remote start help please

[mnkittycity]

Hi I need some help PLEASE...

I have a 99 Solara SLE and am having trouble with my remote start. Its an Astrostart that was installed about 4 years ago. J5F-TX2000. The key keeps falling out from where ever it belongs under the steering wheel. As a result, when I hit the start button on the remote, it just keeps cranking and cranking but won't actually start the car. I have to step on the brake to stop it. I have to take it in every year and have them retape it up there. I'm assuming the cold weather takes its toll on the tape and it becomes unstuck. Can someone please tell me exactly where the key should go? I've tried placing it up there just in the general area and it still won't start. I live about 150 miles from where I had it installed and they can't get me in for an appointment for a couple weeks. Its freezing in Minnesota and I would like to use my starter. Can someone help please?

What exactly does the key get taped to? thanks

[LynchburgCSI]

Well, since this is an aftermarket unit, it can honestly go anywhere. I assume this "key" your talking about is NOT the ignition key... but rather, a KILL switch. Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways, one option if i'm right is to bypass or eliminate the kill switch. Or replace/relocate the switch with a better unit in a better location.

[sk8mystery23]

I believe what you mean is a physical key because your ignition requires a key with a special chip in it or the car will not start, and that this key keeps falling out of its place. It needs to be really close to the ignition, so placing it anywhere under the dash would no work. Try placing it closer to the ignition.

[LynchburgCSI]

^ Interesting point. Maybe that is whats meant here. Hmm. I'd get some better tape! And yes, it would have to be very close to the ignition. I'd have it tapped to the back side of an interior panel. But i'm not familiar with the solara's interior.

[ycartf]

From installing a few of these (different brand), I would guess that your ignition key goes into a bypass module that connects to your remote starter unit. If you peel back some stuff to find it, you should find some type of little black box that the key would go in. The ones I use have a coil of wires that surround the chip area of the key and a foam block that holds the key in place when closed shut - and then the box gets screwed or cable-tied somewhere stable under there. BUT - to say that only cold weather and faulty tape allow it to fall out - that may not be the case for you. They may have just taped the key somewhere close to the ignition (which sounds like a crappy install to me). The chip has to be able to send a signal for the remote starter to successfully crank the vehicle, making the ignition system think there is an authorized key in the ignition.

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by ycartf

From installing a few of these (different brand), I would guess that your ignition key goes into a bypass module that connects to your remote starter unit. If you peel back some stuff to find it, you should find some type of little black box that the key would go in. The ones I use have a coil of wires that surround the chip area of the key and a foam block that holds the key in place when closed shut - and then the box gets screwed or cable-tied somewhere stable under there. BUT - to say that only cold weather and faulty tape allow it to fall out - that may not be the case for you. They may have just taped the key somewhere close to the ignition (which sounds like a crappy install to me). The chip has to be able to send a signal for the remote starter to successfully crank the vehicle, making the ignition system think there is an authorized key in the ignition.

This is the best answer

I was going to say exactly that, because I remember installing remote starters and having to connect the key to the bypass module. Its really quite stupid, but thats what happens with modern day electronics.

OP, If I were you I would remove the Knee Bolster under the steering column. Generally Remote starters are connected right there, just because the ignition wires are most easy to get to. Be careful when removing it not to disturb the wires too much. If you break the security wire (very very small wire) Your going to be screwed