remote start and + inputs

Hello everyone, I have received my remote start and am planning on installing it this weekend. I am a bit confused about some of the polarity's though. On the wiring diagram that came with the remote start, there are inputs that are (+) and there are inputs that are also (-). What exactly is the difference? Wouldn't a positive input and negative input both have the same voltage? I know this might sound like a dumb question, it just isn't making logical sense to me. Thank you!

Also there are (+) and (-) outputs. What is the difference?

What are you installing, and what are you installing it into?When all else fails, Read the Instructions

Support the12volt.com Make a Donation

I am installing an Avital 4103 remote start system, into my 1996 Pontiac Grand Am 3.1L.

1996 Pontiac Grand AM = Passlock1 and Type A door locks...   Gonna needs some relays or a Directed 451M door lock module.

Bulldog Security has some good info and pictures for you :  http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/bdnew/vehiclewiringdiagrams.aspx

Soldering is fun!

+ means a positive voltage. Usually +12V. - usually just means ground. For example, "(-)unlock" is just a quick pulse of ground. Please realize your Grand Am has positive triggering door locks, but the Avital 4103 outputs a negative pulse. So you'll want a DEI 451M to interface with them. Plug the 451M into the 4103 instead of the lock/unlock harness. On the 451M, the purple wire with the fuse goes to +12V constant, the blue/black goes to your unlock wire and the GREEN/ black goes to your lock wire. The white and brown will not be used. Tape them off. Also please be aware your car has THREE ignition wires, but the Avital 4103 only has two positive outputs. So you'll want to use a relay. 85 to ground, 86 spliced into one of the other ignition wires from the avital, 30 to +12V constant, and 87 to your third ignition wire in the ignition harness. 87a will go unused.

I don't have Directechs on this computer, but kreg's post shows the Grand Am doesn't have a third ignition wire, but the12volt's wiring database shows that it does. It's possible it does have it and it's not needed, so most just ignore it?

firebirdude wrote: + means a positive voltage. Usually +12V. - usually just means ground. For example, "(-)unlock" is just a quick pulse of ground. Please realize your Grand Am has positive triggering door locks, but the Avital 4103 outputs a negative pulse. So you'll want a DEI 451M to interface with them. Plug the 451M into the 4103 instead of the lock/unlock harness. On the 451M, the purple wire with the fuse goes to +12V constant, the blue/black goes to your unlock wire and the GREEN/ black goes to your lock wire. The white and brown will not be used. Tape them off. Also please be aware your car has THREE ignition wires, but the Avital 4103 only has two positive outputs. So you'll want to use a relay. 85 to ground, 86 spliced into one of the other ignition wires from the avital, 30 to +12V constant, and 87 to your third ignition wire in the ignition harness. 87a will go unused.

I am not sure I understand what a negative pulse is exactly. Can you elaborate on that please?

The Avital unit just outputs a quick pulse of ground on the lock/unlock wires when you press the lock/unlock button on the keyfob. On most cars, the door lock wires sit at +12V all the time. When you press the lock/unlock button on your door panel, a quick pulse of ground is sent which triggers the lock/unlock function. Your Grand Am is the exact opposite. Your door lock wires sit at ground all the time and need a +12V pulse to trigger them. The Avital unit doesn't output +12V pulses, it outputs ground pulses. Hence your need to switch it with the 451M.

firebirdude wrote: The Avital unit just outputs a quick pulse of ground on the lock/unlock wires when you press the lock/unlock button on the keyfob. On most cars, the door lock wires sit at +12V all the time. When you press the lock/unlock button on your door panel, a quick pulse of ground is sent which triggers the lock/unlock function. Your Grand Am is the exact opposite. Your door lock wires sit at ground all the time and need a +12V pulse to trigger them. The Avital unit doesn't output +12V pulses, it outputs ground pulses. Hence your need to switch it with the 451M.

Lol I am understanding it a little bit better but still confused. Thank you for helping me by the way! So what is the difference between a 12V+ pulse and a ground pulse? Aren't they both output pulses of 12V from the remote start module?