99 Jimmy SLS would not start this morning

[b1lk1]

OK, here is my issue. I hit my remote start button this morning (aftermarket, unknown brand). Walked outside 10 minutes later truck was not running. I haven't had issues with the remote starter (yet). I stuck the key in the ignition and the truck would start and almost immediately shut down. I tried for about 2 minutes and could not get it running. I walked the kids to school (brrrrrr 15F this morning). When I got home I tried it again. Truck fired right up. Security light was now on. I turned off truck and restarted. Security light stayed off for about 5 minutes then re-lit. Again I turned it off and immediately restarted. Security light stayed off. Now 2 hours later, I just went out and started it up. Fired right up and no security light.

Would you agree it is time I remove the remote starter before it potentially causes me more problems? I firmly believe aftermarket remote starters cause more problems than any good and the only reason I have not uninstalled it yet is that it worked fine. Any other suggestions?

[duke350]

Most remote starters are fine, it is usually poor installs that are to blame. It may be something with the starter, in the key bypass, but it may also be something with the security system of the truck. If it were me I would unplug the remote starter components the next time I had the problem and see if it still had the problem or not. It sounds like it is a problem with the cars security system though, and many cars without a remote starter have the same issues. It may also be where they spliced the bypass into the pickup.

[b1lk1]

I fully agree that bad installs are a major problem. I have to assume this one was done right since it has worked since 2001 (I have original receipt from original owner). I still feel that no matter what they all eventually fail and cause problems. The truck does not have an official security system, only what GM installed.

EDIT: As of 2:28PM today

Just went and scanned it, got a P1631 (Password not correct) so it looks like I am barking up the right tree. The remote starter is currently still working and the security light is currently off still.

[blazes9395]

This is a security issue for sure, as indicated by the truck starting and stopping. Aftermarket remote starters tend to have a role to play in this problem. Depending on the type of aftermarket remote starter installed, these romote starters need to get around the security system for the truck to start without a key. Everytime you go to start your truck, the security system searches for the right voltage value from the ignition key(password), to verify that this is the correct key and that it is in fact being started by a key. If the system does not find the right voltage(resistance) the truck will start and almost right away stall. The security light will come on at this point.

Now the aftermarket starters get around this security issue by a varity of ways, depending on exactly what version of passlock or vats system you have. Essentially what is done, is that the system is made to believe that it is recieving the right signal/command, and allows the truck to start. Usually whatever way the system is bypassed, there may be a loose wire, or a bad module, or bad remote stater module etc. These aftermarket remote starters tend to be made in China, and have the cheapest circuitry produced.

And yes, as duke350 mentioned, these systems are commonly poorly installed, causing all sorts of problems. You have to take a close look and see what the wiring looks like and make sure everything is tight. Hope this gives you an idea and helps.

[b1lk1]

The truck repeated this very same issue this morning. What I am going to do is try and start it with just the key tomorrow and then I will be positive it is the remote starter circuit. I will probably just remove it since it isn't all that necessary. Anyhow, thanks for the tips.

PS: My truck does not use the chip on the key so it is the PATS system I believe.