3 Ignition Wires, remote start

hi, i'm trying to install a remote starter to my 1996 Dodge Caravan.  I've gotten the wiring diagram for my car and it says that i have 3 ignition wires but my remote starter only comes prepared for 2 ignition wires.  Am i supposed to use a relay? and how would i wire the relay? thanks

ishinc

Hi ishinc, use the second ignition output from your remote start to energize the coils of two relays to supply 12V+ to the second and third ignition leads respectively in your vehicle.

the12volt

...connect the second ignition output from your remote start to #85 on each relay, connect 12V+ to #87 on each relay, connect #86 to ground on each relay, on the first relay connect #30 to the second ignition lead in your vehicle,  and on the second relay connect #30 to the third ignition lead in your vehicle.

the12volt

thanks for the help! i think i am almost ready to do it.  another question is which 12V positive do i use? do i just wire one from the battery? or do i just use the one bundled with my ignition wires?

ishinc

The relays serve 2 puposes, 1) It ensures each ignition wire is getting enough current(up to 30 amps each) , 2) They keep each wire isolated from each other.

Are you refering to the 12V wire from the additional relay? if so, you can use the power in the steering column harness(Use a fuse holer w/30 amp fuse).

If you are refering to the 12v supply to your remote start unit, I recommend using the battery for power (Use a fuse of course).

Hope this helps.

thanks install_tech, to see if i fully understand this....

so i shouldn't use the 12v supply from the harness to power my remote starter unit and get the 12v directly from the battery.

Next, off the unit, the ignition wire should be split, then use 2 relays for the 2nd and 3rd ignition wires on the harness, for each of the relays i can get the 12v from the harness. right? why do i need a fuse? isn't that wire fused already?   

next! i bought some 40amp relays, is that okay to use?

thank u!!!

ishinc

Hey ishinc;

install_tech was referring to fusing your main power wire coming off the battery not the ignition wire for the 2nd and 3 rd  relays. If you haven't already fused this wire then you will need to as this will prevent any damage happening to your vehicles electrical system and a 20 cent fuse is cheaper than a $ 500 BCM or $ 1200 ECM  The 40 amp relays are good as well if you want to use them for the installation.

Here's what I have for the 1996 Dodge Caravan, hope this information helps you out: