It would almost have to be a remote start installed. Having the fob in your pocket probably initiated the start. I've done it myself while working on something else in the garage, the truck outside started. Apparently it's an aftermarket set-up and maybe they never installed the hood-latch disconnect or bypassed it? Sounds strange but you may have uncovered an unknown benefit to your truck. Definitely worth tracking down the cause though.

 

Thanks for all the inputs, not being familiar with remote start systems, I was able to use the various suggestions to do some research while I was away and get familiar with what I should be looking for. I had a close look at things today and found that there is a remote start unit under the dash. It was partially hidden behind some of the truck's wiring harness, and there was a bundle of wire covering the rest of the unit. This bundle appears to have one end attached to a momentary ON switch and the other end to a small black box that looks like some of the remote start units I saw on line. From the way it was mounted, I couldn't see any manufacturer's name or logo on the box, so I'll need to cut the zip ties when I have a chance, to pull out the box & have a look. I tried the suggested pressing the LOCK button 3 times - this works, the truck started without a problem. Stepping on the brake causes it to stop, then you can insert the key and start it normally. I also looked for any wiring & safety switch around the hood and hood latch and unless it's really well hidden, there isn't one so, as I was moving around undoing the plugs hidden behind the brake vacuum canister, I must have pressed the LOCK switch the needed 3 times to get it to "remote start".

Again, thanks for the input & guidance, I'll post more info as I uncover it.

 

Another example of how easily the poorly designed Chrysler key fobs can be accidentally activated in a pocket. Happens to me way too frequently. Worst key fob design I've encountered in many years of owning cars with remotes. Rob

 

I have a D Ball installed and it works really well but I dont believe it has any kind of hood kill switch. I also have a aftermarket dealer installed KARR alarm installed. So I have to lock 3 times then hit unlock for it to start. If you get in the truck after the D BALL has done its remote start just put the key in and turn to on and off you go. I do recall that you can program the D Ball and change some of the settings but you need to buy the the encoder/programmer. It was easy to do and I cant recall all of the features. I went this route because I too have unlocked my truck accidently with the fob and didnt realize it. Work boots and medik kit gone the next morning. I also have the truck set to honk when locking and my KARR chirps when it unlocks. Sounds like you have a hidden bonus on your truck. Just take the keys out of you pocket when working and change the evic to honk when locking.

 

The stock remote start uses the actual hood latch as the switch. Does your hood latch have a wire connected to it?

 

I don't think there's any wire going to the latch area in the hood or around the latch mechanism near the radiator. I don't believe this is an OEM product, the installation is neat but not representative of a factory job. Later this week I should have a chance to clip the zip ties and pull the module out far enough to see if I can determine who made it so that I can get some info on how it works, how it was wired, etc.

Now that I know this module is in the truck, I'll need to remember to keep the fob out of my pockets and to disconnect the battery when working on the truck.

 

As scary as your incident was, no damage was caused and nobody got hurt. On the bright side you discovered you have a remote start. That is a pretty nice surprise despite finding out the hard way.

 

Yes, you're right. The hardest part of the whole episode was the hood that connected with the back of my head as I jumped back

 

Still worth it considering the cost of a remote start!

My best experience ever with someone discovering an added bonus when they bought a used car was a young guy (right out of high school) who brought a 5.0 Mustang into the shop i was working at complaining about a high pitched whining noise. He initially called me and asked if i had any idea of what it might be. He had just bought the car from a guy out of the local classifieds who spoke very little English. All he said was the guy said it was "fine" and not to worry.

He described the whine and i told him it was probably a bad alternator or something in the belt drive line. I told him to bring the car by. As soon as he pulled into the parking lot i knew what it was. He popped the hood and sure enough, the strange whining noise was Vortech Gearcharger! Their was NOTHING wrong with the car!. After explaining how lucky he was and to just drive the car and enjoy it, he left happy. Sometimes you luck out.

 

WOW. Lucky kid.