Where is the service button on the Starline key fob?

An integral part of any alarm system is the service button (Valet). Its main purpose is to switch the alarm system to service mode. This will allow you to transfer the keys to the alarm, but not the key fob - for example, if you give the car for service. While the alarm is in service mode, people who have access to it will not be able to program additional key fobs into its memory or change settings. However, on long-discontinued StarLine Twage generation alarms, a more convenient mechanism for switching to service mode using a key fob was implemented, and therefore the Valet button is not used to switch to service mode, no matter how strange it may sound.

One of the places where a secret button may be located

The second, and for StarLine alarm systems, the main function of the Valet button is programming alarm functions. Until the release of modern models that allowed programming from a laptop via a standard USB connector, the service button was the only tool for setting up car alarms. In StarLine alarm systems it is still used for settings.

StarLine alarm systems also provide emergency disabling of security using the Valet button if the key fob is faulty. We have already written about ways to turn off emergency alarms using the Valet button.

And finally, the StarLine service button is used when activating the anti-robbery function - holding it for two seconds with the ignition on or the engine running will turn on the standby mode. As soon as any door opens, after 60 seconds the anti-burglary function will work until disabled using a personal unlock code.

How to completely disable the Starline a93 alarm system?

Deactivation of modern Starline models: A93, A94, E95

1. Open the door and be sure to leave it open.
2. Turn on the ignition, enter the first digit of the code by pressing the Valet button, turn off the ignition.
3. Repeat the previous step for the second, third and fourth digits of the PIN code.

Oct 27
2022 Interesting materials:

How to get to Outland BFA Alliance? How to get to Outland in WWII BFA? How to top up your deposit in private? How to top up your Life account via Privat24? How to plant tulip bulbs at home? How to plant sea buckthorn for a boy and a girl? How to plant sprouted lily bulbs? How to plant strawberry seedlings in open ground? How to plant the top of a dracaena? How to calculate points in the 11th grade certificate?

Locations

As a rule, the Starline A91 service button is always installed in the same place, namely under the dashboard. Getting to it is not so easy, but if you know exactly where it is located, then you will definitely do it. This button will come in very handy if you lose your key fob or it breaks down.

Using the service button, you can both activate and deactivate the alarm, which is very convenient if you lost your key fob the day before. Usually this lifesaver button is located near the driver’s seat - it is located directly under the fuse box cover, or rather, a little to the left and a little below the steering wheel.

It is advisable to ask the technicians immediately after installing the alarm where they have assigned the service button. This way you will know exactly where the button is. If you forgot to ask about its location in a car service center or this information simply flew out of your head, then I advise you to look for it yourself. It has a diameter of about 1.4 cm, the size is not large, so when you need it, it may take a certain amount of time to find it, which may cause dissatisfaction among neighbors. So, in order for the residents of your house to continue to greet you, I advise you to find the service button in advance. This button is attached with double-sided tape, so different craftsmen install it in different places.

Programming security and service functions Starline

The Valet key, along with the key fob, is used to program the main functions of the anti-theft complex, both security and service. In some cases, the Starline Master program for computers is additionally used. In particular, with the help of Master, the firmware is updated.

Each option has its own code, which can be found in the user manual that comes with the system. To program a function, you must first enable the appropriate mode, Service Mode. To do this, use the control panel menu - selecting the wrench icon using the cursor and pressing it with the third key on the key fob.

4. Starline A91 reset to factory settings

To reset Starline A91 to factory settings, you will also need the Valet button. It must be pressed 9 times (with the ignition off) or 10 times if you need to reset the autorun parameters. After this, the ignition is turned back on, followed by 9 or 10 siren signals, respectively. Next, you need to press the Valet button and the 1 key fob key once.

All reset steps are shown in detail in the picture. After completing all the actions, the settings marked in gray in Table No. 1 are restored.

Resetting table No. 1 Starline A91 to factory values

Resetting table No. 2 Starline A91 to factory values

Be careful when resetting to factory settings! After this, the car may stop starting (even with the key)!

What to do if the Starline service button does not work

There are two reasons why the Jack key may not work:

• connection problems;
• failure of the device itself.

In the first case, it is necessary to check the wires and replace them if damage is found. In the second option, the only way to fix the problem is to replace the key itself. To do this, it is advisable to contact a specialist.

As practice shows, most owners of cars with modern anti-theft systems do not even realize that there is a secret service button in the interior of their car, by pressing which you can completely disable the alarm.

We are talking about the so-called Valet button, the main function of which is emergency (emergency) switching of the security alarm into the service mode.

This secret microswitch will be a real salvation if the main car alarm key fob is lost or the battery in it is completely discharged.

In this case, it is enough to open the door with a spare key and get to the treasured service button to turn off the siren.

Externally, the service button on the Starline, Scher-Khan, Alligator, Sheriff, Pandora and other popular anti-theft alarm systems is a compact microswitch in a cylindrical body a couple of centimeters in size. A thin two-wire wire runs from the button to the main control unit.

Finding the service button for Starline or any other alarm system is not so easy for objective reasons, since installers install it in a secret place so that car thieves cannot quickly get to it.

Error codes on the alarm key fob

The main Starline alarm key fob may produce certain errors indicating a system malfunction. Some of them are directly connected to the service key. In particular:

If the first of them may indicate a general malfunction of the key, then the second indicates that the system is in Super Slave mode, which requires shutdown. To do this, you need:

• turn off the power;
• hold down Valet and apply power;
• after the siren ends, release the key;
• press it four times;
• after the beep, press again;
• press Jack again;
• turn on the ignition.

You can easily find out about other errors that may be associated with the device from the table in the manufacturer’s instructions.

When is the use of Valet justified?

The Valet option in the Starline alarm system should be used only in extreme cases. The most popular options when necessary include:

1. Transferring the machine to service for repairs and maintenance. This step is logical, because the service station worker does not need access to the alarm system. Moreover, it can interfere with the performance of work.
2. Lost or damaged main key fob. In this case, you can enable the option before purchasing a new remote control. After this, you will need to exit the Starline A93 service mode, program a new device and perform other tasks.
3. Performing settings for certain functions, the installation of which may lead to false operation of the security system.
4. Emergency shutdown of the alarm using Valet, when problems cannot be solved using the remote control.
5. Keeping the car in a safe place when the full functionality of the security system is not necessary. For example, when the car is in a closed garage.
6. The car is given to another person for temporary use. To protect against theft of alarm information, it is better to enable the Starline service mode. After returning the vehicle, you can disable the unnecessary option again and enjoy full functionality.

As you can see, the benefits of Valet in Starline can hardly be overestimated, because turning it on/off allows you to regulate the capabilities of the security system and not worry about possible problems. Having figured out how to remove the Starline service mode, you can quickly return full functionality to the security system.

In the comments, tell us if you have ever used Valet mode and in what cases. Tell us about the difficulties that arose during this process.

Where to find the Valet button

The most popular place to hide the Valet button is on the small dashboard to the left of the steering wheel. There are no installation standards, so it is impossible to say that a particular model has a service key in a certain place.

In this regard, the table below will show the most popular options for where the Starline service button is located on modern alarm models (excluding the one previously described).

How to switch to service mode

If there is such a need, it is important to know how to enable service mode on Starline A93. This may be required in many cases (discussed below). In this case, the action algorithm for Starline A93 is as follows:

• Make sure the key fob has enough charge to do the job.
• Click on button “2” and hold it pressed for 4 seconds.

• Wait for the key icon to appear on the screen. The keychain will make a characteristic sound.

In the future, you can disable the Starline service mode at any time. But after enabling it, many options remain unavailable to users. In particular, you will not be able to use the functions of arming/disarming, autostart and others.

Functions and location of the Valet service button on the Starline alarm system

Home page » Alarms » Functions and location of the Valet service button on the Starline alarm system

Knowing where the Starline service button is located may be necessary, for example, to switch the alarm system to Valet mode in order to carry out vehicle repairs at a service station. When searching for a key, you need to take into account that it has several types of configuration and can be made as a separate unit or built into other elements of the StarLine car alarm. In the first case, the Valet button is a separate device, which is secured with glue or double-sided tape in a secret place.

StarLine service button is a device for controlling security alarm functions, which is used in the following cases:

1. Switching to Valet mode allows service employees to work with the car, but at the same time prevents their attempts to make changes to the car alarm settings. Or attach additional key fobs to this security system. However, modern StarLine anti-theft systems have a simpler and more convenient method of transferring a personal car into service mode, carried out using a key fob.
2. The Valet key is used to change car alarm settings and reset the security system to factory settings. Until recently, the service button was the only way to configure car alarm functions. But today, to perform this operation, a laptop is increasingly used, which is connected to the StarLine complex via a USB connection.
3. Using the Valet button, the car owner will be able to unlock the security system and turn off the alarm even in the event of a malfunction or loss of the key fob.
4. Pressing and holding the service button for 2 seconds allows you to activate the anti-theft function and prevent car theft. This mode can only be activated when the engine is running, and to deactivate it you will need a personal unlock code.

What does the Valet button look like?

The Valet button is a small device (allows it to be placed in hidden places) with an electrical wire that connects it to the main unit of the security complex.

Video: what types of Jack buttons exist

The author of the video is Sigmax69.

Where is the Valet button?

The place where the Jack key is hidden depends on both the device configuration and the car alarm model.

Service button as a separate node

This design option is considered classic and is typical for both old and new StarLine models, for example:

• A4;
• A6;
• A8;
• A9;
• B6;
• B9;
• A61;
• A91;
• A93;
• A94.

The most common locations for the Valet button are:

• under the dashboard;
• near the mounting block;
• under the steering wheel;
• near the gear shift lever;
• in the glove compartment;
• in the fuse hatch.

Photo gallery: where to put the Jack button

The most popular places where you can hide the Valet button Photo of the Valet button under the side covers of the torpedo Valet button on the fuse block Service button in the hatch

Built-in Jack key

In this case, the button may be connected, for example, to an antenna module, which is why it can be confused with a call key. To prevent this from happening, usually in modern StarLine alarms both buttons can be combined into one with a combination of functions.

This is possible in Starline security systems of the following models with firmware no older than N2:

• A63;
• A64;
• A93;
• A94;
• B64;
• D64;
• B94;
• D94;
• E60;
• E90.

Table: where the Starline service button is located depending on the alarm model

Instructions for use of the service button

The algorithm of actions for launching the service button is the same for both old and new StarLine alarm models.

The process of turning on and off the Valet function is carried out according to a similar principle in order to make it as easy as possible for car owners to work with the key.

How to activate the VALET service mode

To enable service mode using the Valet button, you must complete the following three steps:

1. Get into the car, insert the key into the ignition and start the engine. Leave the engine running for about 10 seconds and then turn off.
2. Wait about a quarter of a minute and press the Valet button, holding it for 2-3 seconds.
3. Wait for a single signal from the security system and the activation of the control signal sensor, which informs the car owner that the anti-theft system has been switched to service mode.

How to disable Valet mode

You can turn off the mode like this:

1. Get into the car, turn the key in the ignition and turn on the engine. Let the engine idle for 5-10 seconds. and turn off the ignition.
2. Wait about 10-15 seconds and press the Valet button, holding it for some time (2-3 seconds).
3. If the steps described above were completed correctly, the car owner will hear two short beeps from the anti-theft system and see the warning indicator turn off.

Table with links to download operating instructions for various StarLine car alarm models

Causes and Troubleshooting for the Valet Button

The main reasons for the failure of the Valet key:

1. Loss of contact between the service button and the central unit. The Jack key is connected to the security unit with a thin wire, at the end of which there is a connector. Often it does not fit tightly into the socket and easily moves even with slight tension or movement of the electrical cord. As a result, the contact of the service button with the central unit is broken and, as a result, it stops working. It is very easy to fix this damage - just return the connector to its place.
2. Damage to the key. Failure of a system button is quite a rare occurrence, since it is not often used by the car owner and simply does not have time to use up its strength limit. Most often, such a malfunction is the result of hitting the button with an object or foot, which leads to cracks or chips in the key body. In addition, the Jack button may deteriorate due to high humidity and corrosion. To eliminate such damage, you should replace the damaged button with a working one. You can purchase a new Jack key at the StarLine company center or at any specialized store. And it is also allowed to use the service button from another anti-theft system if it has a similar connector.
3. Cable break. If the wire from the Valet button is not bundled into additional wiring, then it is at high risk of damage, even breaking. Despite the seriousness of this malfunction, you can eliminate it yourself by returning the device to working condition.

Repairing a faulty Valet key wire

Before carrying out repair work, it is necessary to find the location of the cable break, which is often hidden under the insulating material. It can be located anywhere in the wire, but more often it is located in the most vulnerable area - on the bend.

What do you need?

Tools and items needed to repair a damaged cable:

• pliers;
• a bottle of white spirit or acetone;
• cotton pads;
• sandpaper;
• electrical tape or heat pipe.

Repair instructions

To repair the broken wire of the Valet button, you must perform the following steps:

1. Using pliers, strip the ends of the cable from the insulating material. This should be done carefully so as not to damage the metal.
2. Soak a cotton pad in acetone or white spirit and thoroughly wipe the exposed areas of the electrical cord.
3. Sand the metal core of the cable with sandpaper until it acquires a characteristic bright shine.
4. Connect the broken ends by parallel or serial twisting using pliers.
5. Cover the exposed section of the wire with insulating tape or heat pipe.

Video: how to find the Valet button and turn off the alarm without a key fob

Prepared by the AVTOservis Nikitin channel.

Do you have any questions? Experts and readers of the AUTODVIG website will help you, Was this article useful? Rate the usefulness of the article: (8 votes, average: 4.63 out of 5)

What is service mode and what is it for?

The question of how to disable the Starline A93 service mode on the alarm system may arise if it is turned on before sending the car to a service station or in other cases. At the same time, many car owners do not understand what the option is for and rarely use it.

In simple words, Valet is a special version of the security system in which other users cannot interfere with the operation of the alarm and control it. Transferring to Valet disables the main options regarding RFID tags, secret data and other functions of the security system.

The question of how to disable the Starline A93 alarm system (Valet mode) arises in a situation where this function is not necessary. In fact, this is a debugging option that is almost never used while using the car. In some cases, the option is intended for maintenance and allows the work to be completed without additional “obstacles” from the security system.

Knowing how to remove the Starline A93 service mode, you can restore the system to its previous functionality. This is necessary to activate the following options (those that are disabled when Valet is activated):

1. Removing / arming the alarm.
2. Central locking operation.
3. Turning on the pre-heater.
4. Possibility of using the “Hands Free” function.
5. Activation of the "Panic" function.
6. Automatic switch to protection if the luggage compartment is opened.
7. Calibrating the operation of the main unit.
8. Login to the CAN information section on the website.
9. Automatic/remote engine start.
10. Inability to enable the anti-robbery function.

Knowing how to disable the Starline A93 service mode, you can return the above and other functionality of the security system. In this case, there is no need to configure again, because all data is returned. In the future, you can turn the system on/off as many times as necessary and not worry about changing the settings.