StarLine car alarm malfunctions when opening/closing doors

One of the most common problems faced by car owners who have equipped their vehicles with an anti-theft system is that the Starline alarm does not lock the doors with the key fob. The reasons for such problems can be quite different and the most common among all include:

• presence of a manufacturing defect;
• failure of the battery;
• installation problems;
• damage to limit switches or other wires;
• poor performance of sensors, in particular due to frost;
• malfunction of the auto-locking function;
• malfunctions in the central locking.

Each cause is indicated by certain symptoms. For example, flashing LEDs indicate, first of all, problems with the limit switches, and the door not opening while the locking is functioning indicates problems in programming.

If the car alarm does not want to close or open the door, the first step is to start by replacing the batteries in the key fob. And only if this does not help, you need to start looking for another potential cause of the malfunction. If there is a need to completely re-flash the software, it is better to contact specialists so as not to lose the warranty.

What to do if Starline does not open or close doors using the key fob

Faced with a situation where the control panel is unable to open or close the vehicle doors, despite the fact that the key fob display displays various error codes or incomprehensible messages, the first thing the car owner should pay attention to is the correct installation and configuration of the anti-theft system. First check all electrical circuits and reset all settings to factory settings.

If even after these steps it was not possible to correct the situation, then you should refer to the instructions and study the various options for breakdowns.

Automatic door lock control

Automatic control of door locks allows alarm systems, for example, Starline B9, after the necessary settings, to unlock and lock them after pressing the pedal or waiting for a certain time. If it does not work, despite all the settings being correct, and the doors stop closing, then most likely the problem lies in the limit switches or the fact that the electric drive is connected to the lamp. The first is evidenced by the situation when the system beeps when trying to close the doors.

In the case of Starline B9, the problem may lie in the fact that a drive model other than Sl 2 2 X is installed. In this case, a complete replacement of the wire with the correct modification is required.

StarLine alarm with auto start does not lock or open doors

Many models of alarms from Starline can boast of having automatic engine start. This applies to such popular complexes as A93, E93, A9, A94, B94 and A91. In the case of such systems, problems with closing doors may have a specific origin. The main breakdowns that a car owner has to deal with:

• poor connection of the central ignition lock;
• Closing the seat belt plug on the driver's side.

The second type of problem is easy to identify, because it simulates an opening and the key fob shows the door open, although the car is closed. The breakdown is corrected by repairing the chains responsible for the belt.

If the door does not close when the engine is running, then the problem is most likely in the end contacts. This is indicated by a beeping sound and intermittent lighting of the diodes. As a result of this breakdown, the engine stalls without starting. You can get them to work by replacing them with new ones. They also check if there are any problems with the firmware.

The door open button does not work

Sticking of the door opening and locking button, especially in the Starline A39 and A6 anti-theft systems, most often occurs due to problems with the central ignition lock. In such cases, car owners usually have to deal with oxidation of the wires leading to the central signaling unit or their breakage. The only way to fix the situation is to install a new wire.

The button often does not work after replacing batteries. In this case, you just need reprogramming. For this:

• turn off the ignition if it is working;
• find and press the Jack key seven times;
• turn the ignition back on;
• wait for seven beeps;
• press the second and third buttons on the remote control at the same time, to which it responds with a beeping sound;
• turn on the ignition again.

After this, the door opening function is programmed in accordance with the table in the user manual.

The Starline alarm does not close the doors using the key fob, but it works when opening them

Owners of cars equipped with the Starline A61 security model are sometimes faced with a situation where the system refuses to close the door with the key fob, but opens it. Typically, a similar situation occurs after a mechanical impact on the door, for example, a blow. In this regard, damage to the connection circuits occurs, due to which communication with the limit switches begins to work incorrectly. The only way to repair is to replace damaged wires.

StarLine alarm opens and immediately closes doors

A malfunction that owners of a Hyundai Solaris vehicle most often encounter. It is associated with the peculiarities of connecting the circuits to the central locking, as a result of which the correct operation of the locking sensor is affected by a special seat belt plug. The problem is equally common when using Starline A63, A91 and A92 signaling devices. For proper operation of the system, the seat belt cover must be removed.

StarLine closes the door the second time

Sometimes anti-theft systems are faulty, and they do not open or close the doors with the key fob the first time. Most often this happens with the popular Starline A93, A61 and B9 complexes. There may be several reasons why timely opening or closing does not occur:

• interference during signal transmission from the main processing unit to the control panel and back;
• failure of the control panel itself;
• radio unit malfunction.

In the first case, everything is solved by simply going to a more open area. If the cause of interference is the location of the antenna too close to its source in the car’s design, then it is moved. In the second case, the problem is often accompanied by the fact that the key fob screen shows incorrect information about the operation of the system. The best repair method is to replace the device. Repairing the radio unit is the most difficult operation. Therefore, if the reason is its malfunction, you will need the help of a specialist and contact a service center.

The alarm goes off on its own

False alarms are also possible due to problems with the closed door sensor after arming. The problematic device shows that the door is open when in fact it is not. The reason why the sensor behaves this way may lie in problems with the software or in its incorrect installation.

In the first case, the system mistakenly identifies the door as open. Usually the breakdown occurs in models with a 2CAN module and is solved by flashing it. If the LED constantly blinks, then the sensor is in the wrong position. For example, due to its proximity to metal parts, the system simply does not see it. The problem is typical for alarms such as the Starline A8, popular for installation on the Chevrolet Niva.

The alarm locks only the driver's door or the other 3 doors

This is not such a rare situation, especially when installing a Starline A6 signaling system on a Chevrolet Aveo T250, when the latter’s remote control opens or closes only the driver’s door, or vice versa - everything except it. In this case, the reason lies in 90% of cases in incorrect routing of contacts or their damage. To assess how correctly the cable is laid, it is carefully examined, starting from the driver's seat. Inspect the area of ​​transition from the body to the door and gradually move to the area of ​​the window lifters. After that they look at the rest of the car. If the wire is damaged, it is replaced with a new one.

Technical methods for unlocking engine starting

The engine starting system in a car alarm is blocked by:

• via CAN bus with complex programming of modes;
• by starter (starter solenoid relay circuit breaker relay);
• along the fuel pump circuit;
• along the power supply circuits of injectors and injectors.

There are more sophisticated interlocks: in the limit switch of automatic transmission modes, in the power and communication circuits of the immobilizer, in the break in the circuits of the engine control unit. Such locks are made either on an individual order or during self-installation. The bad thing is that in most cases they are forgotten, and then unlocking them is extremely difficult.

In any case, work must begin by gaining access to the head unit of the car alarm. It is usually located under the dashboard, behind the fuse and relay box, to the left of the pedals in the lower left corner of the cabin, behind the trim. The place chosen is usually extremely inconvenient for work.

Additional fuses and relays should “hang” near the head unit. You should start by checking them. Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get to them. You need to soberly assess your capabilities. Something like this may appear before your eyes.

It is necessary to separate all the standard wires from the alarm system, if possible, remove it closer.

It is necessary to check the connections between the alarm wiring and the standard electrical wiring of the vehicle. If the connections are poor, the connection may be broken.

The quality of the alarm installation can be judged by the quality of insulation of the connection points. Experienced installers place the wire connections in heat-shrinkable tubes (more mechanically reliable, moisture does not penetrate into them).

If an alarm system is installed that operates via a CAN bus, when this bus is disconnected, the blocking may be removed automatically. You should check this option. To do this, it is necessary to disconnect all contacts from the alarm head unit.

If this option does not work, you need to look for all the relays that the alarm serves. They can “hang” next to the alarm unit or be fastened with a plastic clamp. If the alarm is installed poorly, the relay may look something like this.

In order to restore the blocking, you can close the blocking contacts of the relay yourself. To do this, you need to use the relay circuit located on its body. You can carry out this operation without a circuit if you have a multimeter at hand.

As a last resort, you can use a screwdriver or knife to open the plastic relay cover (there are latches there). Then you should press the relay armature with your finger, closing the contacts forcibly. Before this, of course, you should check whether the relay is activated when the ignition is turned on or started. If it works, opening it will be useless.

If your car is equipped with an alarm system with auto start, a possible reason for the start failure may be a malfunction of the immobilizer bypass. The electrical circuit for its inclusion can be organized using a sequential method.

In this case, a break in the wires leading to it can lead to the standard immobilizer blocking the start. Geographically, the lineman is usually located under the steering column, or hidden behind the relay and fuse box. You need to find it and check the wiring. If a keyless crawler is used, a software failure of the device may occur. Then you need to temporarily disable the auto-start function on the alarm.

How to disable automatic door closing

The Starline alarm system automatically arms the car 30 seconds after disarming it, if there is no one inside the cabin and the doors auto-close. To avoid this, you need to reprogram function 5 from the user manual to the fourth option.

Today, alarm systems are the main means of protecting a car from thieves and intruders. You can control the operation of this device remotely using a special small remote control called a key fob. However, despite its reliability, this advanced protection system can still fail. Therefore, when the car key fob alarm does not open, many people simply do not know what to do. In this case, simply open the car with the key, and you can figure out the reasons for such a breakdown later.

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Comments 22

The situation was exactly the same. I cured it only by replacing and reflashing the key fob.

I had the following: I asked the alarm to be integrated with the original glass lifts, so that it would cover the windows as well. As a result, there was such a joke: if the windows are closed and I set the alarm, the alarm would open the locks. If the windows were open and the alarm was covering them, then she could only disarm the alarm, but only open the doors with a key. We turned off the auto glass adjustment and the problem went away.

I don’t have such a system. Thank you for your concern, as one of the options...

The electrician explained the following to me: there is such a function, he called it to me as “arrest”. The point is that you can just close it with the key half a turn and that’s it. And if you turn the key further, or hold it longer, then you can only open the car with the key. In general, the function for our latitudes is interesting in terms of additional protection. If, for example, you put the car on the alarm and lock the locks, then if the code grabbers read the alarm, the attackers will only be able to disarm the security, and the doors will be closed. And in my case, somehow this blocking was caused when finishing the glass. Perhaps in your case this is also the reason for the problem with opening. Or it is possible that the signal from the alarm to the central locking system simply does not arrive to open it. Here my knowledge of auto electrics is not enough to give practical advice. Maybe check all the contacts for oxidation or other defects.

Possible problems with the key fob

Most often, the car does not open with the key fob alarm precisely because of problems with the small remote control itself. There is a very high probability that the batteries may have run out. Therefore, replace them first.

Now carefully inspect the keychain itself. If this device is equipped with a screen, then pay attention to whether it lights up after you press the corresponding button. If there is no screen, then look for a diode, which very often car owners install themselves, signaling a low battery charge.

If you need to open the car urgently, and there are no spare batteries in your pocket, do not be discouraged and try to follow a certain procedure. Remove the old batteries from the remote control and knock them together several times. Now return the batteries to their original place and try opening the car again.

It is possible that the car does not open with the key fob alarm due to a breakdown of the remote control itself. In this case, the problem lies in a special sensor. This can occur as a result of pressing the car unlock button very often (for example, accidental presses in your pocket). If you have a spare remote control, use it to open the car.

Car battery is dead

Many people ask the question: why doesn’t the car unlock with the key fob alarm? Of course, it is impossible to give a definite answer, but in fact there can be many reasons. An equally common problem is a dead battery. If you find yourself in such a situation, then get as close as possible to your iron friend and press the button one more time. Very often, carrying out such a manipulation helps to open the car, but there is a very small chance that you will be able to drive it away. After all, the battery is completely discharged.

The remote needs to be reprogrammed

Sometimes the Starline key fob does not open the car because it needs to be reprogrammed. The algorithm for registering keys for each Starline alarm model is specified in the operating manual. For example, here are the instructions for Starline A91:

• Press the Valet service key 7 times (located in a secluded place in the cabin, near the driver);

• Start the car and wait for the beep sound 7 times. Done, you have entered programming mode;
• Press buttons 2 and 3 on the key fob at the same time and hold until one short beep sounds;

• If there is a second remote control, immediately repeat the previous manipulation on it (interval no more than 5 seconds);
• When you have registered all the key fobs, turn off the ignition;
• If everything is in order, the car will flash its lights 5 times in a friendly manner.

Radio interference problems

If the car does not open with the Starline alarm key fob, then the problem may be hidden in radio interference. Sometimes the signal from your remote control may be jammed. This happens very often, especially if you are in a difficult to reach area. In this case, it will be quite difficult to open the car. For example, radio waves will weaken significantly if you are near facilities such as an airport, military base, or other important government installations. To check for radio wave interference, look at your cell phone.

In order to still open your car, bring the remote control as close as possible to the signal receiver and press the button one more time.

Software glitch

The reason why the car does not open with the Sherkhan key fob alarm may be a software failure between the remote control itself and the signal receiver. In this case, the only way to eliminate the current problem is to reprogram the link. To do this, use emergency mode. Remove the wires from the alarm unit, turning off the control. Now you need to synchronize its operation with the alarm panel.

In fact, it is not difficult to carry out such an operation, so every driver can do it independently.

However, sometimes there are times when you cannot cope with the problem on your own. The reason for this lies in the disappearance of the software from the memory of the equipment itself. In this case, you will have to contact a service center to have your device flashed and reprogrammed.

Lack of wave transmission capability

Sometimes situations arise when certain conditions do not allow the signal to be transmitted from the key fob to the starline radio. This situation can also include a dead battery on the control panel, but this is far from the only reason for the inability to transmit waves.

If the key fob fails, then solving the problem will be much more difficult, since you will need to purchase and configure a new control panel. In some cases, specialists can simply fix the problem, but it is almost impossible to solve the problem yourself. This car can only be opened with a key.

Something is wrong with the car's electronics

If the car does not open with the Tomahawk alarm key fob, then the problem may lie in faulty car wiring or other electronic problems.

For example, a significant voltage surge may occur in the alarm control system itself, which will render it unusable. Or, conversely, problems with the control unit itself will lead to general problems with the wiring of your car. The most common sign of a malfunction in the alarm system is that it switches off and on on its own. The system also begins to respond poorly to given commands, and over time it completely fails.

If you have even the slightest suspicion of a possible breakdown, do not waste time, immediately go to the service center.

Other reasons

There are other reasons for car alarm malfunctions, which lead to the fact that it does not close the doors or goes off with a delay.

• Software failure due to activation of security mode when the door is open. In this case, when the door is subsequently locked, the doors will open and will be locked after deactivation. To fix the problem, simply reprogram the remote control, making sure to connect the wires correctly.
• Wiring problems or wiring errors leading to parallel operations. As a result, when you press the buttons on the control panel, the central locking opens or closes.
• If the door lock problem occurs after activating the automatic start, simply review the alarm installation diagram or reinstall the software.
• If there are no external signs of damage, but the display is faulty, you may need to isolate the system from radio interference.

Disturbances in the operation of transmitting elements occur when the vehicle is within walking distance of:

• Airport.
• Busy metropolis with many means of transport.
• Secret military facility.
• Big business.
• Automobile stations.

The signal loses quality even near reinforced concrete structures.

If the signal does not reach the remote control, there is a possibility of a software failure that has led to a loss of communication between the controller and the receiver. If possible, the system can be reprogrammed to suit you. To do this, you need to turn off the control panel in emergency mode by disconnecting the wires, and then synchronize the device with the remote control.

To reprogram the remote, you need to follow the step-by-step instructions.

Sometimes the lack of communication between the communicator and the central unit leads to the disappearance of a running application from the internal memory of the device. In this case, it will not be possible to synchronize the remote control with the ECU. Before this, you need to restore the firmware.

Door breakdowns

Sometimes situations occur (especially with used cars) when the informant on the key fob shows that the car doors are open, but in reality everything is completely different. In this case, you need to pay attention to the condition of the doors themselves. Check that the central locking system is in working order, as well as all fuses and vehicle wiring. This problem usually occurs in regions with very cold climates. This happens because the machine's mechanisms simply freeze.

Types and signs of Starline system failures

Possible signs of malfunctions and problems in the Starline signaling system:

1. When closing the door elements of the body, one or more locks are activated.
2. After locking the locks, all elements open automatically and almost instantly.
3. When you open the car's central lock, you can only unlock one or more doors, for example, the driver's door. The problem may appear on vehicles with a Starline alarm while the engine is running.
4. One or more functions have stopped working. The system may have stopped responding to pressing certain buttons or combinations thereof.
5. When you unlock and close the doors, the communicator displays incorrect data. Information that signals are sent from the remote control to close and open locks is displayed on the key fob display. Perhaps the locking elements do not work completely or are partially activated, but the alarm on the screen shows their functionality.
6. The door lock switches off spontaneously.
7. In addition to problems with the central locking, the power unit in the car does not start. If this is not related to the operation of the engine itself, but it cannot start, the reason may be due to the anti-theft system.

More details about the central locking device

The central lock consists of:

• Control unit;
• Input sensors (microswitches);
• Executive devices.

The control unit is the brain center that manages signals, sends commands to actuators and analyzes the operation of the system. The unit processes the encrypted signal, after which it decides whether it is possible to close or open the doors and other elements under the control of the central locking system (glass, hatch, trunk, hood, etc.).

Why don't key fob locks work?

Key fob locks may not work due to the following reasons:

• problems with the communicator;
• dead battery in the car;
• improper installation of the anti-theft system;
• mechanical damage to any of the wires;
• problems with the central locking;
• Difficulty opening doors after auto start;
• problems after replacing the battery;
• no signal is generated or recognized.

Problems with the key fob

Problems associated with closing and opening doors can also be caused by a low battery in the key fob. You need to change the battery and check the functionality of the system.

If, after replacing the battery, the alarm still does not close the doors using the key fob, possible reasons may be:

• mechanical malfunction of the internal components of the communicator;
• failure due to exposure to moisture on the device;
• antenna module failure;
• clogging of contact pads and board elements.

To troubleshoot problems, the following solutions are provided:

1. The battery is removed from the key fob. To do this, you need to remove the back cover of the device.
2. The body is being disassembled. Depending on the alarm model and its year of manufacture, this procedure may be performed differently. To disassemble the case, you need to unscrew the bolt connecting its halves. The latter can be located in a special compartment behind the back cover or directly on it.
3. All components are cleaned using a dry cloth or brush. Any traces of debris and dirt that could cause poor contact must be removed. In some cases, if the stains cannot be removed, you can use alcohol by moistening a cotton swab with it. Pouring liquid directly onto the board is not allowed, as this will damage it.
4. A visual diagnosis of all components is performed. In practice, poor contact, disconnected wires or a defective capacitor can be seen; the latter should swell. A multimeter is used to test the tracks on the board.
5. Failed parts of the key fob are replaced with new ones. Components are replaced by soldering. For example, if a button is changed, it must first be carefully unsoldered and then re-fixed; a soldering iron with a thin tip is used to complete the task.
6. If the display in the key fob is being replaced, but the new screen must be carefully glued. The glue itself is applied carefully in a thin layer around its perimeter.
7. Further assembly of the device is carried out in reverse order.

Car battery is dead

If the alarm does not open the door locks and generally does not function properly due to a low battery, the user must:

1. Open the engine compartment.
2. Perform a visual check of the battery. A possible problem may be a mechanical defect in the housing, due to which an electrolyte solution has leaked out of it.

Further testing of the battery is performed using a tester (multimeter) as follows:

1. The terminals are disconnected from the device. It is recommended to clean the clamps immediately, since oxidation on the contacts also leads to incorrect operation of the system.
2. The battery cans are opened and the water level in them is checked. If the electrolyte does not cover the working surfaces of the internal battery cells, adding liquid is required. For this, only special distilled water, sold in car dealerships, can be used.
3. Voltage diagnostics are performed on the vehicle with the engine turned off, and then it is started and the parameter is rechecked. The operating value should be no less than 12 and no more than 13.8 volts. In the first case, the problem will be in the battery being discharged, in the second - in its overcharging.
4. If necessary, the battery is charged; if this does not help, the battery should be removed and a new one installed.

Spontaneous operation

Spontaneous activation of the “alarm” may be due to the following reasons:

• problems with door mechanisms;
• incorrect operation of sensors;
• environmental influence.

Problems with door mechanisms

If the door mechanisms malfunction, the cause should be sought in the following elements:

• fuses - devices could have burned out or parts that did not meet the rating were installed;
• wires for connecting door locks - electrical circuits wear out and are interrupted;
• limit switches (triggers);
• central locking - mechanical damage to one of the structural components or breakdown of the control unit.

To check the operation of the lock products, insert the key into the driver's door and lock the car. If the central locking is working, then all devices should be locked. Otherwise, it is necessary to check all connectors for products installed in each door, as well as the integrity of the electrical circuits. In fact, the cause of the malfunction is usually a lack of contact on the central locking control unit block.

The cause of the problem may also be a disconnected contact from the trigger. To resolve the problem, reconnect the cable.

It is important to know

If the triggers break down, the devices are replaced immediately. These parts are inexpensive, so there is no point in repairing and restoring them.

Incorrect operation of sensors

If the sensors are not configured correctly, the alarm will turn on the alarm mode for no reason, reacting to passing cars and running animals. Moreover, the system can be activated in strong winds.

To eliminate the cause, you must perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect all electrical equipment in the vehicle and turn off the ignition system.
2. Gain access to the controller that is to be configured. The main requirement for such devices during installation is their placement in the central part of the body. Because of this, their installation is usually carried out on a panel separating the engine compartment from the car interior.
3. After gaining access, the cable and the quality of the sensor connection are checked. If necessary, replace the electrical circuit and clean the contacts on the connector from dust and oxidation.
4. The sensitivity of the sensor is being changed; the operating parameter should be set to a minimum. For this purpose, devices are equipped with special regulators that need to be turned counterclockwise. Some systems are equipped with three- and two-level sensors that allow you to change the sensitivity of the alarm or warning zone.
5. When changing the operating parameter, it is recommended to check the operation of the controller by periodically tapping the vehicle body.

Video: adjusting the car alarm shock sensor

The “AVTOservis Nikitin” channel in its video showed in detail the process of changing the sensitivity parameter of the shock controller.

Environmental influence

Incorrect operation of the alarm may be due to two factors related to environmental influences:

1. High humidity outside will lead to dampness of the contacts and components of the system. To fix the problem, you need to either dry out all structural components or wait until the weather stabilizes.
2. Low temperatures. Severe frost will cause the system to take longer to respond. The alarm carries out commands sent from the key fob, but does so with a delay. It is possible that the alarm will not respond to remote control presses at all. The only thing that can be recommended here is to park the car in an insulated garage.

What to do if the alarm stops responding to the key fob?

If the alarm stops responding to the key fob, the only option to disable the anti-theft system is emergency deactivation.

A special password may be required to complete a task. Depending on your system settings, the code may not be used.

On Starline A1 and A4 models, emergency shutdown without a password is carried out as follows:

1. The car door opens.
2. The ignition is activated. The system must be left turned on for 20 seconds.
3. Press the button to enter the alarm service mode three times.
4. The ignition is turned off. Security mode must be deactivated.

On the same alarm models, emergency shutdown using a code is performed as follows:

1. The car door opens, the ignition is turned on and the engine starts.
2. Using the service button, enter the first digit of the password. The number of clicks must correspond to the symbol.
3. Then the ignition is turned off and immediately on.
4. Using the service button, you enter the second digit of the password. After turning off the ignition, the security mode should turn off.