Another key fob thread - not sure if normal

[dnlow]

I have a 2003 PT Cruiser that has always required you to push the unlock button of the key fob and then start it within 30 seconds or so. If not started in 30 seconds I have to push unlock again. It has been like this forever. Fast forward to today and I change the unlock procedure so that you only have to push unlock once to open all doors. After this the car would not want to crank/start, nothing. Even if I push unlock multiple times. I set it back to the two button push procedure to open all doors and now it starts again.

Just wondering if anyone else had had this issue? I am assuming it is not normal since the owners manual shows you how to change the door locks between one push or two push to unlock the doors. Not really a big deal but now I am concerned if the battery dies in the key fob the car will not start.

[VsandFords]

Welcome to the forum from Texas.

[myckee]

Is it possible that there is an aftermarket starter disable installed on the car? I have seen them wired to a variety of switches in the car. The unlock button on the door, the power window button, in either up or down, the mirror adjust etc.

Have you tried pressing the unlock button on the driver door to see if it works? Maybe you really do have ones of these aftermarket security devices and not know it.

[VsandFords]

I'm with Myckee on this. I was reading up on a remote start that ties into the OE key fob and one of the ways to remote start is to hit the lock button twice. The second time starts the car. There could be a anti theft device that works on the same principal. Have you noticed a small toggle switch on the dash or under the dash? If so, it might be a master switch for the system.

[dnlow]

Thanks for the replies. I will look into it.

[dnlow]

Just wanted to update this, so that in the future it could help someone.

There was some type of starter motor interlock device under the dash. The wire that goes from the ignition switch to the starter motor relay passed through the device. The unlock wires for the door locks were spliced too and they went to the device. This was the reason why I would have to push unlock on the key fob remote before I could start the car. I simply reconnected the starter motor relay wire and now all is good. No more having to push unlock on the remote and attempt to start it within 30 seconds before I can start the vehicle. Plus, I was able to set up the one push unlock for all the doors.

Again, thanks for the help.

[VsandFords]

Glad to here all is good now, with a simple fix.