Your keychain may actually have many more useful functions than you thought. Read more about how to properly use this small gadget below.
Main functions of the key fob
The main task of the key fob is to remotely control the car’s alarm system. Even the simplest models allow you to customize your car’s alarm system, set different modes, etc.
Key fobs of modern cars have more complex electronic mechanisms that can resist theft and robbery much better. Not all car owners know that with the help of a key fob they can significantly secure their car - to understand, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the standard and additional functions of these small gadgets.
Tasks performed by a car key fob:
- Remote car locking/unlocking. To remove the car from the security and anti-theft mode, just press the key fob button.
- Search for a car. If you lose your car in the parking lot or forget where you parked, the key fob will help by calling a light and sound signal.
- Remote engine start. The key fob sends a signal and the car safely starts on its own, waiting for the owner to leave the building.
Depending on the model and “age,” each of these functions may have several modes, thanks to which you can configure the protection and remote control of the machine as necessary and convenient.
Basic principles of key fob control
The control key fob has one or more buttons - they are used to give commands to the car. The owner is only required to remember the basic, standard combinations, and his own unique code for unlocking the car from the anti-theft mode, if there is one (more on the anti-theft mode and codes for it later).
What combinations are standard for key fobs:
- 1 short press or 3 short presses - turns on the standard security mode with an audible alarm. To turn it off, you need either 1 short press or 2.
- 1 double click on activation and similarly on deactivation - for security mode, which is not accompanied by an audible alarm.
- 3 short presses to activate and 2 short presses to turn off - completely silent alarm mode.
- Turn off the alarm with sound if it has already gone off - 1 short press, 2 short presses.
These signals are universal for all key fobs, but you shouldn’t worry that someone can open the car without having a specific key for it - there are built-in security systems for this that do not need to be configured.
The user can configure other codes for these actions if it is convenient for him. It is even recommended to change standard codes, as this increases security.
Starline alarm models
As of mid-2022 (owner of the Starline trademark) offers the following types of alarms with support for programmable start of the power unit:
- B96 and S96 will win ;
- B96 and D96 with support for CAN and LIN buses and cellular and satellite communication units;
- A96 with the ability to work via CAN and LIN buses;
- E96 (standard and advanced Pro and Lux versions);
- A93 (several models differing in the composition of the kit);
- T94 , designed for freight transport.
Anti-theft mode
The anti-theft mode is the setting of a special combination of presses that only the owner of the car should know. Without knowing the combination, it will be impossible to unlock the car - this function is available for all car key fobs, and for new models it has been replaced with a more advanced one that locks the doors and the engine at the same time.
The essence of the function is that the user does not need to come up with and type some kind of unique code - the key fob itself generates it and automatically sends it to the car, and thus a block is placed on third-party influence. To unlock in this case, you also do not need to take any action - when you press the button, the key fob will give a signal and the car will return to its normal state - the doors will unlock, and the engine can be started.
It will be impossible to achieve this with any other key fob - a strong connection is formed between a specific device and the car to which it is attached.
8. Arming sound
Some car owners do not like the sound that the Starline A93 alarm makes when arming or disarming. For some it is loud, but for others, on the contrary, it is too quiet. We can increase or decrease this volume. What is needed for that?
- Press the service button 5 times and turn on the ignition - 5 siren signals will sound, the key fob will emit a melodic signal and the inscription AF will appear on the display;
- Press button 2 on the key fob - SOUN appears;
- We press button 3 for a long time until the key fob beeps, release it and press it again - a number appears on the display indicating the current volume of the siren from 1 to 9 (1 - the siren is turned off when arming or disarming, 9 - maximum volume);
- Using buttons 2 and 3 we change the volume of the siren - each press of the buttons the siren will produce a sound that simulates the sound of arming;
- After selecting the desired volume, turn off the ignition.
Please note that this way we only adjust the volume of the arming and disarming sound! When any security zone is triggered, the siren will turn on at full power.
If you want there to be no sound at all when triggered, then use the silent operating mode of Starline a93, which is described above.
How to remotely lock or unlock a car?
This is a basic function of any key fob, necessary every time the car is left unattended. Even if the car is left without an owner in a garage or in a guarded parking lot, it is highly undesirable not to set it to an alarm system - in this case, the likelihood of theft or simple robbery of the interior increases significantly.
Each key fob has a coverage area. In modern devices it is quite large - you can control the state of the car while being 10-15 meters away from it (depending on the key fob model).
This function has many advantages:
- you can find your car by sound and color signal;
- you can speed up the process of preparing for the trip;
- A keyless fob can be given to a third party for any purpose - for example, to pick up something from a car.
The modern security system installed in each key fob eliminates the possibility that the car will be unlocked by a key fob of a similar model.
Equipment
The Starline A39 alarm kit includes all the products necessary for installation and operation of the system:
- head unit with control processor;
- main communicator with feedback capability and LCD display;
- batteries for the key fob (AAA batteries);
- additional pager that does not have a display;
- power module;
- auxiliary relay with socket;
- transceiver with built-in antenna;
- engine blocker bypass;
- siren;
- installation set of cables for connecting the security system to the power source;
- wires for connecting additional modules and sensors;
- antenna cable;
- GSM transceiver;
- led indicator;
- cables for connecting limit switches;
- engine temperature sensor;
- emergency mode button;
- limit switch with fasteners;
- terminal for connecting to a power source;
- Supporting documentation.
The antenna unit contains shock and vehicle position sensors, which looks like a three-axis accelerometer. This simplifies installation and makes the system more susceptible to theft attempts.
Controlling the car via the key fob display
Modern models have not only buttons, but also a small display on which the cursor is visible. By adding a display, it was possible to fit more functions into the key fob - there is no need to place many buttons on the body that are responsible for different functions.
Control of what is happening on the screen is carried out using the cursor - you can move it by pressing the usual directional buttons. In a modern key fob, you can use the cursor to call up any function - many drivers believe that this is much more convenient than entering combinations of keystrokes and wasting time pressing them.
Additional functions of the key fob
In addition to tasks directly related to the car, key fobs can also perform additional tasks - they may be needed if there are no analogues on the road or something needs to be done urgently.
What additional features are there:
- Installation and configuration of silent mode. For various reasons, the driver may not like the sound signal from the key fob - it can be turned off in the settings.
- Alarm. This feature can be useful if the alarm clock on your phone or smart watch is unavailable for some reason. It is set like a regular alarm clock in any other device, using a timer.
- Watch. You can set the time in the key fob according to any time zone. Useful if the phone is located further than the key fob, and the user does not wear a wristwatch or has forgotten it at home.
Of course, all these functions can be replaced with appropriate gadgets, but on the road there is not always the possibility of recharging. In addition, it is excellent insurance in case of loss.
Download instructions in pdf format
You can download service manuals for managing Sherkhan Magikar and Logikar alarms, as well as linking key fobs using the following links:
| Manuals in Russian for operation and installation of alarm systems | |
| Operating instructions for Sherkhan Magikar 3 | |
| Operating instructions for Sherkhan Magikar 4 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Magikar 5 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Magikar 6 | |
| Operating instructions for Sherkhan Magikar 7 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Magikar 8 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Magikar 9 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Logicar 3 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Logicar 4 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Logicar 5 | |
| Operating instructions Sherkhan Logicar 6 |
Common problems with key fob
As long as the key fob is in good working order, it does not create the impression of an important car accessory - drivers take it for granted. But once it breaks, you will immediately notice the difference in ease of use before and after.
Since the key fob is a fairly simple device, its possible breakdowns, bugs and other malfunctions have long been studied. Users can fix most problems themselves, but they must be identified to do so.
Why a faulty key fob can cause problems:
- Inability to lock and unlock the car. A completely broken key fob will not allow you to remotely control the security mode, which is very inconvenient.
- All additional functions may be lost. For example, if the user is used to warming up the car in advance in the winter, a breakdown will be very inappropriate.
- Incorrect work. In some situations, it’s even worse than a breakdown - for example, a key fob can signal that the car is in anti-theft mode, when it’s not.
A car alarm key fob is an accessory that is familiar to every car enthusiast, but not everyone knows how to use it to the fullest. The key fob can not only fulfill its direct task, but also help in a difficult situation, become a means of setting up a “smart” alarm system, if the design of the car provides for such a function.
Your keychain may actually have many more useful functions than you thought. Read more about how to properly use this small gadget below.
Main functions of the key fob
The main task of the key fob is to remotely control the car’s alarm system. Even the simplest models allow you to customize your car’s alarm system, set different modes, etc.
Key fobs of modern cars have more complex electronic mechanisms that can resist theft and robbery much better.
Not all car owners know that with the help of a key fob they can significantly secure their car - to understand, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the standard and additional functions of these small gadgets.
Tasks performed by a car key fob:
- Remote car locking/unlocking. To remove the car from the security and anti-theft mode, just press the key fob button.
- Search for a car. If you lose your car in the parking lot or forget where you parked, the key fob will help by calling a light and sound signal.
- Remote engine start. The key fob sends a signal and the car safely starts on its own, waiting for the owner to leave the building.
Depending on the model and “age,” each of these functions may have several modes, thanks to which you can configure the protection and remote control of the machine as necessary and convenient.
Basic principles of key fob control
The control key fob has one or more buttons - they are used to give commands to the car. The owner is only required to remember the basic, standard combinations, and his own unique code for unlocking the car from the anti-theft mode, if there is one (more on the anti-theft mode and codes for it later).
What combinations are standard for key fobs:
- 1 short press or 3 short presses - turns on the standard security mode with an audible alarm. To turn it off, you need either 1 short press or 2.
- 1 double click on activation and similarly on deactivation - for security mode, which is not accompanied by an audible alarm.
- 3 short presses to activate and 2 short presses to turn off - completely silent alarm mode.
- Turn off the alarm with sound if it has already gone off - 1 short press, 2 short presses.
These signals are universal for all key fobs, but you shouldn’t worry that someone can open the car without having a specific key for it - there are built-in security systems for this that do not need to be configured.
The user can configure other codes for these actions if it is convenient for him. It is even recommended to change standard codes, as this increases security.
7. How to register (bind, add) Starline a93 keychain
A total of 4 key fobs can be programmed into Starline a93, a39, a63, a36, and it doesn’t matter whether they have feedback or not. When adding a new remote control, all old ones are erased from the system memory. Therefore, when programming, you need all valid key fobs.
To program new key fobs, do the following:
- Press the service button 7 times and turn on the ignition - the siren will sound 7 times;
- Simultaneously briefly press buttons 1 and 2 (does not depend on the type of key fob - with or without LCD) - one siren signal and one remote control signal will sound;
- Repeat step 2 for all recordable key fobs. Each successful programming of the subsequent remote control is confirmed by the corresponding number of siren and key fob signals;
- Turn off the ignition - the turns will flash three times.
There should be no more than five seconds between points 1, 2 and 3. If it is more, then Starline will exit the key fob programming mode.
7.1. Video of programming new Starline A93 key fobs
Anti-theft mode
The anti-theft mode is the setting of a special combination of presses that only the owner of the car should know. Without knowing the combination, it will be impossible to unlock the car - this function is available for all car key fobs, and for new models it has been replaced with a more advanced one that locks the doors and the engine at the same time.
The essence of the function is that the user does not need to come up with and type some kind of unique code - the key fob itself generates it and automatically sends it to the car, and thus a block is placed on third-party influence. To unlock in this case, you also do not need to take any action - when you press the button, the key fob will give a signal and the car will return to its normal state - the doors will unlock, and the engine can be started.
It will be impossible to achieve this with any other key fob - a strong connection is formed between a specific device and the car to which it is attached.
We are working on bugs
It would be pointless to change the sensitivity of the control circuit, and this option is not provided in the Star Line signaling. Use another method, such as tachometer monitoring.
To implement this option, the control cord is connected to the high-voltage terminal of the tachometer. You can also use the injector control output if we are talking about an injection internal combustion engine. Then the sensitivity of the signal input is adjusted, and this operation is discussed in more detail in the following chapters.
The functions of more complex systems that do not belong to the Star Line Dialog family include monitoring the operation of the internal combustion engine using an oil pressure sensor. The method works ideally only with some engines, and at low temperatures it malfunctions. Use exactly the control method that is reliable when used under different conditions.
How to remotely lock or unlock a car?
This is a basic function of any key fob, necessary every time the car is left unattended. Even if the car is left without an owner in a garage or in a guarded parking lot, it is highly undesirable not to set it to an alarm system - in this case, the likelihood of theft or simple robbery of the interior increases significantly.
Each key fob has a coverage area. In modern devices it is quite large - you can control the state of the car while being 10-15 meters away from it (depending on the key fob model).
This function has many advantages:
- you can find your car by sound and color signal;
- you can speed up the process of preparing for the trip;
- A keyless fob can be given to a third party for any purpose - for example, to pick up something from a car.
The modern security system installed in each key fob eliminates the possibility that the car will be unlocked by a key fob of a similar model.
Equipment and characteristics of the Starline A91 alarm system with auto start
When purchasing a Starline A91 alarm system (the price of the device varies between 3500-4000 rubles), the motorist receives a whole set of additional equipment, which includes:
- Instructions for installation and use of security;
- Two branded key fobs (main, with LCD screen and spare);
- Replaceable battery;
- Control module;
- Antenna;
- Shock sensor;
- Standard case;
- A set of wires for connecting component parts (we will look at how to connect an alarm system to a car later in the article);
- Sensor for the engine compartment;
- Temperature meter;
- Service key (where the jack button is located on the Starline A91 alarm system and how to use it, we will tell you in detailed instructions below).
After installing the listed components on your car, the owner can use the presented device not only as sound or silent security, but also for:
- Central locking control;
- Warming up the engine and interior (we will find out a little later how to set the automatic engine start time and indicate the required heating temperature);
- Immobilizer settings.
At the same time, the device is capable of capturing the signal from the key fob in 4 channels, at a distance of 700 to 1500 meters. And to power it, 25 mAh is enough, which can be obtained from a 12-volt battery.
Controlling the car via the key fob display
Modern models have not only buttons, but also a small display on which the cursor is visible. By adding a display, it was possible to fit more functions into the key fob - there is no need to place many buttons on the body that are responsible for different functions.
Control of what is happening on the screen is carried out using the cursor - you can move it by pressing the usual directional buttons. In a modern key fob, you can use the cursor to call up any function - many drivers believe that this is much more convenient than entering combinations of keystrokes and wasting time pressing them.
Additional functions of the key fob
In addition to tasks directly related to the car, key fobs can also perform additional tasks - they may be needed if there are no analogues on the road or something needs to be done urgently.
What additional features are there:
- Installation and configuration of silent mode. For various reasons, the driver may not like the sound signal from the key fob - it can be turned off in the settings.
- Alarm. This feature can be useful if the alarm clock on your phone or smart watch is unavailable for some reason. It is set like a regular alarm clock in any other device, using a timer.
- Watch. You can set the time in the key fob according to any time zone. Useful if the phone is located further than the key fob, and the user does not wear a wristwatch or has forgotten it at home.
Of course, all these functions can be replaced with appropriate gadgets, but on the road there is not always the possibility of recharging. In addition, it is excellent insurance in case of loss.
Malfunctions and their elimination
Experts name several main reasons why remote controls may fail:
- Battery low. In this case, you need to replace it.
- Fall or mechanical impact. In this case, it is necessary to remove the housing to assess the extent of the damage. You may need to repair the Starline car alarm key fob circuit.
- Water ingress. The remote control should be disassembled as soon as possible and dried away from heat sources.
- Hardware failures.
If you cannot identify the cause of the malfunction, you should contact a specialist. You may need to replace some parts in the key fob.
- Mechanical anti-theft device
- Setting up a JVC radio
- Car radio JVC KD X153
- Setting the time on the Starline A93 key fob
Common problems with key fob
As long as the key fob is in good working order, it does not create the impression of an important car accessory - drivers take it for granted. But once it breaks, you will immediately notice the difference in ease of use before and after.
Since the key fob is a fairly simple device, its possible breakdowns, bugs and other malfunctions have long been studied. Users can fix most problems themselves, but they must be identified to do so.
Why a faulty key fob can cause problems:
- Inability to lock and unlock the car. A completely broken key fob will not allow you to remotely control the security mode, which is very inconvenient.
- All additional functions may be lost. For example, if the user is used to warming up the car in advance in the winter, a breakdown will be very inappropriate.
- Incorrect work. In some situations, it’s even worse than a breakdown - for example, a key fob can signal that the car is in anti-theft mode, when it’s not.
