Hello,

I have a 2013 F150 with an AstroStart RSS-5225 2 way remote starter. I have owned the truck for about 1 year and the remote starter has never worked. The door locks and unlocks with the AstroStart remote, but get an error code 5 (hood is open) when I try the remote start feature... Any thoughts on how to fix this???

When the hood is open there is one OEM looking switch on near the coolant reservoir. This is the only hood switch I can find. It has continuity when closed and I have taped it closed to ensure the switch is 'closed' during the start sequence. No obvious wiring issues at the switch, either, I have inspected the control module an the cab, too. No obvious wiring issues and everything appears to be plugged in.. Still no start..

Here's the kicker.. Didn't really care when I bought it (used) from the dealer... Now NOBODY wants to even take a look at it. All the dealers I have talked to service ONLY what they sell. The 2 nearest AstroStart dealers have turned me down, too. I want to get remote start for the winter, but right now the next option is to get a complete new unit, which sounds like an expensive solution to a potentially inexpensive repair. GRRR!

Any words of wisdom?

good luck- jim

 

Check the fuse for the hood sensor? My sensor had to be "played with" a bit before I could get it to work with my remote start (factory). Maybe the switch itself is no good? Good luck.

 

Are you testing the hood switch at the switch or at the RS module electrical connector?

 

I am testing at the switch...so not sure wires are good... I haven't found a wiring diagram to know which 2 wires to test at the module, so I'm stuck there, too.
-jim

 

but... I believe the control module/interface is an IDataLink. I was just looking at their website, which does include wiring diagrams... If I can find the correct diagram, I could potentially test the hood switch wiring... I could test for continuity IF I can find the right two wires. Might be a little harder if the wires are bad- I not find continuity to verify the wires are correct.

Then again... at this point... since nobody will look at it, it is basically an expensive paperweight... who cares if I fry the module 'experimenting' a bit. :^)

good luck -jim

 

Find out if the switch is normally open or normally closed and wire it accordingly. Either snip and splice or cut and cap. Even if its not permanent it will isolate the switch and you'll know which component is bad.

 

I'll save you some time here.... stop worrying about the factory hood switch. The OP's remote start system is an aftermarket unit, not a Ford system. Aftermarket remote starts don't read the Ford factory hood switch. Aftermarket remote starts come with their own hood switch or use a standard aftermarket one.

If you don't see an aftermarket hood switch, then that's the reason it won't work.

 

Do a search at https://www.the12volt.com/installbay...ics.asp?fid=24