Aftermarket alarm issue
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 440
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From: Mukwonago Wi
Aftermarket alarm issue
My 99 FRC came with an aftermarket alarm. I am unsure of who makes it. The remote says "Valet" on the front. And "Directed" on the back. The remote is the kind with the digital display on it telling me if the car is being tampered with.
Anyway I have been having an issue with a non start issue. I go to the car, unlock it with the remote and get in. Turn the key and nothing. I do hear the fuel pump run but the car won't crank. If I set and unset the alarm a few times (usually about ten minutes of messing with it) the car will fire than shut itself right off. Then I set and unset a few more times and the car will run. Has anybody had this issue with an aftermarket alarm?
Also, my security light on my dash sometimes stays on while I am driving. But not all the time.
Anyway I have been having an issue with a non start issue. I go to the car, unlock it with the remote and get in. Turn the key and nothing. I do hear the fuel pump run but the car won't crank. If I set and unset the alarm a few times (usually about ten minutes of messing with it) the car will fire than shut itself right off. Then I set and unset a few more times and the car will run. Has anybody had this issue with an aftermarket alarm?
Also, my security light on my dash sometimes stays on while I am driving. But not all the time.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa KS
The DEI systems run on a normally closed starter kill out of the box so unless the relay is bad or the installer changed it, it will not interfere with the starter unless armed. You can also put it in valet mode to see make sure the system is not getting in the way.
If its a remote start system then it could be in the security bypass. Those tend to be problematic at times.
If its a remote start system then it could be in the security bypass. Those tend to be problematic at times.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
The DEI systems run on a normally closed starter kill out of the box so unless the relay is bad or the installer changed it, it will not interfere with the starter unless armed. You can also put it in valet mode to see make sure the system is not getting in the way.
If its a remote start system then it could be in the security bypass. Those tend to be problematic at times.
If its a remote start system then it could be in the security bypass. Those tend to be problematic at times.
but, I have a python system that has both a normally open and normally closed starter disable option, so its possible its an alarm malfunction.
if your security light stays on, try cleaning the contacts on the PASS key resistor pellet, if the car is not sensing the correct resistance from your key that would also prevent the car from running. and if it sees the right resistance and starts the car then looses it, it will turn the security light on but the engine will continue to run. had that happen to me once when i somehow started my vette but the key wasnt' completely pushed in the cylinder.
if you have a second ignition key see if the problem still happens with that one.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 109
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From: Lenexa KS
Find the valet button. Push and hold the button, cycle the key on then off and release the button. Your LED will be solid red when in valet. You can do it through the remote too by hitting unlock, lock and unlock with the door open if your unit is newer.
To expand on the above post. If your key is not the issue and the system is a remote start it would be money well spent to make sure there is not a problematic bypass causing your issues. Since these go inline of your factory vats system they can cause your issue. Its usually as simple as a relay and resistor and some are even a bypass module. If its a relay system there is no learning on the key cycle so the resistance could be off just enough for temps, voltage, corroding wire or connections to effect it.
To expand on the above post. If your key is not the issue and the system is a remote start it would be money well spent to make sure there is not a problematic bypass causing your issues. Since these go inline of your factory vats system they can cause your issue. Its usually as simple as a relay and resistor and some are even a bypass module. If its a relay system there is no learning on the key cycle so the resistance could be off just enough for temps, voltage, corroding wire or connections to effect it.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 109
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From: Lenexa KS
I would start there since its been bypassed then. That takes the key out of the equation. If your not electronic savvy then its best to let an alarm tech read the resistance off the key and put a new resistor in or reconnect the system back to factory. If you bring it in to a tech bring all the keys you have. Sometimes people will bypass them to get a cheap key cut and avoid the expense of dealing with the vats chip. In this case it sounds as if the original installer just wanted the easy way out of bypassing the security.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The C5 Starter solenoids are known to cause a NON START issue. Very common. If you mechanically agitate the starter/solenoid, it will free up the stuck solenoid and it will start if the solenoid is causing the issue..
The next time it will not start, have someone hold the key to the crank position while you use something to thump the starter.
I wrapped a 24" long piece of rebar in electrical tape and snaked it down thru the header and gave the stater a THUMP when mine was having the issue.
This will let you know if its a starter issue or some other issue.
You also have a problem with the VATS system. When the security light comes back on when you driving, just like mcgilles stated,, you lost connection with the resistor pellet that is embedded in the key.
Could be the contacts in the key sensor on the end of the ignition switch or a dirty resistor pellet contact.
The next time it will not start, have someone hold the key to the crank position while you use something to thump the starter.
I wrapped a 24" long piece of rebar in electrical tape and snaked it down thru the header and gave the stater a THUMP when mine was having the issue.
This will let you know if its a starter issue or some other issue.
You also have a problem with the VATS system. When the security light comes back on when you driving, just like mcgilles stated,, you lost connection with the resistor pellet that is embedded in the key.
Could be the contacts in the key sensor on the end of the ignition switch or a dirty resistor pellet contact.
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Mar 24, 2013 at 10:12 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 109
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From: Lenexa KS
Being that its been throwing a security light at random points to the bypass more then anything.
Here are the wires that have been bypassed. You could reconnect them to get things back to stock and reliable. The alarm will work but if its a remote start that will not. Do not do this if you are not comfortable with wiring or confident you can do it properly. Otherwise your car will end up on a flatbed.
Here are the wires that have been bypassed. You could reconnect them to get things back to stock and reliable. The alarm will work but if its a remote start that will not. Do not do this if you are not comfortable with wiring or confident you can do it properly. Otherwise your car will end up on a flatbed.