Experiencing issues with your Excalibur 146 remote car starter can be frustrating. Many car owners turn to remote starters for convenience, especially during harsh weather. However, installation and programming complexities can sometimes lead to unexpected problems. If you’re facing issues with your Excalibur 146 system, this guide will walk you through common troubleshooting steps and programming considerations to help you understand and potentially resolve these problems.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting for Your Excalibur 146
It’s not uncommon to encounter glitches after a remote starter installation. Let’s address some frequent problems reported by Excalibur users and explore potential solutions:
Engine Starts Briefly Then Shuts Off
One of the most reported issues is the engine starting normally via remote, only to shut down after a few seconds. This often points to a problem with the bypass module, a crucial component that communicates with your vehicle’s immobilizer system.
Potential Causes:
- Incorrect Bypass Module Programming: The bypass module might not be correctly programmed to recognize your vehicle’s security system. It needs to mimic the presence of the key for the remote start to function continuously.
- Wiring Issues with the Bypass Module: Incorrect wiring between the bypass module and your car’s Body Control Module (BCM) can disrupt communication. If the BCM doesn’t receive the correct signals, it will assume the key is not present and cut off the ignition.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify Bypass Module Programming: Consult your Excalibur 146 installation manual or the bypass module’s specific guide. Ensure the programming procedure was followed precisely for your vehicle’s make and model. Reprogramming might be necessary.
- Check Bypass Module Wiring: If you are comfortable with automotive wiring, carefully inspect the connections between the bypass module and the BCM. Ensure wires are connected to the correct pins as specified in the installation diagrams. Loose or incorrect connections are common culprits. Note: Incorrect wiring can damage your vehicle’s electrical system, so proceed with caution or seek professional help if unsure.
Headlights Stay On After Remote Start Shutdown
Another peculiar issue is headlights remaining illuminated even after the remote starter shuts off the engine, especially when started at night. This is often related to the integration with your vehicle’s automatic headlight system.
Potential Causes:
- Missing Negative Pulse for Autolights: The BCM often requires a negative pulse signal when the remote starter shuts down the engine to correctly turn off the automatic headlights. If this signal is missing due to wiring or programming, the headlights may remain on.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- BCM Autolight Pin Connection: Refer to your vehicle’s wiring diagrams and the Excalibur 146 installation guide. Identify the correct BCM pin (often pin 33 or 38, but varies by vehicle) that controls the autolight feature. Verify that the remote starter system is configured to send a negative pulse to this pin when shutting off remotely. Ensure the wire connection is secure and correctly placed.
Alarm System Activation When Using Remote Start
Unexpected alarm triggers when using the remote starter, particularly when unlocking the trunk or doors, indicate potential issues with alarm system disarming during remote operation.
Potential Causes:
- Incorrect Alarm Disarm Wiring: Modern vehicles have factory alarms that need to be disarmed when using a remote starter to unlock doors. If the remote starter system is not correctly wired to send a disarm signal to the factory alarm system, it can trigger the alarm.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- BCM Lock/Unlock Pin Connections for Alarm Disarm: Examine the wiring at the BCM for the lock and unlock circuits (typically pins 13 and 14). The Excalibur 146 system may need to send a negative pulse to one of these pins to disarm the factory alarm while unlocking via remote start. Often, these pins are empty, requiring the installer to insert a stripped wire into the BCM connector for this functionality. Verify these connections are present and correctly installed.
Valet Key and Bypass Modules: Understanding Key Requirements
A common question is whether the valet key needs to remain in the car for the remote starter to function. The answer depends on the type of bypass module installed with your Excalibur 146.
Bypass Module Types and Key Requirements:
- Older Bypass Modules (Key-in-Box): Some older bypass module designs require physically sacrificing a key. The valet key (or a spare) is placed inside the bypass module “box,” which is then hidden in the vehicle. This method essentially always presents a key to the immobilizer system.
- Newer Data Bypass Modules (No Key Required): Modern bypass modules are more sophisticated. They can interface with the vehicle’s CAN bus system (often via pins 21 and 22 at the BCM) and electronically bypass the immobilizer after being programmed. These systems generally do not require a physical key to be left in the car, offering enhanced security.
Determining Your Bypass Type:
- Installation Paperwork: Review the documentation provided by the installer. It should specify the type of bypass module used.
- Installer Inquiry: If unsure, contact the installation technician and ask about the bypass module type and key requirements.
Seeking Professional Assistance
While these troubleshooting steps can be helpful, diagnosing and resolving remote starter issues often requires specialized knowledge and tools. If you are uncomfortable working with automotive electronics or cannot pinpoint the problem, it’s best to return to the installation professional.
Before you go back, gather information:
- Note down specific issues: Clearly describe each problem you are experiencing (e.g., engine shutdown, headlight issue, alarm problem).
- Installation details: Have your installation paperwork handy, including the Excalibur 146 model and bypass module information if available.
- When issues occur: Note under what circumstances the problems arise (e.g., only at night, after trunk release).
By providing clear information and having some understanding of potential causes, you can better communicate with the installer and ensure they can efficiently diagnose and fix your Excalibur 146 remote car starter system.
