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I understand that the relay replaces starter, fuel pump or ignition relay, but how does the user activate and deactivate the kill switch?
For example, if I were using the remote control and press 1 as I am leaving the vehicle in a parking lot, does that kill the starter? When I return, do I press the 2 button to reengage the starter?
Does the relay automatically kill the starter after the truck has been turned off and I press either button to reengage the starter?
What is the process for arming and disarming the Cyclops?
Also, apparently the IDM relay is the one that the Cyclops replaces in the 7.3, does this sound right to those that are familiar with it?
I am looking to get the Cyclops and Jimmi Jammer for my 7.3 F-250 prior to a cross country trip and need to make sure I am purchasing exactly what I want.
My understanding is the keyfob simply disables the relay itself....thus she won't crank. Fob off = dead relay....Fob on = functioning relay.
Talking to a fellow member, its also very easy to swap back in your stock relay if you need to for any reason....dead fob, service, etc....
For $145 it was a no-brainer for me. Cyclops is in the mail and The Club went on the car yesterday....considering I live ~3 miles from where the other guys truck was just stolen and PD told him 4 others in recent weeks.
This is the first I have heard of this, but a brief look appears that it is a relay with a small wireless module built into it to disable the coil activation or enable the coil activation.
Fancier version of Marv's(SpringerPop) SPED.
You could do similar with a set of wireless controlled relays off of amazon for about 20 bucks, but would require some wiring, the integrated wireless unit is what makes this look really appealing to the end user.
As for the specifics, I would simply assume the same as you, that you press one to deactivate another to activate. Curious though about accidental activation while driving and how that would be avoided. Interesting product.
Seems to me if the truck is already running, the status of the starter relay would not matter....in the case of accidental activation while driving?
For me, I will keep the The Club key and Cyclops Fob on a separate key ring and throw it in the tray under my radio, rather than adding more crap to my already large enough key chain. Every time I leave my truck I pull the face off the radio, so real easy to grab the fob keychain at the same time.
I just looked at the website, and they are saying it replaces the IDM relay....I don't know if starter and ignition relays are the same....someone a helluva lot smarter than me is sure to chime in!!
I just looked at the website, and they are saying it replaces the IDM relay....I don't know if starter and ignition relays are the same....someone a helluva lot smarter than me is sure to chime in!!
I noticed that too after further investigation. I think the IDM relay being "deactivated" allows for the truck to crank, but not start. I think this would be optimal because it would keep a potential thief guessing at why the truck is not starting. With a starter kill, they may suspect something and start looking if they felt they could get away with it.
As stated above by other FTE members, I believe that the remote simply activates and deactivates the relay, but would like some real world experience. Mostly interested to know if the relay breaks the IDM circuit each time the truck is shut off or if it has to be commanded to make and break the circuit.
These systems have been around for a long time. I first saw them with the BMW's in 90's and most recently on Motorcycles around 2000. Today, many new vehicles have them as well. Mostly, the Fob just needs to be in proximity of the vehicle (no buttons to play with).
My Sister's 2015 Explorer has just a Fob and a Button on the dash to start.
I know on the Motorcycles there is a series of depressing the turn signals to by-pass it if your Fob battery dies.
A code on the Keyless Entry Pad on the Explorer also allows you to bypass the Fob.
...Mostly interested to know if the relay breaks the IDM circuit each time the truck is shut off or if it has to be commanded to make and break the circuit.
I only see a power on circuit in the wiring diagrams so I'd say the IDM relay breaks the circuit when the truck is shut off. If that is the case then activating the Cyclops remote should kill the engine if the truck was running at the time the button is pressed.
I only see a power on circuit in the wiring diagrams so I'd say the IDM relay breaks the circuit when the truck is shut off. If that is the case then activating the Cyclops remote should kill the engine if the truck was running at the time the button is pressed.
Did you mean to say "should not" kill the engine?
If the relay brakes/ unlatches when power is removed and you must activate the relay with the FOB to restart the relay should stay latched until you remove power.
I have not looked at the print ( I'm on my IPHONE) but from your description that's what I got out of it.
....
If the relay brakes/ unlatches when power is removed and you must activate the relay with the FOB to restart the relay should stay latched until you remove power. ....
That is a possibility as well. I guess it would depend on the architecture of the Cyclops relay. I figured it's just a regular relay that has another switch inside. When armed, that switch could simply open a circuit (most likely 87) and keep it open even if the main part of the relay was energized. When disarmed the switch would close and the relay would function normally and provide power to the IDM. I don't think there is any way for a device in that location to know the engine was running (like the GEM/VSM would) so arming the device while the engine was running would likely kill the engine. At least that is my prediction....maybe somebody has one and can try it out.
The SpringerPOP (SPED) mod is pretty neat because it arms by a signal from the a separate relay under the dash that doesn't function when the engine is running. I presume the GEM/VSM knows the engine is on and disables the Key fob so that is pretty cool. What I also like about the SPED mod is that it remains latched even when the battery is disconnected....so a savy thief can't reset the system by disconnecting the batteries. I presume the Cylcops thing is a latching type as well....for the same reason.
I have one of these and have had it for many years. It's simple and straightforward.
Replace your IDM relay with this. When you want to start the truck, hit the 1 button, then start the truck. End of story.
There is no button that needs to be pushed to "arm" the system. Every time you turn the key off the relay opens up and the truck won't start unless the button is pushed.
I've actually had a couple of them. Had an issue with a remote on one after about 4 or 5 years. Sent an email and he said just send the relay and remote in and I'll take care of it. No proof of purchase or anything, and I told him up front it was many years old. No charge and fixed right up.
Worth every cent, just be prepared to forget a few times and have the truck crank and not start.
I have one of these and have had it for many years. It's simple and straightforward.
Replace your IDM relay with this. When you want to start the truck, hit the 1 button, then start the truck. End of story.
There is no button that needs to be pushed to "arm" the system. Every time you turn the key off the relay opens up and the truck won't start unless the button is pushed.
I've actually had a couple of them. Had an issue with a remote on one after about 4 or 5 years. Sent an email and he said just send the relay and remote in and I'll take care of it. No proof of purchase or anything, and I told him up front it was many years old. No charge and fixed right up.
Worth every cent, just be prepared to forget a few times and have the truck crank and not start.
Outstanding, this is the information I was looking for. Thanks for posting clear and definitive answers.
I think it is optimal to have the relay break the circuit every time the truck is shut off, otherwise the user may forget to do it each time. This way, it is automatic and worry free.
Excellent! However me personally I'd rather it not even crank. I get they might try to look for something that isn't there, but I don't like the idea of them cranking and cranking and cranking and burning up batteries or a starter. But I like the fact that it can't be stolen without MAJOR effort of dragging it on a trailer.
I have not looked into it, but if the starter relay is the same as the IDM, then you could replace that instead and it would probably work. I kind of like the idea of the potential thief not realizing that it won't start. This may give me a chance to hear it, or frustrate them enough to just leave it.
If the starter was disabled, they may have time and the initiative to look around a bit.
Added this to my list of must have mods. I will definitely pick one up before we go cross country this summer.
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