Is it possible to replace the car alarm key fob with another one?

In this article, auto electrician Alexey Molotov answers the question “Is it possible to replace a car alarm key fob with another?”

Good day. and so, let's start with the fact that I (including my father's use) had an alarm key fob that stopped responding normally to the buttons. I had to press the button several hundred times to open the car or close it... but oh well... there was also sadness with the cable to the key fob display, it broke (it is still a mystery to me, HOW?) inside the case. Well, oh well, if there is an impact on the car, the key fob will work, and that’s the main thing. but then it became completely sad, sad, misfortune... falling one day, the LCD screen cracked... hmm... well, oh well... not sad, because you can replace the key fob. After walking around markets and shops for a long time, what did I see? starline A6 alarm key fob costs from 1800 rubles! Having cursed to myself, remembering the bad words of the sellers, I decided to find out how much it costs to connect the key fob to the signaling system, it turned out to be 500 rubles... and so 1800 + 500 = 2300 rubles! did you fall from the oak tree? Well, I thought nothing, and decided that now the advance payment will come, I’ll change it. But once I met my friend Berkutvsk, he told me that this miracle from China would cost about 700 rubles and it’s not all that difficult to connect! A keychain was ordered from China for 736.26 rubles. + 16 days of waiting (which is rare for Chinese parcels, whoever ordered will understand) and I’m the happy owner!

Then I found in the vastness of the great and mighty, there is no Russian language, the Internet, instructions for connecting key fobs.

A total of 4 key fobs can be stored in the alarm memory. Key fob codes are recorded when the security mode is turned off in the following order:

1. Turn on the ignition. 2. Press the service button for 6 seconds and release it after 4 siren beeps appear. 3. Press buttons 1 and 2 of the key fob with an LCD display simultaneously until one siren signal appears, confirming the recording of the first key fob into the system memory. (To record an additional key fob without a display, you need to press buttons 3 and 4 at the same time). 4. Repeat step 3 for all recordable key fobs. The recording of each key fob is confirmed by the corresponding number of sound signals. If the system does not receive the key fob signal within 6 seconds, it will automatically exit the recording mode, followed by 5 flashes of dimensions. 5. Turn off the ignition. Attention! When recording new key fobs, you must also rewrite the old ones, otherwise they will be deleted from the system memory.

I called Vasily and asked, just in case, you never know! but what if! in general, the eyes are afraid, but the hands do. Result: 10 seconds, 2 key fobs are registered in the alarm system, the car opens, closes,

No one is safe from damage or loss of the alarm key fob. If you don't have a spare key fob, you'll have to buy a new one. There is no need to buy a whole system kit. Most likely, you can find a keychain that suits you at retail. Whether it is possible to replace the car alarm key fob yourself is a controversial issue. However, you need to try anyway. Let's start by choosing the keychain that suits us.

Choosing a suitable keychain

As you know, without a key fob, controlling the security and some other options of your car is almost impossible. Finding the keychain you need will not be an easy task. It is worth looking only in specialized stores, in consultation with sellers. A more realistic option is to find a key fob for the security system in online stores. The most important thing is that the new key fob is suitable specifically for your security system, and it is possible to program it for it.

When purchasing a new key fob, remember all the functions that its predecessor performed. Usually there are two options: key fobs without a screen and with one. Key fobs with a screen can only transmit an impulse to the alarm control unit, thereby closing the door and trunk locks. Double-sided key fobs can not only send a signal, but also receive it when shock sensors are triggered.

Important! When purchasing a new key fob, be guided by the fact that key fobs are individually suitable only for their model. It will be impossible to reprogram a key fob from another model.

This circumstance is due to the fact that the control unit of your alarm and the lost key fob are programmed with the same unique code. Thanks to this code, your security responds specifically to your key fob, and not to hundreds of others.

When looking for the keychain you need, you will find that the prices for them are very different. It all depends on the model of your system. The more options it had, the more expensive the keychain will be. Moreover, if you have an old and rare system, it may be much cheaper to replace it completely.

What kind of Valet button is this?

Absolutely any system, be it an Alligator car alarm or any other model, must come with instructions. In which, in addition to a bunch of unnecessary information, it must necessarily describe how to attach a key fob. I’ll tell you right away, no matter what is drawn there, there won’t be any special differences from the method described above, and everything depends solely on the “Jack” button. No, this is not a playing card at all, but rather a kind of switch or reset, if you like. Finding this button is sometimes very difficult.

The main thing you need to understand is that it is always in the salon! You need to take a closer look under the instrument panel, steering column, near the alarm control unit and even in the glove compartment. It’s also worth inspecting all possible pockets and plugs; I have no doubt you’ll be able to find it! Otherwise, don’t be upset, maybe the button is simply not in your system, then its role is played by the ignition switch.

Reprogramming the key fob

• Adding new features;
• Emergency shutdown;
• Connecting new key fobs.

This button is most likely located inside your car and looks like a switch or lever.

Typically, in order to switch to this mode, you will need to enter a security code. It is programmed specifically to protect your car from disabling the alarm system by intruders.

After that, you write the code you need. It should be in the instructions. Never throw away the instructions from your security kit. All the necessary information is there. It is important to remember that for each alarm everything is completely individual.

For example, you need to know how many key fobs you can program. If you try to register a unique code on an extra key fob, it will be erased from the first one, and so on.

In fact, reprogramming a key fob is not a difficult task, however, you must be sure that both the key fob and the programming code are suitable for your alarm model. In any other case, it is better to contact specialists or replace the entire alarm kit.

Recommendations for preventing malfunctions

Tips to prevent your key fob from breaking:

1. It is not recommended to store your device in places exposed to moisture or high temperatures. This will lead to oxidation of the contacts on the board, as well as damage to the circuit as a whole, which is why the key fob will have to be thrown away.
2. Only working batteries should be used in the remote control, and if the power source fails, it must be replaced immediately. You should not store your communicator with a dead battery. The fact is that after the battery has reached the end of its service life, acid may be released from it. If the battery remains in the remote control, liquid will get onto the board and damage it.
3. Do not store the device at low temperatures. If the key fob then gets into a warm place, the frost on the key fob elements will begin to melt and turn into condensation.
4. It is recommended to use a protective case for the remote control. It will not protect against serious problems, but it can prevent the negative effects of dust and damage to the device from falls.

Installing a new alarm

If you cannot find the key fob you need, you will have to replace the security system completely. Don't be discouraged, this is a common occurrence as alarm models become obsolete, go out of stock and are replaced by other newer options.

When choosing an alarm system, you must be guided by your needs. Decide right away what is most important to you: a loud siren, all sorts of control sensors, or signal range.

Before purchasing an alarm, check that the kit is complete and includes instructions. It is recommended to buy the popular universal set. It is unlikely that it will disappear from sale in the near future and, in case of breakdown or loss, you will be able to find the spare parts you need. Typically, such an alarm kit includes:

• Central alarm control unit;
• Required wires;
• Siren;
• Antenna for transmitting a signal to the key fob and back;
• Key rings.

We also prepare tools: a knife, insulating tape, a multimeter, tape and several screwdrivers. Now you can proceed to installation.

We start with the installation of the central unit. It is most convenient to place it under the dashboard. When installing and dismantling unnecessary elements, do not forget that the wires must be immediately insulated. To do this we use electrical tape.

To make the correct electrical connections, use a multimeter. Figure out how to use it in advance. It is necessary to accurately understand its meaning. We are interested in wires with a -12V output. Having identified the necessary wires, we connect to them. It is necessary to connect with the dimensions, turn signals, engine indicator, etc.

After the work has been done, you need to find the main control relay for your central locking and connect to it. Now we can move on to installing the siren and antenna.

Having stretched the wires necessary for the siren, we connect one of them to the battery, the other directly to it. You can install it in any free space. It doesn't really matter.

And finally, using double-sided tape, attach the antenna to the windshield of your car in the upper left corner. Done, you can perform the test.

Design and principle of operation

As always, before moving on to practice, it will be useful to learn a little theory; believe me, in practice it often helps out. So, the standard alarm device looks something like this:

• Main unit;
• Transceiver antenna;
• Keychain;
• Shock sensor;
• Led indicator;
• Service button.

Previously, such systems worked on the principle of a static code, that is, there was one constant code that the key fob exchanged with the transmitter antenna. Naturally, it was too vulnerable, so after a while, experts introduced dynamic code. Of course, you can hack it, but it is much more difficult to do.

How to disable different alarm models without a key fob

When figuring out what to do if you have lost your alarm key fob, it is important to study the specifics of the operation of this device and the main reasons that can cause its failure. To turn off the alarm if the key fob is broken, you can use universal methods that are suitable for different models of such systems. Before this, you need to remove the terminals from the battery.

You can also turn off devices using the emergency method.

If it is not possible to use one of the listed methods, all that remains is to disconnect the alarm from the power supply. A similar process is carried out according to the following instructions:

1. You need to get the alarm unit located under the torpedo.
2. Next you need to pull out the wires and start the car.

If the above steps do not resolve the problem and you cannot start the engine, you will need to perform the following measures:

1. Study the placement and structure of the wiring to which the alarm wires are connected.
2. If there is a blockage, you need to cut the wire and connect its ends to the remote control device.
3. Disconnect the alarm wiring and connect the cut wire.
4. If access to the engine cannot be restored, this may be due to additional blockages.

The actions are repeated the number of times that corresponds to the numbers from the PIN code.

If you have to restore access to the Starline alarm system, you need to follow these instructions:

When emergency shutdown of models with a personal code, such as Starline A6, the following guidelines should be considered:

To remove the alarm on the Starline A8 model, just follow these steps:

1. Open the door mechanically.
2. Turn on the ignition.
3. Hold down the service mode button.
4. Turn off the ignition.

When servicing Tomahawk production systems, you will need to carry out the following manipulations:

If the above steps are performed correctly, the car will notify the driver that the alarm has been turned off by flashing the side lights 3 times.

There are 3 options to reinstall the alarm and key fob - pick it up if it was lost. The first solution involves the following actions:

• Opening the doors with the key and activating the ignition.
• Using the service mode button to disable security functions.

Another way consists of the following activities:

If the manipulations are performed correctly, a sound signal will sound.

The process of eliminating problems with Alligator alarms involves the following manipulations:

By completing these steps, you can start the service mode and deactivate all security functions that prevent the vehicle from starting normally.

Causes of problems

There are a number of reasons that cause problems in the operation of the car alarm key fob:

• Fall or hit. Depending on the intensity of the impact or the height of the fall, the degree of damage may vary. If deformation of the housing occurs, it is necessary to disconnect the security system from the power supply and get to the vehicle. If the quartz is shaken off, you will need to purchase a new communicator.
• Exposure to moisture due to falling into a puddle or container of water, exposure to rain, or exposure to high humidity levels. Any liquid leads to partial or complete failure of the working elements, especially the board on which the tracks are closed. If you remove the battery in time, this will reduce the risk of electrolyte penetrating important parts. Next you need to dismantle the mechanism and treat the tracks with an alcohol solution. After these steps, the buttons should work again without failure. If this is not the case, you will need to check the circuit using a tester and replace the buttons with new ones.
• Battery discharge due to short circuit in the circuit. If the battery is dead, you will have to buy a new one.
• Deformation of a button or a small section of the board. Such troubles appear when there is mechanical impact on the part. Sometimes it is enough to replace the button by going to a service center, but in most cases it becomes necessary to purchase a new remote control.
• Problems with communication with the car unit. They occur on older alarm systems manufactured by Tomahawk and Alligator, but also occur on more modern models. The problem can be resolved by programming the device.
• “Freezing” of the key fob, causing temporary disruptions in its operation. Trouble occurs when the battery is discharged or there is noise in the radio signal. To fix the breakdown, you need to turn off the alarm in emergency mode, drive a short distance and evaluate the performance of the mechanism. Sometimes you have to re-register.

How to start a car without a key fob

If the key fob is lost, starting the car may become more difficult. But if you know how to start a vehicle without a communicator, the problem will be solved. Since the siren is triggered at the same time as the key fob, you can trigger it to try to locate the device. To do this, just knock on the wheels or glass, or even try to break open the door.

If there is no positive result and before the key fob is restored, you will need to solve 2 problems:

1. Get into the cabin by disabling the alarm.
2. Find the alarm system control unit and the service mode button.

If the remote control is lost, you can get into the car using the key. If this tool is not available, you will have to seek help from specialists and perform an alternative opening.

Finally, you need to turn off the alarm, following the instructions for different models.

Entering programming mode

This mode is activated on all alarm systems in the same way: using the valet button, turning the ignition on and off in various combinations, as well as a combination of pressing buttons on the key fob, which are programmable. This combination is different for different manufacturers and it is built into the system by default. If for some reason it was changed, then it can only be restored programmatically, at a service station.

Settings with PIN code

The second version of the Sherkhan system can use a PIN code. To do this, turn on the ignition for 4 s. The first digit of the code is entered. When the dimensions flash, the second digit is also entered. Then the button on the key fob is pressed. Next, the procedure is carried out in accordance with the previous method. To exit the service mode, you must wait 4 seconds.

Knowing how to reprogram an alarm key fob, you can complete the procedure quickly in any situation. Failures occur especially often in inexpensive systems. To quickly restore the connection between the key fob and the control unit, you need to know the technology for connecting control panels with alarm systems.

System Features

This system can support up to 4 key fobs maximum.

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It is very important to pay attention to the model of both the key fob and the alarm; in some cases, car owners do not pay attention to the additional indices following the model name. It will not be possible to flash a key fob of the same model, but with a different index; you will need to replace the alarm key fob. You should replace the key fob with the exact same one you have, without any indexes.

The car owner should know that programming a Starline key fob into the alarm unit will not cost only the firmware of an additional key fob; you need to immediately write down the key fobs that you are going to use. Thus, having one working key fob and one unstitched one, when programming it is necessary to bind the key fob (old and new) at the same time.

This point is very important, because Many car owners are faced with a problem when the additional key fob works, but the main key fob does not work.

labavto.com

If the anti-theft system control panel is lost, the car owner is faced with a new problem. Some car enthusiasts see the solution to the problem only in buying a new alarm system, others are trying to choose only a key fob for their system. Read more about how car alarm key fobs are programmed and how to choose the right remote control.

Valta search plan

Along the entire perimeter of the cabin, we are exclusively interested in three zones where the ill-fated button may be located.

• Zone No. 1 - under the steering column. Don't be shy, in addition to visual inspection, try to feel it.
• Zone No. 2 - behind the ashtray or center console pocket. It’s better not to work too much with your hands here, limit yourself to your eyes.
• Zone No. 3 - under the glove compartment. Look and touch)!

If you don’t find Valet in these areas, look behind the fuse flap; the button may be located there too. The most important thing is don’t be nervous! I know that when we tie up, the alarm beeps every now and then, it’s terribly infuriating, but to achieve success you need to maintain composure!