Remote auto start for a car: how to install automatic car engine start, how it works and how to use it

03/03/2022 1,817 Electrical

Author: Victor

Auto start for a car is a function with which the consumer has the opportunity to start the car engine while being at a distance. But to implement this option, the vehicle must be equipped with a special device - a module.

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What is an engine autostart unit?

The remote automatic start system on a car operates from a control device. The latter is located in the car interior behind the control panel or in the engine compartment. By design, such a module is a device made in a small plastic or metal case. Inside it there is a control board and several relays. The module itself is connected to the vehicle’s standard on-board network using a separate cable included in the kit.

Control methods

Systems that allow starting remotely and warming up the machine can operate in two modes:

remotely by manual command;
automatically.

You can start the engine manually in winter or summer by sending a command. The power unit is turned on by pressing a key located on the control key fob. The driver can also turn on the engine using a special command sent from the phone. If a key fob is used, the remote start capability is usually limited by its range. On average it ranges from three hundred to five hundred meters.

An internal combustion engine running on diesel or gasoline can be started automatically. In this case, the distance between the car owner with the remote control and the vehicle does not matter. The function is configured in advance by the driver so that the power unit starts under certain conditions.

Eg:

at the specified time;
at a specific interval, for example, hourly;
in accordance with the ambient temperature;
according to the same parameter, only motor oil or antifreeze;
when the voltage in the vehicle’s on-board network decreases;
Some autostart units allow you to start based on the air temperature in the cabin.

Types of GSM car alarms

Car alarms with GSM can transmit data about intrusion into the car using the following methods:

SMS messages are sent to the phone every time the central locking status changes;
An automatic call is sent to the phone if there is any sign of the lock being broken;
In two ways at once - this helps to draw the driver’s attention to the signals that the smartphone gives him.

Principle of operation

Features of the functioning of the installed unit on a car with a manual or automatic transmission:

A command is sent to the control module to start the power unit. If an alarm is installed on the vehicle, then it, together with the engine blocking, is turned off. The starter mechanism begins to rotate.
If the power unit starts, the parking lights or light alarm of the car will begin to blink. The diode indicator on the control panel may blink.
Some systems, after starting the internal combustion engine, can independently monitor the parameters of the speed controller. It is possible to monitor the pressure of the engine fluid or the voltage in the machine's electrical network.
When the power unit starts up, the starter unit turns off automatically.
If the engine does not start, the module will make several attempts to start it. A certain interval will be observed between turning the starter mechanism. With each subsequent attempt, the latter will spin for a longer duration.
More advanced modules can independently find the possible reason why the power unit could not start.

The “MagicSystemsOfficial” channel talked about the operating principle of Agent MS GSM devices.

Instructions for installing autorun

Before installing a remote start unit, you need to make sure that the alarm system supports this function. Installation of an autostart module is not possible on all vehicles equipped with anti-theft systems. Each device is connected in accordance with the diagram included in the package.

The engine autostart unit can be installed on cars with both diesel and gasoline engines.

The module must be installed and connected according to the following scheme:

First you need to unsolder the cables from the ignition switch, which are responsible for starting the power unit. When performing this task, you must be as careful as possible so as not to damage the plastic lining in the cabin. If the car is equipped with an airbag, it must be removed.
Then the cables of the automatic start system are connected to the switching device in accordance with the diagram specified in the technical documentation. It is included in the anti-theft system.
If the car is equipped with a standard engine blocker, then you need to additionally buy an immobilizer bypass module. It is a block into which the second ignition key is installed.
Then a special autostart control wire is connected to the car’s tachometer. It can be connected to an engine fluid pressure controller or generator unit.
The autorun module is programmed in accordance with the technical manual.
You need to run one cable from the unit unit to the parking brake pedal or lever. This is necessary so that the car owner has the opportunity to urgently deactivate the system.

The installation procedure is carried out differently if the car has a Starline alarm system and an autostart module from this manufacturer is installed.

Installation process:

The microprocessor device is dismantled. It is usually located under or behind the dashboard.
The device body unwinds. In security system models that support the remote start function, the units are equipped with special connectors for installing modules. The device must be placed inside the microprocessor.
Before installation, the autostart unit is opened and the operator SIM card, which is included in the kit, is installed in it.
After installing the module, it is connected to the alarm control unit.
The microprocessor housing is screwed down and installed in place. It is connected to the on-board network.

When installing an autostart module, it is important to install a high-quality neutral sensor on the car to ensure the safety of the car when using the device.

The At13 Modules channel talked about the procedure for installing the device yourself.

Control methods

The car's autostart system is controlled by two modes: automatic and remote. The first is to set a certain number of engine starts per night and the duration of its operation, and the second is to start using a button on the key fob. There is also the option of control via an application on your cell phone, with the condition that it is possible to change the GPS receiver to send tasks via SMS.

Activating autorun

Regardless of how the remote start unit works, after installation it is necessary to prepare the machine.

This procedure will vary depending on the type of transmission. After preparation, the installed module is activated. Many manufacturers of security systems in their technical manuals indicate the nuances that are necessary for successful automatic start-up. You need to familiarize yourself with them, otherwise problems will arise during remote start.

On mechanics

Cars equipped with a manual transmission must be prepared as follows:

The ignition in the car must be turned off.
The neutral gear is engaged; for this, the gearshift lever is moved to the appropriate position.
The handbrake is activated.
The driver leaves the car and closes all doors.
The security system is activated and the remote start of the internal combustion engine is turned on.

Automatically

Vehicles with automatic transmissions are prepared as follows:

The gearbox lever must be set to parking mode - R. The handbrake can be left untouched.
The driver leaves the car, all doors are closed.
The security system is activated, after which the automatic start of the internal combustion engine is activated.

Automatic start

Automatic start always perfectly complements the remote start function. But the importance of automatic start cannot be underestimated, since in some circumstances it plays a key role.

Automatic start was previously most often used by residents of the northern regions, where before the advent of auto start, cars were not turned off at night in severe frosts. Sometimes unexpected frost happens:

the temperature drops below -30 degrees,
the oil thickens
the battery freezes.

On such days, not every car starts the engine. At least there are a number of difficulties that need to be overcome in order to start the engine. Or avoid them by using automatic engine warm-up.

Automatic launch has many conditions and parameters. Let's consider some of the most significant for the user in this context:

condition for enabling autorun,
warm-up time,
warm-up period.

Before choosing equipment, it is important to mentally outline and evaluate all the places and conditions for storing the car at night, taking into account latitude and distance from the sea. For example, in Siberia there are severe frosts in winter, but the weather is more stable. It’s quite possible to limit yourself there

warming up by timer

. We set the warm-up time and frequency in the system. In autumn and spring, for example, a few minutes of warming up will be enough, but in winter you can set a higher value. And turn on the heating frequency for the winter period. And, accordingly, change these parameters depending on the temperature outside. In severe frosts, you can increase the warm-up time and shorten the period.

Can be used

start on alarm clock

, then the engine will be warmed up strictly at the specified time. This feature is convenient for those who are tied to time. For example, every day you need to take your children to school or kindergarten, usually by 8 am. We set the alarm to start, save time every day and get into a warm car.

And in St. Petersburg, for example, the weather is changeable and here we will need

warming up by temperature

. A temperature sensor is connected to the system and we can determine the heating to turn on when the temperature drops below a set value. Fortin modules will allow you to use engine warm-up in any version without any problems.

Instructions on how to use autorun

The setup process is shown using the example of a Starline alarm system on which the module was installed:

After preparing the car, if you want to start on command, you need to click on the first key of the pager. It is clamped and held for three seconds.
Then button number 2 is clicked. This will cause the security system to try to start the internal combustion engine on its own.

Identification of buttons on the communicator

If you need to perform this function at a certain time, you must first set an alarm:

You need to make sure that the clock on the key fob is running correctly.
The alarm function is activated. To do this, the cursor on the communicator display must be moved to the position of the bell-shaped symbol.
If necessary, the time parameters are adjusted; to do this, you need to click on the first and third buttons in sequence. The cursor on the display moves to the icon with the dial symbol. The function is activated. If this happens, the side lights of the car will blink.
If you successfully enable the auto-start option on an alarm clock, two new symbols will appear on the communicator display. One of them is made in the form of a bell, and the second is a dial. The appearance of these icons will be accompanied by a melodic signal.

To disable the option, the cursor on the communicator display must be moved to the clock icon, and then click on the second key. Successful deactivation will be indicated by two flashes of the side lights. The clock and bell icons will disappear from the communicator display. It is possible to configure the automatic start of the power unit in accordance with the readings of the temperature controller, which is installed on the vehicle’s engine. After the car engine starts, it will warm up for a certain time programmed earlier.

Activation of this option is carried out as follows:

The cursor on the communicator display moves to the indicator with a thermometer. Then the first key on the key fob is clicked. The car's side lights should blink and the communicator will emit one melodic signal. The engine temperature will appear on its display for four seconds.
By briefly pressing the first key, you need to set the necessary parameters. The temperature level changes by 10-30 degrees with each click, depending on the model of the security complex.
To activate the option after all the settings, you need to hold down the first button for a few seconds. As confirmation, an indicator in the form of a thermometer will appear on the communicator screen, and the pager will emit two beeps.

The “Stas World” channel spoke in detail about setting the autostart timer using the example of the Starline A91 security system.

Let's go back to basics

Alarms with auto start began to gain popularity with the advent of injection engines. The first models of alarms with auto start were extremely simple and performed only one start option, upon command from the key fob, via a radio channel. The ability to start the engine “on condition” appeared over time. Now alarm systems with auto start have many warm-up options:

by timer,
by alarm clock,
by temperature,
by command from the key fob via radio channel,
SMS command from a mobile phone,
via the web interface,
and other auto start options.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages specific to this option:

The driver will start driving with a warm engine. In the winter season, the heating system will heat the interior faster, and in the summer, the air conditioner will cool it more quickly. This makes driving the car more comfortable.
Save time by eliminating the need to warm up the vehicle.
Many systems have a turbo timer option. Its activation allows you to gradually stop the operation of the turbine of the power unit. This is very important for diesel engines, since it has a positive effect on the service life of the internal combustion engine as a whole.
Possibility of warming up hydraulic systems. This feature will be valuable for truck owners.

Disadvantages of autostart for a car:

Vulnerability. A vehicle without an anti-theft system will attract the attention of intruders, especially if it is located in the courtyard of a residential building. There is a possibility of theft of valuables from inside the car. But simultaneous operation of a running engine with a security system or interlock is impossible. Therefore, it is advisable to use the autostart function only in guarded parking lots or in courtyards where the car is in the field of view of the car owner.
Higher fuel consumption. The power unit will operate at those speeds that the ECU considers normal. Using temperature or timer starting will cause the engine to start unnecessarily. To prevent this, the microprocessor module must be carefully configured.
Constantly starting the engine outside in winter will cause the exhaust pipe to freeze, causing condensation to collect in it. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to correctly adjust the ICE operating time parameter. Ten minutes is usually enough, then the unit can be turned off.
If the machine is not equipped with a gear controller, automatic starting will be dangerous. If the driver forgets to put the vehicle in neutral or does not activate the parking brake, the car may roll away.
A more accelerated discharge of the battery is possible as a result of frequent activation of the starter device.

The “Avtozvuka Base” channel spoke in detail about all the advantages and disadvantages of this option after installing it on the vehicle.

Present

Time is gradually acquiring a special, high value and we try to save time, optimize all events and space around, so as not to waste time. For example, to deliver information, we no longer run to the post office, as in the past, we are in the present! We send almost all information electronically - this saves a lot of time, effort and money. The desire to optimize time has irrevocably changed the consciousness of society; no one wants to return to outdated, ineffective technologies that eat up more time.

Autostart is real! Sophisticated car enthusiasts, everyone who already uses car alarms, cannot imagine their next car without this super function.

How much does an autostart module cost?

The cost of autostart for a car depends on the manufacturer, as well as the car on which it will be installed.

Name	Price, rub
Blocks from Starline	From 2000 to 6000
Autostart module AT13	1000-2000
Sobr Absolute ARS 202M	About 3500
Autostart module for Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen cars	From 4500 to 5000
Prices are relevant for three regions: Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Krasnodar.

Photo gallery

Automatic start module MS-04

Ghost TEK-250

Autostart device AT13

Purpose

A car that is not used for a long time in winter freezes. The oil thickens and icing appears. When you need to use a car, you spend a lot of effort warming up the car.

If you use autorun, the problem will not arise. After the engine stops, it starts again. The equipment warms up, then the engine is turned off. This is done by programming the autostart device. If done optimally, the car can be in working condition for a long time.