Compustar / 2004 Grand Prix GT2

[GT_ATL]

I bought this car recently, and everything works perfect. I decided I wanted a remote start/car alarm, because I have always wanted one. Now, everything works fine until I use the remote start.

The remote start runs, car runs fine, but after an unspecified time (this is the only variable) when I unlock the doors (using the compustar remote) gages turn off. On-star, Tach, Temp, Fuel gage, all of them shut off. No matter what I do, they won't back on. If I shut the car off, either by remote or the key, I have to wait about 30 seconds, start the car, and all the gages are back.

The weird part, it doesn't do it every time. I have tried disabling the interal security via the DIC (delay lock, security alarm) and turning passive arm on/off on the compustar system, no change. I can remote start it, and within about 2 minutes, I can unlock the door, get in the car, and gages stay on. But occassionally I remote start it, and its a longer period of time, like around 5 minutes, and gages dont' come back, unless I cycle the vehicle.

This alarm was professionally installed, but the installer has no clue. I am hoping there is another Grand Prix Owner with Compustar that has this problem, and they were able to fix it. Its driving me nuts. The one feature I have dying to have for years, doesn't work. To me, the remote start feature only works 50% of the time, because even though it starts, its useless without the gages working, and I have to shut the car off (car stereo, gages, engine, starter, electronics, alarm) all take a hit each time I do this, and that's what bothers me.

Is there anyone with experience working with the Compustar 2W900FM Alarm and Grand Prix 2004-2006 have this problem or know what's going on?

I really would like to get it fixed. Thank you for you time and help.

[wlkjr]

I would try to convince the installer that the unit needs to be replaced. Be nice and give them every chance to correct the problem. If they balk and take no responsibility, take your chances filing a small claim in court. That may convince them to give you some satisfaction.

[ponchonutty]

Funny that I stumbled on this. I installed a Python 1600 remote start for a customer with a 2005 G-Prix. They too complained of the same problems. Directed Electronics doesn't know of any known problems such as this. I've replaced and reconfigured everything I could ever think of and can't correct it. I'm at a loss and I've been doing this for over 12 years. I've never seen any car do this. I was told that the electrical system on these cars isn't very good and that there is a lot of "chatter" on data wires. I'm not sure if that's the real problem or not. I plan to work on the car again when I slow down a little. I am thinking of trying to trigger the keysense wire to see if that helps anything.