problem solved
 

After all I've done, the dummy dash lights came back on every time I start the car. The alarm/remote start installer came over to check his wiring.
When the lights went on with the remote, the voltage would drop. When done with the key, voltage would stay steady.
He disconnected the wire from the remote for the lights and now I got the dummy dash lights on all the time. He disconnected the whole system. Now my voltage reads 14.2! and no more dash lights!
The car is back to it's normal reading. The installer admits he uses a probe to find a wire to hook up to, but he doesn't know what that wire does.
Any theories?

Which wire did he use? :confused:

I don't know because I haven't looked under the dash and when I asked, he didn't know which wire he used either. I'm just glad it's over. He refunded my money and let me keep the system, it's still under the dash. For this winter I'm going out into the cold to start the car, but that's OK.

Remote start is nice, but try working on a GM PassKey system with it.:mad: Confounded #%*@ Oldsmobile!

My theory is that this guy is a moron and should not be allowed to meddle with electrical wiring ever again.

There are a lot of wires that carry data signals from the sensors in the engine and gearbox to the ECU and TCU. You cannot just use a bulb or voltmeter to "find a wire to hook up to". IMHO you are lucky he didn't do permanent damage by connecting to random wires that he doesn't understand.

If you don't already have them, get the schematics for the remote start system. Then with a little bit of time spent with the FSM's you should be able to get it hooked up PROPERLY.

If you know the manufacturer and model, the schematics may be available online.