Why the car won’t start with the Starline autostart: reasons why the engine won’t start remotely with the Starline key fob

When installing a Starline alarm, car owners sometimes encounter a problem when the car does not start. In some cases, the car does not start when the car is automatically started, and sometimes the autostart works fully, but the car refuses to start directly from the key. Before solving a problem, it is worth understanding it thoroughly. To do this, it is worth dividing the causes of the problem into 3 categories:

• Doesn't start with key fob;
• Does not start with the key (problems with connecting the alarm system);
• Problems not related to the alarm.

Why won't it start from auto start?

There may be an error in the key fob itself. The error can be resolved by replacing or repairing the key fob. The battery of the alarm key fob may also be dead. It can also be damaged by a fall, impact, and so on.

A failure may also occur in the software package. Then you will need to reflash it.

• For many people, the problem disappears after replacing the battery.
• You need to check the condition of the harnesses and terminals.
• The problem may be a faulty ignition system.
• The alarm may not be configured correctly. To solve the problem, you need to reconfigure the modes. Everything must be done according to the instructions prescribed by the alarm manufacturers.
• The car may not start through autostart and due to a problem with the spark plugs. It is possible to view the condition of these spark plugs only after dismantling them. If you can see that there is some kind of plaque on the candles, then you need to wash them in a special solution. This problem can be solved by replacing old spark plugs with new ones. They change the spark plugs in the car after driving more than 30 thousand km.
• The throttle valve may become clogged. From time to time it is necessary to clean it. This can be done using carburetor cleaners.
• Problem with autostart. You can set a higher temperature using the remote control if there are temperature sensors. In this case, the machine will heat up on its own.
• A factory reset may be to blame. You need to go to where the alarm was installed and ask to solve the problem. This error is resolved quickly.

Temperature control button malfunction. The temperature sensor may break. It just needs to be replaced with another one. Owners can install the sensor not according to the instructions.

The alarm blocks the engine from starting. What to do?

Like all electronic devices, alarms can sometimes cause errors, also commonly referred to as breakdowns. They can arise for various reasons and manifest themselves in anything. It happens that the alarm simply does not lock the car, and in the worst case, blocks the engine from starting.

Some drivers heard a loud security alarm while the car was moving. Such situations are unusual and quite rare, but they do happen. In this article, we would like to tell you in detail what to do in cases where the alarm is blocking the engine from starting, and share some tips and recommendations on what to do to fix it.

Reasons for blocking the alarm

If this happened to your car, it could be due to the following reasons:

• Immobilizer malfunction, i.e. Autostart error.
• Starter malfunction.
• The power or electrical wiring is not installed correctly, sometimes this is due to faulty wiring.
• There has been an attempted car theft that you may not even be aware of.
• Digital communication via the CAN bus is interrupted.
• The battery in the emergency key fob is discharged, which means the security system is faulty.
• For some reasons, the problem may be due to outdated software, in which case the software needs to be updated.

Sometimes the engine may not ignite due to a system error caused by the low battery level of the alarm key fob. This is because the signal is sent with a corrupted cipher due to low power. Therefore, the door can be unlocked while other systems remain locked.

To determine the cause of the problem, the first step is to replace the battery and then conduct further investigation.

First, replace the battery in the alarm key fob.

Car alarm breakdowns begin after 5-7 years. It may break earlier, since the service life depends on the quality of installation work and the alarm itself.

What to do if the alarm is blocking the engine from starting

The first thing you need to understand is the reason for the engine stopping when starting, since there can be many underlying reasons. It is advisable to carry out computer diagnostics of the engine, since the problem may lie in the built-in immobilizer.

Immobilizer.

For example, in BMW cars this module is capable of blocking the operation of the internal combustion engine. In other cars, the immobilizer disables the starter and fuel supply system. Other components of the car could also fail, which needs to be checked using computer diagnostics.

How do you know if the engine is blocking the alarm? Here are the most basic signs:

• The indicator blinks faster or, conversely, much slower.
• Loud beep when trying to start the engine.
• Automatically turns on the light alarm.
• Car alarm keys do not work properly.
• When the vehicle is unlocked, the key ring displays lock information.
• The control unit does not respond to the remote control buttons at all.

If replacing the battery doesn't work, your best bet is to reset it to factory settings. To do this, you will definitely need instructions for the security system that is installed on your car. This manual usually comes in an alarm box, it is recommended to keep it in the glove box as you may need it at any time. If you ever lose it, you can find a manual online, but make sure it's for your model.

If the device does not respond to the signal from the remote control, it can be reset using the valet button. It is usually installed under the driver's left knee, but can be located in another location.

One of the button locations

Here is the standard algorithm for disarming a car: turn on/off the ignition, then press the hidden button twice. Different manufacturers do this differently, so sometimes a PIN may be required.

Important to remember:

• Tell everyone in the car how to turn off the alarm and codes.
• Remember, or better yet, write down the address of the car service center where the alarm is installed.
• If you buy a car secondhand, then explain everything about the codes set on the alarm system, otherwise you will have to reset it in the future.

The above tips will definitely help you in case of emergency. Most often, installers know how to correct the situation because they have already completed the installation work. If you have a system failure, you can at least contact us by phone and ask for advice. But the best option would be to contact the car service directly.

An unusual option for blocking the engine is also possible, for example, a satellite alarm is installed in the car. In this case, the launch of the engine may be blocked due to insufficient funds in the subscriber's account.

Satellite signaling

What happens is that you get up in the morning and suspect nothing, then you walk up to the car and the engine doesn’t start. Therefore, pay attention to what kind of safety system you have, especially when buying a used car.

If all the previously described methods did not help, then you should move on to technical methods of solving the problem.

The influence of temperature outside the window

Autostart may not start at sub-zero temperatures. To do this, you need to check the power contacts on the alarm. They can oxidize and therefore normal voltage is not maintained.

• The battery may be damaged. Then you should buy a new one.
• If there is some kind of break in the ignition circuit, then the car may not start on frosty days.
• The immobilizer reader may not work.
• No need to panic. First of all, you should check whether the car starts normally. If everything works as it should. The problem is with the alarm. We need to check everything. You should look at the wire cross-section.

Engine blocking with car alarm

If there are installed anti-theft systems, electrical equipment is responsible for blocking the engine start.
Immobilizers or car alarms may turn out to be faulty and give constant or isolated failures during operation. It should be added that the severity of the problem will depend not on a specific model or brand of car, but on the complexity of the installed anti-theft system.

Why does the starter turn normally, but the engine does not catch and does not start? The main reasons for the malfunction, checking the fuel supply and ignition systems. Adviсe.

Accidental activation of the engine lock function

First, carefully study the displayed icons on the alarm key fob. A common reason for blocking is the accidental activation of additional functions. You also need to monitor the LED readings (if present) in the car interior, which serves as a light indicator of the alarm status. The flickering of the LED lamp almost always indicates that the anti-theft function of the immobilizer is activated in the menu.

If, after turning the key in the lock and turning on the ignition, frequent blinking of the signal lamp is observed (for example, the StarLine car alarm) before starting the engine, and a pictogram with the inscription “immo” is displayed on the key fob itself:

1. One of the methods to solve the problem is to remove the key from the lock, then just press the button to open the central door lock on the key fob.
2. You can also get out of the car, set the alarm to security mode, then disarm it and then start the engine.

In other words, you need to make sure that the alarm operates in the normal and usual mode for the owner. Up to 30% of cases of engine start blocking by alarms occur due to accidental configuration of software options. The driver’s task is to disable all unnecessary functions in the settings.

Using the StarLine alarm as an example, let us note that this system has a “two-stage” unlocking function. Activation of the function may occur by chance; a separate icon will shine on the key fob display

To turn it off, you need to hold down button 3 on the key fob. The key fob will emit two beeps, after which button 3 is pressed once again. Then button 1 is pressed for a few seconds, then the security functions are removed;

Not

the car
start ?
Not
a problem when there is a good car service center with skilled craftsmen nearby. There may be reasons.

Autorun is not set at the required time

This problem occurs if the clock in the security system becomes out of sync with the correct time. If you look at the time depicted on the keychain and the present, you can notice this. The problem can be solved very simply. You need to set the correct time.

How to start the engine if the alarm does not work

Almost all modern alarm systems allow you to disable the standard security system, even if the remote control is faulty. To do this, a “secret button” is installed in the car. This button, after a certain number of presses, produces an emergency shutdown of the alarm system, including the immobilizer. This function is described in more detail in the documentation for the anti-theft system, in the section “how to turn off the alarm.” If you have a GSM security system installed, connected to the dispatch service, call the operator, identify yourself and the code word and ask to turn off the alarm in the car or disarm the car.

What to do after starting the engine

After you have successfully unlocked the anti-theft system, deactivated the immobilizer and started the engine, you need to take the car to a service center or workshop for inspection. Without this procedure, your car is defenseless against car thieves, because you will not be able to turn on the anti-theft normally and then turn it off normally. There is always a small chance that the alarm's malfunction is caused by damaged wiring or a short circuit. This may damage the on-board electronics and cause the vehicle to catch fire. Therefore, do not delay in diagnosing, repairing or setting up the anti-theft system, otherwise next time you will have to deliver the car to a service station using a tow truck.

Autostart for cars with manual transmission

Next, we will look at the reasons why cars with manual transmission cannot start from auto start or from the key fob.

• Autostart for cars with manual transmission may not work if the driver has incorrectly activated a function such as program neutral. To solve the problem, you simply need to activate software neutral according to the instructions.
• The alarm may not be installed correctly.
• Door limit sensors may not work.

Reasons for blocking the launch

The alarm may block the engine from starting for the following possible reasons:

• attempted car theft;
• electrical wiring fault;
• failure of the immobilizer crawler to work when installing an alarm system with auto start;
• faulty starter lock relay;
• software failure;
• low voltage of key fob batteries;
• key fob malfunction;
• low battery voltage;
• oxidation or poor contact on the ends of doors and covers.

Triple flash instead of auto start

If the headlights blink three times, it means the electrical voltage in the circuit has decreased. There are several reasons for this action.

The cause may be a dead battery. Or the terminals on the battery may become acidic. The third reason may be that electrical circuits that were very long or with an inappropriate cross-section were used to connect the alarm system.

It is necessary to carefully inspect the plug pads. Carefully examine the condition of power electrical circuits.

If no problems are found during inspection, then the wires are checked. They may have the wrong cross-section.

Unlock methods

Having installed an external alarm system, for example, Starline, it is advisable for the car owner to carefully study the instructions for the rules of its use and operation. The instructions also contain tips on what to do if there is a malfunction in its operation.

The easiest way to unlock an external alarm is to re-close the car doors. To do this, get out of the car and close the door tightly. Then turn on the remote control to arm the car and wait about ten seconds. It is during this time that the car is armed. On some types of alarm systems, the arming process takes longer, from one to two minutes. Open the doors again using the remote control and try to start the engine. If the failure occurs due to the door switches, hood, or trunk lid, then the car will start.

An attempt to return parameters to factory settings using the key fob can work effectively. Due to the fact that there are very many types of alarm systems installed on cars, and at the same time the settings algorithm is also varied, resetting parameters and returning to factory settings must be carried out according to the instructions.

Situations arise when the central unit does not respond to commands sent by the key fob. In this case, you can use the Valet service button. The button may be located in a secluded place, where the hijacker will not find it and it will take time to find it through the wires.

The location of the Valet button is indicated in the description, but often installers choose its location at their own discretion. It is recommended that after installing the alarm, you check with a specialist in what place he placed it. Forgot to ask or bought a used car, and then there were problems with the signaling. No problem - the service button is easy to find along the wires coming from the central unit.

If the alarm system is blocked so that not only the engine does not start, but the doors do not open, then you need to open the door lock with the key. Opening the door will automatically trigger a loud sound alarm, which can be turned off by disconnecting the terminal from the battery. Using the dialing method or using a diagram, the terminal numbers on the central unit and the color of the wires are determined. Using this information or visually using wires with the corresponding color, we find the location of the button.

Switching to service mode (or unlocking) is individual for each type of anti-theft system. Therefore, how to use the Valet button is described in the manufacturer’s instructions. Basically, all actions are almost the same for most types of alarms.

Here is an example of Starline deactivation:

1. Open the car with the key.
2. Turn on the car's ignition and press jack three times (time limited to 20 seconds).
3. Turn off the ignition.
4. The siren will sound and the emergency lighting will turn on at intervals.
5. Starline deactivation is complete.
6. Start the engine.

Can't start with key fob

Next, we will consider the actions that need to be taken if the car cannot be started using the key fob.

• The condition of the batteries on the key fob is checked. They may run out. And replacing them will help solve the problem.
• There may be some damage on the key fob. Maybe he was dropped or hit. You need to autostart using an additional key. If the problem is with the key fob, you can take it to a workshop or buy a new one.
• You can re-register the key fob. Do this according to the instructions. If you can’t do it yourself, then turn to specialists.
• The problem may be with the temperature sensor. You can try to solve the problem by setting it to a higher temperature.
• You need to check that the immobilizer bypass is connected correctly. The problem is resolved by changing the number of turns. We also need to see if there are any breaks in the wires of the crawler system.

How to unlock the alarm

Autoworld

One common way to protect your vehicle from thieves is to install a car alarm. This protection system was invented several decades ago, and it successfully carries out the functions assigned to it. Previously, the vast majority of car enthusiasts relied more on IP street surveillance cameras, which they could freely order on the website, but today there is a huge selection of car alarms with various additional functions, produced by different manufacturers and in different price categories. However, a car alarm is, first of all, an electronic device that periodically malfunctions. Next, we discuss the phenomenon of blocking car alarms and provide some useful tips for unlocking car alarms.

So, let’s say that you had to face a problem in which the car alarm stopped responding to remote control presses and stopped unlocking the door locks. This can happen for several reasons. For example, the most common reason is that the battery installed in the remote control has run out. Another common problem can be a dead vehicle battery. Finally, more serious failures include a malfunction of the alarm control unit. In any case, these malfunctions require immediate intervention; thanks to the features of most car alarm models, it will not be difficult to unlock it and open the car door. It is much more difficult to unlock the engine, since electronic protection will not allow it to start.

What can you advise if you have problems blocking your car alarm?

You need to start your actions from simple to complex. First, you should replace the battery in the remote control, or use the second remote control included in the alarm kit and try to unlock the alarm with its help. If there are no results, you need to make sure that the car battery is charged. If the car alarm light does not blink, this is the first sign. In these cases, you can use the key to open the door, and if the security siren turns on, you should press the emergency button to turn off the car alarm installed in the car, called Valet. What to do if the control unit malfunctions? In this case, it is best to contact auto electricians who will either be able to adjust the unit or replace it.

After completing these simple manipulations, you can independently restore access to the machine. However, if you have no experience working with electronic devices, after you regain access to the car, contact a service station to make sure that the car alarm is working properly.

• ← Truck tractor TATA Prima 4938S
• Car engine cleaner →

How to fix problems

• First of all, you need to check the battery charge. If the charge is weak, then autostart may not work correctly. To fix the problem, carefully inspect the terminals and various connections. The level of the electrolyte is also checked. The charge level of the battery is checked with a device called a multimeter. Its level should not be less than 13.5 volts. If upon inspection it is clear that there are scratches on the case, then the problem can be eliminated by replacing the battery. Upon inspection, you will notice that the electrolyte is at a low level. Then you will need to top it up. If the charge is weak, then you need to properly recharge it.
• The status of the buttons is inspected. You need to check what level the charge is. If the reasons are minor, then the remote control can be disassembled, errors corrected, and cleaned. Broken parts are replaced with new ones.
• If moisture is noticed, the device is disassembled and dried. You cannot dry it on a radiator. This will damage the communicator.
• If necessary, change the battery.
• It is necessary to carefully inspect the key fob display. Maybe some pictograms appeared there. Finding them will help eliminate the causes.
• You need to check whether the system is working normally.

If the temperature outside is sub-zero, autostart may not work due to the condition of the battery.

The general principle of operation of autostart alarms Starline of different models

The automatic start system of Starline A91, A92, when sending a command from the remote control, works according to the following principle:

1. The ignition system duplication relay turns on. For a car, when you try to start it, this is the same as starting the engine with a key or button. The duration of the relay operation may differ depending on how the power unit is started - “cold” or “hot”. In the first case, at low air temperatures, the interval will be longer.
2. The anti-theft complex establishes communication with the engine blocker bypass module. The device automatically starts working and transmits a signal to simulate the presence of a chip.
3. A few seconds later, the first attempt is made to start the power unit. This happens after the glow plugs warm up and the fuel pump starts.

The following actions are determined by the settings of the “alarm” of Starline A91, A93 or another model. The system will rotate the car's starter mechanism for a time configured by the user. Gap data can be read via a digital interface.

If the anti-theft complex was connected using the analog method, then subsequent actions are determined by pulses:

• increasing the frequency of signals at the tachometer input;
• voltage generation in the vehicle's electrical network;
• increase in voltage.

The “VanGog Life” channel, using the example of a Renault Capture car, spoke about the principle of operation of the automatic engine start system.

Dependence of engine starting on air temperature

If it is cold outside, the engine can start automatically according to the ambient temperature level. For this, power units are equipped with special sensors that are mounted on the cylinder block or other metal surface adjacent to the engine. Also, the start can be implemented in accordance with the readings of the temperature controller built into the control unit.

Operating principle:

1. The user configures the sensor to autostart at a certain temperature. For example, at -20 degrees. At the time of changing the parameters, this value is about -10 °C or any other value other than -20.
2. The ambient temperature changes while the vehicle is parked. When this value decreases to -20 degrees, the sensor sends a corresponding signal to the alarm control unit.
3. The microprocessor module activates the ignition system relay, which leads to the engine starting.

Features of autostart on a car with a manual transmission

If the power unit with a manual transmission does not start, this may be due to the fact that the user has not programmed “soft neutral”.

In practice, the problem when a Starline A94 or another alarm model does not start the engine the first time is usually due to a lack of preparation of the car.

To solve this problem, perform the following steps:

1. A vehicle with the engine running stops, but the ignition does not turn off.
2. The gear lever is moved to the neutral speed position. The parking brake handle is raised, it should be working. If the vehicle rolls while parked, it may cause an accident.
3. On the alarm remote control, press key 1 and hold it for three seconds. The communicator should sound a melody. Over the next 30 seconds, the driver leaves the passenger compartment and turns off the ignition.
4. The key is removed from the lock; the engine should not stall yet. The user locks all doors, after which the engine will stop. The protection mode will turn on and the vehicle will be prepared for automatic start.

Photo instructions for diagnosing Starline autostart

Tips and tricks

If attempts to remove engine locks and start the engine are unsuccessful, then there is a high probability of a serious malfunction or failure of individual alarm elements. The result is random activation of engine locks, which cannot be disabled using standard methods. The faulty car must be taken to a service station, as removing the lock will require professional intervention.

The specified delivery can be carried out by tow truck. Another affordable way is to call an auto electrician who works on-site. Note that the final costs of paying for the service of on-site engine unlocking, disabling the car alarm, emergency opening of locks, etc. often turn out to be less than delivering the car to a service center by tow truck and paying for repairs at a technical center.

Engine start blocking is a function that is on the list of available options in almost any anti-theft system. In this case, the system contains an immobilizer that identifies the owner by a special tag and allows the engine to start. Conventional car alarms that have a similar function in their arsenal can also block the engine from starting.

According to experts who work with automotive electrical equipment, more than half of all unexpected cases are directly related to car alarm malfunctions. Note that the complexity of implementing locks in this case is noticeably simpler compared to complex anti-theft solutions. This significantly increases the chances of removing the engine start lock yourself in the event of a breakdown or malfunction. Next, we will look at what the driver should do if the alarm blocks the engine from starting.