the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
icon

2001 Caravan remote starter problem


Post ReplyPost New Topic
< Prev Topic Next Topic >
fwperry 
Member - Posts: 31
Member spacespace
Joined: December 15, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 4:03 PM / IP Logged  

I've been four times to a local installer of Command Start remote starters (CS350i)  to have one installed on my 2001 Dodge Caravan ES (AWD, 3.8 motor).    They have tried a new approach every time, and apparently even installed a new unit in the car today when my wife took it in, but they are having no luck getting it to start other than when the car is warmed up.  Let it sit for a couple of hours and the ignition lights come on, all indications are that it's about to start, and the starter runs for a few seconds (longer than it normally takes to start), with nary a sign from the engine... then it  shuts off.   Try it when it's warm and it starts fine with the remote.

Any suggestions?  I think they are about to throw in the towel on this car model, and if they do we'll have to go quite far afield to find another installer who thinks he can handle it.  They express that they have never run into this problem before on hundreds of cars, and with a trained installer.

Car has door locks, power doors & tail (not installed as part of this remote starter; we want just the starting), digital zoned heater, rear heater & air.... don't know what else might interfere.  Obviously something related to engine temp is preventing spark for ignition.....  HELP!

fwperry 
Member - Posts: 31
Member spacespace
Joined: December 15, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 4:08 PM / IP Logged  
Sorry... Forgot to add... car does not have transponder ignition key... a hardware store key copy will start it and run fine.
auex 
Platinum - Posts: 5,041
Platinum spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: December 23, 2002
Location: Arizona, United States
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 4:24 PM / IP Logged  
Did they wire the second starter wire?
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
wiretapper 
Copper - Posts: 166
Copper spacespace
Joined: December 11, 2003
Location: United States
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 4:36 PM / IP Logged  

Definitely what it is.

2nd start wire is the "cold start" wire.

sparkie 
Platinum - Posts: 2,061
Platinum spacespace
Joined: November 06, 2003
Location: Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 4:52 PM / IP Logged  
Tell them there is a violet/brown wire in the ignition harness that is a cold start wire. It must see a ground through a 200 ohm resistor only during crank. This will fix your problem.
sparky
fwperry 
Member - Posts: 31
Member spacespace
Joined: December 15, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 7:21 PM / IP Logged  

Thanks... I'll give them a call and ask if they hooked up the second start wire... I see it's listed on a sheet they had in the box with specs for 2001 Caravan... they list hooking it thru a 180 ohm resistor (close enough)... if they didn't do this, obviously they should have.  If they did and it still doesn't work, I may be back.

Unfortunately for the consumer, the remote start business seems to have become a highly competitive business lately, with each trying to outdo the other for low price and quick (but not necessarily thorough) installations.  I could get it installed at the dealership for $300, but am attempting it at a smaller sound system installer for half that price.

My attempt it myself on my old '91 Dakota.... nothing too complex there for electrical in comparison to the Caravan.

Velocity Motors 
Moderator - Posts: 12,488
Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Fabrication. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: March 08, 2002
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posted: December 15, 2004 at 7:54 PM / IP Logged  
How do they have the tach wire programmed ? Ask them if they tied into the coil or if they used an injector wire ? If they used an injector wire they should have set the system for medium pulse at 1 cylinder.
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
fwperry 
Member - Posts: 31
Member spacespace
Joined: December 15, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: December 16, 2004 at 3:57 AM / IP Logged  

I have to think that tach and other basic ignition connections are OK, since it starts fine when the engine is warm (which is unfortunate when we bring it in, since the installer is 50 miles away, and the car will perform fine when we arrive! )  Each time they do something... yesterday they decided that the control module itself might be faulty and replaced it.  It worked at the installer's, but after sitting by itself for a couple of hours...  dash ignition lights come on, starter runs, no firing.

The problem must be related to engine heat, so the cold start wire idea makes the most sense.  The only other thing that is in the back of my mind (as a handy fellow  but not an installer) is that the heating system of the car is quite complex... three zoned, and sets itself to optimum settings when the car is started.   Is there a computer connection there that the ICM is somehow not seeing done... don't know.  We had a '97 Caravan prior to this and they installed a starter in it with no problem.  Is this "cold start" wire some thing new?

I'll call today re the cold start wire, and perhaps have a look at it myself to see if there is a connection off that wire.  The specs indicate it as wire #5 on the main 6 wire harness.  Not going to touch it myself; just see if it is connected to anything.   I appreciate the help.

Velocity Motors 
Moderator - Posts: 12,488
Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Fabrication. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Security and Convenience. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: March 08, 2002
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posted: December 16, 2004 at 12:54 PM / IP Logged  
I just did a couple of the Caravan's and installed the second starter wire witht he relay and resistor to ground and I have had 0 problems with starting. Customer's haven't said anything yet either and last night it went down to -19 celcius. Check to make sure that the relay is in place and also that the resistance is within 5 % of the value of the resistor incase the resistor changes with temperature variances.
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
fwperry 
Member - Posts: 31
Member spacespace
Joined: December 15, 2004
Location: Canada
Posted: December 16, 2004 at 12:54 PM / IP Logged  
I talked to installer and the cold start wire is connected, so that is not the problem.  He's going to do further research on that particular car model/accessories in hopes of finding there is a specific need.
Page of 4

  Printable version Printable version Post ReplyPost New Topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

  •  
Search the12volt.com
Follow the12volt.com Follow the12volt.com on Facebook
Friday, May 17, 2024 • Copyright © 1999-2024 the12volt.com, All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy & Use of Cookies
Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.

Secured by Sectigo
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer
Support the12volt.com
Top
the12volt.com spacer
the12volt.com spacer