We disassemble the Starline key fob and repair the remote control ourselves

Good day everyone!

I have a question about the alarm system! Just recently I read the instructions for the Starline A93 alarm system, and it says that an additional key fob (photo below) can act as a tag.

I started studying further. The mark can be placed on the engine lock. That is, if the system does not detect the tag, then the engine will not start, no matter how you try. I believe that all signaling capabilities should be used. Extra security wouldn't hurt. So here are the actual questions: 1. How to set up an alarm to detect a tag? How to implement all this correctly? OD actually told me that the additional keychain is just an additional keychain, and some kind of mark there is my imagination. Hehehehe, damn fantasy) 2. Which buttons are responsible for what? There is not a word about this in the instructions! It's only about the main keychain.

Recording key fobs into the memory of the Starline a93 alarm system

Key fobs are recorded in the car alarm memory when the security mode is turned off in the following order:

• 7 siren signals will sound, confirming entry into the radio control key fob recording mode;

simultaneously briefly press buttons 1 and 2 of the key fob:

Repeat step 2 for all recordable key fobs. To record an additional key fob, a combination of buttons 1 and 2 is also used. The interval between recordings should not exceed 5 seconds. Successful recording of the next key fob is confirmed by the corresponding number of siren and key fob signals.

Attention! When recording key fobs into a car alarm, all previously recorded key fobs are deleted from the system memory, so all necessary key fobs must be written in one programming cycle (see point 2). In total, up to 4 key fobs can be recorded in the car alarm memory.

The Starline A93 alarm system features a wide range of useful functions, one of which is autostart, performed from a multifunctional key fob. The Starline A93 key fob itself deserves special attention, as it is distinguished by an expanded menu of options, thoughtful design and ergonomics.

Types of keychains

In total, the standard delivery set includes two key fobs of the following type:

• The main one - with two-way communication, an LCD display, a rich set of commands and functions, bright backlighting and clear navigation of commands displayed on the display;
• Spare - with one-way communication, for locking and opening doors with limited functionality, without a built-in display, also used as a key fob tag.

In total, the alarm system supports the connection of up to 4 additional key fobs. They can be ordered separately, both advanced and standard versions.

The main key fob, which has an LCD display, can be quickly and conveniently configured in accordance with the instructions for the alarm. The second key fob included in the kit has limited functionality and is pre-registered to work with the alarm kit. Each Starline A 93 keychain is made of impact-resistant plastic, pleasant to the touch, and has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand.

Key fobs Starline a93 You can learn how to use the remote control from the instructions included in the kit, which also provides information on how to register and configure the alarm system, connect additional key fobs, etc.

Starline equipment compatibility

Equipment compatibility in Starline anti-theft systems:

1. Starline alarm remotes, which have the number “6” in their name, are interchangeable with other similar devices. If the communicator for controlling the E60 system fails, it can be replaced with a key fob from models B64, D64 and vice versa.
2. The key fob from the E90 can be replaced with a pager from the B94 and D94, as well as A91, A92, A93 and A94. Accordingly, you can buy an E90 communicator to work with these systems.
3. Pagers for controlling Starline A2 and A4 versions are compatible with each other.
4. In the Starline 24V, A4 and A2 alarm versions, spare communicators are completely interchangeable.
5. Additional pagers are compatible with Starline B6 and B9 security system models.
6. Line B alarms have one feature - all models are divided into older and newer classes. The latter are characterized by a blue color in design. Spare remote controls from older versions are completely interchangeable with key fobs from newer models.
7. Starline A61 and B6 Dialog communicators are fully compatible. The same applies to the B9 Dialog and A91 models.

Case with flip key

A keychain with a flip key is a convenient thing that allows you not to carry many accessories with you, but to combine everything you need in one. Unfortunately, standard A93 key fobs do not have a flip key built into the body, but this can be corrected by purchasing a special case. The Starline A93 flip key is installed in a hard case, then the key fob itself is inserted into it. The case has holes for function buttons and a transparent window for the screen. Thus, the case does not interfere with control and allows you to use all the functions of the key fob.

Flip key fob Starline A93

The keys are pre-installed in the case and a minimum of effort will be required to modify it to fit the parameters of the key for a specific car. All necessary operations can be performed in the workshop by giving the key to an experienced technician. The flip key with alarm is convenient and easy to use. Takes up minimal space in your pocket or on your belt when using special mounts.

It is worth clarifying that the cases of the Starline A63 and 93 key fobs are completely identical, which means that accessories suitable for one remote control can be used on the other without any modifications.

Emergency unlock

The process of emergency shutdown of the security function of the Starline A1, A2, A4 and A8 alarm system looks like this:

1. The car doors are opened with a key. If the security mode is turned on, this will activate the siren.
2. The ignition is turned on.
3. The service mode entry button is pressed three times within the next 20 seconds. For the Starline A8 model, four “clicks” will be required. The service mode button is usually located under the instrument panel, but its location may be different. To find the key, you need to check all the wires coming from the microprocessor module.
4. The ignition is turned off. The vehicle security mode should turn off.

In Starline A6 alarm systems, emergency unlocking is possible only using a personal password (standard value is 11):

1. The vehicle doors are opened using a key.
2. The ignition is activated.
3. Over the next 20 seconds, press the button to enter the Valet service mode. The number of “clicks” depends on the first digit of the password - they must match. For example, if the number is 5, then the button is pressed five times.
4. The ignition in the car is turned off; to do this, the key in the lock must be moved to the “Off” position. Then it must be immediately switched to “ACC” mode.
5. The next number of the password is entered in the same way.
6. The ignition is turned off. The security mode should be disabled.

The emergency unlocking procedure for the Starline A91 alarm system is carried out as follows:

1. The vehicle door is opened with a key. This will activate the siren as well as external lights. If the number of the latter is 4 pieces, this indicates that the security mode was turned on without the key fob.
2. Over the next 20 seconds, the service button is pressed three times.
3. The ignition is turned off. Security mode must be disabled. If a personal password is used to control the alarm, it is entered in the same way as in the case of the A6 model. The code combination can include from two to four characters.

The process of emergency shutdown of the Starline alarm depends on its version and is fully described in the service manual for the anti-theft system.

Video: emergency shutdown of the Starline A91 alarm

The Pandora Store channel in its video showed how emergency deactivation of the protection mode is carried out without using a communicator.

How to replace the battery

The alarm remote control uses removable batteries to operate. With regular use of the car, on average, on the main key fob with feedback, the battery is discharged within 2-3 months, on the additional key fob it can last up to 5 months.

Replacing the battery is a fairly simple procedure that every user can perform. The list of actions comes down to the following manipulations:

• Depending on the type of fasteners, the back cover is moved to the side or removed from the clamp sockets;
• The discharged battery is removed;
• A new battery is installed taking into account the polarity, “+” and “-” must be indicated on the case;
• The cover is installed back;
• The date and time are being adjusted.

To replace, you will need a standard AAA 1.5 V battery or, as it is popularly called, a pinky battery. You can disassemble the keychain without any additional tools; for convenience, you can use a knife or flat-head screwdriver.

When the control panel is turned off, the alarm system on the car remains in the same state as before it was turned off; the manipulations carried out do not affect the locking of doors and other parameters, since the main alarm controller with a memory unit is installed inside the car. After installing the battery and turning on the remote control, it will communicate with the machine module and automatically determine the alarm parameters.

Common faults

The need to disassemble and restore the operation of the device occurs when the following problems occur:

1. Failure of the battery or oxidation of the contacts inside the compartment. A low battery will cause the anti-theft system to stop responding to commands transmitted from the pager or to do so unstably. In this case, the display of symbols under the glass will be dimmer, and the blinking color of the LED light will also deteriorate. To restore the device yourself, you need to change the battery, and you will have to disassemble the pager if you need to clean the contacts.
2. Damage to the display. This malfunction is usually caused by a serious physical impact on the pager body. In case of critical hits, a protective cover will not be able to save the situation. If the screen fails, the user may still be able to control the security mode and some other options. However, additional functionality will not be available to the consumer, since configuration requires the use of the display in any case.
3. One or more buttons on the communicator have fallen off. Over long periods of use, the controls will wear out, which can cause them to stick. If the button fails, to restore the functionality of the key fob, the user will have to disassemble the remote control themselves and carefully check the board. Before replacing the key, you need to purchase a new part. In practice, the cause of the problem is usually a damaged contact on the control element, so re-soldering the button is usually enough to fix it.
4. Damage to the pager body. Frequent falls can cause scratches on your device; over time, more serious defects may develop. Keyrings from Starline are generally characterized by low strength, so it is better to prevent them from being hit. The device must be repaired if there is serious damage, since liquid can get onto the board through a crack in the case.
5. Hardware faults are usually caused by moisture in the pager circuitry. During prolonged operation in conditions of high humidity, capacitors, as well as other elements of the remote control, fail. Do-it-yourself repair in this case consists of disassembling the device body and drying it. You cannot dry your communicator on a household stove or with a hairdryer, since high temperatures can completely damage it. To dry, it is recommended to place the device in a warm place, for example, on a radiator, for several hours.

Video: troubleshooting the key fob

In a video, user Alexander Shkurevskikh showed the process of identifying problems in the operation of a car pager in the absence of feedback.

How to disassemble the key fob

If necessary, the body of the Starline A93 key fob can be disassembled fairly quickly. This is done to repair electronic components, replace damaged buttons or housing. The work is carried out in the following order:

• The roof of the key fob battery compartment is opened and the battery is removed;
• In the rear part of the case, on the side opposite to the key fob ring mount, there is a bolt that needs to be unscrewed;
• Next, the lid is lifted through a special hole next to the ring mount and carefully moved up and to the side;
• Then you can remove the control board, after which disassembly is complete.

Disassembly may require a small Phillips screwdriver and a thin-bladed knife. If it is necessary to repair the Starline A93 remote control related to replacing the display or re-soldering the board, it is better to contact a qualified specialist.

Repair process

1. The first step is to disassemble the broken Starline alarm key fob. This must be done carefully, because you can inadvertently damage any important parts. Disassembly is quick and easy. All you need to do is unscrew a couple of bolts. One of them is located under the battery cover, and the second is closer to the mount that looks like a carabiner.
2. Now you need to remove the board and antenna. This is necessary so that they do not interfere while repairs are being made. But this is already “taste and color”. They may not bother anyone.
3. The Starline alarm display is connected to the backlight using ordinary glue. When dismantling, it is necessary to tear off the screen on the graphite cable. It is not necessary to take care of careful removal because... The screen is still damaged and worthless.
4. Then you need to clean the contacts and place the new screen in place of the old one. There are two types of displays - on legs and on a flexible graphite cable. If the second option was ordered, then there will be no problems with installation. But if the screen is on legs, you will have to use a little skill and ingenuity to install it correctly.

You'll have to struggle a bit with the display on legs. Many “tutorials” advise making extensions with aluminum wire by soldering. But this is not a very easy way for the average person. Another guide advises using tin and copper wire wound around the soldering iron tip. In principle, an hour of work and the screen will fall into place. Unfortunately, there are no other methods, but you can try something of your own. So to speak - improvise.

1. After the Starline alarm screen has taken its rightful place, you need to take care of connecting the glass and the body. You can perform this simple operation using any superglue. But you need to take into account that the glue is applied to the edge of the stencil ramie. This means that if it is very thick and easily and firmly sticks to everything it comes into contact with, then the screen will be covered in glue. And you will have to tear off the glass, wash the glue with alcohol and carry out the procedure again.

By the way, if the screen is on legs, then installation will be complicated by the fact that in the case itself there are pins that are intended for screens on a graphite cable. They will prevent the board from moving into its rightful place. They can be cut with a regular stationery knife.

1. After this, you can assemble the starline alarm key fob to check its functionality. If everything is done correctly, it will work. And the replacement was a success.

By the way, you can see a protective film on the display. In principle, it is not particularly needed, so it can be removed and thrown away. This completes the repair of the starline a91 alarm key fob screen.

Are the keychain parts sold separately?

It often happens that after a breakdown on the main or additional. Starline A93 keychain may require separate parts or spare parts. For example, if handled carelessly, the case or protective glass of the screen may crack, the display or control keys may fail. Don’t despair and go to the store for a new control panel; it will be much easier and cheaper to buy parts and carry out repairs in a workshop.

You can buy the necessary parts in the online store. The best example in this case is the familiar one - Aliexpress.com, where the entire range of replacement parts for car alarm key fobs is presented. Delivery by standard postal service is free, the price is quite reasonable for every buyer. One can argue about the original origin of the spare parts, but they are all universal and will certainly be suitable for installation on the main or additional key fob. With proper maintenance and replacement of damaged parts, the functions of the key fob will be fully restored.

Recommendations for preventing malfunctions

Tips to prevent your key fob from breaking:

1. It is not recommended to store your device in places exposed to moisture or high temperatures. This will lead to oxidation of the contacts on the board, as well as damage to the circuit as a whole, which is why the key fob will have to be thrown away.
2. Only working batteries should be used in the remote control, and if the power source fails, it must be replaced immediately. You should not store your communicator with a dead battery. The fact is that after the battery has reached the end of its service life, acid may be released from it. If the battery remains in the remote control, liquid will get onto the board and damage it.
3. Do not store the device at low temperatures. If the key fob then gets into a warm place, the frost on the key fob elements will begin to melt and turn into condensation.
4. It is recommended to use a protective case for the remote control. It will not protect against serious problems, but it can prevent the negative effects of dust and damage to the device from falls.

Alarm operating modes

Most alarm models in the mid-price segment of this manufacturer have a variety of sensors and operating modes that form a large multifunctional vehicle security complex. This complex includes programmed modes:

• Advanced immobilizer mode.
• Regular self-diagnosis of the entire alarm system.
• Monitoring sensors, setting them up (using a key fob or computer).
• Silent security mode (this mode can operate both when the engine is running and when it is turned off).
• Monitoring vehicle location via GPS.
• Service modes for setting up alarm systems and flashing key fobs by the user.

Conclusion

Starline brand car alarm key fob often encounters malfunctions. To prevent them, you will need to install a cover and be careful during use. Spare parts for the device are low cost and easy to install. It is possible to repair the key fob yourself if you follow the recommendations of specialists and follow the suggested instructions. With a minimum of effort, the car owner will be able to use the car’s security system again.

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This means that it will not be possible to see anything on it. Even a small height (from hand to ground from a sitting position) can damage the display and require replacement and repair of the key fob.

Any motorist who finds himself in such a situation will begin to look for companies that are capable of repairing Starline key fobs. But what if they simply don’t exist, and instead of the broken one you have to buy a new keychain? In this case, it is best to make the repair yourself. After all, a new keychain will cost, at best, 1500 rubles, and at worst, 2500 rubles and more. Some motorists would simply be “strangled by a toad” for such expenses. Still, the keychain is not completely broken. It is in working condition, although it does not display anything on the LCD display. And in order to repair a car alarm, you will need a minimum of costs and time to study the information, which describes in detail how to replace the LCD display on the starline a91 key fob.

Do-it-yourself car alarm control panel repair

If you have the necessary skills and tools, you can try to fix the key fob yourself.

Tool for disassembly, assembly and repair

To disassemble and then reassemble the remote control, for example, a simple set for repairing mobile phones will suit you. To work, you need a small screwdriver, tweezers, and a special plastic spatula is also useful, which will help you pry and remove certain elements without scratching or damaging them.

Carefully remember where you unscrewed each of the parts. Carefully place the screws in a place where you won't lose them (for example, in a small bowl). If lost, finding a replacement screw will not be easy.

A multimeter will help you find the problem. For the repair itself, you will most likely need a soldering kit. It includes: a soldering iron with a thin tip, solder, flux. You will also need a device for removing excess solder and alcohol for cleaning the board after soldering with flux. A “third hand” can simplify the work. It consists of a stand with clamps and a magnifying glass. By fixing the key fob board on it, it will be much easier for you to orient and solder the radio component.

Provide yourself with a comfortable workplace. There should be enough space and it should be well lit. Without good light it is not only inconvenient to work, but also harmful to vision. Especially if you are working with miniature elements.

Instructions on how to open and disassemble the key fob

Analysis of the key fob of each model contains its own characteristics. But, in general, the algorithm looks like this:

• start the procedure by removing the battery compartment cover;
• remove the battery;
• in the compartment, find and unscrew the screw connecting the two halves of the case;
• separate the halves.

Inside you will find a block consisting, as a rule, of three modules:

• antenna module;
• board with buttons installed on it;
• screen module.

Typically, these modules can be separated without the use of special tools.

Next, carry out the repair work and reassemble the pager in the reverse order.

System Features

It is very important to pay attention to the model of both the key fob and the alarm; in some cases, car owners do not pay attention to the additional indices following the model name.

It will not be possible to flash a key fob of the same model, but with a different index; you will need to replace the alarm key fob. You should replace the key fob with the exact same one you have, without any indexes

This point is very important, because Many car owners are faced with a problem when the additional key fob works, but the main key fob does not work.