Is it possible to change the alarm key fob to another one?

The most common reason why car owners are looking for a replacement alarm control panel is its loss. Or another popular option is a broken display. Replacing a car alarm key fob will not take much of your time. But the search for a suitable model may well last a very, very long time. And in this case, it turns out that the more modern and sophisticated your alarm system is, the more difficult it will be to find a replacement. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to buy an entire anti-theft system.

And the price ratio will be interesting. It may turn out that purchasing the entire set is much more profitable.

How to program a new key fob

Let's say you found and bought a suitable keychain. To flash it, you can use the instructions for your alarm. If there is none, we will consider the most popular alarm models and options for programming key fobs for them.

Firmware for Starline key fobs

One of the most popular manufacturers of security for our cars. Mainly pay attention to the fact that the order and the actions themselves depend on the anti-theft model.

The following events are only suitable for Starline A91 or B9. A maximum of 4 key fobs can be programmed into the device memory. So, we follow the instructions:

• Turn on the car ignition, press the “Valet” button seven times;
• Start the car, the siren should sound 7 times, this indicates that you are in the desired mode;
• Now we press the second and third buttons of the key fob until a characteristic sound is heard, the siren will sound again, in our case it confirms the success of the recording;
• We do the same with the remaining three keychains;
• Turn off the ignition, the siren will sound five times, which indicates that the firmware was successfully installed.

Important! The interval between recording key fobs should be no more than five seconds!

The described firmware scheme is suitable for a key fob with a liquid crystal display. If you have a regular key fob, then perform all the same manipulations, hold down buttons 1 and 2.

Tomahawk key fob programming

Another fairly popular representative of the world of automotive protection is the Tomahawk alarm system. There is also a separate remote control firmware system for this:

• Just as in the first case, we turn the key in the ignition, but do not start the engine;
• Press "Override";
• We wait for four siren signals, after which we find ourselves in the desired mode;
• Now simultaneously click on “close trunk” and “quiet security”.

When programming key fobs of a given company, the number of siren sounds indicating the success of the event will be different. For the first keychain - one, for the second - two, and so on. Again, for a successful alarm remote replacement, do not take more than six seconds between key fobs.

Thus, it turns out that the most difficult moment is finding the right keychain. And, unfortunately, it is not always possible to find a suitable option. In this case, you have to change the alarm system completely, and program new key fobs in accordance with the instructions.

How to start a car without a key fob

If the key fob is lost, starting the car may become more difficult. But if you know how to start a vehicle without a communicator, the problem will be solved. Since the siren is triggered at the same time as the key fob, you can trigger it to try to locate the device. To do this, just knock on the wheels or glass, or even try to break open the door.

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If there is no positive result and before the key fob is restored, you will need to solve 2 problems:

1. Get into the cabin by disabling the alarm.
2. Find the alarm system control unit and the service mode button.

If the remote control is lost, you can get into the car using the key. If this tool is not available, you will have to seek help from specialists and perform an alternative opening.

The next task is to find the “Valet” button and the alarm unit. In most cases, the part is fixed under the dashboard, but sometimes it is placed in a different location. Having found the microprocessor module, you can find the service button.

Finally, you need to turn off the alarm, following the instructions for different models.

Do-it-yourself alarm replacement

Let's look at the installation of a new anti-theft system using the example of a universal alarm system that does not have a huge number of options. This kit includes:

For installation we will need: electrical tape, corrugated tape, double-sided tape, multimeter, screwdrivers.

Important! Before you start working with new wires, disconnect the negative terminal from the battery!

Wiring connection

First of all, we dismantle the steering panel and instrument panel. This is necessary in order to secure the control unit. After we have dealt with this, we move on to the most crucial moment - working with electricians.

When working with wires, it is important not to forget two points: do not leave open sections of the wires, rewind them with electrical tape, and also remember that you must connect to wires with a -12V output. We bring the wires to the dimensions, stop signals and turn signals. We pull another wire under the hood and the last one to the engine operating status indicator.

Installing a new alarm

If you cannot find the key fob you need, you will have to replace the security system completely. Don't be discouraged, this is a common occurrence as alarm models become obsolete, go out of stock and are replaced by other newer options.

Buying an alarm

When choosing an alarm system, you must be guided by your needs. Decide right away what is most important to you: a loud siren, all sorts of control sensors, or signal range.

Standard alarm set

Before purchasing an alarm, check that the kit is complete and includes instructions. It is recommended to buy the popular universal set. It is unlikely that it will disappear from sale in the near future and, in case of breakdown or loss, you will be able to find the spare parts you need. Typically, such an alarm kit includes:

• Central alarm control unit;
• Required wires;
• Siren;
• Antenna for transmitting a signal to the key fob and back;
• Key rings.

We also prepare tools: a knife, insulating tape, a multimeter, tape and several screwdrivers. Now you can proceed to installation.

Installing an alarm

We start with the installation of the central unit. It is most convenient to place it under the dashboard. When installing and dismantling unnecessary elements, do not forget that the wires must be immediately insulated. To do this we use electrical tape.

Central unit installation process

To make the correct electrical connections, use a multimeter. Figure out how to use it in advance. It is necessary to accurately understand its meaning. We are interested in wires with a -12V output. Having identified the necessary wires, we connect to them. It is necessary to connect with the dimensions, turn signals, engine indicator, etc.

After the work has been done, you need to find the main control relay for your central locking and connect to it. Now we can move on to installing the siren and antenna.

Installing a siren under the hood

Having stretched the wires necessary for the siren, we connect one of them to the battery, the other directly to it. You can install it in any free space. It doesn't really matter.

And finally, using double-sided tape, attach the antenna to the windshield of your car in the upper left corner. Done, you can perform the test.

Starline keychain repair

The need to program a car alarm key fob may arise in different cases, be it a breakdown of the key fob itself, a lack of spare key fobs, or simply a measure to ensure the safety of the car (for example, when buying a used car). In any case, the car owner’s algorithm of actions is quite simple; this article will write a step-by-step guide to programming the most common starline key fobs. Programming the Starline key fob is quite simple, but it requires the car owner’s attentiveness and knowledge of some nuances.

System Features

This system can support up to 4 key fobs maximum.

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It is very important to pay attention to the model of both the key fob and the alarm; in some cases, car owners do not pay attention to the additional indices following the model name. It will not be possible to flash a key fob of the same model, but with a different index; you will need to replace the alarm key fob. You should replace the key fob with the exact same one you have, without any indexes.

The car owner should know that programming a Starline key fob into the alarm unit will not cost only the firmware of an additional key fob; you need to immediately write down the key fobs that you are going to use. Thus, having one working key fob and one unstitched one, when programming it is necessary to bind the key fob (old and new) at the same time.

This point is very important, because Many car owners are faced with a problem when the additional key fob works, but the main key fob does not work.

Checking the key fob and searching for the service button

The very first step will be to check the key fob itself for its functionality. Inspect the key fob housing for cracks and chips, check the batteries. You can check the voltage on the key fob battery using a multimeter. If the key fob is new or the batteries have been changed recently, then you can skip this step.

The next step is to find out where the service button is located. Programming an alarm is not such a complicated process; you need to find a button from the alarm unit, usually it is connected to a wire. Most often, alarms are installed under the front panel of the car on the passenger or driver's side. You need to look under the front panel and find this button. If you cannot find the button, then you need to find the alarm unit and walk along the wires from it in search of the button.

Repair of car alarm key fobs, price in Kyiv

An alarm system is an integral attribute of a modern car. After all, it is she who protects the car from unauthorized opening and theft. If it suddenly happens that criminals try to open your car, an alarm will sound and you will immediately know about it. Even if you left the car far from home, you will know about the alarm using the key fob for it. The display of key fobs for car alarms displays information about arming and disarming the car. Therefore, this gadget is an extremely important accessory for the safety of the car. And safety is something you cannot skimp on.

The most common breakdown problems

Various troubles can happen with the car alarm remote control. We have selected the most common of them and compiled a list. The nature of the breakdown determines its solution.

1. A fall can occur with different intensity, therefore, the damage can also be different. If the case is damaged, you can disable the security system and gain access to the vehicle. Shaking off quartz is much more serious. In this case, you will have to buy a new control system.
2. Exposure to moisture as a result of falling into water or exposure to rain has a detrimental effect on the mechanism. The board is flooded, causing the tracks to short circuit. The device may completely or partially fail. In such a situation, you must immediately remove the battery. This will eliminate the possibility of electrolyte getting on the internal parts of the mechanism. Afterwards you will need to disassemble the mechanism and treat the tracks with alcohol. As a result of such actions, the functionality of the buttons should be restored. If this does not happen, take a tester and check the functionality of the circuit. The buttons can be replaced with new ones - there is no particular problem here. A remote control with destroyed tracks and a damaged circuit board will have to be replaced with a new alarm key fob. There are no other options here.
3. The battery can be discharged in an extremely short time - this is a consequence of a short circuit. It needs to be replaced with a new one. If the situation repeats, then the reason must be looked for in the remote control itself. It will be easier to replace the key fob with a new one.
4. The cause of the malfunction may be a damaged button or a small section of the board. Such malfunctions occur due to elementary physical impact. In rare cases, replacing the button, which is performed by service centers, helps. But most often you have to buy a new remote control.
5. Loss of communication with the car unit is typical for Tomahawk and Alligator security systems, but this problem can also appear in systems from other manufacturers. It occurs due to channel desynchronization, and is solved by reprogramming the device.
6. The device for controlling the car security system may freeze, which entails temporary inoperability. This problem occurs mainly after starting the engine when the battery is dead. Also, radio frequency interference can cause this situation. The problem is solved by turning off the system in emergency mode, after which you will need to drive a little and check the operation of the mechanism. In rare cases, it is necessary to re-register into the memory of the control panel unit.

Is it possible to restore the key fob?

Below we will look at what to do if the alarm key fob breaks.

Keychain repair

You can try to repair the control panel by checking the condition of the internal elements. To do this, you need to open the case, which is connected with screws and latches. You need to be careful when opening the device, as the latches break easily. The printed circuit boards inside should be free of plaque, dirt and oxidized areas. If the board is severely damaged, then a rational solution would be to replace the remote control with a new one.

To independently check the integrity of the alarm key fob elements, the user must have good knowledge of electrical engineering.

The check looks like this:

1. Clean the surface of the board with a stiff brush. Using detergents on your own is not advisable because it can damage the elements (capacitors).
2. Check the integrity of the circuits with a multimeter, first of all, the power circuits and elements with a different color from the rest.
3. Ring the circuits of the buttons and the control diode, if it is included in the remote control design.
4. If a break is detected, solder the damaged track or replace the damaged element. Electronic components can only be replaced using special soldering equipment, which is available at service centers.

Below are photographs of the soldering of the tracks of the Pandora key fob. The owner had complaints about the range and slow response of the system to button presses, but after repair the defects disappeared.

If the buttons on Starline and other models fail, you can try to repair the device yourself.

The step-by-step instructions are as follows:

1. Open the battery compartment and remove the battery.
2. Unscrew the fastening screw located under the battery.
3. Using a knife or thin screwdriver, separate the halves of the housing. The back part must be removed.
4. Remove the printed circuit board and inspect the buttons. Place the torn one aside.
5. Place the board with the display down and carefully glue the torn button back to its original location using cyanoacrylic glue. The key is glued to the standard plastic legs; the contact parts must be clean.
6. Solder the four contacts of the button with a low-power soldering iron. If necessary, additionally solder the pins of all buttons.
7. Place the board in the upper part of the case, snap the lower part into place and tighten the fastening screw.

When struck, elements on the boards may bounce off, but you can install them in place yourself. Often, after a fall, damage to the inductor occurs.

Sequence of repair actions:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover and remove it from the remote control.
2. Unscrew the screw securing the halves and separate the housing.
3. Remove the electronic boards and analyze them for torn elements.
4. Solder the parts into place and secure them with hot glue. It is recommended to replace torn elements with new ones, since tearing off damages the conductive parts.
5. Reassemble the product.

If the remote control has stopped responding to button presses or has lost connection with the main unit, then you can try setting it up. In the design of old-style alarm remote control panels (pre-2005-2007), there is often a trimmer capacitor that you can try to adjust.

To do this you need:

1. Enter programming mode (in accordance with the instructions for this alarm).
2. Check the operation of the button. If there is no signal, then you need to turn the capacitor regulator a few degrees (up to 5).
3. Perform settings. If the system does not respond to the key fob, turn the knob again. It is recommended to try adjusting the capacity several times.

If setting up the key fob does not help, then the owner has no choice but to buy a new remote control or make a copy of the existing one.

Where can I make a duplicate?

If the main or auxiliary key fob is lost, you can try to find and select a control panel from a similar alarm model. You should not rely on your own knowledge when using this device; it is better to seek the help of a specialist.

Key fobs are sold by specialized stores of automobile security systems and installation centers. You can try to order devices for a number of alarm systems (Starline, Pandora) through official representative offices or the manufacturer’s website.

Disabling the alarm

The key fob is lost or faulty, but you need to get into the car? But how to do this if it is under alarm? You need to disable the security system. There are several ways to do this. Whatever method you choose, you must disconnect the terminals from the battery.

1. The “Valet” or “Valet” button can be located in different places. You should inquire about its location immediately after installing the security system. This button allows you to disable the system, after which the driver can safely get to the service center and solve the problem with the key fob.
2. Emergency shutdown can occur in various scenarios, depending on what security system is installed in the car. For the most part, the driver’s actions come down to repeatedly switching the ignition key to different positions, after which it is necessary to quickly activate the service button a specified number of times.
3. Disconnecting the system from power involves working with the wires. If this prospect does not scare you, then you will have to perform the following steps:

• under the torpedo we find the signaling unit;
• we pull out the wires and try to start the car.

How to disable different alarm models without a key fob

When figuring out what to do if you have lost your alarm key fob, it is important to study the specifics of the operation of this device and the main reasons that can cause its failure. To turn off the alarm if the key fob is broken, you can use universal methods that are suitable for different models of such systems. Before this, you need to remove the terminals from the battery.

The first method is to use the “Valet” service mode button, the location of which must be clarified when installing the alarm system. With its help, you can completely deactivate the security system and continue servicing the car without the risk of hearing the loud howl of a siren.

See » How to reset the Starline A9 alarm to factory settings

You can also turn off devices using the emergency method.

To do this, you need to change the position of the ignition key and activate the “Valet” button.

If it is not possible to use one of the listed methods, all that remains is to disconnect the alarm from the power supply. A similar process is carried out according to the following instructions:

1. You need to get the alarm unit located under the torpedo.
2. Next you need to pull out the wires and start the car.

If the above steps do not resolve the problem and you cannot start the engine, you will need to perform the following measures:

1. Study the placement and structure of the wiring to which the alarm wires are connected.
2. If there is a blockage, you need to cut the wire and connect its ends to the remote control device.
3. Disconnect the alarm wiring and connect the cut wire.
4. If access to the engine cannot be restored, this may be due to additional blockages.

If a driver has lost the keys to a car with an alarm and cannot find the key fob, you can try the encoding method. It provides effective deactivation of the alarm without contacting a service center. To carry out such manipulations, you need:

1. Gain access to the hood, insert the key into the starter and crank it.
2. Quickly press the “Jack” button.
3. Return the key to its original position.

The actions are repeated the number of times that corresponds to the numbers from the PIN code.

Starline and Tomahawk

If you have to restore access to the Starline alarm system, you need to follow these instructions:

Choosing the right keychain

Often, problems with the car alarm control panel are solved by purchasing a new control element. Especially if the car alarm key fob was lost. It's not that simple here. You can't go to a store and buy the first item you come across. You need to know about the subtleties and rules of choice.

1. To purchase, you need to choose specialized sales points. A consultation with the seller will not be superfluous; ask questions and clarify any unclear points.
2. The control must be suitable for your system, moreover, the ability to program it is important. The key fob must be selected in accordance with the alarm model, otherwise reprogramming will be impossible.
3. Finding a key fob for an old model of security system will be very difficult, in some cases even impossible. Be prepared to replace your entire alarm system.

When the desired mechanism is selected, it is worth thinking about how to replace the alarm key fob. We will talk about this further.

Reprogramming the key fob

• Adding new features;
• Emergency shutdown;
• Connecting new key fobs.

This button is most likely located inside your car and looks like a switch or lever.

Typically, in order to switch to this mode, you will need to enter a security code. It is programmed specifically to protect your car from disabling the alarm system by intruders.

After that, you write the code you need. It should be in the instructions. Never throw away the instructions from your security kit. All the necessary information is there. It is important to remember that for each alarm everything is completely individual.

For example, you need to know how many key fobs you can program. If you try to register a unique code on an extra key fob, it will be erased from the first one, and so on.

In fact, reprogramming a key fob is not a difficult task, however, you must be sure that both the key fob and the programming code are suitable for your alarm model. In any other case, it is better to contact specialists or replace the entire alarm kit.