I purchased a 2000 Acura tl about a year and a half ago it was equipped with an aftermarket alarm/remote start. Recently I tried to use the remote start but was close enough to the car to listen and all the car did was just crank and crank never started. I hopped in put the key in, the car fired right up. From what I can gather this is a problem with the aftermarket equipment not the car. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

I am thinking this could also possibly be a weakening battery due to more electrical components drawing?

The car has been struggling at idle every once in a while, I'm thinking gummed up maf sensor or iacv. I dont think this has anything to do with it not starting just covering my bases just incase.

Thanks guys, this is a great site.

 

Hey Jay0016, if ya are crankin' and crankin' with the remote and then turn around and use the key successfully the first try.....it's hardly a weak battery after all that remote crankin'. That said, ya can have the electrical system load tested at most any auto parts store for free.

Probably an issue with the aftermarket system's wiring, IMO.

The low idle condition could be caused by a dirty IAC valve, TB intake or clogged EGR passageways.
Also check the V-hoses and electrical connections/grounds. Shouldn't affect the starting, mainly the idle runability.

 

Im guessing there isnt the immobilizer bypass unit installed allowing the car to start with the remote start. Take your key and tape it by the ignition switch, then press the remote start button and see if it starts.

 

Sorry guys I forgot to mention it did work for the past year I have had it I dont use it too much but in colder weather I will start to use it more. I wish I had my multimeter with me, however I ran a test. I sat in the car with the key next to the ignition and hit the remote start it cranked and did not turn over. Then put my key in and it just cranked let it sit for 2-3 min then it started right up. I think yous might be on the right track with the electrical. Maybe the mechanism to allow the car to start with no key is not right. I have not really done anything to my car recently put a new radio in about 6-8 months ago never had a problem. Would you happen to know which fuses a remote start gets tied into?