UPDATE Ignition Problem

[bulldog1402]

So I have a new to me 98 Land Cruiser. It came with one key fob.

Before purchasing, I found this from Toyota...

So I get the truck home and I am starting to go through it. I notice the antenna is still up on the windshield for the remote start. Trace some wires and find this...

Based on my research, I have determined it is an Astroflex (Astrostart) Model 1105u.

The install looks clean and like it was done very well.

My question is this...

Why when they replaced the ignition cylinder did the remote start no longer work? Did they just do this as an easy solution and didn't want to go through the hassle of getting the remote start to work?

When they changed out the ignition cylinder, does that change out the chip that allows the truck to start? So the remote start has the original chip and now a new one is installed making the remote start inoperable unless I installed a new chip.

Thanks for any help. I tried to provide as much detail as possible and did as much homework as I could first.

 

[TXLX100]

The programming of new key or installation of ignition must have knocked out the remote start programming. In my opinion, I'd scrap the remote start anyway, always seems like trouble lurking with those things.

 

[ScubaJon]

Most remote start kits come with a ignition key or "fake" key that you program as a master then tape it under the dash somewhere so it thinks the master key is in the ignition so it will let the remote start work.

You will need to find and reprogram or replace the fake key.

 

[bulldog1402]

Interesting. I will look for the key.

However, it does seem like a hassle. It would be nice for the storms up here in CT (right now) but I am not willing to sink money into it unnecessarily.

 

[ScubaJon]

you can also just leave the one good key you have in the car near the ignition and then see if the remote start works. That will tell you if you need a replacement fake key.

BTW it also defeats the security of having a chipped key if that is how the remote start works. Any blank key without a chip as long as its cut to match your car will start it.

 

[bulldog1402]

Yeah I don't even have the key fob for the remote start to test that theory out.

I don't want to spend money to test theories. I haven't pulled the brain out of the car yet, but wasn't this around the time that they would sacrifice a key for the system to work?

 

[ScubaJon]

first think I would check is the little compartment on the top of that black box you show a picture of looks like a good place for a key or a battery.

Not sure what you can do without the fob.

 

[bulldog1402]

Ok got some more information.

I feel like a bit of an idiot for asking all of this. Ask me to do a timing belt/water pump or any maintenance on the engine and I am good to go.

So, this is what I got with the car

I went digging around the kick panel and located this:

I pulled the key out and tried it in the ignition and it did not work (pretty obvious since the cylinder had been replaced).

Ok, so now, what are my options if I wanted to get this up and running? I will need a fob to program to the remote start, so what I am asking about is what will I need to put in that black box to get the remote start and door lock and unlock functioning?

Thanks again for any help.

 

[bulldog1402]

I am about to pull the trigger on trying to get this set up but wanted to ask a few followup questions.

Based on what was written in the service history with the cylinder being replaced, can I assume that that chips for the immobilizer were not changed? Specifically, will the chip in the valet key work the same as the chip in the master key that came with the truck?

If so, it seems that all I would need to do is get some new fobs for the remote start and program.

 

[bulldog1402]

Ok so an update.

I got a new fob for the remote start and programmed a key for the box to make sure it was correct.

For some reason the fob is unable to connect to the Astrostart and be added.

 

[bulldog1402]

BIG UPDATE

So I found the hidden key and programmed it to be a master.

Finally got the Astrostart fob programmed and it works!

Tested the remote and it worked for the doors and locks, and also remote started the truck as it should.

Left the truck in the garage last night. When I returned to it today, it showed all signs of a dead battery. Needed to get a new one, so I went out and bought one.

Pulled the old battery and while I was at it, cleaned all the contacts and made sure there was no corrosion or anything.

Put the new battery in the problems begin...

First tried to remote start. FAIL. The truck would turn over and then immediately sputter and die.

Second tried to start with the master key. FAIL. Same as when trying to remote start.

Tried the hidden key. FAIL

Disconnected the battery and made sure everything was tight and secure. Still FAIL.

Checked all the fuses under the hood and they all pass visual and manual inspection.

I am left now with a truck that will turn over and sputter and stall immediately. It is strange because it won't even start with the master key now.

This leads me to believe it is something not remote starter related. But, that was the last thing I touched.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bulldog1402]

I got it all sorted out. It seems to be an ECU relearning issue at this point.

I can get it started with some revving of the engine and keep it going.

Given some time for the ECU to relearn I think I will be good to go.

I think a through cleaning of the TB is in order.

 

[Slickspawn]

Nice work! That model of astrostart is somewhat 'safe' since the chip in the key is too far away to be used with a simple key, as the system broadcast amplifies the chip data when the start button sequence is performed on the FOB.

 

[bulldog1402]

Yeah I have seen some poor installs and this one was not bad. Done by the Toyota Dealer. I give them credit. All soldered and way better than most systems I have ripped out of cars in the past.

All in it cost me $35 for the fob and some time and patience.