how dependable is brake data input?

I just had a client call- tells me his RS I just installed stays on after touching the brake pedal.  I used a crimestopper R-4g2 and an INT-SL for the bypass module. I used the data to data connector.  I tested several times before I gave it back- and unit would shut down every time I pressed the brake pedal.  What good are the special modules if they are going to be erratic?  Now, I'll hard wire the brake input directly to the R/S. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned the module would detect brake input, because of one less wire to attach, but now am hesitant to ever use it again.

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Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.

i've never actually used it. i've done many models with that feature but brake, hood, and tack are 3 that i'd rather hardwire myself.

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A DMM is a beautiful thing.

MECP Advanced Installer Certified.

i hardwire everything just to be on the safe side, but have heard no complaints from idatalink or fortin pieces.

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Ted
2nd Year Tier 1 Medical School
Still installing as a hobby...pays for groceries
Compustar Expert

You can never go wrong hardwiring unless data is absolutely necessary.

Same, hardwire it to the module. The technology is not reliable enough / too many issues.

I always go W2W but I do use the iDatalink bypass module produced Brake and Tach signals rather than connecting the remote starter directly to the vehicle.

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Soldering is fun!

kreg357 wrote:

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I always go W2W but I do use the iDatalink bypass module produced Brake and Tach signals rather than connecting the remote starter directly to the vehicle.

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X2

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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.

Well, the plot thickens.. I went to get the car today to hardwire the brake input and the ABS light and "BRAKE" light and traction control indicators are all on.  And when I Remote start it- the brake by data method does not shut down the R/S just as client described.  I will go get the codes read tomorrow- but the question now that begs to be answered is--when using data brake input and an INT-SL module, does the brake input data get interrupted by the fact that the codes are set?   This would be good to know for diagnostics purposes and even more reason to always hardwire.

Of course the reverse question is-- did the INT-SL somehow cause the brake codes?  I hope not- It did take two weeks for the codes to set after the R/S install. 

More to follow....

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Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.

Well, now I find out the ABS, Brake, and traction control lights are randomly coming on- sometimes for 30 seconds, sometimes for several minutes- but I did find a time when they all stayed off- and immediately shut off car- and tried R/S.  Car started fine, then I pressed brake and it shut down as it should -without being hardwired to brake- I repeated this 4 more times, and am now certain that if the ABS lite (and others are on) the Brake by data link is broken.  ABS light (and others) came on again- I shut off car and use R/S- and brake would not shut it down-- so as long as ABS light is on- brake by data is inop-- good to know- that I get the car back as a R/S problem, when it probably is an ABS problem.

Don't you just love it - once you install a R/S in a car- every problem that occurs is yours from then on!!

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Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.

ABS and Traction light will come on if the brake switch has failed, and if it does there will be not shut down even with hardwired brake wire.  It' not a late model GM 04 or newer is it, have several Lucerne's and G6's that have common brake pedal position sensor problems, either lights stay on all the time or don't come on when step on pedal. Have had 5-6 act up in the shop when customer came back with RS inop.

Should have ABS fixed or at least codes pulled.  Headaches sure ain't no fun.

HRM

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To be old and wise, you must first be young and dumb.

Well, got it figured out today- after a few hours of troubleshooting.  I read the ABS codes (could only do it when ABS lite was off though) had 17 - count them- 17 codes- first and foremost was lack of communication code with EBCM that SES lite had as well.... So with that in mind, (and at a time no ABS lights) I totally isolated R/S and INT-SL+ from vehicle (cut data wire to INT-SL2) and within a few minutes, the lites came back on.  So now I know the car is doing it by itself and it is just a coincidence it happens 2 wks after I install R/S.

The lack of ability to communicate on data lines led me to test all voltages and fuses at Electronic brake control module) EBCM- found an ignition hot not powered at all.  Gave it a bypass power and lights on dash go out--- traced wire to underhood fuse box- where I found all three big plug in connectors not screwed in tight- they were plugged in, but security screws were not attached- Plug actually fell out when i pulled up on fuse box.   So there you have it-- some mechanic somewhere forgot to tighten fuse box plug securing screws.  It's a wonder car never quit running- stranding someone!  That fuse box is only the central nervous system of the engine!

Bottom line- the data line from EBCM was unable to communicate when not powered- power was intermittent at unsecured fuse block connector- and R/S could not receive data by wire when communication ceases altogether- The question that still remains is- is brake line data still active when a single ABS code is set?  My guess is that it would still work-- My situation was the ABS lights were on due to an entire lack of data communication- heck the Tech II choked when the lights were on- got the message lack of communication.

What was really bad - was that when problem existed, the owner's wife experienced lack of headlights, because twilight sentinal does not allow headlights on when parking lights are on - when remote started-due to R/S being on- due to inability to shut off R/S with brake.  You could still turn on headlights manually though- this particular driver had never had to do it and was confused.

Thanks for all your help and input- hope this post helps someone else in the future.  Oh- and I did hardwire brake input, and it would shut off R/S when the ABS lites were on.

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Brcidd - Engineer That Does Remote Starter Installs on the side.