It's no secret that today most modern cars are equipped with security systems and alarms. One of the most popular manufacturers of security systems is the Starline company.
Practice shows that modern car alarms for Starline are full-fledged security systems that provide reliable protection of the car from theft. The alarm also gives a signal to the car owner if there is a mechanical impact on the surface of the car, which may be the harmful actions of intruders. Proper operation of the car security system is the key to safety. Modern starline alarms are reliable and multifunctional, however, sometimes they malfunction. The most common malfunctions in the operation of alarms are decreased or increased sensitivity, which is always accompanied by certain inconveniences.
However, it also quite often happens that the alarm simply stops responding to commands from the car owner, which he sends through a special key fob. A person can park a car in a parking lot, turn on the alarm, and 10 minutes later discover that the security system no longer responds to commands. This situation always puts the car owner in an awkward position. So, let's find out what kind of alarm malfunctions there may be, and what to do in such a situation.
Why the alarm may not respond to commands from the key fob
There can be many reasons. Some of them are easy to fix, but others may require professional help. The main reasons for the lack of response of the starline security system to commands can be called:
- wear out of the battery in the key fob;
- presence of radio interference;
- lack of possibility of wave transmission;
- various problems;
- problems in synchronizing the security system with the control panel.
Next, we will consider in detail each of the possible reasons for the lack of response of the Starline security system to commands, and also talk about possible ways to solve the problem.
Car alarm management
It is possible to control the car alarm after programming the control panel. Setting up and memorizing combinations of remote control buttons allows you to turn security modes on and off, and monitor StarLine A91 alarm sensors. Installation of some options is carried out by manipulating the key in the ignition switch of the car. Programmable options:
- Security switches on and off without sound notifications.
- The StarLine A91 alarm system returns to security mode if it is accidentally turned off.
- Indication of the number of programmed key fobs, no more than 4 pieces.
- Automatic start of the car power unit.
The battery in the alarm key fob is dead
Wearing out the life of the battery that powers the key fob is the most common and easily solvable reason for the system not responding to commands. If the starline alarm does not respond to commands, you should first remember the last time the battery was replaced. If the key fob has a screen or LED indicator, you can easily determine the battery status by their brightness. In such a situation, the problem can be solved very easily. Simply replace the old battery with a new one. It is recommended to always take spare batteries with you when traveling. If you don’t have such a battery with you, you can try to take out the dead battery and knock it on a hard surface or rub it with your hands. If there is a residual charge in the battery, such manipulations will allow you to slightly recharge the battery. This may be enough to send one command. If you need to remove the car from the alarm system, then this will be quite enough.
3. How to program a custom code
The procedure for programming a personal code is described in the instructions for installing the Starline A93 car alarm. Immediately after purchase, i.e. initially, and also after resetting to factory settings, the default pin code is 3. You need to change the code, otherwise the alarm will not be able to protect your car from theft.
You can set a code of one, two or three digits. For each, a value from 1 to 6 is allowed.
Setting up a personal pin code for the Starline A93 emergency shutdown takes place in two stages.
3.1. Programming the personal code function for disarming the security
1. Enter function programming mode. With the ignition off, press Valet 5 times, then turn on the ignition. By pressing button 2 or 3, select the desired item – AF (security and service functions).
2. Press button 3 successively (first long, then short). Briefly press key 2 or 3 to select the required function. In the case of a personal code – number 23.
3. Briefly pressing button 1, select the desired function state - one of the personal code options: 1 - factory setting (code is 3), 2 - 1-digit, 3 - 2-digit, 4 - 3-digit.
4. Turn off the ignition.
3.2. Programming personal shutdown code Starline A93
1. With the ignition off, press the service button 4 times (the LED indicator should light up each time).
2. Turn on the ignition. The siren should sound 4 times.
3. Press the service button once. You will enter the mode for setting the 1st digit of the code. It must be entered within 5 seconds. To do this, use the table of correspondence between clicks and PIN code numbers. On the keychain you will see the numbers you entered. To set a 2-digit and 3-digit code, repeat the steps in this step.
4. After programming is completed, you can do nothing else; after 10 seconds, the system will exit the setup mode itself. Or just turn off the ignition.
If everything went well, then after exiting the programming mode there will be 3 flashes of dimensions. This means that you have set an individual personal code, and now you can enter it to emergency disable the security mode.
Emerging radio interference
Radio interference is also a common reason why the Starline security system does not respond to commands. If the car or its owner is in an area of radio interference, then the alarm may most likely not respond to the command. Interference usually occurs near certain enterprises, secret facilities, and also near airports. Also, a large concentration of cars with security systems in one place can create strong radio interference. Such situations often arise in the parking lots of large shopping centers. Reducing the distance between the signal receiver and the key fob as much as possible can help solve the problem. If you bring the key fob as close as possible, the alarm may respond to the command. If such actions do not help, then all that remains is to tow the car to an area where there is no interference. Then there should be no other problems with the operation of the alarm, and you can safely open your car and start the engine.
Radio channel - strengths and weaknesses
In Russia, there is a system of restrictions on the unlicensed use of radio air - devices that do not require registration operate in certain bands and have an equally strict maximum power.
For alarms, the classic range is the same as for portable walkie-talkies, remote control systems, and so on - 433 MHz. In urban conditions, this range is already heavily overloaded: in addition to the inevitable interference, there are many transmitters operating in it, making it difficult for a car alarm receiver to isolate a code signal from it. The only way to ensure stable signaling in the 433 MHz band is to make communication channels as narrow as possible; the smaller the bandwidth used by the transmitter and receiver, the less likely it is for interference to enter the signal. Therefore, StarLine alarms switched to 128-channel communication back in 2014, which allows for good selectivity even in a metropolis.
However, this advantage is seriously offset by the use of a dialogue protocol with verification of a high degree of reliability. For comparison, let’s take a cheap alarm without a dialog code: to perform some action, the key fob transmits a single code message, and if it is received correctly by the central unit, pressing the key fob button is processed correctly.
For alarms with a dialogue code, the key fob first sends a request to the alarm system, after which the alarm transmits a task to it in a code message - the conditions of the equation specified by the algorithm, to which the key fob will generate the correct answer. If at least one of these three radio messages is interrupted by interference, then pressing the button will not be processed and the key fob will lose connection. This is familiar to owners of old Pandora alarm systems - they had to press the disarm button more than once, even standing next to the car.
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 car battery is almost dead, then there may not be enough voltage for the security system to receive a signal.
Also, sometimes the key fob can fail if you frequently press the command buttons outside the signal range. Repeated pressing of the function buttons may occur involuntarily when the key fob is in the owner's pocket. If the battery is dead, recharging is necessary to fix the problem, and the problem can be solved for a short time if you bring the key fob as close as possible to the receiver. 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.
Alarm problems
Any malfunctions in the operation of the starline security system can significantly reduce the range of the signal, or provoke a complete lack of response to commands. This problem is a common cause of unexpected loss of communication with the security system through a key fob, the performance of which always decreases over time. The range of the signal from the key fob is gradually decreasing. This occurs due to wear and tear on the equipment. Also, failure to respond to a command can cause damage to the receiver antenna. If the alarm does not respond to commands at all, this may indicate that errors were made during the installation and configuration of the systems. In most cases, it is impossible to fix installation problems and errors yourself. The best way to solve the problem in such a situation is to contact the service center for professional repair services from qualified specialists.
How to set up Starline A93 key fob, programming table and instructions
- set the necessary operating parameters for the interior heater (air conditioner), glass heating and other accessories,
- Set the interior airflow control to the “Air circulation” position, which will allow you to more effectively heat or cool the air in the car.
Mandatory safety measures when charging your car's battery Remember that any battery charging process involves supplying the battery and, accordingly, the vehicle's on-board network with a voltage greater than the nominal 12 V, which can damage the car's electronic equipment and equipment additionally installed on your car.
Problems synchronizing the key fob with the security system
If the starline security system itself and the key fob are working properly, but the signal is not transmitted, this may indicate a failure in synchronizing the key fob with the signal receiver on the security system. As a rule, this occurs due to failures in the control panel program. In this case, you need to unlock the car with the key, after which the alarm can be turned off using the emergency shutdown function. Reprogramming the key fob will help solve the problem. This is quite easy to do. Manufacturers of security systems provide detailed instructions that describe the procedure for reprogramming the control panel. Also included in the security system kit you can often find a disk with software that makes it easy to carry out the reprogramming procedure. Car owners who are well versed in modern technologies can do this themselves, and if problems arise, they can contact specialists.
2. Methods for emergency disabling the security mode
Starline A93 car alarms are available in two types:
- The new model, produced from 2022, has a key fob with a vertical orientation display. Here the security is turned off using a button on the antenna. It is usually located on the windshield and contains Starline A93 shock and tilt sensors.
- Old model, released before 2022. Equipped with a key fob with a horizontal screen. When using this configuration, an external button is used for emergency disarming.
Starline A93 key fobs with horizontal (left) and vertical (right) display
In both alarms, security is deactivated using the Starline A93 “Valet” button, also called the service button. It’s just that in the new-style system its role is played by a button on the antenna body, and in the old-style system it’s a special remote button. It is located where the car alarm installer installed it, most often:
- under the steering wheel;
- near the car radio;
- in the area around the pedal assembly;
- behind the decorative front panel, next to the standard fuse box;
- in or behind the glove compartment.
The general shutdown scheme is the same for both alarms:
- Open the car door with the key (the alarm will sound).
- Turn on the ignition, then use the service button to enter the established personal code.
Important! Please note that once you get into the car, you must leave the door open. Many people make the mistake of slamming the door. This is incorrect, since the alarm system must “see” the open door throughout the entire procedure.
2.1. Emergency disarming on new alarm systems (button on the antenna)
How to turn off the Starline A93 alarm system without a key fob:
- Open the car with the key. The alarm will sound, you will see sound signals and 4 flashes of dimensions.
- Turn on the ignition. No later than 20 seconds, enter the PIN code for emergency deactivation of the security mode. After entering the last digit, the security will be disabled.
2.2. Emergency disarming of old alarm systems (remote button)
The procedure for emergency deactivation of security on an old-style alarm system is almost the same as on a new one. You need to do the following:
- Open the car door with the key. Here, too, the alarm will sound, followed by sound signals and 4 flashes of dimensions (subject to activation of security without a key fob).
- Turn on the ignition and again have 20 seconds to enter your personal PIN code.
2.3. PIN code for disarming: how to enter correctly
The personal code is a number consisting of one, two or three digits. The procedure for introducing it on old and new alarm systems is the same - using the service button. The idea is to press the service button the appropriate number of times for each digit of the PIN code.
Note! In the case of old-style alarms, another common mistake is to turn on the ignition and search for Valet for a long time. You need to know exactly where the Starline A93 service button is located before you start entering the PIN code, otherwise you may not have time to do this in 20 seconds due to the fact that time will be spent searching for Valet.
How to enter the code correctly if it is unambiguous:
- Turn on the ignition (the lights on the dashboard should light up).
- Press the service button a number of times equal to the first digit of the code. For example, this is the number 3 (by factory setting). Then Valet needs to be pressed 3 times. Optimally, press once every 1 second, no less than this, but no more than 5 seconds.
- If the code was unambiguous, then you need to turn off the ignition immediately after entering it. If everything is done correctly, the security system will be deactivated at the same time, and the alarm will stop.
If your code consists of two or three digits, then the order of entry will be as follows:
- Enter the 1st digit according to the instructions described above.
- Turn off and then turn on the ignition.
- Enter the 2nd digit of the code in the same way. Turn off the ignition. If the code was 2-digit, then the alarm and security mode should be disabled.
- If the code is 3 digits, continue entering. Turn on the ignition. Press Valet a number of times equal to the 3rd digit of the PIN code. Turn off the ignition.
Algorithm for entering a pin code for emergency disarming of Starline A93.
For cars with a “start-stop” button, another entry method is convenient. The introduction scheme is similar, only instead of turning the ignition off and on, you need to press and release the brake pedal or handbrake. The intervals between entering each code digit are the same here - within 1-5 seconds.
Algorithm for entering a pin code for emergency disarming of Starline A93 for cars equipped with a start button
Can't disarm car alarm
It happens that at first glance everything is working properly, but the security system does not show any signs of reaction to the command to turn off the alarm. There may also be no response to other commands, but often other functions work properly. Often the reason for the lack of response to commands lies not in the key fob, but in the car’s security system itself. This situation arises due to several reasons.
System malfunction in the control unit
Secret Valet button The software of the security system control unit may also experience malfunctions. In such a situation, as a rule, the security system does not show any signs of operability at all. If the alarm was turned on, it will be impossible to turn it off via the key fob. The only way out is to open the car with the key and try to use the emergency shutdown. Reflashing the control unit will help restore the functionality of the security system. This is much more difficult to do than reprogramming the control panel, so to solve the problem it is better to contact a specialized service center.
Malfunction in the electronics of the control unit
Malfunctions in the electronics of the security system control unit are the most serious problem, since such problems cannot be eliminated by repair. The only way to solve the problem is to completely replace the security system control unit, which is very expensive. However, there is good news. Such a malfunction occurs very rarely in modern security systems. There are several indicators that indicate an imminent breakdown of the control unit electronics:
- some functions of the security system suddenly disappear;
- failures occur in the system's response to commands;
- The siren turns on spontaneously.
Car engine lock
Sometimes it happens that the security system does not respond to the command to turn on the engine. This happens due to malfunctions in the engine blocking relay. In such a situation, it will be impossible to start the engine using any of the usual methods. However, car owners who have skills in working with car systems and also know the location of the locking relay can start the car by closing the corresponding contacts. Such manipulations will help start the engine in order to drive the car to a parking lot or to a workshop, where specialists will carry out a full repair of the engine blocking relay.
Thus, we have reviewed the most common Starline alarm malfunctions and tried to describe in detail the symptoms of each of them. Now any driver will not be surprised when problems arise, since they can easily be used to identify what the actual problem is and how to fix it.
In any case, do not despair if there are malfunctions in the operation of the car security system. As a rule, this problem can be solved quite easily and quickly, and serious problems occur only in rare cases.
