Truck running while "Plugged In"

[Larry Decker]

Hello,
I am thinking of getting a remote starter installed on my truck soon. I live in the Chicago area and our winters are mild although sometimes it gets pretty cold. I have read that "plugging" the truck in is a good idea (although not entirley necessary)when the temp gets below freezing. Will it be a porblem to start the truck with the remote starter while the truck is pluggeg in? I would only have the truck idle for a few minutes beofre I get in and drive. Thanks for your help in advance, Larry

[AlanL]

I bought a remote starter last winter soon after I got my truck. I started it every morning from Mid January to late March with it plugged in.

Some people have reported lights or codes on their trucks (they may have been '01 or '02), but I've never gotten any on mine ('03).

-Al

[andrewfessler]

I had put a remote starter on my 01 gasser. They had to install the passlock override sensor. The system I got simply listened for two lock signs from the factory remote and then started the vehicle. It worked great for about two years.

Then I started having problems. The security light came on and wouldnt go off. Then sometimes the truck just wouldnt start, with the key. It would take up to 60-90 minutes of waiting before I could finally start it with the key.

I took the truck into the dealer, they diagnosed the code as a faulty ignition switch, $275 later I left....problem came back, they reprogrammed it. Worked for about a few weeks, then got worse.

They finally said, it was either my strobe lights, subs, gps, or remote starter and that they wouldnt look at it again till I removed it all.

So I had the remote engine start removed and unhooked everything else, took it back. Now they cant even program it to remove the security light.

So what'd I do? I drove it a little longer, then traded it in for my 2003 Silverado Druamax...their problem now smile.gif

So, my recommendation, be prepared for someday not being able to start the truck.

My .02 worth.

[HD-Nate]

What brands did you guys use and who sells them for the Dmax????

I had Viper remotes on both the 3500 and the Z71, (both gassers) for 2-3 years. Had Zero problems with codes or not working properly.

I bought mine from Circuit City and they even installed it for less than $200.

Would like to get one for the Dmax soon.

[atvpilot]

I have a remote starter made by valet. I have had similar problems as discussed by the above post with my 90 and 98 gasser. I started having the security light come on when driving and the not starting and having to wait till the code cleared itself on my 02 Duramax. I think it is just a GM thing. The problems I have had with all my trucks so far are similar. I still have my remote starter on my 02 and I will keep it. I don't have a garage to park in so I will deal with the annoying little gremlins that the starter may stir up. As for Gm I have heard dealers say that they will not working on the vehicle if has a remote starter and they have even stated that it will void your warranty. Go figure :D

[AlanL]

This is the brand that I have...

http://www.ultrastarters.com/