Auto Question, about security system/remote starter/insurance/title

[snusoff]

I wanted to ask someone knowledgeable about autos and the transferring of titles and insurance and stuff...

Today I was able to transfer the title of my Dad's truck to me. It was registered and insured today as well. Yesterday, before it was transferred, the truck started and ran well. After the title was transferred and insured, the truck will not start.

It's an '05 Tacoma with a remote starter and a security system (think it was a Snake or something. Need to find the paperwork for it.) Right now, it won't even turn over. When I try to start it, all I hear is a few clicks and the lights on the dash and radio flash a few times then shut off. Even after I take the key out, the truck tries to turn over, I hear the clicks again and the lights on the dash flash a few times.

Now, is there such a thing as a security system that disables the vehicle if the previous insurance is cancelled or title is transferred? I know that's a shot in the dark, but it's beyond baffling to me why the truck just stopped working right after the title was transferred. Didn't know if something like that existed, if it was a feature of his old insurance company or just coincidence?

My guess is coincidence but wanted to ask around and see if that was possible.

Thanks!

[devilock76]

Not the way most security systems work. To me it sounds like the battery is dead, or not getting charged, or you have a bad ground or solenoid lead. The first two can be easily tested at Autozone or their ilk, the latter two might need more skilled help unless you are willing to go under the car and are handy with a good multimeter.

Start with the battery...

Ken

[rickcharles606]

I'm guessing it has something to do with the remote starting system, because you said it "continues to try and start even after removing the key". A short or hardware malfunction in a system like this can cause this. Good luck, because electrical problems are some of the most difficult to track down on newer vehichles. If you're handy...I'd remove the remote starter completely and see if this corrects your problem, if not...then look into the starter solenoid. I don't think the security system could cause the "symptoms" you're describing. Keep us posted...now you have me curious, lol

[snusoff]

Alrighty, thank ya both kindly. Once the sunlight's up I'll replace the battery. If that doesn't do it, I'll see if I can get it up to Autozone to have them hook it up. Sadly, all I know about autos is replacing the battery, changing the tires and replacing the lights.

No matter what, I'm blaming this on the solar flares!

[devilock76]

I'm guessing it has something to do with the remote starting system, because you said it "continues to try and start even after removing the key". A short or hardware malfunction in a system like this can cause this. Good luck, because electrical problems are some of the most difficult to track down on newer vehichles. If you're handy...I'd remove the remote starter completely and see if this corrects your problem, if not...then look into the starter solenoid. I don't think the security system could cause the "symptoms" you're describing. Keep us posted...now you have me curious, lol

He said continues to try to start but "trying to start" in this case is just clicks, not actually any cranking. It doesn't have the juice to start, maybe, or that is not getting to the solnoid.

We could test this by jumping the solenoid, also could try giving it a tap with a hammer.

Ken

[devilock76]

Alrighty, thank ya both kindly. Once the sunlight's up I'll replace the battery. If that doesn't do it, I'll see if I can get it up to Autozone to have them hook it up. Sadly, all I know about autos is replacing the battery, changing the tires and replacing the lights.

No matter what, I'm blaming this on the solar flares!

Worst case take just the battery to them and have them do a load test. Do you have a multimeter?

Ken

[rickcharles606]

He said continues to try to start but "trying to start" in this case is just clicks, not actually any cranking. It doesn't have the juice to start, maybe, or that is not getting to the solnoid.

We could test this by jumping the solenoid, also could try giving it a tap with a hammer.

Ken

I would agree with you if he hadn't also said that the key was no longer in the ignition, lol. It could very well be that the battery is dead, but I'm betting that the remote starter system shorted and has drained the battery.

[sgreger1]

Sounds like a dead battery to me, I had an alternator break on me one time and it did something similar.

[devilock76]

I would agree with you if he hadn't also said that the key was no longer in the ignition, lol. It could very well be that the battery is dead, but I'm betting that the remote starter system shorted and has drained the battery.

Residual solenoid discharge, maybe.

Ken

[rickcharles606]

Residual solenoid discharge, maybe.

Ken

could be, but then the solenoid would be shorted, and if grounded it probably wouldn't affect the rest of the ignition system. Hell, I don't know and without being there multimeter in hand...I'll never know, lol Good luck and let us know what it turns out to be.

[Premium Parrots]

its the dam zombies

[WickedKitchen]

Would ya look at that.

I'd guess it's the remote starting thing too. Could be the truck's actual starter too, maybe for some reason the remote thing killed your starter. In my experience starters don't really give too much warning, they just s the bed.

[snusoff]

Turns out it was just the battery after all. The guy at Autozone said, "Yeah, this thing is dead. It's actually deader than dead. It's actually trying to drain the energy out of the tester."

Taking the truck in this week for a checkup and see if it's ready for a drive from Mass. to Minn. so I can finally get home. Thanks all

[lxskllr]

Good luck, and have a safe trip :^)