Quite often, owners of cars of different brands have to look for what to do when the alarm system blocks the engine from starting. You shouldn’t think that the situation is too special: at least, listening to the opinion of auto electricians, who have calculated that in 60% of cases of malfunctions when starting the engine, an alarm appears. Not starting with the key is not the worst situation. After all, you can start with the key if you need to leave urgently.
It's much worse if it's completely blocked. It's even more difficult if it surprises you in the middle of the action - often the engine would stop at a gas station and refuse to start when you tried to drive away from it. The car was pushed manually so as not to block the passage to the next one in line.
Pre-check
Having taken the car off the road (if necessary), the first thing we need to do is make sure that the alarm is set to the mode we planned. People professionally familiar with various types of alarms assure me that a third of their engine freezes are due to accidental reprogramming. This means that your task is to remove any errors in the settings.
For example, the Starline security system has a “disarm 2 times” function. There is a separate button on the display to activate it. Accidental operation may cause the engine to seize.
To disable this feature:
Urgent Actions
If all the settings are in order and the engine still does not start, go to the VALET service mode, which switches the alarm system to when the car is returned for repair.
- The ignition key is turned on and off again (the engine does not start, but there is electricity in the electrical circuit);
- The service mode switch button must be held for 15 seconds;
- The alarm beeps and the LED lights up and stays on;
However, in some cases, the magic button does not work and the motor remains indifferent to all your squats. There is another way to temporarily bring it back to life - an emergency shutdown. This is done in a similar way, only from inside the cabin: hold down the VALET button for 15 seconds, the LED flashes and goes out, we have one more attempt to start.
In the most difficult situation, this step also does not help. Then there are 2 options: either call a truck, or call friends and acquaintances to find an auto electrician online. Those who have done the latter claim that his unlocking services are cheaper than a trip on a tugboat. In addition, many services in this case give a discount on further handling of your alarm.
Reasons for blocking
If you are confident in your knowledge of electrical circuits, you can try to figure out what went wrong with your system yourself. The most likely of them:
- blown fuses. Just in case, they are first checked and replaced;
- uncharged battery. This means that it has not gone out completely, a beep may sound and the headlights may come on. But the crackling sound of turning the key is the activation of the intake relay and blocking of the engine, which is also his fault;
- Temperature sensor (if connected to the alarm). To check, just turn over the sensor installed under the hood;
- trunk or hood limit switches. They are prone to oxidation in high humidity (spring or autumn). Although experts believe that this phenomenon is due to crudely inaccurate installation of the alarm system.
However, it should be borne in mind that the reasons for the irregular operation of the system may lie much deeper. In particular, you may find that it has already been removed and needs to be replaced, or its sensors may be covered. If the options you have tested do not give the desired results, it is better to contact a service center: they will know exactly what to do if the alarm blocks the engine from starting.
What to do if the car stops starting from autostart
The autostart system is a convenient option that is found in modern car brands and is very useful in winter, when problems arise with quickly starting the internal combustion engine. The Autostart unit is connected to the standard power system and operates autonomously to warm up the cooling system.
However, instead of helping the engine start quickly, the autostart unit often becomes a problem in itself, preventing the car from starting. It is especially unpleasant when such a breakdown occurs on the road, when there is no diagnostic equipment at hand.
Auto start system capabilities
The car's autostart system is multifunctional and allows you to control the heating of the coolant, the operation of the ignition system, engine speed, oil pressure, the state of the limit switches in the gearbox, gas pedal, parking brake and hood. lock.
Its main function is to quickly start the car engine based on readings from the temperature sensor in the cooling system, the clock, or from a key fob or mobile phone. After receiving a signal from external devices or built-in control sensors, the control unit starts automatically:
- disables the immobilizer;
- probes the on-board network and measures the battery charge level (if the charge level is low, starting is blocked);
- gives a command to the fuel pump to supply fuel and turn on the glow plugs (for a diesel engine);
- with sufficient heating of the glow plugs and pressure in the fuel system, it activates the ignition system and starter;
- sends a signal to the driver's navigator about successful engine starting or about a malfunction in the starting system.
Of course, if there is any failure in the commands of the autostart unit, the car will not start. There are many reasons, and some of them you can diagnose and fix yourself. For example, this could be a faulty warning light, spark plugs, fuel filters, or a critically discharged battery.
However, more serious faults are also possible, as a result of which the car may be difficult to start. Let's take a closer look at them.
Engine stalls after starting
If the car starts and then stops after starting the engine, the problem is most likely related to the car's immobilizer issuing the start command. In this case, there are several possibilities:
- Key alarms have a damaged transponder chip or the chip is out of range of the autostart unit processor;
- Keyless alarm systems have software errors in the bypass system that require reprogramming.
By eliminating the immobilizer malfunction, you will remove the blockage in the ignition system. However, if the starter turns the crank when the bypass is on, but the engine does not start, it is not an immobilizer. The alarm may simply not be connected to the engine control circuit and should be checked more closely and reconnected.
Candles
A bad start can also be associated with spark plugs. So, after trying to start, the engine may seize and immediately stall. The reason for this phenomenon is flooded candles. Their condition can only be determined after dismantling. So, if the element smells strongly of gasoline, and there is any deposit on the surface, the candle must be thoroughly rinsed in some solution. You should also check whether it produces a spark (this can be done using a tester). As a last resort, you can replace the elements with new ones and check the quality of engine starting. But it is worth remembering that a car needs to replace spark plugs no earlier than after 30 thousand kilometers. The only exception may be defective products. As for iridium spark plugs, their service life is about 100 thousand kilometers.
Incorrect setting of alarm operating modes
The second most common reason for autostart failure is incorrect setting of the vehicle security alarm operating modes depending on the set time, clock time, temperature readings, and commands from the remote control. Modes should be changed in accordance with the operating instructions provided by the manufacturers included in the alarm kit.
In addition, a violation of the operating settings may be caused by a malfunction of the remote control or temperature sensor, which incorrectly transmits readings to the autostart unit. These devices must be diagnosed, reprogrammed, or repaired/replaced.
The alarm was not set correctly
You should also check the functionality and correct installation and connection of the security alarm system. Its malfunction may be due to:
- natural wear and tear of modules, wires, terminals;
- incorrect connection to the engine control circuit
- incorrect/incorrect connection to the power cable;
- incomplete connection of the ignition switch and starter (the alarm does not correctly simulate the ignition switch);
- The alarm bypass transponder does not read the signal.
In each case, it is necessary to conduct a complete diagnosis of the electrical circuits of the security alarm system and connect them correctly.
Using a crawler
There is a special module that allows you to simulate a key transponder and also prevent the car from being locked. He is called a lineman. The module can be purchased or made independently if you have sufficient skills in working with electronics. It is easy to use, however you will need a duplicate key.
Temperature control failure
One of the serious reasons for the lack of automatic start in cold weather or in winter frost is the failure of the temperature-sensitive system when the thermostat is correctly connected. This may be due to:
- the temperature sensor is damaged due to normal wear (replace);
- The sensor is installed incorrectly (needs to be reinstalled in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations);
- The engine start was not set to match the temperature shown on the communicator display.
Each of the above reasons can be detected and eliminated by the driver himself if the diagnosis is carried out correctly and consistently.
Video
User Sergey Koshkin in his video demonstrated the operation of the Starline alarm automatic start option on a VAZ 2115 car.
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Diagnostics and repair of the autostart system
Autostart system failure should be diagnosed sequentially - this will allow you to quickly identify and eliminate the cause of the failure based on the results obtained.
Checking the operation of the battery
A weak car battery interferes with the smooth operation of the autostart. So start checking the battery. Check the battery, terminals and connections, check the electrolyte level inside, check the battery charge with a multimeter (it must be at least 13.5V). If the case is damaged, it is necessary to replace the battery, clean the contacts, add electrolyte and secure the connections. If the charge is weak, charge the battery properly.
Checking the working condition of the remote communicator
It is necessary to conduct a visual inspection of the device, check the condition of the buttons and contacts, and the battery charge level in the device. In case of minor malfunctions, the device is disassembled, dried and cleaned, worn and damaged elements are replaced and resoldered.
Installing the crawler
In the bypass immobilizer processor module (in the flat antenna module), install and secure the spare key, then close the device cover and install it behind the center console of the console (near the car or ashtray). Then connect the block with the “+” contact (red contact) to the power source and ignition switch (12 V), and with the “-” contact (blue contact) to the remote start system output. The gray pin is connected to the external antenna adapter or OEM RFID adapter.
Checking the temperature sensor
The sensor is installed at the junction of the cooling system pipes or inside the vehicle, and its connection (cable, plug) should always be checked if the engine is started by remote control, but not started in temperature start mode. You should also check the reliability of electrical connections and clean oxidized contacts.
Answers to frequently asked questions
How can you tell if the starter relay is not working?
To determine whether the starter relay is working, apply power from the positive terminal of the battery directly to the control contact of the relay. After this, a click should sound; if it is faulty, there will be no sounds.
How to check whether the starter is working or not?
To check the serviceability of the starter itself, you need to apply current to it directly by connecting the power wires of the retractor relay (thick wire from the battery) and the electric motor (stud with a thick wire from the retractor to the starter). A working starter should start moving.
What to do if the starter does not work after turning the ignition key?
First, make sure there is voltage at the battery terminals. If you don’t have a tester, this can be done using a 12 V lamp. Then try to apply voltage directly to the starter: use a screwdriver to close the pin to which the wire from the battery goes and the control contact located nearby. If there is no reaction, check the quality of the contacts of the terminals on the battery, the ground contacts (with the body and the engine) and the contacts of the starter itself by cleaning and tightening the terminals. If the battery is discharged or the starter is faulty, you need to start the car with a pusher (manual transmission) or tow it to the repair site.
Features of engine autostart
Different types and models of engines behave differently when autostart is connected, which must be taken into account when installing, connecting and configuring the system.
Temperature dependence
In winter, the car engine is difficult to start, especially on diesel engines. Autostart malfunctions can be caused by damaged wiring or oxidation of the alarm system contacts, which reduces the voltage level in the circuits. In addition, the contacts in the ignition system may be damaged, the battery may be discharged, or the ignition switch bypass module may fail.
Check the ignition and starting of the engine using the key: If the engine starts immediately, it means that the autostart did not take place due to the security alarm system.
Dependence on gearbox type (manual gearbox)
If autostart does not work on vehicles with a manual transmission, try setting the program to neutral. With the ignition on and the parking brake in neutral, press the first button on the remote control for 3 seconds, wait for a single beep from the unit, then quickly:
- turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock (the engine must continue to run);
- get out of the car and close the door (the engine should stop on its own and the alarm will go off when activated).
If after these manipulations the autostart still does not work, then either the alarm does not detect the operation of the door locks (the system is installed incorrectly and requires reinstallation), or the limit switches on the doors do not work (they need to be reinstalled).
Auto start failure with triple signal flash
If the car does not start automatically and the headlights flash three times, there is a voltage drop in the electrical circuits. This could be due to a bad/dead battery, oxidized terminals, or incorrectly sized wire in the harness.
To summarize, it should be said that the autostart system is a convenient and useful option for the car, which facilitates quick start and remote control of the car engine start. However, the autostart unit can malfunction or malfunction, causing serious problems.
To avoid failure of the auto start system, anti-theft device and other important functions of the car, you must carefully monitor these key features of your car, timely inspections, a quality anti-theft system, battery charge monitoring, etc. correct and reliable wiring and monitoring of sensors. And at the first sign of a breakdown, contact the service center immediately!
Battery
First of all, you should pay attention to the battery. It is because of this that the car does not start the first time with auto start or just with the key. If the car “gets it” only on the second or third try, it can be stated that there is insufficient voltage in the battery. This happens especially often in winter. Also, a similar problem arises among owners who use the car every day to travel short distances (3-5 kilometers). During this time, the generator cannot provide normal charging; the battery is constantly in a discharged state.
Why doesn't a car with a StarLine alarm start?
Owners of cars with the Starline security system note the high reliability of the system, as well as the convenience that comes from the presence of many functions. However, even this system can fail and cause some problems. For example, when a car with a Starline alarm does not start.
The cause of this malfunction may be a service failure, a programming error, a malfunction of the alarm system itself, or technical problems. In this article we will talk about the most common cases and causes, as well as how to solve such a problem.
The information on the key fob is incorrect
If during autostart an alarm is triggered or incorrect information is displayed on the key fob, then the most likely error is the installation of the security system. Also, as a result of improper installation of the car alarm, a situation arises when the engine stalls when the door is opened. The most common error occurs in connecting and programming the contacts of connector X1.
To troubleshoot the problem, check that each processor module connector is connected correctly. If there are no faults, you should continue to look for the error at the software level.
What to do if the car does not start due to the Starline alarm
It is necessary to check the settings of the system itself - whether the autorun functions are correctly implemented and programmed. The owner can remotely start the engine at any time if he has the remote control at hand. The key combination in this case is a long press of the first key (until the sound signal), and then a short press of the third key. The vehicle must be idling (idle programming is required for manual transmission models), the handbrake must be applied, and all doors must be closed.
The car will not start with the alarm key fob
If the remote control commands work correctly as indicated by the blinking LED indicator and the problem persists, look elsewhere for the problem. If the car is stationary immediately after starting and the doors are locked, check that the engine bypass is working. There may be too many coils on it and several parts may be removed.
A possible cause of the malfunction may be a firmware mismatch. Sometimes the latest versions are quite primitive and need improvement. If this is the reason you need to revert to an earlier firmware. Additionally, you should check the central locking - for this reason, the alarm may fail.
Car won't start with key
It happens that the car does not start even after the owner turns the ignition key. If the Starline A9, A61 or A93 alarm on the remote control lights up with the brake, the first thing you need to do is check the connection diagram of the complex to the handbrake and the correct connection. The car cannot see whether the handbrake is released, and block the system accordingly.
It is recommended to check the immobilizer and its connection to the bypass. If programming is incorrect, after turning the key in the ignition, the alarm will not recognize the real key and therefore the engine will not start. The indicator continues to flash as usual.
If the car does not start with the key, it may not be caused by the car alarm. For example, the car may have a dead battery, the starter cannot turn the handle due to low temperature, etc. To exclude this option, it is recommended to check the voltage in the ignition system - it should not be lower than 12 volts.
Poor quality mixture
Another reason for autostart failure is a poor-quality mixture supplied to the cylinders. With such a malfunction, the car starts, but the engine runs unstably and immediately stops. This is perhaps one of the simplest problems.
Most often the cause is a clogged air filter. In this case, air simply does not enter the combustion chamber. And since it is not there, the engine simply does not start. If some air does get in, the car starts, but immediately stalls.
It is rare, but the throttle valve becomes clogged. In this case, it jams and the fuel mixture does not enter the engine. Therefore, if the engine fails to start, it is necessary to visually assess the condition of the throttle. If there are traces of dirt on it, or it does not move, then this may be the reason.
If there are problems with the idle air valve, the car will refuse to start. There's not much to do here. The sensor and valve can only be replaced by a service center. In addition to the refusal to start, a sign of a breakdown is an illuminated engine fault check.
The StarLine car starts by itself
Some owners of Starline B9 car alarms complain that the alarm goes off at the wrong time, at the wrong temperature, etc. In this regard, several procedures must be followed:
- Remember if the battery in your remote control or car has been changed recently. Thanks to the second point, the program settings can be shifted to the default settings, so the car can start from -3 degrees with an approximate -17 degrees, for example;
- and after replacing the batteries, the time on the remote control is reduced. This means that the car automatically starts at the wrong time when it needs to. You must configure the correct settings for this feature;
- You should analyze the location of the temperature sensor, its serviceability and correct connection. It is advisable to place it on the cylinder head and close to the engine. Also, by pressing the fourth button several times, you can see the current value of the parameter. If dashes sometimes appear there, it means that the electricity is turned off or the temperature sensor itself needs to be replaced.
In some cases, the problem can be solved on your own, but if the cause of the breakdown is deep, it is advisable to contact a service center, where professional installers will find out and establish the correct operation of the car alarm.
Description of the operating principle
So, the alarm is blocking the engine from starting, what to do in such a situation and what is the cause of the malfunction? Most often, this happens when the car is equipped with an immobilizer or two-way alarm.
Firstly, this type of fault may be caused by a fault in the alarm system itself, i.e. The anti-theft system did not recognize the key the first time. Moreover, the problem may lie much deeper than it seems at first glance. It is imperative to understand that many modern cars are equipped with a native “alarm”, which is directly connected to the electronic engine control unit. But let's take our time and see if everything is ok.
Summer or winter
The reasons why a car does not start from auto start are mostly related to storing the car outside. In summer, such problems practically do not arise. But in winter, failure is not a rare occurrence. If the temperature drops sharply by more than 15°C, the autostart will almost certainly fail.
Also in winter there is a high probability of draining the battery. In this case, the car will not start. And not only from the button, but also from the key. (for this it is better to use a thermal case for the battery).
The starter works, but the engine does not start. Most likely, the problem is a sudden cold snap. As a result, condensation forms on the contacts of the ignition system, which in turn prevents a spark from occurring. On diesel engines, the reason may be poor quality fuel. In the cold, diesel fuel tends to thicken.
Solution methods
Engine blocking, if the alarm does not allow you to start the engine, you can remove it yourself or, in more severe cases, you will have to contact an auto electrician. Yes, so to make a diagnosis, you will need some design knowledge in the field of automotive electrical, as well as a set of tools.
Key fob glitch
If the driver was sitting in the car and cannot turn the key to start the engine, the problem may be with the remote control. To start the engine, remove the key from the ignition and then activate the central locking. Then we turn off the central locking and try to start the engine.
If the steps described above do not help, you should turn off the ignition and then leave the car. Turn on the car alarm. After 10 seconds, unlock the car, get into it and try to start the engine.
If all these steps do not help, look at the keychain and read the instructions for it. He may have accidentally installed the engine block.
It should be understood that the indicator will be different for different security systems, so it makes no sense to describe a specific one.
Malfunction of the immobilizer or other factory system
The standard immobilizer can block engines. Failure of system components may cause the engine to stop running. In this case, you should contact an auto electrician, as he will quickly find and eliminate the cause.
For cars made in the USA and Japan, they are equipped with a new type of anti-theft system that does not start the engine without the presence of a pilot. However, even these safety systems are often subject to breakdowns and malfunctions, since they are controlled by the electronic engine control unit.
In this case, the direct path is to a car service, as soon as the professionals can cope with the alarm, they will remove it and force the power unit to start.
Problems with the ECU
Several motors and an alarm system are connected to the electronic control unit. So, an unexpected malfunction or problem with the engine sensor may affect the car's starting head. In this case, it is worth carrying out a comprehensive diagnosis, eliminating errors and trying to start the engine.
To diagnose and fix the problem, it is recommended to contact a car service center. Specialists will quickly find and eliminate the cause.
Unauthorized actions with a complex electronic control unit can lead to its complete failure and, as a result, replacement of the unit.
It is possible to find and eliminate the cause of the engine blocking by the alarm, but it is recommended to contact a car service center. Do not panic prematurely, as the cause is often a simple malfunction in the remote control, and repeated locking and unlocking of the central lock solves all problems.
Frequent malfunctions on popular cars
In most cases, the starter does not turn when the ignition key is turned due to oxidation and mechanical damage to the wiring. If there is poor contact with the “+” terminal of the battery, the control relay or ground, the starter does not receive enough current to crank the engine . Therefore, first of all, you need to look at the contacts in the engine compartment and check for voltage at the terminals with a tester. The most common malfunctions of specific car models, due to which the starter does not respond to the ignition key in the table.
Why does the starter not work from the ignition key on popular car models? | |
Auto | Weakness |
VAZ 2110, 2111, 2112 | Wires of the central locking and ignition switch, which melt due to power surges. |
VAZ 2108, 2109, 21099, 2113, 2114, 2115 (Lada Samara) | Oxidizing contacts of the control relay located in the engine compartment above the VUT, as well as the wiring extending from it. |
VAZ 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107 (Classic) | The contact “nickels” of the solenoid relay often burn or oxidize. The contact group of the ignition switch fails. On later models, for example, 2107, problems with the control relay are similar to Samara (see above). |
Niva | On old Nivas (before 21213), the ignition switch contacts burn and oxidize. On newer ones (after 21214), the starter control relay, located under the hood near the brake fluid reservoir, often fails. There is a drainage tube located nearby that drains water from under the glass, moisture from which gets onto the relay, which leads to oxidation of its contacts. |
Lada Priora | Immobilizer problems due to which it does not see the key. |
Lada Kalina, Lada Granta | Failure of the immobilizer, blocking the start, malfunctions in the contact group of the ignition switch and failure of the additional starter relay K3 in the fuse block. |
UAZ | Malfunction of the 5-pin starter control relay and solenoid relay. |
Gazelle | Poor contact of wires and failure of the starter relay. |
Peugeot 307 | Solenoid relay fuse F8 blows, poor ground contact. |
Kia Sid | The limit switch of the automatic transmission selector, which determines the P and N positions, is faulty. There may be poor contact at the starter terminals or at the point where the ground wire is attached to the body. |