'98 Remote Start Install Went Bad

[skoivisto]

Greetings,

I just attempted to complete my remote start installation, but I have run into a problem. It appears that I have damaged some component of the parking light / tail light system. From what I have gathered from my research, it appears that I may have damaged the "Integration Relay." I am basically just looking for some sort of confirmation that it is indeed the integration relay, before I purchase another one and install it.

The situation is as follows: I installed the remote start's parking light output wire to the parking light wire on the car. When I connected the power and all other necessary connections to the remote start unit, the remote start's relays started clicking, which were apparently trying to flash the parking lights. After the unit attempted to flash the parking lights several times, I disconnected the power from the unit. After the unit was disconnected, I could not use my parking lights. Also, my headlights only work when the key is in the run position, they will not illuminate without the key. My interior dash lights also do not illuminate when the headlight switch is either in parking lights or headlights position, regardless of whether the key is inserted or not.

So, my question to all of you: Does this sound like the integration relay being defective, or some other issue? I've checked all the fuses, and everything looks okay there. I'm running out of ideas and time, I need to get this fixed soon. I appreciate your ideas.

Thanks.

[nodrogkam]

intresting. well kind of the same issue with my corolla when i installed a new headunit, attaching the wrong cables to the back of the headunit (dont ask...i was simply being stupid that time). brake lights and stuff just wasnt responding right or at all...

we took it to the dealer for about a 300 dollar fix. they replaced some fuses, and i guess bulbs. But i think it was fuses behind the dashboard. So i paid for a lot of labor to diagnose and solve the problem. the parts werent worth jack shit. I didnt talk to the dealer as my mom was the one that picked up the car, but thats what i gathered from the repair bill.

maybe you have blown fuses that you cannot see? I know all my fuses that i had easy access to were fine.

[nvrau]

I agree, look for fuses under the hood and in the dash. Then try disconnecting the flashing light output in case the alarm is causing the problem. If it is, try using a relay between the alarm output and car's light circuit, this should isolate the alram from the car lights. Make sure you're sending the alarm output to the correct light wire and not the cars parking light circuit. You can do this by connecting to the parking light wire under the hood for sure. One more thing, make sure the wiring you're using doesn't use ground instead of hot to activate the parking lights.

If none of these suggestions work you should look into replacing the light relay you mentioned. If Toyota price is rediculess, try finding one in a juck yard, chances are the lights worked on the wrecked car before it was in an accident.

HTH,

[abew330]

THERE are some fuses under/ behind the steering colume. you have to get a flash light to see it.. theres somme green and pink ones... try one of those...

[skoivisto]

UPDATE: While I was driving today, I noticed that the interior backlights were on. I pulled over and got out to see if my parking lights and tail lights were on, and sure enough, they were on. As I turned on the turn signal, I lost interior backlights, tail lights, and parking lights. However, when I jiggled the switch a little bit, they came back on. Now tonight, after I let it sit for a little while, I can't get any parking lights, interior backlights, or tail lights to illuminate. Clearly this isn't a fuse issue, since they do work. I am just wondering what the possibilities could be. Am I looking at a bad parking light switch / turn signal switch? Or a bad relay? If it's a bad relay, what relay do I need and where is it located in the car? Or is it the integration module? Thanks for all of your ideas and replies so far, please keep them coming

Thanks!

[abew330]

Maybe A Short Some Where

[skoivisto]

I agree a short is a good possibility. Anywhere specific I should look? I plan on tearing into it tomorrow, so any guidance is much appreciated. Thanks!

[brnyrd]

what you've done is connected a positive wire to a negative feeding wire... somewhere in ure car, uve caused a short. the reason things come on at different times, is because when u use different switches, it opens up different pathways for ure short to travel.

i wish i could help you out, but honestly, i think uve given birth to one nasty electrical ghost. its gonna be mighty hard to find it. it could be a diode, resistor, relay, switch, or even melted wires that are now connected together.

good luck. start from the switch, and work ure way thru. another starting point is the fuse panel and work back towards all four corners of the car. it could be anywhere.

try disconnecting all your connections from the remote start, put it right back to stock.

next time use a test light, or meter when installing ...