4x4 wont engage with remote start

[ugjdturner]

I just installed a remote starter on my 97 4.0 when I start it with the remote starter 4x4 wont engage and lights flash 3 times at start. When I start it normally it works fine. Acts like 4x4 relay not getting power, where is it? Every thing else works fine. any ideas? thanks

 

[ncc]

Ha, that's funny; I thought my similar problem was unique.

I bought my '97 EB with the remote starter already installed and noticed that every time I use it, the 4x4 and 4x4 LOW lights flash six times in succession every couple minutes. The system itself works fine otherwise, though.

Must be something involved with wiring these things in that causes these anomolies. Hopefully someone can shed some light on it for curiosity's sake if nothing else.

Jeremy

 

[Mbrooks420]

There's certainly a way to install a remote start without this happening. I have no idea what would be causing it unfortunately.

 

[budwich]

Most likely one of the "conditioning" pins on the GEM is not being energized because of the "start bypass" of the key. My guess based on 96 drawings is pin 14 (R/BK) on the GEM which comes from fuse 28.

 

[reserved50]

I think the ignition switch has two grey/yellow?(NOT EVEN SURE) striped wires that both need accessory power from the starter for everything to function. I wired one up and had the wrong wire and the alternator wouldnt charge when it ran so it slowly drained the battery everytime it started lol

 

[ugjdturner]

Thanks reserved 50, I think your on the right track, I did some troubleshooting the other day and was thinking the same thing, they both have power but I think there is a problem in how the one is getting power, will update with more info after I try a couple things

 

[bmasv]

Hey, having formally worked in a shop installing these for 6 years I can tell you this: When you install a remote starter, you are mimicking what the key tumbler does. The remote just energizes the wires coming off the tumbler. Some vehicles have 2, and sometimes 3 accessory wires that are energized by the tumbler. Most vehicles only need one energized when remote starting to blow the heater motor. That having been said, some accessories will not operate while remote start is operational unless you use a relay and energize the other accessory wire(s). The point of a remote starter is to warm up you vehicle until you get in and drive away. Why would you want your 4x4 engaged at that point anyway? As soon as you put the key in the tumbler to drive away, it engages. If your sitting inside the house watching your “Ex” warm up and it bothers you that the “4x4” is not engaged, you can run a relay to the other accessory wire…..but really what’s the point?

 

[Mbrooks420]

I am assuming that the 4x4 won't work after it is remote started until it is shut off and key started.

 

[ugjdturner]

There are two accessory wires and they bridge at the connector at the base of the steering column, so both are energized, even though I only put power to one. I did some playing around with how I applied the power, and had a little success but haven't had time to fully figure it out. Mbrooks 420 is correct in that when I get in , turn the key on, step on the brake to change from remote start to key function the 4x4 still doesn't work unless I either step on the brake and then restart with the key or after turning key on , shut off and restart. If it was only when it is started with the remote, and then as soon as I turned on the key everything was ok, yea who cares , but its not that simple.