This is an update on my 98 ZR2. As stated before, I was going to install a remote starter...both to have the conveniences as well as hopes to eliminate the PASSLOCK problems I have encountered.
After doing much research and learning how the system works and it's components, I relayed all my info about the system and my problems to my installer. We had a long discussion about it and he told me that he doesn't use a bypass in conjunction w/ the remote starter...instead he goes a big step further and programs the main computer to work flawlessly w/ the remote start system. He said the system can send slightly different resistance values which can still trip the BMC...something to think about for those who plan on using simple resistors to "trick" the BMC.
I didn't know such a path could be taken when installing remote start systems. Yet another thing I recently learned. With no bypass installed and the computer programmed to work with the remote start, the problems w/ the PASSLOCK are history. Surprisingly enough, the computer now sees the signal from the remote start as legitimate and allows the ignition to work as normal. Regardless of any past problems, the computer recognized the remote start as a correct signal and tells the PASSLOCK that all systems are a go. Not only does the remote start work nicely with the factory computer, the reprogram process still allows my factory alarm and lock out feature to still work if a theft does occur. I even have full function of all factory electric locks and lights that blink when the remote signal is received. He even wired in a kill switch for the remote start system should it ever need completely shut down and bypassed for any reason...which was mounted in the fuse panel on the driver side.
Oddly enough, he told me that if I start the truck manually w/ the key, the security light will still come on. He was right. If I start the truck remotely, the light never comes on...even after I install the key and turn it to the on position w/ the truck already running. But the light comes on and stays on when started manually. Either way, since the installation of the remote start system and reprogram of the factory computer, I no longer have lock out issues which results in the ever so frustrating "no start" situation...even if started manually. Good piece of mind!
Now, here's the interesting part. All of this work, besides the remote start module mounted in the dash, was all done through the OBDII port under the dash. What I mean, all of this programming for the remote start system was done w/ a tool that simply plugged into the same port you would check DTC's (diagnostic trouble codes) located under the dash on the driver side. Has anyone else ever seen such a thing? Anyone ever heard of a remote start system programmed this way? I've installed a remote start before on another S series truck and never come across such an option. Pretty darn cool if you ask me!
So, for all of you who are thinking of going w/ a remote start system, check around and find an installer who does it this way. My installer says most use a bypass module that "tricks" the PASSLOCK, but he prefers to do a reprogram of the main computer. Now, this guy is no ordinary installer. He's a retired electrical engineer who happens to have a long background w/ GM vehicles....not to mention over 2500 installs under his belt. This guy gets called in to do installs with stubborn vehicles w/ ignition problems just as those we are discussing. Guess I found the right guy for the job! The installation w/ parts and labor only cost me $200 bones. Everyone else in the entire KC area wanted a min. $250 and used a common bypass module, which also disables the factory alarm...in which an after market alarm would have to be installed to retain a theft deterrent.
As stated before by Mr. Landshark....a vehicle brought in for a remote starter installation w/ the infamous PASSLOCK problems would cost the customer much, much more but in reality, doesn't if you find a highly qualified installer who really knows how the system works and is willing to solve the problem by using the right equipment to reprogram the computer.