Using autostart is a convenient thing, but on any more or less modern car it directly conflicts with the car’s standard anti-theft system. What do autostart circuits physically do? Turn on the ignition and power to the starter, bypassing the ignition switch. But at the moment when voltage appears on the circuits powered through the ignition line (regardless of how), the car’s standard immobilizer begins to request a response chip, which is either applied to a separate reader or located in the key itself. No response – engine starting is blocked. For successful autostart, the alarm must be able to simulate the presence of a chip in the reader’s coverage area - this task is performed by the immobilizer crawler.
General characteristics of the crawler
Starline produces several types of devices that work well with anti-theft systems Starline A91, A93 and others. The most common:
- VR-03 is a model that is capable of disabling engine blocking based on a signal from the alarm control unit at the time of remote start. For it to work, you need a duplicate of the chip key or part of it with a chip. The most hackable device.
- F1 - technology operates without a key, by controlling the vehicle controller via the CAN interface. After autostart, the steering wheel remains locked until the owner forcibly removes the lock. Hacking the system is more difficult and will take time.
- To work with 4th and 5th generation alarm systems, the Starline CAN LIN immobilizer crawler (3 in one) has been developed - a small board built into the “alarm” unit. Control is carried out without chips or keys. The system is the most secure from the point of view of theft.
How does it work
The standard immo on most cars includes:
- A transponder (radio response), which is physically located in the head of the key. The chip key has RFID - radio frequency identification tag.
- Electronic control unit (ECU) of the immobilizer - connects the car controller with an antenna and transponder, generates signals for the car controller, receives, decodes and compares the response from the chip with a given code.
- The antenna, most often surrounding the ignition switch. Through it, the interaction between the transponder and the ECU is carried out.
The standard system is designed in such a way that when a chip key is inserted into the ignition switch, the radio tag is read through the antenna of the immo control unit and identified.
If the codes match, the ban on starting the engine is lifted.
The Starline immobilizer bypass module is needed to obtain permission from the immo ECU to start the engine in the absence of a chip key in the ignition switch or near it (with a keyless system).
In the simplest system - VR-03, a duplicate key is used for this. In more complex versions of the devices, control is carried out by crawler software, without the need to hide a duplicate chip in the car.
Module composition
Configuration and functions of lineman elements:
- In VR-03 and analogues, the key with the transponder is placed in the crawler unit. For this purpose, the latter contains an electromagnetic coil of the code reader - a flat antenna, into which the chip key is fixed.
- When autostarting, a signal about a start attempt is sent from the car controller to the relay built into the module (usually made in blue) via the black control wire.
- The relay completes the electrical circuit. Through the remote loop antenna of the lineman, a radio signal from the chip is sent to the immobilizer antenna, which are located next to each other on the ignition switch.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the devices:
- make it possible to install remote and automatic start of the internal combustion engine on the car;
- ease of installation and operation;
- the operation of security systems is maintained;
- You can use the car if it is not possible to duplicate the key (with software control without a chip).
Disadvantages of devices that bypass the immobilizer:
- some installation difficulties that may arise during self-installation;
- reduced protection of the car against theft at the time of remote start of the internal combustion engine, because at this time the standard “immo” does not work.
What systems of operation of a regular immo exist?
All standard “anti-theft” systems work according to one of two systems, namely:
- RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). Such systems consist of a special chip located inside the key, which is connected to the immobilizer. In a situation where the device does not detect this key, the engine will not start. Systems of this type apply to European and Asian machines.
- VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). A system aimed at “Americans” has higher requirements (resistance and other characteristics). Only when all conditions are met does the control unit allow the engine to start.
The VATS system is considered the most difficult to bypass, since technologies are constantly being improved during the production of such devices. For example, the encryption in such devices is no longer 40-bit, but 80-bit, as a result of which it will be extremely difficult to bypass such an immo.
Healthy! In order to disable the standard immobilizer operating on the VATS system, it is enough to determine the resistance value of the resistor. Typically it ranges from 400-11800 Ohms. If you determine it, then all that remains is to select a part with the same indicator.
Today, the most popular devices are equipped with just such blocks (VATS), for example, the Starline i95 immobilizer. But you shouldn’t despair, since the same company that produces the best immos today also produces the highest quality linemen.
Installing the module yourself
Installing the Starline immobilizer bypass does not require knowledge of programming or physical intervention in the security alarm. Only 1 wire is connected from the engine starting module.
Before starting work, disconnect the vehicle's power supply from the battery by removing the terminal.
Connection diagram
The electrical connection diagram for the Starline immobilizer crawler will be clear even to novice auto electricians. Only 4 wires need to be connected.
Connect the module's + 12V power supply from the machine's network via the red wire. Management is going on black. 2 gray ones are needed for the antenna.
How to make an immobilizer bypasser with your own hands and what it is needed for, connection instructions.
Installation instructions
Most often, the device is installed with your own hands in a car behind the dashboard. You can go the classic route, or you can choose another more unconventional place. It is better that the unit is secured with self-tapping screws to a non-metallic surface in order to reduce the likelihood of shielding and signal interference.
Before installing the device, you need to open it and install a chip key or part of it containing a transponder into the flat antenna. The connection must be reliable, eliminating problems when the machine moves.
The procedure for connecting the crawler:
- The control signal from the starting system comes to the module input via the black wire, which is connected to the engine starting module.
- Gray wires are used depending on the car model. If the loop antenna is normally fixed on the ignition switch, then the gray pair is connected to it. If this is not possible, several turns of gray wire are wound onto the ignition cylinder, where the immobilizer antenna is located, at a minimum distance from the standard receiving element as an antenna.
- If the signal from the chip is weak, the developers recommend turning on the gray wires, breaking the standard “immo” circuit.
- Power + 12V to the module is supplied from the machine's network. You should select a connection location where there is voltage when the ignition is turned on.
Connection
The connection involves three wires - red, black and gray. The first is connected to a circuit with a voltage of 12 V - this is a power plus. The black circuit is the 70 mA negative control input. At the moment the negative potential is applied to the black wire, the electronic encryption code is identified. This wire connects to the remote start module output connector.
Also, do not forget that connecting the Starline immobilizer crawler also involves introducing an antenna into the network. The gray wires are designed specifically for this task. In the most common schemes, the complete antenna is attached to the ignition switch and connected to the connector at the end of the gray wires.
How to use it correctly
After installation, the unit requires training, without which it does not work.
You will need to find the service “signal” button. If the owner installed the security system with his own hands, there will be no problems. In another case, you will need to contact the installer or the service book to clarify the connection diagram. You can go from the alarm control unit along the wire to the place where the button is located.
Further actions:
- Turn off the ignition.
- Enter training mode (for Starline, press the service button 14 times).
- Turn on the ignition within 5 seconds.
- Wait until the system learns and confirms this with 2 siren signals.
If there are 4 of them, it means something went wrong. You need to check the connection and repeat the procedure.
Signs of immobilizer malfunction
The immobilizer, like any other equipment, is characterized by certain breakdowns that can cause the car owner a lot of inconvenience, in which the car “does not recognize” the owner:
- When turning the key in the ignition, the starter does not work.
- When you turn the key, the starter rotates, but the engine does not start.
- Constant flickering of the chip key indicator on the dashboard.
- The car does not respond to a pressed button on the key fob.
There are two types of immobilizer malfunctions:
- Software, caused by a software failure: a problem in the device itself or desynchronization of components (motor unit and key). Eliminated when restoring the software.
- Hardware having a mechanical cause. Occur when communication wires, contacts or board elements are damaged. Eliminated by repairing the immobilizer.
How to do it yourself
You can assemble the crawler for the standard immo with your own hands. For this you will need:
- Select a dielectric plastic case of a suitable size.
- As the main relay, you can use a 5-pin relay capable of operating in a vehicle network.
- The terminals of its coil must be connected to each other with a 1N4001 diode, so that + 12 volts goes to the cathode of the diode, and minus from the signal to start the internal combustion engine goes to the anode (i.e. in reverse polarity).
- You need to cut 1 of the wires of the standard antenna.
- To the normally closed contact of the relay you need to connect 1 wire from the standard immobilizer coil and 1 end from the crawler antenna.
- The 2nd end of the lineman's antenna is connected to the normally open contact.
To the remaining free contact we connect 2 wires from the standard coil. The chip can be removed from the key and inserted into a homemade crawler antenna, wrapped tightly with electrical tape.
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Alternative ways to bypass the immobilizer
The simplest solution to the problem of bypassing the immobilizer without a special module is to completely disconnect it from the power supply. This method works, but you need to understand that without a transponder there is still a risk of any attacker who knows how to use code grabbers gaining access to control the car.
Another solution would be the Starline immobilizer bypass in the form of a key, which is simply left in the car without connecting to the alarm system. To unlock the transponder, you need to send a signal from the key fob to the crawler - the immobilizer will also pick it up and provide access to start.
Unlock process
When the immobilizer is active, the ignition must be turned on. At the same time, the immobilizer lamp on the instrument panel will begin to blink, indicating that the immobilizer has blocked the engine from starting. What to do next? Press and hold the gas pedal, after which the lamp will stop flashing.
Now we need to enter the code using the on-board computer button. To do this, the button must be pressed in an amount equal to the first digit of the code. Let's release the gas pedal, the light will start flashing again. The action described above must be carried out for all numbers.
Once all the code has been entered, the lamp will remain on all the time. This is a good sign that the engine is unlocked and can now be started. There is no need to be surprised if, after pressing the button on the key with the transmitter, the immobilizer blocked the engine from starting on the Prior. What to do in this case? It's okay, it's okay.
If you enter the wrong code three times in a row, the next attempts are possible only after 15 minutes. To configure other keys, you need to unlock the immobilizer. His light should not be on. Then you need to turn the ignition on and off, quickly press the central locking control button. The doors will close and open again (or vice versa). The immobilizer light will come on. Within the next 15 seconds you need to do the following:
- Point the IR key at the signal receiver and press the key button 2 times with an interval of one and a half seconds. The doors should open and close.
- Now we need to carry out similar actions with the keys that we want to program for the current immobilizer.
All actions need to be carried out only once for each linked key. Note that this is a generalized process. If the immobilizer has blocked the engine of a Nissan Almera or another car from starting, then perhaps unlocking and binding the keys is carried out a little differently. In any case, information about this is in the instructions.
Trailblazer automatic transmission repair: when might it be required?
Most often, the car is found with a 4.2 liter gasoline engine or a more torquey 2.8 liter diesel engine. Sometimes on the Russian market there are models with 6.0 liter V8 or 3.6 and 3.8 liter V6 engines. Depending on the configuration, the model can be equipped with the following automatic transmission series: 4L60E, 6L50, 4L70E or TB-61SN.
On average, the service life of a hydromechanical automatic transmission on a Chevrolet Trailblazer is 200-230,000 km, subject to maintenance regulations
For stable operation of the transmission, it is important to maintain temperature conditions and completely replace the transmission fluid at least once every 50,000 km. In addition, for highly loaded engines or with an aggressive operating style, it is highly recommended to install an additional cooling radiator with a bypass thermostat, which will avoid overheating of the transmission.
You can determine the imminent failure of the Chevrolet Trailblazer automatic transmission by the following signs:
- Transmission jerks or shocks when changing gears.
- Transmission fluid leakage or problems with oil pressure in the automatic transmission.
- Reduced engine dynamics and increased fuel consumption.
- Extraneous sounds or vibrations observed while the transmission is operating.
- Difficulty switching the transmission or its selector between operating modes.
Important! When the transmission goes into emergency mode, or in the event of its unstable operation, it is extremely important to immediately contact a car service for software diagnostics or a full troubleshooting. This will allow you to identify and eliminate automatic transmission faults at the local level, which significantly reduces the cost of repairs and increases its service life.
Chevrolet Trailblazer automatic transmission repair
Our organization specializes in the restoration and maintenance of hydromechanical transmissions, including those for the Chevrolet Trailblazer. All work is carried out only with certified tools and using dealer diagnostic equipment, and repairs and restoration are carried out only after troubleshooting the transmission and using genuine components and consumables.
A complete diagnosis of the automatic transmission before the start of repairs allows you to fully determine its technical condition and all defects, including hidden ones. During repairs, we fully adhere to dealer repair technology and eliminate all problems with transmission components - as proof, all restored models are covered by a warranty of up to 60 thousand kilometers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of immo Starline crawlers:
- low price for devices of this quality, which make it possible to protect the engine blocking circuits from hacking;
- effective operation of the device and its productivity;
- after installation, the device is automatically synchronized with the machine’s systems and integrated into its type;
- the presence of the device makes it easier to use the remote engine start function;
- installing a blocker bypass will not in any way affect the operation of security systems and other electronic devices, of course, if the installation is done correctly;
- ease of installation and operation;
- immo crawlers work well with systems equipped with the option of remote starting of internal combustion engines;
- The blocker bypass module can function without constant use of the standard immo key.
The only disadvantages include the difficulties that consumers may encounter when connecting. If you do not have experience in implementing such tasks, then it is better to seek help from electricians.
Best models
To simplify the process of choosing a device that bypasses the immobilizer, you should familiarize yourself with the list of the most popular models. Among them:
- Fortin evo all.
- Idatalink ads al ca.
- Starline bp 05.
Fortin Evo All
The device is sold at a price of 5.5 thousand rubles, and the total costs including installation work are 9.5 thousand rubles. This keyless crawler can be installed on different models of car alarms, demonstrating high quality performance and reliability. The basic kit contains a crawler module and a set of wiring harnesses for installation.
Idatalink Ads Al Ca
It costs 500 rubles. cheaper than the previous model and is in particular demand among Russian car owners. The device performs its functions efficiently and fits well with a key fob or standard key. If necessary, the lineman can be easily removed and installed on another machine.
Starline Bp-05
The device is sold at a price of 1.3 thousand rubles. and is the main decoy for popular car alarms produced by Starline. The advantages of the model include:
- No difficulties in self-installation and maintenance. You can install this device yourself without the help of a mechanic.
- Versatility and good interaction with different models of alarm systems.
