a 2000 lincoln towncar with clifford (I think clifford,can't find controller) autostart, it has a 555u with key inside and something added aftermarket so the 2003-4 alpine navigation system thinks i'm pulled over on it and can use it. (auto also has k40 radar & lasers, Amp, air horns, alpine dvd etc..)
Problem: Can't start car with key or auto start, Has full charge on battery: During the winter my big boots slightly hit the wire connection attached to the brake pedal. the last 2 times i had the problem of car not starting with key or remote. i would pull out connectors (they had come lose) and put a new connector on it. It just happen again and i didn't have any tools to work on so rigged it to work. It did for a day or two and my ADD kicked in and i forgot to put new connector on the brake "piggy clip". Yesterday it stopped again and i was in the worst possible spot - way out in the country nothing nearby. I tried to mickey mouse it in but broke the plastic brake "piggy clip". I couldn't leave the car where it was so tried everything including calling a authorized Clifford dealer. They had me try a combination of valet/key on/remote lock button combinations, None worked and when i realized that the "piggy clip" was so broken that i wasn't even gettting brake lights. I got a friend to tow me to a safe location.
Since then have replaced brake safety switch, piggy clip and opened and made sure key in 555u was not lose, also checked every fuse inside and out. would blow a 20a when one of the wires from piggy clip hit metal. unhooked battery terminals for 45 minutes, added new wires for piggy clip, reversed wires for piggy clip.
i have searched through the posts for about about 6 hours worth on this problem so far everyone relates to wiring new or repairing. Since i didn't change or adjust any wiring with the main system and this has happen twice before and it's always the clip on the brake peddle. i can't figure this out, before i start messing with the differents systems i have hooked up. I wanted to try and post. I think it has something to do with the combinations of valet/key on/remote lock. Somehow i think i locked the system down and it thinks it's being stolen or the kill switch isn't resetting. the company that installed everything is no longer around. I'm completly stumped and not sure what process or steps i could follow to see what problem is.
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Matt
There are so many questions I have about what you are describing. The brake switch being broken should have absolutely nothing to do with key starting that I can think of.
You would need to post which model Clifford you have. Does it have the plain-view valet switch? I don't remember when DEI bought them.
Most security systems only cut the starter wire, those older Clifford pieces had the option of the blackjack system that would also cut fuel or ignition wire(s).
Does the car crank when you try to start it with the key? Or does it do nothing? If it does nothing then it may be the security system, if it cranks but never starts it could be the factory transponder killing the fuel pump.
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Installer, IT support, and FFL. I need less hobbies.
The brake switch, when it is closed (2 wires connected) turns on your brake lights. It also enables you to be able to take the car out of gear. If these wires aren't connected together, you wont be able to shift out of "park".
It will not prevent the car from starting normally with the key.
If the the brake switch is closed (2 wires connected), you wouldn't be able to remote start, because it's like hitting the brake & that shuts off the remote start.
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Good Enough Isn't!