Experiencing issues with your Excalibur 146 car remote after a recent installation can be frustrating. Many users encounter problems right after setting up a new remote starter system. If you’re facing difficulties programming your Excalibur 146 remote or troubleshooting malfunctions, this guide offers insights into common problems and potential solutions. While this article focuses on general troubleshooting, always refer to your specific Excalibur 146 model’s manual for precise programming instructions.
Common Issues After Excalibur 146 Remote Starter Installation
Several issues can arise after installing an Excalibur 146 remote starter. Understanding these common problems is the first step towards diagnosing and resolving them.
Engine Starts and Then Shuts Off Immediately
One frequent problem is the engine starting briefly and then shutting down after a few seconds. This often indicates a problem with the bypass module. The bypass module is crucial for communicating with your vehicle’s computer system, ensuring it recognizes the remote start command and doesn’t interpret it as a theft attempt.
Potential Cause: Incorrect programming or wiring of the bypass module. If the module isn’t properly configured to communicate with your car’s Body Control Module (BCM), it might not register the key’s presence. This leads to the system shutting off the ignition, thinking the vehicle is being started without authorization.
Headlights Remain On After Remote Start Shutdown
Another reported issue is headlights staying on even after the engine shuts off via the remote starter, especially during nighttime starts. This is often related to the remote starter system interacting with the car’s automatic headlight feature.
Potential Cause: The system might be missing a negative pulse signal to the BCM when the remote starter turns off the engine. This signal is necessary to deactivate the automatic headlights. The wiring might be missing a connection to the correct pin on the BCM responsible for controlling this feature.
Alarm System Triggering Unexpectedly
Unexpected alarm activation when using the remote starter, such as when opening the trunk, can also occur. This points to potential issues with how the remote starter integrates with the vehicle’s factory alarm system.
Potential Cause: The remote starter system might not be correctly disarming the factory alarm when unlocking or accessing the vehicle. This could be due to missing connections to the BCM pins responsible for disarming the alarm system during remote unlock commands. Proper integration requires sending a negative pulse to specific pins on the BCM to disable the factory alarm when unlocking doors or the trunk remotely.
Troubleshooting and Seeking Professional Help
While some basic programming steps might be outlined in your Excalibur 146 manual, complex issues like those described often require professional intervention.
Initial Checks:
- Review the Excalibur 146 Manual: Carefully reread the programming instructions specific to your model. Ensure you’ve followed each step correctly.
- Bypass Module Programming: If you have access to bypass module programming tools or instructions, double-check its configuration against your vehicle’s specifications. However, this is often best left to professionals.
When to Seek Professional Installation Help:
If you encounter any of the above issues, or if the basic programming steps don’t resolve your problems, it’s highly recommended to return to the professional installer. Remote starter systems integrate deeply with your vehicle’s electrical system, and incorrect wiring or programming can lead to further complications.
A professional installer can:
- Diagnose Wiring Issues: They can thoroughly check all wiring connections to the bypass module, BCM, and other vehicle systems.
- Correctly Program the Bypass Module: Ensure the bypass module is correctly programmed for your specific car make, model, and year.
- Address BCM Integration: Verify and correct connections to the BCM for features like headlight control and alarm disarming.
Valet Key and Bypass Modules:
Regarding the valet key, whether it needs to remain in the car depends on the type of bypass module installed. Older modules often required a physical key to be hidden in the vehicle. Newer bypass modules, however, can often be programmed to work with the car’s CAN-BUS system, eliminating the need for an extra key. Your installer should be able to confirm the specifics of your installation.
In conclusion, while understanding the basics of “how to program your Excalibur 146 car remote” is helpful, complex issues often stem from installation and system integration. Consulting with a professional installer is crucial for resolving malfunctions and ensuring your remote starter system operates correctly and reliably.
