What is the Starline A93 service mode?

Even modern alarms can malfunction and require testing by qualified specialists. It is for such cases that the Starline A93 service mode is provided.

Recently, the system was updated, receiving new key fobs of a special configuration. Below we discuss in detail the cases when the service mode is required, how to activate it on the old and new key fob, and also what to do if it does not work and you need to turn it off.

Valet button location

This is what the Valet car alarm service button looks like

There may be a Valet button in these places

The classic version of the service button is a separate unit. In this case, it is glued with tape and is hidden under the instrument panel, near the mounting block or in another place where it is not noticeable, but at the same time easily accessible if you know the location.

In most StarLine alarms, the service button has exactly this appearance - on old models A61 and A91, modern A93 and A94. However, this design also has a disadvantage: glued to plastic, it comes off over time, knocks on the panel while moving, or gets lost in the depths of the bundles.

Therefore, sometimes on Starline alarms the Valet button is structurally combined with another element, for example, located on the antenna module. Note that the call button, which is found on StarLine antenna modules, should not be confused with it.

However, in a number of Starline alarms, despite the presence of a separate service button in the installation kit, the call button on the antenna module can also be used as a service button. In this case, the installer may not install the StarLine service button at all. This function is implemented in alarms A63/93, A64, A94, B/D/64/94, E60/90 with firmware older than N2 (the firmware number is indicated on the body of the central unit). The Starline model can also be identified by its keychain.

For alarms where the antenna module button is used as Valet, be sure to set a personal emergency disarming code (see the corresponding article), since otherwise the degree of vehicle security is seriously reduced.

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Methods for programming the Starline A93 alarm

Setting up Starline A93 can be done in two ways.

The first is the use of special equipment to connect the car alarm unit with a computer: a programmer. In this case, the Starline Master program must be installed on the PC or laptop.

Starline Master Program

In this way, you can program functions both on an alarm system that has not yet been installed, and on one that has already been installed in the car. When the system is already installed on the vehicle, a special adapter is used that connects the programmer and the antenna cable.

The Starline A93 alarm system has not yet been installed. The Starline A93 alarm system has been installed on the car.

Setup via the Starline Master application is usually performed at installation centers. Through it, channel modules are configured and flexible programming of additional Starline A93 channels is carried out.

Ordinary users can independently program functions using the Starline a93 service button and key fob. This is the second way.

What does the key icon on the alarm key fob mean?

The liquid crystal display of the key fob communicator informs the owner of a vehicle with an installed alarm system about the state of the car and the activated alarm functions. When the service mode is turned on, the key on the key fob lights up. A wrench icon displayed on the screen means that the car alarm has switched to the “Valet” option and deactivated all its security systems. When you disable this feature, the wrench symbol on your device's information display will no longer be highlighted.

Do I have a standard password?

How can you understand that the alarm system is currently set to the factory emergency shutdown code? It’s very simple, just look at the key fob with an LCD display, and if there is no PIN , then you are using a potentially vulnerable security system:

It's time to walk to your car and exchange the ill-fated three for something safer and resistant to brute force.

How to disable outdated StarLine models without a key fob

Valet button

Possible locations of the service button

One of the places where a secret button may be located

Let's start with one of the oldest alarm systems still found on cars - StarLine Twage A1-A4. Despite the different functionality, the commonality of the software and hardware platform makes the emergency shutdown method the same across the entire generation (true for all subsequent series).

This series has two emergency shutdown options, selectable in the settings menu. In the first case, it is possible to deactivate the alarm without entering a secret code:

• Open the door with the key.
• Within 20 seconds of this, turn on the ignition and press the Valet button three times.
• Turn off the ignition.

This method does not provide a sufficient level of security: since to turn on the ignition, the thief only needs to use the jumper between the tires of the mounting block, he only has to find the service button to deactivate the alarm.

Therefore, a two-digit code shutdown algorithm is provided:

• Open the door.
• Within 20 seconds, turn on the ignition and press the Valet button the number of times equal to the first digit of the code.
• Turn the ignition off and on again.
• Enter the second digit of the code using the Valet button.
• Turn off the ignition.

Video: Alarm. How to DISARM a Starline alarm using the Valet button

How to set the code itself

By default, it is set as 11. To install a new one, when the car is disarmed and the ignition is turned off, press the Valet button 4 times, then turn on the ignition. Next, you need to press Valet once, then enter the first digit of the code from the main key fob, press the service button again once and then enter the second digit. You can set numbers from 1 to 4, while numbers from 1 to 3 are set by short pressing the corresponding buttons on the key fob, and 4 by a long and then short press on button 1.

Now all that remains is to activate disarming using the PIN code. With the ignition off, press the Valet button five times, then, after turning on the ignition, use it to enter the number of the programmable function: in this case, we need function 5, that is, the service button is pressed for a long time once. Next, reprogram function 5 by pressing any key fob button except the first one - this will enable emergency disarming using a PIN code. After this, turn off the ignition to save the settings.

On alarm systems of subsequent releases (Twage B6, A61 Dialog, and so on) there are also two options for disabling the alarm: unlocking without a PIN code is performed in exactly the same way as removal using a PIN code. The only difference is that in these alarms the PIN code has from one to three characters, and the numbers take a value from 1 to 6. That is, if in previous alarms there were only 16 PIN code options, here there are already 258.

To select the type of PIN code, program the desired value of function 9. Its factory value is 1, that is, the PIN code is disabled. By selecting values ​​from 2 to 4, we will activate, respectively, a one-digit to three-digit PIN code, and the “PIN CODE” icon will light up on the key fob screen.

The code numbers are entered sequentially according to the same principle as in the previously described alarms. Otherwise, only numbers are set: from 1 to 3 - by short pressing the corresponding key fob button, from 4 to 6 - by long and short pressing of buttons from 1 to 3.

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Entering and exiting the main menu

To enter the main menu, press the service button five times with the ignition off. Then turn on the ignition. You will be taken to the main menu.

Short press keys 2 and 3 on the key fob to select the programming item you need:

• AF – service and security functions
• SF – launch settings
• CH 01-CH 09 – setting up additional channels (flexible) Starline A93
• SOUN – setting the siren volume

To exit programming, turn off the ignition.

You can find out where the service button is located from your installer.

It can be located under the panel and tied to some standard harness. Often it is hidden in the space next to the fuse box or directly glued to it.

Service button

In the latest versions of Starline A39, the service button is built into the antenna module.

Service button on the antenna

Deactivation of modern Starline models: A93, A94, E95

Let's start with the common StarLine A93, which, although based on the outdated 4th generation (the first to introduce modularity of the central unit), still remains popular (see the Starline A93 instruction manual). Since this generation of alarms already has full support for cars with a “Start-Stop” button, the code entry mechanism has been modernized - it is not necessary to turn the ignition on and off between entering individual numbers, you can press the brake or raise the handbrake). The mechanism for setting the type of PIN code and its task have not changed - we already wrote about this recently.

In the fifth generation (using the example of StarLine E95), the unlocking mechanism was radically changed. Since most alarm owners did not bother setting a PIN code, the thief unlocked the engine by finding the Valet button and entering the default code. Therefore, here in each alarm the secret code was set randomly at the factory, consisted of strictly 4 digits and was indicated on the plastic card included in the alarm delivery package. Please note that you cannot find out your PIN code without this card!

To disable Starline without a key fob using the factory code you need to:

• Open the door and be sure to leave it open.
• Turn on the ignition, enter the first digit of the code by pressing the Valet button, turn off the ignition.
• Repeat the previous step for the second, third and fourth digits of the PIN code.
• If the entry is successful, after the last time the ignition is turned off, the car will be unlocked.

Please note that at least a second must pass between the last press of the service button and turning off the ignition.

In this case, the installer may not use the Valet button at all - the alarm system has a special analog input that connects to any standard car button. But such a connection must be discussed immediately. The convenience of dispensing with the Valet button is twofold - there is no need to hide it, and pressing the “secret” standard button located at hand is much faster and more convenient.

In the sixth generation ecosystems, this principle is preserved, but the Valet button is missing as a separate part - it is either installed on the antenna unit body or interlocked with a control LED, depending on the delivery package.

Customer reviews:

This feature monitors the outside air temperature and, if necessary, starts the car engine to warm up. The start temperature is set within the range from -3 °C to -27 °C, the minimum step is 3 °C. The minimum period of time between restarts (excluding time spent warming up the engine) is 60 minutes. Once the user activates the temperature-based engine start feature, the number of temperature starts is not limited.

The design of the gearbox does not matter. Successful operation of autostart is possible both on cars with manual transmission and automatic transmission. In the production of StarLine A93, an interactive data transmission system is used. This device provides the highest degree of protection. Interception of the signal between the central locking and the key fob is impossible. Hacking the dialog code is virtually impossible. For this reason, such a data transmission system is used in the latest military equipment. Turbo timer - this function is included in StarLine A93. For car enthusiasts, this means that it can be installed on vehicles with turbo engines. Standard alarms that do not have this function are not able to operate correctly. The reason is that the engine turbines rotate for a certain period of time after switching off. If the car does not have digital buses, then using StarLine A93 is optimal. Advice! If you have a fairly modern car with CAN or LIN buses, install the StarLine A93 2CAN+LIN security and telematics complex.

The model has a smart autostart function (depending on temperature/timer, etc.) and flexible service channels for setting up and servicing the alarm. The car owner can choose the optimal operating mode for the alarm (sensor sensitivity, siren volume, silent security mode, etc.).

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Possible problems and their solutions

Users of Starline A91 security systems and other modifications sometimes have problems - the system does not exit the service mode. People often do not read the operating instructions carefully and perform actions in the wrong sequence.

First you need to enter the cursor control mode, and only then turn the option on or off. Be sure to wait for the correct sound alarm to appear after each action. It is also necessary to be near the car to ensure reliable reception of the tag signal; If you do everything according to the instructions, the system will exit this mode.

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How to disable Valet mode

Each instruction manual for a security alarm installed in a car contains a description of how to turn this service option on/off. So, if you wish, you can study this section and act accordingly.

But, as they say, everything happens in life and it may happen that either such a section is missing in the instructions, or, even worse, the instructions themselves are lost.

Then you should perform standard actions. Although each security system has individual characteristics, their main capabilities are usually common. Therefore, it is in principle possible to disable Valet, but it will not be as fast as we would like.

To exit this mode, do the following:

• sit in the passenger compartment and again perform the steps described above with the ignition. Moreover, you need to act quickly, otherwise everything will have to start all over again;
• determine the location of the Valet push-button switch (this should be known from the instructions, if not, then you must find out where it was installed);
• after 10 seconds have passed after the ignition has been turned off, you need to press this button for 2 seconds and then release it;
• Next, you should hear two or more short alarm beeps, the light emitting diode (LED) will turn on and off twice. Valet is disabled, car alarm is working.

Here's how to disable this option using remote control:

• First check the control panel, paying attention to the presence of the necessary buttons. If there are none, it means that they have a different designation in your security system, and therefore for help you need to contact the service center that installed the alarm on your car;
• then turn the car ignition on and off after getting into it. After this, press two buttons on the remote control at the same time and release them after 3 seconds. Next, several beeps will sound, the side lights will flash, and the car alarm LED will stop lighting.

If it happens that the alarm system does not respond to disabling the Valet mode from the remote control, then try removing the batteries from it and inserting them back after 2 minutes. Then you should check the connection between the key fob and the main unit. When you turn on the power, different signs should appear on the screen.

It is better to press the Valet key without anyone else. This action is completely justified. After all, you must agree that strangers should not know the location of the button that makes your car vulnerable.

By the way, the Valet service mode is maintained even when the power is turned off, so it can be used during vehicle maintenance. If the mode is turned on in the anti-theft system, the LED will glow constantly.

It is worth noting that switching to Valet mode does not involve disabling all running systems, but only the main part of them. For example, the emergency security measure “Panic” remains active. This function provides the ability to prevent car theft, provided that you always take the ignition key when leaving it. If you notice that someone is trying to steal your car, take the key fob and activate the “Panic” button and after a while you will see how all the security and locking systems will work. This will happen even when your security system is in Valet mode. By the way, in some alarm systems the “Panic” service corresponds to “Anti-Hi-Jack”, which has the same functions.

Everyone knows about Valet mode, including car thieves. But only vehicle owners are aware of the location of the button. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the location of its installation a secret, because you never know... Be vigilant and your car will be safe.

Please read carefully!

Before starting to operate the complex, carefully read these instructions, pay special attention to the sections marked with

, and determine whether this complex is suitable for your car, for which follow the requirements of the car manufacturer and the car’s operating instructions.

If you could not determine whether this complex is suitable for installation on a car, then return it to the seller within 14 days from the date of purchase.

Car alarm StarLine A93 / A63 Dialogue is a complex technical device that requires connection to vehicle circuits associated with engine operation.

Installation of the complex must be carried out only by specially trained qualified specialists.

It is prohibited to carry out installation, programming, maintenance, repair and disassembly and assembly of the complex and key fobs by persons who are not qualified specialists and have not undergone training and testing of safety knowledge.

When programming the parameters of the complex, the parameters set must not contradict the requirements of the vehicle operating instructions.

The user bears full responsibility for damage caused to people, animals and property as a result of using the complex for purposes other than its intended purpose or in violation of the safety requirements set out in these instructions.

The manufacturer is not responsible for losses and accidents caused by failure to comply with the safety rules and requirements set out in this manual.

To avoid possible misunderstandings, keep the documents included with the StarLine A93/A63 complex upon sale. Check that the warranty card is complete, including the date of sale and the seller's seal. If there is no date of sale (purchase), the warranty period is calculated from the date of manufacture of the complex.

Do not wear the key fob for the complex on the same ring as your car keys. Do not leave the complex control key fobs in places accessible to children and animals. Do not allow liquids to get into the key fob.

If the icon appears on the key fob display

warning that the key fob battery is low, take measures to replace the battery in advance.

We recommend storing the spare battery in the vehicle in its original packaging.

Mandatory safety precautions when using the remote engine start feature

It must be remembered that a car is a source of increased danger. Section 12.8. The traffic rules state: “The driver may leave his seat or leave the vehicle if he has taken the necessary measures to prevent the vehicle from moving unintentionally or from being used in the absence of the driver.”

Before operating the complex, carefully read the safety precautions for using the remote or automatic engine start function set out below:

1. Always park your vehicle in an open, well-ventilated area;
2. Always put the car on the parking brake, which must be in good condition and prevent the car from moving;
3. When leaving the vehicle, be sure to place the automatic transmission control lever in the “PARK” position and the manual transmission shift lever in the neutral position;
4. If your car has a manual transmission, then before turning on the remote or automatic engine start function, be sure to follow the “Program Neutral” preparation procedure for starting the engine;
5. Never give the StarLine A93/A63 Dialog control key fobs to children or other persons without first reading the operating instructions;
6. Before enabling the remote or automatic engine start feature:
   make sure the car is in good condition,
7. make sure there is sufficient fuel, oil, coolant, etc.,
8. set the necessary operating parameters for the interior heater (air conditioner), glass heating and other accessories,
9. 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 precautions when charging your car 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 vehicle’s electronic equipment and equipment additionally installed on your vehicle.

Do not use chargers and starting chargers to charge the battery directly on the car without disconnecting the battery terminals from the on-board network in the following modes:

• fast charging with increased current (boost or similar modes);
• various START modes designed to start the engine;
• in 24 V battery charging mode.

Do not use starting chargers to start the engine without a connected battery or with connected faulty batteries (short circuits in banks, destruction of plates, etc.)

Do not use faulty chargers, 24 V chargers or devices not designed for charging batteries, such as welding inverters.

All of the above devices and modes can cause an uncontrolled supply of increased voltage of more than 25 V and up to 60 V to the vehicle’s on-board network and lead to failure of the electronic components of the car alarm and vehicle equipment.

It is not recommended to use the “lighting” method to charge the battery. Even the “safe” methods of lighting described are safe only for the “donor” car.

Connecting and disconnecting a completely discharged or faulty battery in your car while the engine is running can damage your car's electronic devices and car alarm due to a short circuit or high voltage surges that occur when connecting/disconnecting the battery.

In the case of using the above devices and modes, responsibility for damage to electronic equipment lies with the vehicle owner.

Follow safe battery charging technology

Before charging, the battery terminals must be disconnected from the vehicle's on-board power supply. After this, you can begin the battery charging process. After charging, connect the battery to the vehicle's on-board network.

This need is explained by the fact that without measuring instruments you cannot determine the serviceability, condition of the battery and the reason for its discharge (the presence of internal short circuits or breaks). Any connection of a charger to a faulty battery poses a risk of damage to the vehicle's electronic equipment and car alarm system due to the increased voltage.

Service mode functionality

On all Starline alarm models, the service mode can be activated using the cursor method through the display of the key fob communicator. To do this, for example, for the Starline A93 security system you need:

• Press and hold key 2 or 3 on the key fob.
• Wait for 1 melodic and 1 meek signal to sound. The first icon at the bottom of the display will light up on the communicator screen.
• To move the cursor to the left, use short presses of key 2, and to the right, use buttons 3,4.
• The icon will blink as you move the cursor. To turn on/off the “Valet” mode, you need to press and hold button 1 of the communicator until 1 melody and 2 short signals sound. After the wrench icon lights up on the communicator display, you need to exit the control system.
• The cursor method of activating various operating modes of the car alarm is disabled by holding down key 1 for a long time. After the signal sounds, the cursor control system is exited.

It is impossible to enable the service function if the alarm is not disarmed. It is activated only when the car's alarm system is removed, and also if the driver is near the car.

In the Starline a93 car alarm, the “Valet” option includes remote control of door locks and added channels.

In the StarLine A96 security and telematics complex, the following options do not function in service:

• activation/deactivation of security functions;
• "Free hands";
• remote and automatic starting of the car engine;
• opening and closing the central lock when the vehicle is moving;
• "Panic";
• "Turbo timer";
• opening the trunk lock;
• changing the operating modes of the pre-heater;
• “Anti-robbery by missing tag”;
• main unit calibration;
• “Can-information” on the personal page of the official Starline website.

Setting up autorun

The second programming table for the Starline A93 car alarm is responsible for the parameters of remote and automatic starts.

This is where the method of selecting the implementation of program neutral occurs, on which successful autostart on cars with a manual gearbox depends.

This table also configures:

• turning off and on the start function - you can disable any automatic and remote starts by setting the value of function 1 to option 1. Then, no matter what icons are lit on the Starline a93 key fob, auto start will be disabled;
• transmission type - automatic or manual;
• how long will the car run during startup - 10, 20 or 30 minutes;
• engine type - gasoline or diesel;
• car with push button start or key;
• control of a running engine – pulses, voltage or charging;
• and other functions necessary for the correct execution of startup commands.

After entering the main menu, select SF and press long 3 until the key fob beeps and then short press 3.

Use buttons two and three to find the desired function.

Use button one to select the desired state of the selected function.

To return to the main screen, press 3 long and 3 short.