# Need help installing a remote starter (Don't ned help fast) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 22, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-installing-a-remote-starter-dont-ned-help-fast/610304 "2012-01-22T14:31:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MannyL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-installing-a-remote-starter-dont-ned-help-fast/610304/1 "2012-01-22T14:31:56Z")
My friend who is an auto tech tried to install a remote starter for me yesterday but was unsuccessful so I’m here for help for his next attempt. The car-[2009 Pontiac Vibe GT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Vibe#Second_generation_.282009.E2.80.932010.29) The remote starter-[A bulldog 500](http://www.bulldogsecurity.com/Products/453055488-model-deluxe-500-remote-starter-with-keyless-entry.aspx) Learning Module-[From Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/JBS-Technologies-791-Universal-Learning/dp/B0003NF60I) The symptom-The system is not detecting a valid key. If I try to start the car with the remote starter it goes through the motions but it seems like the fuel pump is not being activated. If I have a key in the off position in the ignition then it will start just fine. We did have a key in the learning module with the induction loop wrapped around the ignition cylinder. Any help will be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-installing-a-remote-starter-dont-ned-help-fast/610304/2 "2012-01-22T20:32:10Z")
> [@MannyL](#): > > We did have a key in the learning module… Did have or do have? Some of the comments in [these reviews](http://www.amazon.com/JBS-Technologies-791-Universal-Learning/product-reviews/B0003NF60I/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1) of that learning module state that a key must be left in the module. If that’s not your problem, I’d say calling the module manufacturer for help is your best bet. ---
**Author:** ![Chris\_Luongo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Chris\_Luongo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chris_Luongo)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-installing-a-remote-starter-dont-ned-help-fast/610304/3 "2012-01-22T21:45:29Z")
Remote-starter installer here. Inside that module where you put your spare key there’s also a relay. A quick way to see if you’ve got the module powered up right is to see if the internal relay clicks on when you activate the remote starter. You should be able to hear it, or possibly feel by holding it in your hand. ---
**Author:** ![MannyL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@MannyL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MannyL)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2012, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-installing-a-remote-starter-dont-ned-help-fast/610304/4 "2012-01-22T22:35:08Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > Did have or do have? Some of the comments in [these reviews](http://www.amazon.com/JBS-Technologies-791-Universal-Learning/product-reviews/B0003NF60I/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1) of that learning module state that a key must be left in the module. > > If that’s not your problem, I’d say calling the module manufacturer for help is your best bet. Yes we left a key in the module. We also tried various positions for the key. > [@Chris\_Luongo](#): > > Remote-starter installer here. > > Inside that module where you put your spare key there’s also a relay. > > A quick way to see if you’ve got the module powered up right is to see if the internal relay clicks on when you activate the remote starter. You should be able to hear it, or possibly feel by holding it in your hand. Chris thanks, next time we try it again I will check to see if the relay is firing.