Customer Reviews

Bulldog Keyless Entry System

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The 95 Accord I recently purchased had standard power locks. However, the driver's door had been tampered with to the point that the cylinder was totally disconnected from the lock, forcing me to have to go around and unlock from the passenger's side every time. Needless to say, this was quite annoying. After considering trying to fix the mechanical parts, I stumbled across this unit and figured it would be a cheap, practical way to bypass the problem entirely while adding more overall convenience to the vehicle. Amazon delivered it promptly as always, and it was exactly as described and pictured. I chose to install only the basic lock/unlock functionality as I have no need for light flash, starter kill, etc. So far the unit performs perfectly in this capacity. Range is at least 25-30 feet, even without the antenna wire installed in a straight line as they suggest. The remotes seem to be high quality: the buttons are soft but firm rubber, and the case has a rubberized feel and a tiny LED that lights up to confirm a button press.

Anyone attempting to install a device like this should have a decent knowledge of basic electronics, including the 12v vehicle electrical system as well as how to properly splice wires and use a multimeter or other voltage measuring tool (a simple test light will suffice). It's also important to be somewhat familiar with your vehicle's interior, knowing how to take off door and/or dash panels. Keeping that in mind, the instructions provided were quite adequate. The URL they gave for more vehicle-specific info was somewhat helpful, but their suggestions were a bit vague and (in my opinion) not optimal. A repair manual of some sort can also be handy here (my Haynes Manual has been quite helpful). My install required only four connections. Bulldog suggested tapping into the ignition harness for a constant 12v, which sounds to me like asking for trouble. I chose to tap into the "memory" wire for my stereo receiver (it's the yellow wire, not the red "power" wire) as it was easier and carries less potential for problems. The lock and unlock connections were just as simple, being in the door between the switch and the lock control unit. My car had a grounded plate with an empty threaded hole in a perfect location under the dash (thank you, Honda engineering). When plugged in, the unit worked immediately with no programming or anything required.

In summary, it's exactly what I was looking for. For 40 bucks, I'd buy it again and I'd recommend it to others. Just remember that when doing anything yourself, research is your friend. You can never consult too many manuals, web resources, etc. and the more you know before starting, the less headaches you'll encounter later in the process.

Very cheap, easy to install keyless entry. The only thing holding it back from 5 stars it that out of the box, the range was horrible (10-15ft.) Not sure if this is a problem with old batteries, or if it just has poor range.

Update: The unit has now ceased to work at all. Still getting good power and ground, but unit refuses to operate. Dissapointing since I haven't had it very long.

The unit was easy to test and install and has a range of about 100 feet.

For basic testing, temporarily connect the power and ground wires and listen to internal relay clicks while pressing lock and unlock buttons on one of the remotes.

To get a good range, it is important to place the antenna wire as close as possible to the top surface of the dashboard so that there is no or little metal between the antenna and the dashboard plastic.

The package includes a relay for "starter kill". If you do not need that function, you can use the relay to take advantage of other capabilities that require a separately purchased relay (e.g., parking light lock/unlock confirmation).

The instructions in the documentation for pairing the second remote are apparently outdated. Here is a modified version that worked for me. Press and hold the "lock" button on an already paired remote for about 10 seconds until you hear an internal relay click inside the unit. Release the button on the first remote. Press and hold "lock" on the remote being paired. You should hear another click in the unit almost immediately. Release the button. The second remote should now work with the unit.

The install in our new Camry was straightforward enough, especially with all the info available on Bulldog's website. I elected to solder connections to make them more secure, though. The trouble is that it quits working from time to time (and it's not working now!), and so far it's been a grounding problem. I followed the directions for grounding explicitly, but this time I think I'll go for the fuse block or a soldered connection to an existing ground wire. I'll revise this review if it turns out to be something besides a grounding problem.

Those troubles aside, the system has worked flawlessy. Range has not been the problem that other reviewers seemed to have trouble with.

Bought in March and just got around to installing and it seems to be defective. Is this company still in business? Have emailed them 2 times, called 800 and long distance number. LD number rings busy and 800 say that they are closed and it's after hours. All mailboxes are full and no messages can be left. It's been like this for over a week now.

The Bulldog Security KE1702 is a good deal for the price. However, installation is not what I would call a breeze. I am a pretty decent backyard mechanic, but without a wiring diagram for the car you are working on, Bulldog's instructions will leave you scratching your head. Their website doesn't offer much more support for helping you to locate wiring either. The phone support was readily available, but for my 2007 Toyota Corolla, again no help identifing wiring locations, and poking holes in the wiring to use my multimeter isn't that much fun. After a great deal of Internet searching, I finally hit the jackpot. The below website shows you with photos, where your wiring is located, which wire to attach to, and has what Bulldog is lacking in installation support. They have all makes of cars and years shown. [...]

At first I did not like the fact that the unit does not have on-board relays for the parking lights. Then I remembered that all the previous units I have installed that had the on-board relays have given me trouble.

If you are looking for a simple keyless entry with as few wires as possible, this is for you.

I had the most complex door locks ( Ford ) that required me cutting the wires, but that was only 4 wires, and then there are the 2 power wires and a ground.

Pretty simple for an vehicle that does not have factory alarm. The unit has a wire for factory alarm if you need it.

Most cars with factory alarm already have keyless entry, so not an issue.

Good Price.

Installing the unit is pretty straightforward. However, the parking light confirmation of the lock/unlock function does not work. It is supposed to provide -12VDC current to a relay you have to use with a vehicle that has a +12VDC parking light circuit. The main module is not functioning properly in that it does not provide the -12VDC cycle to trip the relay. I believe I have a defective unit. The frustrating this is that I have left 3 e-mails to Bulldog Security and they have never responded. When I tried calling tech support I got a message saying that they were closed for the day (it was early afternoon on a weekday). I am unimpressed with their lack of response.

I read some reviews and thought I could install it in my 2001 Toyota Sienna with some help from a friend of mine who is more comfortable working with cars on electrical wiring. I had a hard time removing the door panel and identifying the wires in my van inspite of looking into my van's electrical diagram. It was misleading and we blew a fuse. TIP #1. Buy some spare fuses just in case ! TIP #2. Do not expect any phone support from Bulldog security. I have tried Mon-Fri at different times. Can't get them to answer the phone. You are on your own. We hooked up the red wire to a 12V (on the door panel light) as indicated in bulldog manual. However, my transmitters keep losing the program. The buttons work only when the door is open. If I close the door and when the interior lights go off, the buttons don't work. I am assuming, I have to find another 12V source under the dash and hook up the red wire. I have already spent several hours messing with this product. I have not had much time to fix it. I have rated this product three stars because of "No phone support" from Bull dog security. If you have $200.00 to spare, just get it done from a professional. If you have time to mess with it and want to get it done for less than 50.00 bucks, go for this product. Good luck. LAST TIP. Spend a weekend trying to figure out the wires under the dash and have a game plan before buying this product.

Wanted a cheap solution for a 2002 RAV4 with power everything but no keyless entry. This worked great! Quick install, easy wiring, and small footprint. Doesnt have an easy way to implement a signal like horn or lights going off when unlocking and locking but for $40 its ok. For those interested in how I did it...check this site.

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Once in a while the keyless remote takes a few pushes to work and the range is decent (20 - 30 ft)

Overall happy!