Riddle me this Gremlin...

'15 DCLB Sport that I bought a year ago in April. Currently 46,000 Km on the clock (~28,000 mi for you folks down south).
About 3 months ago I pulled into the driveway and turned the truck off, pulled key and stepped out...truck is sitting there idling, and I'm holding the key.
I open the door, get back and tap the brake...it shuts off. It did this on and off for a week, then back to normal and hasn't done it since.
So...last week I'm standing in the garage and bend over to tie a boot lace...engine starts...I straighten up (WTF?)...engine stops. OoooKaaay.
Starts and stops normally since.
I have a theory on this...this truck has an aftermarket command-start (Autostart is the brand-name) and I think it has to do with that. I've no idea whether it was dealer installed or from a shop somewhere...and I know little about how command-start systems are installed (this is my first vehicle with one)
I've looked around under the dash but not sure what I'm looking for...the system seems to have been installed by someone who knew what they were doing as everything is nice and neat under there.
Anyone out there with any suggestions or similar experiences?
Cheers, Jeff

Would love to solve this because if I'm under the hood tinkering around, I don't want her lighting up on me unannounced.

 

Hopefully there's a safety switch under the hood. Disables remote start when the hood is open.

 

Sounds like the autostart has a short somewhere. That's yet another reason I don't mess with the factory wiring harness.

 

I'm sure it's the remote start, I had a Viper system on a Tundra I owned, it gave me some problems.

 

I haven't seen any switch. When I get home I'll open the hood and see if it starts. There is a warning label under the hood that says a remote start system is installed.
Something to check...thanks!
Jeff

 

I am assuming you purchased the truck from a dealer. If so try to contact them to see if they will provide info for the previous buyer. They probably wont. If not then explain the problem and ask if they will contact the previous owner for you and give that person your contact info. Or if you find out the manufacturer of your installed system check around for aftermarket installers who install that product and take it to them and see if they can help you.

 

Do you have a key fob ????? , that could be the problem

 

No factory key fob came with the truck. Just a two-way remote-start fob and a one-way remote fob. I've only ever used the two-way (it has a rechargeable battery in it). The one-way just sits in the house doing nothing.

 

Any chance said remote start key fob was in your pocket when you bent down to tie your shoelace?

 

Get rid of the command start.

 

You mentioned tieing your shoe lace was the two-way remote in your pocket ?? . This would possibly explain why your truck started !!!!

 

Does your remote start fob look like this ???? , Also I carry my keys on a D ring Carabiner attached to my belt loop especially to keep from accidentally arming or disarming my alarm

 

I installed a cheap remote start on a Rav4 I used to own. It would do exactly what you described once in awhile.
The wiring from the remote start ties in directly with your ignition wires.
When you hit “start” on your fob a signal is sent to crank the motor.
Once the motor is running the remote start controller then holds a signal to simulate key in ignition switch and key in run position.
The reason your engine shuts off when you hit the break is a built in safety feature. (The truck can’t be put in drive without pushing in the break pedal) only the person with the key can get in, turn the ignition switch to run and operate the truck.
I’ve never had a remote start controller apart but I would guess there are just some very cheap relays that stick on occasion.

 

yes, the keys were in my pocket when I bent over. It's possible that triggered it. However, when I stood up, it should have stayed running. This model runs for 15 min then stops if you do nothing. If you touch the brake without the key in the ignition (and turned ON) it will stop.
99% of the time it works fine. I only use it in the winter, anyway. But there is a glitch somewhere.
If I can't solve it, I may remove it.

Just me, but when I tell the truck to do something, I expect it to do it...when I tell it nothing, I expect it to do nothing.
I will take it in for sure and let somebody with more expertise look at it.
Keep the suggestions coming if anyone has any. I will definitely report back when I solve or destroy the remote start!
Jeff

 

My remote start will start my truck by pressing the appropriate button twice in a row. Then shut off if I press the button once after it is running. It MIGHT be possible that you triggered it bending over while in your pocket and the shut if off in the same manner. (But it does not seem like it to me)

 

Maybe try disconnecting the battery for a while, then reprogram the remote.
As a side note my installer will not install a Viper system in a Tacoma. He just says No even if you bring it to him. Says there’s too many problems.

 

Mine has a small recessed button on the side that you press and hold to start...press and hold again to shut off before 15 min. The start I can see when I bent over...it's the standing up part I can't get my head around.
Anyway, the truck shouldn't stay running with no key in the ignition after I've shut it down.
jeff

 

Will do that...thanks. I'll have to go through the manual for it as well. It didn't have one when I got the truck, so I downloaded one.
Jeff

 

You can get manuals on line. Just make sure you’ve got the right one before you disconnect. Some can start on temp. so maybe a sensor problem. Hey it’s Sask., gotta get that goin’ before Winter for sure.

 

Hi there neighbor! Yup, remote-start is pretty nice in these winters...but I'd guess you already know that, being from Winterpeg.
I'm 900 km north of the truck right now, otherwise I'd be tinkering with it now, with all the suggestions.
Thanks to all, Jeff