astrostart, 99 dodge ram 1500

Hello - hopefully someone can help me out. Particular as follows;

1999 Dodge Ram truck
Astrostart 3 button
FCC ID J5F-TX1000

Unlock and lock buttons work perfectly.

When I hold the Start button for two seconds, I hear what I assume is the fuel pump, then the engine cranks strongly for 6 seconds but never starts. If I just start the car normally with the key it starts up in 1-2 seconds every time - no problem.

I found what I believe to be the brain up under the driver's side dash and on a failed start attempt the red LED flashes 8 times.

Any pointers where to start would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Scott

Might need the tach signal reprogrammed, not too familiar with astrostarts...

lsondubz wrote:

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Might need the tach signal reprogrammed, ...

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+1

Thanks for the quick replies.   I had a look at the brain while the vehicle is running. The led is blinking around 3x per second which is supposedly correct. As I increase the rpm, the light blinks quicker until around 3200 rpm where it is on solid.

Looks like it's probably getting the correct signal from the tach ????

Hmmm.. sorry I can't edit my posts.

Just to be sure I reprogrammed;

Engine configuration(1): 8 cylinders
Engine configuration(2): Gasoline - 8 minute runtime

Still same thing - cranks fine - doesn't fire up.

You might want to check the R/S's ignition wire for power, during remote start. It could be a relay or fuse.

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Ideal - cmon dude, add to topics in a useful manner, not stuff that is obvious.
Story - Phzzzt! Hey, what happened?! ... Isn't it obvious?
Moral - Never dismiss the obvious.

I think you've nailed it loneranger.   I've dropped the truck off to be saftied so I can't check anything right now but I did notice this before I took it to the garage;

If I turn the key to the run position, the R/S starts the car up perfectly. I think the ignition is not being fed power. Hopefully this is an easy fix. I guess I have to figure out which wire it is. That will be the challenge.

Excellent. When I get it back I guess I'll try and trace the orange wire and see where it goes - disconnect it and check for +12V when I hit the start button right??

Thanks guys,

Scott

Fault code 8 says your main switch if in the off position or unpluged under the small flap on module,  lock and unlock will still work just will not remote start

I have the truck back now and spent a day screwing around with the R/S.

I connected a test wire to the orange output of the brain to measure what was going on when the start sequence initiated. It sends between 9-10v while the RS cranks the engine. I assumed this was a normal voltage under cranking load.

I traced what I believe is the continuation of the orange wire (very tough to see how it's connected up under the dash) to the wiring harness under the hood where it is soldered into a wire run. My first thought was given the small gauge of this added wire and the measured voltage at the brain, I would just use this wire to drive a relay and ensure proper, full voltage.

I connected a test lead to the pos battery terminal and jumped it onto the connection while the RS cranked the engine. No start.

Somewhere in my trials today I actually got it working fine and I started the truck about 6 times with the RS. I put everything back together carefully and tested it one last time before I left it - success. Now, a few hours later it's back to just cranking. I'd really like to figure this out now as I've invested enough time into it that I feel the need to succeed.

Scott

does it still flash 8 times?

No.

I took off part of the dashboard under the steering column and exposed the wiring (much easier to see what goes where).

I traced the orange line (it wasn't the one I thought going under the hoood). The orange wire was soldered to a blue wire in the steering column. After exposing and peeling the electrical tape off the connection I have yet to have it fail to start.

The engine was fairly warm all day from my futzing around so I guess the acid test will be in the morning but I have my fingers crossed. I left it for over 3 hours and it started in an instant.

Maybe there was a slight short on the orange-blue connection. It was soldered very nicely but wrapped in elec tape.

Scott

cold solder joint,  you may want to redo it.

Ahhh..... could be.   I will hit it with my flux and iron tomorrow. I'm cautiously optimistic that I've licked it.

I can't convey how much I appreciate the hints and general moral support.

Thanks all who read/posted. Hopefully this will be a closed issue tomorrow. Actually screw it I'm bringing the soldering iron out there right now.

Well I am just thrilled to say I believe this case is closed!

I resoldered the suspect connection last night and wrapped it up safe and sound with some Scotch 2242. I started it a bunch of times last night and the again a few times ice cold this morning. It start much faster than it ever did with the R/S. Only cranks for maybe 1/2 - 3/4 of a second.

I guess the thermal expansion/contraction on the cold soldered joint was enough to make the whole thing act flaky. I think at the best of times the joint was barely passing the amps to fire the ignition.

Thank you all again. Hopefully this helps someone else in the future.

1999 Dodge Ram 1500
Astrostart 3 button
FCC ID J5F-TX1000

I got some awesome help here tracking down a problem which turned out to be a cold solder joint.

The R/S works now - every time. What I was wondering is how do I get the horn to report when the doors have been locked? I don't see anything specific in the programming instructions.   I believe the R/S is connected to the horn - when I push the engine start button after I've already started the engine the horn beeps briefly and the engine continues to run. This is the only horn action I get.

Thanks!
Scott

you could connect the factory alarm arm wire from the remote start to the horn wire, that will honk it when the doors lock.