Engine started on it's own!

[Arvey]

Just bought this unit 2 weeks ago (1999 Windsor) and I don't know too much about it yet, but I'm pretty sure it should not start on it's own. I was in the house last night when I heard an engine start, so I went out to find the Cummins idling and the running lights on. Only way to shut engine down was with the kill switch in the engine compartment. And had to hit the battery disconnect to put the lights out. Any ideas out there as to where I should start looking for the problem. It still wants to start when I put the engine switch back in the run position and turn the batteries back on.

[WilleyB]

Quote:

It still wants to start when I put the engine switch back in the run position and turn the batteries back on.

Man that's a weird one. I don't know much if anything about your type of rig, but just a wild thought, it wouldn't have anything to do with a "Remote Start Circuit" running amuck per chance.

Cheers
Willey

[GOLDWINGER2]

Start by checking starter relays, ign. swicth, anything to do with the start /run circuit.
J

[Drifter]

Sounds like you have a aftermarket remote starting system. Try pushing the remote lock button three times then wait, if it starts insert key and turn to the run position then off to shut down engine or depress the brake pedal. That should stop the engine. If these actions do not work it maybe just a short in the ignition switch.

[Corkey]

Do you have Auto Start for low batteries? Mine will start on it's own too if the batteries run low. Auto Start monitors the batteries when not connected to shore power. For mine the setup is in the inverter control panel which allows for enable/disable setting (including quiet hours).

[Drifter]

Avey, Were you talking about the Chassis engine or the Generator starting?

[Arvey]

It's the main engine not the genset thats coming on. I've played with the alarm remote, don't think it's that. If there is a remote start system I don't know how it's activated. All the dash lights and clearance lights are coming on as well. As mentioned here I think I'm going to need to try and follow the circuit and find a bad relay or switch.

[Corkey]

Sorry Arvey, I misread the post and the first thing that came to mind was the auto genstart.

[dajudge]

This may not be your problem, but several years ago I had a allegro bay with a cummins engine. One morning when I pulled it out of the garage, even if i turned the key off, the engine kept on running. Since i was going to the shop to get it serviced, I called the mechanic. He said to bring it over and he would check it out. LOng story short, it was the starter that started. He put a new starter and he said it was alright. Something about shorted starter providing power to fuel shutoff solenoid.

[jwinston]

I have a 99 Windsor. DId you find root cause and solution?

[Arvey]

Did find the problem, as some had mentioned it did have a remote start system, it was integrated with the alarm system. I couldn't make the key chain remote do anything so I pulled the dash apart and found the control module. I disabled it by unplugging one of the two connectors into it. Everything went back to normal after that. It was an aftermarket system but I can't find any markings to indicate who the manufacture is. So no hope of replacing the defective module.

[Mike Canter]

Take the unit it a car stereo and alarm install shop. They can probably look at it and tell what brand it is. Do the remotes have anything written on them. One of the major alarm companies is Viper.

[Acker1]

Glad you found the problem.

"Only way to shut engine down was with the kill switch in the engine compartment."

Could you tell us where that switch is, for future reference. Pic would be nice.

Thanks

DICK

[Arvey]

Sorry I am out of town right now so a picture is not possible, but on my Windsor there is rocker type switch on the left side when you open the rear engine access doors (very easy to see). You can start or shut down the engine from the rear with this switch.