In January 2005, I had a remote start/door lock/security system installed in my truck. The mechanic who did the install had a devil of a time getting the lock switch relays wired to get the security box to send the correct signal to make the doors lock but between the systems wiring diagrams and his ALLData schematics, he got it to work properly. And work it did, for a year.
This past January I posted about a problem I was having with funky dash lights, accessories not working, etc.... He and I tracked it down to one fried wiring harness in the DS door. And fried it was, even back into the cab. While he tended to the harness, I took the door swtch gear apart and it was clear from the PC board that there was some nastyness going on.
The fact was, before we discovered the problem I colud smell something hot but it was only a fleeting smell and would go away quickly.
What I was smelling was the electrical nastyness that was taking place when the remote start was sending a door lock signal to the DS door, frying was taking place, but since the signal was only momentary, it didn't last long.
So I have purchased a new door harness and a new switch.
But the concern is that there is something amiss with the remote start unit wiring and not simply a short at the door switch. The wires are in fact fried from the switch on down.

The remote start is not a cheepy Walmart thing but similar to the units sold and installed by the local Auto Electric/Audio place.

Looking for thoughts or ideas.

 

you can do a bad install on a good unit, I would pull out the wires that go to the locks or the whole unit, and start over. I can help you wire it up when you get the new harness in

 

Lance,
I agree wholeheartedly and I most certainly appreciate the offer but I dont think it was a result of a bad install. I trust the tech who did the work, he's one of the best in the region. But we will definitely revisit how it's hooked up before putting it all back together.

He's the one that asked me to do a little asking around on integrating aftermarket remote locking units and Dodge wiring before we tackle it again.

Is there something odd or "Dodge specific" that we should be worried about?

 

nothing wierd, just a standard 5 wire lock setup. I have had mine in for 3+ years with no problems.

maybe check the old harness and see if maybe one of the wires rubbed through and shorted out on something in the door? also check the ground wire that is for the door harness, make sure it has a good connection

 

Will do. Thanks!!