1997 Grand Cherokee Limited remote start

I am attempting to install an OLD Coolstart rs-700-III in my 97 Grand Cherokee Limited. The vehicle has factory keyless entry. According to the install manual states the RS is able to start from a negative pulse from the door lock. I am trying to wire it up this way so I can use the factory FOBs. Currently I get nothing from the RS when hitting the lock 3 times. I hear the relay clicking but no voltage at the terminals to the ignition connections. Since I was planning on using the factory FOBs I haven't connected the RS door locks. Do they need to be connected for the RS to initiate a start?

Can you get it to work on the bench?

When I have an unfamiliar system, or am investigating the feasibility of installing a used or salvaged unit, I always set them up on the bench and get it working there first. I have some 1157 light bulbs I've soldered clip leads to that I put on the RS and light flash outputs. I have some 12V LED's that I put on the trigger outputs to test them without overloading. If everything works on the bench, I can assume I made a mistake during the install, and know that it's in the connections, and not the unit, or a misunderstood wire function

In your case, you should be able to "trigger" the lock input ( either + or - trigger) 3 times, and get it to turn on the IGN output. You can also pre-program it on the bench.

After verifying your R/S system on the bench to ensure it will work ( as DaveP suggests ) your next step would be to check all

your connections.  Posting them would allow forum members to review and make suggestions.

Going with a "Add-0n" remote start unit on that vehicle could be difficult.  I can't find an install guide to your RS700 system but

newer CoolStart units use a (-) pulse for remote start-up activation, possibly a Green wire marked (-) Start Activation on your system.

You didn't mention where you have the CoolStarts (-) Start Activation wire connected to but this is possibly your problem.  You could

test the rest of the install by manually applying the correct number of chassis ground's ( perhaps 3 ) to this wire and see if it starts.

Typically, a lock motor wire is used for the activation pulses.  Lock motor wires are (+) pulses, so you would need to convert this

pulse to (-) for the CoolStart with a relay.  Unfortunately, on that model G.C. the only place to access the lock motor wire is inside thedrivers door.  Use a Digital Multi Meter to locate the lock motor wire.  It should be ORANGE / Violet and show +12V when the lock buttonis pressed.  Wire up a mini-relay as follows :Relay Pin 86 to G.C. ORANGE / Violet Lock Motor wire Relay Pins 85 and 87 to Chassis GroundRelay Pin 30 to CoolStart (-) Start Activation wire

I would keep the relay inside the G.C. and just run one wire into the door for the Lock Motor signal.  Additionally, a 1N4004 or 1N4007

diode placed across relay pins 85 to 86 ( band towards 86 ) will provide additional safety for the circuits involved.

Soldering is fun!