I have a 1993 Chevy Truck that I had a ''Prestige'' Car Alarm installed in 1995. Other than a couple of issues with the remote control, it has worked quite well for 14 years. However today, I went to start my truck and the starter seemed a bit sluggish when it engaged. Something did not seem right so I turned the truck off and tried to restart. I cannot restart the truck. The starter will not even engage at all. I have concerns that the solid state relay or brain of the Alarm System that locks out the start circuit may have malfunctioned. I disabled the alarm system by turning the key ''On'', flipping the toggle switch off and then turning the key ''Off''. The solid red light for the alarm came on, but I did not here a chirp. Can you assist with whether or not this an issue with my ''Prestige'' alarm or just a coincidence. The battery is fine and all of the other electronics in the truck work quite well. The truck just will not turn over
Vehicle Parts & Accessories - Audiovox - APS20B Prestige Keyless Remote Alarm
Answers & Comments
Hi SG,
The remote start / starter inhibit feature on alarms is done through a relay, In it's normal open state, no power gets to the starter solenoid.
The contacts on any relay/switch can wear out over time. And 14 years is a long life.
Since the alarm light showed, I don't think a fuse is responsible. However, since it's the easiest, cheapest thing that can go wrong lets give it a look. There should be one either on the alarm or on its power supply line.
This line pointed me toward the relay,
"However today, I went to start my truck and the starter seemed a bit sluggish when it engaged".
There is an easy way to prove/disprove the dead relay theory. It also provides a temporary fix so you can use your vehicle immediately.
Ignition off
Run a wire to the 'S' terminal on the starter solenoid.
WARNING:This test is to manually start the the engine. Make sure you and any tools are clear.
Momentarily apply +12VDC to the other end of the wire. The positive terminal of your battery will work fine.
The engine should turn over, but not start.
If this happens, the alarms start inhibit/remote start relay is bad.
Turn on the ignition,
Apply the voltage again.
It should start.
Lets try this out. Let me know what you find out.
Mike