• Astrostart Remote Programming
• How To Program Astrostart Remote

Oct 25, 2002  Astroflex Astrostart troubleshooting? - I work in a starter repair/rebuild shop, and ironically, we don't do remotes. I recently bought a 1999 Dodge Caravan with the Astroflex series 120 Astrostart system, P/N 310-126-101. It worked fine for a while, then the van refused to start on the key, but sta. USER MANUAL MODEL RSS-2524 For all hybrid, gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AN ASTROSTART REMOTE CAR STARTER! SAFETY SEQUENCE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES Your remote starter was designed to force you to perform a series of actions that will ensure that the gearshift lever is in.

U S E R M A N U A L

MODEL 2205A MODEL 4204A

For all gasand diesel-poweredvehicles.

(FRANÇAIS AU VERSO)

CONSULTSAFETYPRECAUTION SECTION

BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.

SOME FEATURES MAY REQUIRE

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL (NOT INCLUDED).

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS

This device complies with the requirements of Industry Canada (IC) - Management of Radio-frequencies,as specified in documentCNR-210.Its use is authorized only on ano-interference,no-protectionbasis; in other words, this device must not be used if it is determined that it causes harmful interference to services

authorized by IC. In addition, the user of this device must accept any radio interference that may be received, even if this interference could affect the operation of the device.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1)this device may not cause harmful interference and

(2)this device must accept interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-frequencyenergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television, which can be determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from the one the receiver is connected to. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.

Warning:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by <manufacturer> could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

www.astroflex.com

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AN ASTROSTART REMOTE CAR STARTER!

Like you, Astroflex is concerned with the environment. This is why we suggest using the two-minuteruntime

when you remote start your vehicle to warm up engine fluids.

We take this opportunity to remind you to properly defrost your windows and remove all the snow from your vehicle before driving on public roads.

Rolling igloos are extremely dangerous!

We wish you an excellent journey with your remote engine starter!

USER GUIDE FOR2205A AND4204A REMOTE ENGINE STARTER.

These models are Bi-directionalremote engine start systems. This means that they can communicate both ways and therefore return an acknowledgment to the transmitter and/or communicate the status of the vehicle.

An optional alarm kit (PN 310-120-503)can be added to these models. If this is the case, functions inherent to the alarm system described in this manual will be attributed to it.

The functions relative to the safety system described in this manual apply only to remote starter to which an alarm kit has been added.

Both models offer a keyless entry feature allowing the user to operate the door locks as well as access to the trunk of the vehicle. These features are optional and may require additional material and/or wiring during installation.

REPLACING OR BOOSTING VEHICLE BATTERY ______________________________________________________ 20

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Before using this product, carefully read the following safety precautions.

GENERAL RULES

•Never perform a remote start when a person or animal is inside the vehicle.

•Do not allow any person or animal to remain inside the vehicle when the engine is running under remote starter control (continuous mode).

•Immediately report any malfunction to the AstroStart dealer that performed the installation.

•Under no circumstance can this product or its use be modified.

•Always turn off the main switch when vehicle is parked in an enclosed, unventilated area or is in for servicing.

•Always turn off the main switch when not using your remote starter for extended periods.

•Keep remote controls away from children.

•Have your engine tuned regularly to ensure optimum performance of your remote starter.

•Make sure that the windshield wipers and the headlights are turned off before leaving vehicle.

•Regularly check safety features that stop engine (see SAFETY CHECKS on page 18.)

•Make sure you comply with all local regulations, which may prohibit leaving your engine running when vehicle is unattended in a public place.

•To ensure continued safe operation of your remote starter, ask your AstroStart dealer to periodically check and/or tune the remote starting system.

•Always advise service personnel that your vehicle is equipped with a remote starter.

•We strongly recommend that you have your remote starter checked annually. Contact a dealer in your area.

•All users of the vehicle should be aware of the safety precautions and operation procedures.

•Make sure that the warning sticker is present on the driver's window.

SPECIFIC RULES FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES

•Make sure that the parking brake is operational, i.e. it can prevents the vehicle from moving.

•If the shift lever is accessible without having to open a door of the vehicle (for example, by entering via the liftgate or rear hatch) or in the case of a convertible vehicle, it is strongly recommended to have a motion detector (microwave) installed with the system. This device prevents the engine from starting should any activity be detected near the gearshift.

SAFETY SEQUENCE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES

Your remote starter was designed to force you to perform a series of actions that will ensure that the gearshift lever is in neutral position when you exit the vehicle.

This series of actions is called a 'Safety sequence' and is aimed at preventing any remote start in situations where remote starting the engine would not be safe.

Should the hatchback or any door be opened at any time, the intrusion will be detected and the safety sequence will be cancelled by the system, thus preventing a remote start. In such cases, the sequence must be repeated to allow for an eventual remote start.

The system offers two execution modes for the sequence. These options must be set at time of installation. The first mode is initiated by the parking brake and the other by the remote control.

The safety sequence must be performed as follows.

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SEQUENCE ACTIVATED BY THE PARKING BRAKE.

1.While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.

2.Move gearshift lever to neutral.

Note: The system can be set - at time of installation - to require that the parking brake be applied once or twice. If set for two actuations, pause one second between the two.

4.Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).

5.Exit the vehicle.

6.Within 60 seconds, close all doors.

7.The system will stop the engine except if Turbo Mode or Continuous Mode is active and blink the parking brakes once to confirm the sequence is valid (vehicle is ready for a remote start command).

SEQUENCE ACTIVATED BY THE REMOTE CONTROL

1.While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.

2.Move gearshift lever to neutral.

3.Apply parking brake.

4.Press button on your remote control.

5.Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).

6.Exit the vehicle and close all the doors.

Press on the button of the remote. The system will stop the engine. Note that the

Turbo Mode is unavailable with this option. The parking lights will blink once to confirm that the sequence is valid (vehicle is ready for a remote start command). * The end of sequence option is set at time of installation.

NOTES : If you release the brake pedal and depress it once more during or after the execution of the safety sequence, the safety sequence will be invalidated and any remote start will be impossible.

If the engine stops when the key is removed from the ignition, the safety sequence is invalid.

Perform a new safety sequence. If problem persists, consult your installer.

PREPARING SYSTEM

When you exit the vehicle, you need to prepare the remote starter for its next use.

•If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, make sure that the remote starter system has detected a valid safety sequence.

•If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, make sure that the transmission lever is in the 'P' position.

•Set heating/air conditioning controls to desired position (when the remote starter starts your engine, it will also turn on your climate control system).

•Turn your windshield wipers to the OFF position to avoid strain on the mechanism should a start command be sent to the vehicle when, for example, snow prevents the wipers from moving.

•Make sure that the headlights are turned off.

•Be sure not to leave your keys inside the vehicle. Certain rearming functions can cause the doors to lock automatically.

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THE REMOTE CONTROLS

Each remote control can control two distinct remote starters.

A maximum of four remote controls can be assigned to your vehicle. See your dealer for additional remote controls.

NOTE: The range of your remote control can be affected by a weak battery, interference from nearby metal structures, hydro poles, or crowded parking lots.

USING YOUR REMOTE CONTROL

To send a command, press for two seconds on the appropriate button.

Command may not be sent if the button is not pressed long enough.

The remote control beeps when a button is pressed, then emits eight short beeps during the transmission, i.e. about one second after the button was pressed.

Your remote control can transmit on two different channels, allowing control of two separate vehicles. Only the “Panic” command is transmitted on both channels simultaneously.

Remote controls shown could differ from that included in the kits.

Your system may be programmed in such a way that it can distinguish between two groups of remote controls (maximum: two remotes per group). These groups let you activate predefined settings (seat, mirror and other) when unlocking certain vehicles (additional optional equipment required).

BI-DIRECTIONALREMOTES

As soon as a command is sent, the remote switches over to standby mode in order to receive and display confirmations sent by the command module installed in the vehicle.

These signals are transmitted only once and could be neutralized by radio or electromagnetic interferences generated by electronic devices in the vicinity.

If no confirmation is received in a given location, move away from electronic devices and activate the 'Status' command (). The start module will inform you of the status of door locks, alarm, and running of the engine.

Note that the communication between the vehicle and the transmitter operates in only one direction at a time. This is why it is recommended to wait for the confirmation before sending another command. Otherwise, the vehicle and the transmitter could transmit at the same time wich would block the command as well as the returned confirmation.

Out of range

If the vehicle is out of range, the transmitter will emit a soft chirp after 5 seconds to indicate that the command has not been received by neither the module nor the transmitter.

The transmitter sends a command every hour in order to determine if it is possible to establish a communication with the vehicle. After two communications without answer, the transmitter vibrates twice to inform you that the vehicle is out of range.

The remote vibrates to indicate the communication has been re-established.

REPLACING THE BATTERY

The LCD of the 4-buttonremote has a battery icon telling you when to replace the battery. We strongly recommend keeping a replacement battery in your glove compartment.

The remote controls require one AAA battery. See your dealer for spare batteries.

To replace the battery, slide the latch sideways and remove the battery cover on the back of the remote control case, remove old battery and replace it with a new one.

Make sure the battery is placed the right way (see pictogram inside the cover).

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CONFIRMATIONS EMITTED BY THE 4-BUTTONBIDIRECTIONAL REMOTE

An audible confirmation (piezo) and a visual confirmation (LCD display) are emitted each time a command is transmitted.

The following diagram shows the usefulness of each segment of the display.

Display confirmations will be visible for 4 seconds.

Descriptions in capital letters show confirmations pertaining to the security system’s functions.

Ready to start / IGNITION STATUS / Parking lights * AstroStart or when OEM alarm is in alarm condition (Alarm Link)

CONFIRMATIONS EMITTED BY THE 5-BUTTONBIDIRECTIONAL REMOTE

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An audible confirmation (piezo) and a visual confirmation (LCD display) are emitted each time a command is transmitted.

The following diagram shows the usefulness of each LED of the display.

In most cases, confirmations remain visible for 5 seconds.

* CONFIRMATION OFALARMON RECEIVED ONLY AT TIME OF ARMING WHEN SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ALARM.

PAGER

The system is equipped with a function called ‘Pager’. The purpose of this function is to send a general call asking those who carry them to get to the vehicle or to perform a task previously established.

Paging

To send a general call, the user must press the ‘Valet’ switch and hold it for 3 seconds while engine is stopped and key isnot in the ignition, or while engine is remote started (see ‘Valet Mode’ on page 14)(The valet switch is a small red push button hided under the dash board).

Parking lights on the vehicle blink once to confirm the call was sent.

All remote controls (maximum: 4) located within the radio frequency range of the vehicle will begin to chirp. To silence the remote control, press any button.

UNIDIRECTIONAL REMOTE

A unidirectional remote can be added to the system to accommodate an occasional driver. It has no display indicating the status of the security system or confirming the action of commands that are transmitted.

An audible confirmation (piezo) and a visual confirmation (LCD display) are emitted each time a command is transmitted.

Astrostart Remote Programming

The remote is powered by three lithium batteries CR-2016or equivalent. It is strongly recommended to keep a set of replacement batteries in the glove compartment.

To change the batteries, simply remove screw on back of remote, remove worn batteries and insert fresh ones.

Ensure the batteries are correctly oriented. See illustration at right.

A pictogram in the bottom of the case shows correct battery orientation.

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TABLE OF COMMANDS

* COMMANDS FOLLOWED BY AN ASTERISK(*) APPLY ONLY TO COMMAND UNITS EQUIPPED WITH A SECURITY SYSTEM.

THIS COMMAND TERMINATES THE RUNTIME, PANIC MODE AND ALARM STATUS. TEMPORARY VALET MODE IF ACTIVATED A SECOND TIME DURING REARMING DELAY.NO CONFIRMATION IS SENT BACK IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START. START CONFIRMATION CAN TAKE FEW SECONDS EXCEPT IF THE ENGINE IS ALREADY RUNNING.

DEPENDING ON THE PROGRAMMED OPTION(AT INSTALLATION), THE TRUNK CONFIRMATION SHOWS THAT: THE TRUNK IS OPEN ; THE INPUT(FOR THE OTHER SENSOR) IS IN VIOLATION STATUS.WHEN THE OPTION IS PROGRAMMED IN TRUNK MODE(OPTIONAL MATERIAL REQUIRED) AND THE TRUNK IS OPEN.

THIS CONFIRMATION WILL REPEAT ITSELF EVERY 5 MINUTES UNTIL THE TRUNK IS CLOSED.

WHEN THE DOOR AND TRUNK ZONE ARE IN VIOLATION AT THE SAME TIME, THELCD DISPLAY WILL SHOW THEDOOR ZONE(EXCEPT IF THE DOME LIGHT IS ON BY THE SYSTEM).

NOTE THAT THE'UNLOCK' COMMAND IS EMITTED WHEN REMOTE IS PUT IN'SILENT' MODE. DO NOT FORGET TO LOCK THE DOORS. _IF THE COMMAND CANNOT BE EXECUTED, THE LIGHTS FLASHES ONCE, 4204A : THE“TRUNK” ICON DOES NOT SHOW, 2205A : THE LED LIGHTS UP.

Confirmations emitted by vehicle

CONFIRMATIONS EMITTED BY THE VEHICLE ARE SENT AS SOON AS THE COMMAND IS RECEIVED BY THE START MODULE. IN MOST CASES, YOUR REMOTE STARTER WILL CONFIRM THAT THE COMMAND HAS BEEN RECEIVED, EITHER BY SOUNDING THE HORN, THE SIREN, OR BY FLASHING THE PARKING LIGHTS.

THE CONFIRMATIONS EMITTED BY THE PARKING LIGHTS ARE MANDATORY WHILE THOSE EMITTED BY THE HORN AND THE SIREN ARE OPTIONAL(PROGRAMMABLE) AND CAN REQUIRE CONNEXIONS AND ADDITIONNAL EQUIPMENT AT TIME OF INSTALLATION. MANY OF THESE CONFIRMATIONS DEPEND ON THE SYSTEM’S STATUS WHEN THE COMMAND IS EMITTED. REFER TO PARAGRAPHS RELATING TO EACH COMMAND FOR MORE DETAILS ON CONFIRMATIONS.

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START COMMANDS

STARTING THE ENGINE

To start engine, press button.

The system automatically adjusts ignition duration for your type of vehicle; parking lights flash once (duration: four seconds) then stay on all the time when the engine is running.

If more than one command is sent, each successive start command resets the runtime to the beginning, parking lights flash once to confirm command has been received and horn sounds once (programmable during installation) to let you know engine is already running.

When the start command is emitted,

the system will immediately send a confirmation that the vehicle is ready to start

System ready for start

(Flashing Parking Lights )

Green (Solid)

or

the following confirmation if the vehicle is not ready (ex.: the vehicle won't start if the hood is open).

If the vehicle is ready to start, the system will automatically change to the start cycle and send another confirmation only if the command was successfully executed. The system can take a few seconds to send back the confirmation.

IF ENGINE DOES NOT START

System not ready for start

(Fixed fan)

Red (Solid)

Successful start

(Animated fan)

Green (Flashing)

If your system cannot start engine at first attempt, it will wait a few seconds then try again; it could try again twice depending on reason for failure to start.

After three attempts, it will shut down automatically and wait for a new command. In this case, confirmations sent by the vehicle are the same, but remote control does not show any confirmations.

To avoid turning the engine off when taking place behind the steering wheel, do not apply the brakes until you have placed the key in the ignition and turned it to the RUN position.

How To Program Astrostart Remote

To avoid turning the engine off when taking place behind the steering wheel, do not apply the brakes and do not remove the parking brake until you have placed the key in the ignition and turned it to the RUN position.

DO NOT TURN IGNITION KEY TO START POSITION.

Drive as usual.

STATUS

When this command is sent, the command module checks engine status, protection zones status and lock status, then retransmits this information to remote control, which indicates the results on the LCD display with a combination of pictograms.

When remote control receives a confirmation, it flashes the relevant pictograms and vibrates twice.

If vehicle is out of range, remote control will give a soft chirp after five seconds to indicate that either the control module or the remote transmitter could not receive the command.

ENGINE RUNTIME

Your engine will stop automatically after a preset runtime. Parking lights will stay on as long as the engine is running.

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