remote start issue dei 551t in 2001 s10

First, let me say that I use to install car stereos and alarm systems for over 15 years, but I have been out of the business for about 10 years now.  I still do installs on my personal stuff so I won’t completely forget everything I have learned…LOL

Here is my problem.  I have a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 extended cab pickup with the 4.3L engine and the 4 speed auto. I have an Avital Model 2300 alarm system installed with a DEI 508D shock sensor (on-board sensor quit working a few years back) and a DEI 506T glass breakage sensor.  The alarm system works perfectly, so today I decided I would add a DEI Valet 551T remote start module.  I installed all of the necessary connections as shown below…

551T                             Truck

Red                               Red (12v+)Pink                               Pink (ignition)Orange                         Orange (accessory)Purple                           Yellow (starter)Blue/Black                    White (thin wire in harness – 2nd ignition)

Gray                             Hood Pin switch (-)

Black                            GroundBLACK/ White                 GREEN / WHITE (- column shifter)White                           White (- coil , tach wire)Brown                          White (+ brake switch)WHITE/ Blue                   Alarm Channel 3 (-)Yellow                          Alarm 12v+ inputOrange                        Light flash relay (- pulsed output)

I then set the dip switches to 1 – OFF, 2 and 3 – ON.  This is the setting for a 6 cylinder engine. Dip switch 4 is for either 12 minutes or 24 minutes of run time.

My truck does not have the Pass-Key or VATS.  Just a normal key is used in the ignition cylinder.

The remote start module sort of works.  When I apply a temporary ground to the WHITE/ blue activation wire ( I did not hook it up to the alarm system as of yet as I wanted to test everything first), the gauge lights up and the starter turns over, the truck tries to run, and then shuts off.  Thinking I missed another ignition circuit, I tried putting the key in the run position and then trigger the activation wire – same results.  I then disconnected the hood pin switch just be sure that was not the issue and it wasn’t.  The white tach wire has between 3.8 to 4.3 volts AC at idle and increases as it should when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

My thought is that I have a defective brain module as it is the only thing left that could be causing the truck to shut off immediately once it starts.  I would appreciate any thoughts about this issue so I can make a decision whether to buy another remote start module. 

One of 2 things. EITHER you do have a coded key and the easiest way to tell is to leave the key in the ignition in the off position and pulse ground to the WHITE/ blue activation wire. if it starts and stays started then you need to use a 556 bypass module or equivalent for your vehicle. If it still starts and then shuts down then I would need more information to diagnose.Gary Sather

Left key in the ignition switch in the off position and it still has the same problem - the key is not the issue - no VATS or PassKey - not even OEM key, but a cheap blank from the store (that is how I bought the truck two months ago).  What more information do you need so I can try to post what is needed?

hello bytes7, can you give me a copy of you remote start system, I'm ask'g becasue i'cant find the installation manual, i'm only found the new one, but has to 3 wire harness y nine and yours only two, and no programing switch, only the dips.. can you please help me

Did you do the tach learn procudure? It sounds like it's just not quite cranking long enough. Also try doing a "pit stop". Start the car with the key, activate the remote start module, then turn the key off and remove it. If it stays running then you most likely have a tach issue. If not, then its probably a missing ignition circuit. Finally, I can't remember if it matters on that truck, but there is also a 2nd accessory (brown) that may need to be connected. I know on some Chevy's if you don't activate that wire it can trip the CEL.Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

I am 99% sure you have Passlock 1, in your truck.. it activates by turning the key in the barrel.  There should be a "grey harness" with a white, yellow and black close to the key barrell.  those would be your passlock wires. you can either do a perminate bypass, or buy a module.