1st post. Thanks in advance for any help...

When I turn the key to ON - whether I start the engine or not, there is a click that comes from beneath the dash on the driver's side (from some relay?). There are 30 clicks, followed by a short (~2 sec) delay, and then 30 more clicks followed by another short delay followed by 30 more clicks. The clicks sound likethe click sound made by theturn signal flasher. If the headllights are not turned on, the orange bulbs in the front and also the rear lights will flash. If the headlights ARE turned on, the clicks continue but the same exterior lights do not flash. All bulbs are in working condition.

If I start the engine instead of just turning the key ON, the same clicking occurs (30clicks repeated3x) and lights on the dash and the radio dim then brighten with each click.

I bought this vehicle last week. The previous owner stated that this was a recent thing. I replaced one of the burnt out halogen low beaem bulbs after the purchase and thought that this might fix it. Not.

I don't have a OBDII scan tool, so I haven't done that. The SES light does not come on, except for right before turning over the engine (which is correct behavior). I would still like to pull codes the old-fashioned way but I don't have the manual (yet), so I'm not sure which parts of the connector to jumper. Finally, I have not tested the battery or disconnected/reconnected it. If that is all it turns out to be, hallelujah!

Perhaps unrelated (and if so I'll start another thread) is the idle, which stays up around 1000 for an extra long time - several minutes. Later drops to 550 or 600 or thereabouts.

Sorry to be so long-winded. I figured the more info up front, the fewer iterations back and forth with you experts!

 

This sounds like the typical hazard switch failure, but could be further inside the multifunction switch. Try messing with your hazard switch (turning it on and off repeatedly) and see if that makes a difference. If it does, then you can replace the hazard switch separately and much more economically ($$$).

*Moving to 2nd Gen Tech*

 

The hazard switch/lights are working fine. I should have mentioned that I'd tested it pretty extensively prior to posting. Let me say that the same exterior lights flash with the hazard and the issue I'm having. Also,when I turn on the key and my flashing/clicking issue begins, I can then turn on the hazards and they start flashing at a different rate. HOWEVER, the clicking relay for the issue I'm having is on the driver's side, while the flasher relay that the hazard uses is the same as the turn signals, under the passenger's glovebox area.

I know this is a stretch...
The seller gave me a remote keyless unit that he said needed a battery. I put in a new battery yesterday and it doesn't work (yet). I'm wondering if my issue is part of some "security" feature I don't know about and perhaps if I can get the remote programmed the issue might "disappear"???

Yeah, I hope its not the multifunction switch - I've replaced the one in my 88 S-10 Blazer a couple times and still have issues with things like intermittent/random windshield wipers actuating.

Thanks for your help!

 

Additional info - possibly unrelated...

My RPO codes do not include AU0 (it does have AU3), so the RKE is a 3rd party add-on. The key fob currently does not open the doors - I'm trying to locate programming info on it ("Sidewinder" RPN471T / FCC ID: EZSDEI471). Maybe the system is programmed such that if the vehicle was unlocked without using the remote and then started, it goes into this mode - permits the ignition, but flashes the lights - I dunno???

 

Well that does sound like the source of the problem. You have the DEI RPN471T remote start unit in your truck. There would be quite a few relays for the locks, horn, etc... It sounds like the RS is triggering the alarm due to the unlock method. What happens if you unplug the module?

 

I'll see what happens when I uplug the module tonight. By the way, the issue was there before I even had the remote, or tried to use it.

Thanks a ton! (Any idea where to get the programming instructions for this remote?)

 

Whether you had the remote or not, it is due to the RS module.

I would check out Directed.com, however, as this is an old unit, they may no longer have the owners manual for it. I do not have access to the install guides either, but some of the audio guys here may have that information.

 

It wasn't easy but I finally found the INSTALL guide for the Sidewinder 3000ESP unit. After removing a fuse from a 12v input line, the problem has disappeared! A BIG THANKS!!

Perhaps someday I'll pick up a valet/program switch and status LED for it so I can re-program it. I gather that these 2 parts come with the unit but installers routinely leave them off when they're done installing. I can certainly understand their business reasons but its a slight annoyance for the DIYer.