is the most common.

I will say that with the essex, we've had very good success with very little issues.

moisheh · 03-22-2013, 09:59 AM

Thanks Jim: That Essex system seems like high quality but it is a keypad and all I really want is a keyfob. I called one of the support lines for Bulldog and according to the tech it SHOULD be fairly simple. There are 2 wires that go to the actuator, 2 wires for hot and one for the dome/porch light. I am no alarm installer but I think I could figure it out. I want to stick to a known manufacturere as I have Zero faith in the Ebay chinese stuff. Don't really have to worry about being locked out as it only operates the one lock and I still have the key! Audiovox would be another decent unit . The original FW unit was very problematic.

FWBounder37U · 06-03-2022, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

Thanks Jim: That Essex system seems like high quality but it is a keypad and all I really want is a keyfob. I called one of the support lines for Bulldog and according to the tech it SHOULD be fairly simple. There are 2 wires that go to the actuator, 2 wires for hot and one for the dome/porch light. I am no alarm installer but I think I could figure it out. I want to stick to a known manufacturere as I have Zero faith in the Ebay chinese stuff. Don't really have to worry about being locked out as it only operates the one lock and I still have the key! Audiovox would be another decent unit . The original FW unit was very problematic.

Were you able to get an aftermarket system to lock and unlock the door?

Tha_Rooster · 06-04-2022, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

Our 05 Bounder uses a keyless entry syetm that is no longer manufatured. Used on a lot of FW's in that era. Model RKE100. I am the new owner and the PO had trouble with the system and just gave up. I spoke to the tech that worked onit and he said the black box was NG. I can get the whole system including FOB's for $120 to $150. AFAIK it only locks and unlocks the door. Maybe a light flashes. The compartment doors are not part of the system. I can easily access the black box in the under dash swing away compartment. Theswitch in the armrest is also easy to access. I have the wiring diagram. I could just buy the new one and plug it in. But this simple system should be easy to retrofit with a Universal system. I see them for under $50.00. I can follow a wiring diagram but don't want to spend 100 hours doing the work! Has anyone done this retrofit? Was it complicated? Any help appreciated.

Are you sure it doesn’t also have a alarm hooked to it?

Tha_Rooster · 06-04-2022, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

Our 05 Bounder uses a keyless entry syetm that is no longer manufatured. Used on a lot of FW's in that era. Model RKE100. I am the new owner and the PO had trouble with the system and just gave up. I spoke to the tech that worked onit and he said the black box was NG. I can get the whole system including FOB's for $120 to $150. AFAIK it only locks and unlocks the door. Maybe a light flashes. The compartment doors are not part of the system. I can easily access the black box in the under dash swing away compartment. Theswitch in the armrest is also easy to access. I have the wiring diagram. I could just buy the new one and plug it in. But this simple system should be easy to retrofit with a Universal system. I see them for under $50.00. I can follow a wiring diagram but don't want to spend 100 hours doing the work! Has anyone done this retrofit? Was it complicated? Any help appreciated.

Are you sure it doesn’t also have a alarm hooked to it?