Hmmm, riddle me this...

[Martin8]

I installed a Ravelco alarm system last week and my car has been starting funny in the morning ever since. The Ravelco essentially taps into the starter line to the fuse and adds a separate cable which is attached to this plug that you need to pop in or the car wont start. Bottom line, the plug closes the circuit to the starter. It's a simple system and works quite well. Too well it seems, cause when I turn the starter on I can hear it cranking but the engine wont turn over. I have to start it again and then the engine turns over no problem. In fact, for the rest of the day the car starts on the first time and it rides smoothly with normal mileage.

I do remove the plug at night so I'm not sure whats up. Could not even be related to the Ravelco, it just seems too much of a coincidence. Any insight/hrlp would be appreciated....

 

[Martin8]

I think I may have found the solution

I just need to turn the key on to the 'On' position for 5-10 secs before actually turning it completely. The rest of the day I dont have to wait, it's happening in the morning only.

 

[Bluto]

Does the starter line you tapped/opened affect the engine immobilizer? A transponder at the ignition reads a chip in the key. If you disconnect power, it may take a few seconds for the transponder to initialize once you put the plug in.


Why bother with the kill plug thingy when there is an immobilizer? I think the truck is impossible to hotwire without a key present.

 

[Martin8]

Bluto - yup, I think your theory about the transponder having to initialize itself is right on. It seems to take a few seconds and then I'm good to go.

I'm just a bit paranoid about car security...