Truck engaging starter when engine is running

[beir]

Hello again..got a weird problem... when it was running the starter started engaging on its own..thought it to be bad ignition switch...got whole used column installed it then truck would turn over,start,and shut right off.. security light was flashing so read that if u leave switch in "run" position for 10 minutes should resolve problem..when I did this after 10 minutes the starter did same thing.. trying to start on its own with dash lights coming on..any thoughts from anybody? I'm lost ko

[Chris Stewart]

So instead of the security system keeping the starter from turning the engine over, it's activating the starter system?
Does it have a Remote Start kit on it?

[beir]

Well I believe when I swapped steering columns I tripped the security system..I don't have remote start that I know of.. bought truck used..I think I have 2 problems..one with the "vats" as it's called and another with either starter solenoid of possible neutral switch.. when the original problem surfaced it was engaging starter, I was at work and went to lunch when I came back had bout 50 foot reverse to park, after that was having a smoke with engine running and heard starter kicking in.. tried playing with ignition ( starting and stopping engine) couldn't get it to stop... when I went home it didn't do it when it was in gear.. that's why I thought it was bad ignition switch..that started the steering column switch..have I lost you yet??? Lol

[beir]

One more thing to add.. this is what it's doing...if u try to start it, it will fire up and shut right off when the key comes back to "run" position...if you turn key to run position from"off" position and leave in "run" even with engine not running it will kick in starter after about 10 minutes on its own.. that's why I think I have two problems

[Chris Stewart]

What do you think about "rebooting" the truck computers by disconnecting the negative battery cable, turn the headlight switch on to dump the caps then re-connect the battery cable?

[beir]

Well Chris..that sounds like a possible fix for the"vats" problem..will definitely try... talked to couple of gear head friends of mine and they suggested that the truck had a remote start installed ( aftermarket ) the problem is figuring out where under dash it was installed...that sounded like solution for starter engaging on its own..thanx for reply....will get back to you..

[beir]

Hey. Chris..tried disconnecting battery, turned on headlights, them off,hooked up battery..no luck...looks like I might have to buy the override unit I saw online...the "vats" system really works... can't interchange parts without tripping it..unless have more ideas I'm at a stand still appreciateyourd input thanks

[aleekat]

Most after market remote starts have a safety switch under the hood. Prevents the starter engaging while the hood is up. See if you can find like a "door jam switch", usually along the hood rails, etc. If you find one, you may be able to track it back into the under dash area.

[beir]

Hello again...will look...read online that if I turn key on for about 10 minutes till security light goes off it could reset vats system... the problem is when I de that the remote start the to start engine..so if I can get remote start disconnected I might be able to get security issue problem solved...thanx for suggesting the under hood safety switch..will give it a look-see and will get back to you...

[aleekat]

Another idea. After you reset the vats, leave the hood up and see if it tries to start.

[beir]

Hello again...well put old steering column back in.. Truck now runs but got original problem still.. apparently the security system works...old column had right voltage to allow truck to start and run...gonna put in push button switch to work starter..see how that works..

[beir]

Well, I put in push button starter and truck is now operational... lights on dash still come on occasionally...but starter doesn't engage...I can live with the light problem... couldn't find any signs of a remote start...so just bypassed it if there is one... thanx for all the help....

[Chris Stewart]

Sorry about all the trouble you've had but good you found a way so you can use your Bravada.

[beir]

Well been a week and truck running good..It had to give one more hiccup.. Daytime running lights...Right side on, left off...Until brake is touched...Then left on, right off... Found quick fix...Pulled fuse..Lol maybe I should keep them on?? Give people on road something to point finger at...lol

[beir]

Hello again...well got daytime running lights repaired...had to put old turn signal switch back in..
I changed it because of better wiper switch.. apparently everything in steering column is tided into anti-theft system..just posting this for other people who have one with the anti-theft system won't go through what I went through...