An integral part of any alarm system is the service button (Valet). Its main purpose is to switch the alarm system to service mode. This will allow you to transfer the keys to the alarm, but not the key fob - for example, if you give the car for service. While the alarm is in service mode, people who have access to it will not be able to program additional key fobs into its memory or change settings. However, on long-discontinued StarLine Twage generation alarms, a more convenient mechanism for switching to service mode using a key fob was implemented, and therefore the Valet button is not used to switch to service mode, no matter how strange it may sound.
One of the places where a secret button may be located
The second, and for StarLine alarm systems, the main function of the Valet button is programming alarm functions. Until the release of modern models that allowed programming from a laptop via a standard USB connector, the service button was the only tool for setting up car alarms. In StarLine alarm systems it is still used for settings.
StarLine alarm systems also provide emergency disabling of security using the Valet button if the key fob is faulty. We have already written about ways to turn off emergency alarms using the Valet button.
And finally, the StarLine service button is used when activating the anti-robbery function - holding it for two seconds with the ignition on or the engine running will turn on the standby mode. As soon as any door opens, after 60 seconds the anti-burglary function will work until disabled using a personal unlock code.
Valet button - what it does, where it is, what it looks like
In an unusual situation, the Valet button makes it possible to limit the security options of the alarm and re-set some parameters of its functioning.
Using a push-button mechanism provides the following options:
- Activating and unlocking protection mode. If the key fob is lost, its location is unknown or it is out of order, Valet will allow you to turn the security system on and off. However, to do this, the user must have access to the vehicle's interior and ignition system.
- Transferring the vehicle to a service station or car wash without having to leave the key fob. In addition to turning the security function on and off, the Valet key will allow you to activate the service mode. In this case, the alarm does not indicate its presence. It will be almost impossible to detect the control unit, as a result of which car wash or service station employees will not be able to determine the model of the system.
- If the service mode is running, the likelihood of calculating the serial number of the anti-theft complex is minimized. It is possible to activate the security function using a personal password. In this case, a potential attacker will not be able to determine the algorithm for disabling the security function.
The security mode of the anti-theft system can be disabled by the Valet button, so it should be positioned so that an attacker cannot quickly find the mechanism and unlock the alarm.
Hidden installation is possible in the following places:
- in the area of the tape recorder and speakers;
- near the driver's seat;
- in the steering wheel surround;
- in the voids of the dashboard;
- in drawers for small items;
- near the cigarette lighter and ashtray;
- in the handbrake area.
If the installation of the security system is carried out in a specialized car service, the technician can install the Valet button as discreetly as possible from prying eyes. In this case, the owner of the car must be informed of its exact location.
When doing the work yourself, you need to consider the following:
- the location of the key should be easily accessible, but as difficult as possible for an attacker to find;
- Given the miniature size of the button, you need to securely fasten the part;
- the wiring for the standard alarm connection must reach the push-button mechanism;
- It is advisable to change the bright color of the wire leading to the Jack button.
In most cases, the Jack button is a small barrel. In the central part there is a miniature button recessed to protect against accidental pressing. The illustration describing the anti-theft system shows exactly what the Valet button looks like. It can be of different configurations and colors, but has several common appearance features:
- The button is small in size, usually no more than 1.2–1.5 cm.
- There are two wires connected to the key - power and ground. The color of the conductors may match the color of the standard cables. Experienced installers of anti-theft systems specifically change the wire in order to ensure hidden installation of the part.
- The button is located in the center of the black plastic case. It can be made in the form of a circle or square with rounded ends.
How to turn off the alarm using the Valet button
If it is impossible to use the remote control, the sequence of actions to unlock the anti-theft systems of different modifications is slightly different. In general, the step-by-step instructions for turning off the alarm using the Valet button are as follows:
- Open the car door with the key and sit in the passenger compartment so that the push-button mechanism is accessible for operation.
- In accordance with the information contained in the operating instructions for the existing alarm model, press the button the required number of times. Between presses it is necessary to maintain the time intervals specified in the manual.
- The alarm will turn off after entering the special code provided in the instructions.
After performing these manipulations, the piercing sound of the roaring siren of the alarm will be muffled. If necessary, you can reset the operating parameters of the vehicle security system.
When choosing a car alarm, you should prefer models that are designed with a Valet button. They are more profitable to operate than systems that do not have an emergency siren shutdown using a push-button mechanism. The car owner needs to carefully study the algorithm of the Valet button and remember its location well. This will allow you to quickly use the functionality of the key if necessary. The service button often helps drivers out in difficult situations.
Functions of the jack button and how to use the button mechanism
A modern car alarm without a jack button is like a car without a steering mechanism. This miniature device will allow the driver to solve the following tasks:
- emergency shutdown of the car alarm - if it cannot be turned off in the usual way;
- car alarm programming;
- turning off the siren in case of discharge or breakage of the key fob.
To quickly find a button in a car dealership and turn off a screaming siren, you need to know its precise location
In order to use the push-button mechanism as intended and use the jack switch as intended, you need to go through a few simple steps. If the car alarm works for no reason, the siren breaks, and you can’t use the key fob, you should do the following:
- open the car door and get to the place where the push-button mechanism is located;
- make the required number of presses on the button while maintaining a certain interval - for each car alarm it is indicated in the instructions;
- enter a special code for the system - it can be two-digit or three-digit, most often it is 11, 111, 123.
After these steps, the siren signal will be completely turned off and using the jack you can reprogram the car alarm in a new way. The override system always works properly and efficiently.
How to disarm a car using the Valet button is described in a video from the AVTOservis Nikitin channel.
Below we discuss how to configure some functions using the Valet button.
Security activation
In a number of Sheriff brand alarm systems, it is possible to arm the system with a service mode button. You don't need a key fob or key for this.
In order to enable security in the Sheriff ZX-940 complex, you must:
Briefly press and release the button. Press the button again and hold it for a few seconds until a sound signal sounds to activate the security mode.
Pay attention to the operation of the LED indicator, which will flash quickly. If all doors were closed before the button was manipulated, the system waits for the last door to open and close
If at least one door was open during the switching process, the alarm waits for it to close. Leave the car and close the door. After the last door is closed, the full security mode will turn on. The time period after closing the door and before turning on the security mode is three seconds and cannot be changed by setting.
Deactivation of security
In Pantera or Sheriff systems, the button is used when disabling security using a PIN code:
- Unlock the driver's door with the key and open it. The normal alarm mode will turn on.
- Insert the key into the lock and turn the ignition on/off. The alarm mode is temporarily deactivated (on some models the siren will continue to operate).
- The owner will have several tens of seconds (depending on the car alarm model) to get to the service button and press the first digit of the code.
- Repeat the manipulation with the ignition switch and enter the second digit.
- The third and fourth digits are entered in the same way (depending on the modification of the security system).
- After entering the last digit, you must turn the ignition on/off again, which should deactivate the siren.
- Try to start the engine.
If the code is entered incorrectly (for most systems, three attempts are given), the alarm is blocked for up to 30 minutes. After this, you can try to enter the password again.
Other functions
Using the Valet button in Sheriff systems, individual anti-robbery transponders are recorded into the memory. It is also needed when programming codes for new control panels. In addition, the Valet key allows you to bind an additional GSM module or configure keyless bypass of the standard immobilizer.
The video from the channel “Pasha and Yura’s Workshop” explains the purpose of the button and describes the features of working with it.
Possible faults
The StarLine service button is connected to the central unit with a thin two-core wire with a compact connector that is loosely fixed. Therefore, most often it falls out of the central block if there was tension when pulling the wires, or if the central block itself has shifted.
The wires themselves are also easily damaged if they are not bundled into standard wiring. Inspect the wire for kinks and breaks; if necessary, the damaged area can be easily repaired by stripping the ends and making twists under the heat-shrinkable tube.
The jack button rarely breaks - it is not used so often that it exhausts the resource of clicks. But, if it is secured in places where it can be accidentally touched, then an unsuccessful kick will break the plastic case, which is not very durable. If the car is constantly damp, then the button will be damaged by corrosion - either the soldering of the wires is destroyed, or it stops responding to pressing.
The faulty Valet button can be removed altogether if your alarm system uses a button on the antenna module as its function. Otherwise, buy a Valet button from any other alarm system (they have a standard two-pin connector), or solder a new button to the wires, the choice of which is wide in radio parts stores.
Where is?
Good to know
Since the Jack button performs an emergency disabling of the security mode, it should be located as secretly as possible so that the criminal cannot use it.
If the installation of the anti-theft system is not carried out independently, a specialist can install the key anywhere in the cabin. The car owner must be informed where exactly the part is located. In most cases, you need to look for the key under the instrument cluster (it can be disguised in one of the bundles with standard wiring). To prevent a criminal from quickly unlocking the security mode, the installer could wrap the wires and the part itself with electrical tape for more reliable protection.
Possible locations for installing the Jack button:
- in the free space on the audio system;
- under the driver's seat;
- in the plastic trim of the steering wheel near the ignition switch;
- in the free space behind the central part of the dashboard;
- behind the glove compartment;
- under the ashtray;
- in the area of the parking brake lever.
If you need to find the location of the key for the Panther alarm or any other model in the car, you must perform the following steps:
- Calculate the location of the microprocessor module, which may be located under the instrument cluster or in the free space behind it. If difficulties arise at this stage, you can use power circuits with a positive contact that come from the battery or ignition switch. Sometimes it is advisable to use the negative output connected to the battery or a standard bolt screwed into the body of the vehicle.
- Carefully examine all the pads on the microprocessor module. If the consumer still has the service manual for the alarm, then the documentation will allow you to understand the purpose of the pads. One of the outputs on the microprocessor unit is intended for connecting a service button.
- If documentation is missing, it is necessary to check each wire coming from the control unit. Usually the key is connected through a separate connector designed for 2 or 4 contacts. Sometimes, to search, you will need to dismantle the interior trim.
If you have difficulty determining the location of the control unit, then on Starline A91 alarms and other models you can proceed as follows:
The search algorithm consists of listening to the relay installed in the module. The user must get behind the wheel of the car and lock the door. The engine needs to be turned off
It is important that the vehicle is located in the quietest place possible, away from roads with heavy traffic. While the driver is in the cabin, he needs to turn the alarm on and off as many times as necessary to determine the relay clicks. When activating and disabling the security mode, their number must be multiple. If the control unit is detected, it is necessary to check each wire coming from it.
Good to know
If the security system is configured for silent activation or silent security mode, then clicks will not be heard.
In Pandora anti-theft systems, the settings key is located on the transceiver module, which is usually installed on the windshield or rear window. However, this button is not a Jack; the latter is located secretly separately from the antenna.
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 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
Installing a service alarm button
When choosing a location to install the button, consider the following conditions:
- Concealment - it should not be obvious during a quick inspection of the external panels and typical installation locations. If it is relatively easy to access the mounting block on your machine, then you should not stick the button on its outer side - it is better to fasten it on the back side. But secure it so that it can be felt.
- No nearby heating or moving elements. You should not glue the button onto the body of the stove or near its pipes, as the double-sided tape will come off. On pedals, you can accidentally hit it with your foot and tear it off or break it.
- The presence of other wiring harnesses nearby: when installing an alarm system, you need to pass a maximum of the wiring harnesses through the standard ones, which makes it difficult to find the central unit.
- Length reserve: if you glue the button inside the steering column casing behind the cutout of the height adjustment lever, then make sure that in all positions of the column the wire is not stretched, bent or pinched.
You can find out how to install a car alarm by reading the complete installation instructions for Starline A93.
