Not sure where to post this thread. I have an 04 F150 scab. It has the factory alarm/remote start package installed. I bought this truck new from the dealership. The remote start had been working flawlessly until recently.

When I use the remote to commence remote start (by pressing lock and key buttons) the horn sounds once, powers up and honks again without starting the engine. It used to beep, power up and start. Also, I notice the LED in the little dome on the dash (driver side) flashes continuously, indicating a problem, obviously.

To me it doesn't seem like it could be a major problem. Any ideas anyone?

Alex

 

A couple things come to mind.

The system may be in valet mode.

There may be a door not shut completely, or a loose/bad connection with one of the sensors or feeds that lets the remote start module know that the vehicle is secure (doors, hood, etc.).

 

If that little red light in the dome flashes rapidly during an attempt to start you have a PATS issue, most likely the bypass module for your remote start has failed in some manner. To verify place a known working key in the ignition, leave it in the off position, and activate your remote start, if it starts you've confirmed your PATS issue. Your system likely uses a loop of wire looped over the ignition, could be as simple as adjusting that loop.

 

hmmm...tomorrow I will try the key in the ignition. I will keep you posted on that.

thanks guys.

Alex

 

In my 04, I also had a factory remote starter. Worked flawlessly until last year. Same thing started happening with the light. It turns out the module went bad! Not fun now that winter is right around the corner...My option seems to be to buy an all new system. Ugh....

 

Replace it with with a viper 5901.

Some of the best money you'll spend and it will probably
be cheaper than having yours repaired at the dealership.


-ruli00

 

I inserted the key in the ignition, in the off position. Clicked the buttons for remote start. It honked once, lights came on, didn't start and honked 2 times. No flashing light on the top led. But, the alarm led that was installed on the dash stayed on solid. I'm wondering if one of the sensors for my door or hood is tricking the truck in to thinking a door is open or something like that.

Any thoughts?

Alex

 

Is that how it acted without the key? Specifically the number of honks at the end? If so I'd look at the hood switch next. Also, you weren't stepping on the brake were you?

 

Yes, it did the same thing without the key in ignition. I was not stepping on the brake. Where is the hood switch?

 

sorry, with the key in, 2 honks and without the key one honk.

 

Hmmm that tells me it probably has a key sense, without the key does the light on top flash rapidly? If so, you might want to try holding the plastic part of the key against the ignition instead of inserting it and try to remote start again.

 

did anyone figure out a answer for the remote starter problem?

 

Not yet. I'm still troubleshooting it. I haven't been using the feature (because it doesn't work). I still have to try the last recommendation by screwy.

 

I tried holding the plastic part of the key against the ignition and It remote starts. If i hold it off the ignition it will not start. What does that mean?

 

It means your remote start is not bypassing the PATS system. This could be caused by a number of things depending on which bypass method is being used, however, there is likely a wire loop around your ignition cylinder, sometimes it can be as simple as just adjusting that loop.