What Is the DBALL2?
The DBALL2 (“Databus All”) is a CAN-BUS integration module and immobiliser bypass module. Directed Electronics markets it as covering the vast majority of vehicles, supporting both legacy immobiliser technologies and modern factory security systems tied into a vehicle’s CAN-BUS network.
The DBALL2 reads and writes to the vehicle’s data network directly.
Immobiliser bypass
Nearly all modern vehicles come with a transponder-based immobiliser. The key contains a small RFID chip, and the car’s ECU will only allow the engine to start if it detects the correct chip nearby.
This is a great anti-theft feature, but it creates an obvious problem for a remote start system as there’s no key in the ignition when the engine is started remotely. The immobiliser would block the engine from running.
Remote start the smart way
Digital immobiliser bypass
The DBALL2 is a digital immobiliser bypass module. Rather than physically cloning or duplicating a key’s chip, it emulates the transponder via the vehicle’s CAN-BUS to tell the immobiliser system that a valid key is present.
For compatible vehicles it means that a key is no longer required to be placed in a tradition bypass module such as 556UW or 1101T.
Integrating the factory alarm and remote start system
Besides the immobiliser, a lot of the DBALL2’s value comes from how it interacts with a vehicle’s factory alarm and CAN-BUS.
- Factory alarm arm/disarm: Many vehicles will trigger their factory alarm during a remote start sequence unless it’s specifically disarmed first (unlocking doors, opening the bonnet, etc. can all set it off). The module monitors the vehicle’s alarm and door-lock status over the bus and sends the appropriate disarm/rearm commands at the right moment.
- 3X Lock button remote start: On some vehicles the DBALL2 allows the remote start to be activated via the OEM remote by pressing the lock button 3 times. Note that this function is only supported on selected vehicles that have automatic transmission.
Installation and flashing
Don't purchase one from a box seller!
The module needs to be flashed with vehicle specific firmware to work.
This can only be done by authorised Viper dealers who have both the programming tools and a dealer login to the Directed Electronics installer area.
Even if you get one “pre-flashed” be aware sometimes another version of the firmware may be better suited to your vehicle. This becomes apparent only after it is installed!
Where the Viper security system comes in
The DBALL2 is a bypass/interface module, not a remote start brain by itself. It needs to be paired with a controller like a Viper remote start or viper alarm unit to actually run the show. A typical setup looks like this:
- The Viper remote start (e.g. a 5x06V series remote start alarm) handles the remote start settings, timers, and the two-way remote control.
- The DBALL2 connects to the Viper unit via a D2D harness (data-to-data).
- The module is flashed with vehicle-specific firmware with a DirectLoader4, or the older generation XKLOADER tool. The firmware has to match the exact make, model, and year, since the CAN-BUS message formats vary significantly across manufacturers.
- Once programmed, the Viper remote start sends its commands to the DBALL2, which translates them into the correct bus messages for that specific vehicle.
