Remote Start/Battery issues

[electro]

Hi all,

So Im having a little trouble with my remote starter (which was installed on truck when I got it) and battery issues too.

I have three fobs in total. Two that are the aftermarket starter fobs and one GM fob. All three function all the time. It would appear out of no where my remote start is now honking the horn twice before starting the truck. Totally random! Its annoying. I haven't looked too hard into it as I haven't had time!! Soo I maintain. Typically where is the remote start module installed and is it possible to turn of the horn function? It didn't do it for over a year since I bought it and now its honking every start.

Also... MY battery is needing a boost after I come out after work. Temps are -8 degrees Celsius average right now. I've been making sure to unplug everything and all lights are off and doors closed. I measured 0.8amps the other night with truck off and no loads I can observe. THEREFORE my question regarding that is.... Is there always a load on the battery for say alarm or anything else? And if so what is it typically drawing. I'm leaning toward a new battery.

 

[OR VietVet]

Lots of memory on the rig to keep alive. I believe I used to see anywhere between 0.4 to 0.6 milliamps draw and that was normal. But the older and more cantankerous the battery became the more gremlins showed up. Unless this battery is for sure good and recent then I would do the battery or it is off to a qualified tech for inspection and hope it messes up in front of him/her. By the way .8 amp draw is a lot.. When you unplug the alternator when checking does it drop?

 

[livingez_123]

Cold weather will kill a marginal battery. It may have been fine during the warm weather, but cold is a killer. How far is your commute to work? if its real short, the battery will have a hard time recovering the big loss on a cold start.

 

[Physh1]

Weak batteries make alarms do highly undesirable things. .8 amp draw is nothing to worry about. That is very normal for modern vehicles.

There is always a small load on your battery. Computers, security, modules...all use a little power. Do you see a sticker on the side or top of the battery indicating age? For example A1 (jan of 11) or 2/11 (feb of 11).

Have you checked the alt? Should be charging the battery at roughly 14 volts.

I would start with a battery. If it helps I'm a manager/battery service tech for AAA...I see this everyday...lol

Cameron

 

[OR VietVet]

Been a while since ran a shop. Used to be milliamp draw now .8 amp is good. I know the different draws have multiplied drastically but heck never would have thought would have gotten out of the milliamp realm. Plus I did forget to bring up the cold effect on the battery. God I am getting old and forgetful. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[electro]

Guys thanks for the responses.

Raiderron I did not unplug the alternator.

Livingez I have roughly a 20-25 minute commute.

Phsyh11 battery date code: 7/10

I haven't checked alt. I would right now. No meter though.

 

[OR VietVet]

I only wanted you to unplug the alternator because I felt .8 amp draw is excessive and see if the draw went away or diminished. Physh1 said .8 is ok and I have not ran a shop in a long enough time that I always dealt with milliamps and not amp draws unless it WAS excessive. Surely a friend has a DVOM you can attach and check alternator output with and without a load.

 

[YukonXL04]

Im gonna say battery is going bad on you. a little over 4 years old... I would have it checked first...

 

[Physh1]

Getting 4 years on a battery in your climates & temp swings is pretty damn good. Def start with a new one...ideally, it's due anyhow if you're proactive about maintenance. Everything else sounds in check.

Cameron

 

[Maic]

OP'
i remember people putting cardboard in front of the radiator and wrapping the batterie in your temperatures.
Get a new Batterie.
Check under the dash/steering column for your alarm type and model #. Read up on it.
Avoid using your Factory remote, having an aftermarket alarm installed.