AstroStart QS-5A User manual

Printed in Canada 09/03 193-127-314-00
PATENT NOS
CAN 1.130.426
USA 4.345.554 - 5.614.883
- 5.617.819 - 5.673.017
AND OTHER PATENTS PENDING
REMOTE CONTROL
ENGINE STARTER
WITH INTEGRATED
ALARM SYSTEM QS SERIE
USER MANUAL
Model QS-5A
For all
automatic
transmission
gas- and
diesel-powered
vehicles.
(FRANÇAIS AU VERSO)
CONSULT SAFETY PRECAUTION SECTION
BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
NEVER USE THIS PRODUCT ON A
MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLE.
SOME FEATURES MAY REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL (NOT INCLUDED).

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
This device complies with the requirements of Industry Canada (IC) - Management of
Radio-frequencies, as specified in document CNR-210. Its use is authorized only on a
no-interference, no-protection basis; in other words, this device must not be used if it is
determined that it causes harmful interference to services authorized by IC. In addition, the user of this
device must accept any radio interference that may be received, even if this interference could affect the
operation of the device.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference and
(2) this device must accept interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television, which can be
determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.
Warning:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by <manufacturer> could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
1164, Route 220
St-Élie d’Orford (Québec) Canada
J0B 2S0
516A Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
USA

1
Table of contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS _____________________________________________ 2
BEFORE USING YOUR REMOTE STARTER _____________________________ 2
THE REMOTE CONTROL _____________________________________________ 3
USING YOUR REMOTE CONTROL _________________________________________ 3
BATTERY REPLACEMENT ______________________________________________ 3
TABLE OF COMMANDS______________________________________________ 4
START COMMANDS___________________________________________________ 5
SECURITY SYSTEM ___________________________________________________ 8
LOCK/UNLOCK COMMANDS AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMING/DISARMING _____________ 13
OTHER COMMANDS _________________________________________________ 14
SAFETY CHECKS __________________________________________________ 17
HOOD SWITCH _____________________________________________________ 17
GEARSHIFT CHECK _________________________________________________ 17
REPLACING OR BOOSTING VEHICLE BATTERY ________________________ 17

2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before using this product, carefully read the following safety precautions.
• Immediately report any malfunction to the dealer that performed installation.
• Under no circumstance can this product or its use be modified.
• Always turn off main switch when vehicle is parked in an enclosed, unventilated area or is in
for servicing.
• Always turn off main switch when not using your Remote Starter for extended periods of time.
• Keep remote controls away from children.
• Have your engine tuned regularly to ensure optimum performance of your Remote Starter.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are turned off before leaving vehicle.
• Regularly check safety features that stop engine (see “SAFETY CHECKS” on page 17.)
• Make sure you comply with all local regulations, which may prohibit leaving your engine
running when vehicle is unattended in a public place.
• Always advise service personnel that your vehicle is equipped with a Remote Starter equipped
with a starter cut function.
• We strongly recommend that you have your system checked annually.
Contact the dealer in your area.
BEFORE USING YOUR REMOTE STARTER
Before leaving your vehicle, set the various controls in order to use your Remote Starter.
• Set heating/air-conditioning controls to desired position. (When the remote starter starts your
engine, it will also turn on your climate control system.)
• Turn your windshield wipers to the “OFF” position.
• Make sure gearshift is in “P”.

3
THE REMOTE CONTROL
Your remote control has been designed to fit the natural contours of your hands so that it is easier to use. It
works off three long-life lithium batteries.
It can control two vehicles separately. Up to four remote controls can be assigned to your vehicle. See
your dealer for replacement batteries or additional remote controls.
NOTE: The range of your remote control can be affected by a weak battery, interference from nearby metal
structures, hydro poles, or crowded parking lots.
USING YOUR REMOTE CONTROL
Your remote control can transmit on two different channels,
allowing control of two separate vehicles.
Only the “Panic” command is transmitted on both channels
simultaneously.
Each command being transmitted is confirmed by both an
audible and a visual signal (LED indicator).
CHANNEL 1 :
To transmit a command
on channel 1, press
desired button for two
seconds.
CHANNEL 2 :
To transmit a command on channel 2, press desired button, then
as soon as a tone is heard or LED flashes once, release the button
for a moment then press it again and hold it down for two seconds.
A command will not be executed if you do not press button long enough.
Only one command will be transmitted even if a button is pressed for more than two seconds except for the
Stop button, that will send a Panic command if hold more than 4 seconds.
The remote control supplied in the kit may differ from the one illustrated above.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Your remote works off three 3-volt lithium CR-2016 batteries or
equivalent.
We strongly recommend that you keep a replacement set in
your glove compartment.
To replace the batteries, remove screw on back of remote
case, remove old batteries and replace with new ones. Make
sure that batteries point the right way; see illustration opposite.
Start
Lock / Arm
Trunk
LED
Unlock / Disarm
Stop
Panic

4
TABLE OF COMMANDS
COMMANDS BUTTONS CONFIRMATION
(PICTOGRAM) HORN LIGHTS SIREN
PANIC > 4 SEC.
30 / 60
SEC.
30 / 60
SEC.
30 / 60
SEC.
START / CONTINUOUS MODE 11 
STOP 1
LOCK / ARM 1 1 / 3 1 / 3 / X

UNLOCK / DISARM 2 / 4 2 / 4 / X

TRUNK 3 3
ACTIVATE / DEACTIVATE SENTINEL MODE 2 / 3 / 4 
ACTIVATE / DEACTIVATE UTILITY # 1 1
ACTIVATE / DEACTIVATE UTILITY # 2 1
RUNTIME ADJUSTMENT 1 - 4
PRESET TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT 1 - 4
CAR FINDER 7 3
DISPLAY REMOTE START FAIL CODES 1 - 19
DISPLAY ALARM ZONE CODES 1 – 8

THIS CONFIRMATION IS SENT ONLY IF START COMMAND IS REPEATED WHEN ENGINE IS ALREADY RUNNING

THIS COMMAND TERMINATES: RUNTIME, PANIC MODE AND ALARM CONDITION

WHEN CHIRPS OR ALARM IS DEACTIVATED  WHEN "CONFIRMATION ON 2ND LOCK" IS ENABLED.

THESE CONFIRMATIONS ARE PROGRAMMABLE AS ACTIVE/INACTIVE DURING INSTALLATION.

1 = NO ZONE IS IN VIOLATION DURING ARMING 3 = AT LEAST ONE ZONE IS IN VIOLATION DURING ARMING

X = NO CHIRP WHEN VALET MODE IS ACTIVE OR WHEN ALARM IS PROGRAMMED AS DISABLED

TEMPORARY VALET MODE IS ACTIVATED IF COMMAND IS REPEATED DURING REARM CYCLE WHEN AALRM SET IN PASSIVE
REARMING AT THE INSTALLS

2 = NO ZONE WAS IN VIOLATION WHILE
ALARM WAS ARMED
4 = AT LEAST ONE ZONE WAS IN VIOLATION
WHILE ALARM WAS ARMED

2 = DEACTIVATION 3 = SYSTEM NOT READY 4 = ACTIVATION
ONLY IF SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SENSOR CAPABLE OF DETECTING TRUNK RELEASE (OPTIONAL).
CONFIRMATION
In all cases, your Remote Starter will confirm that command has been received properly.
This will be done by either sounding horn and/or siren or flashing parking lights. In this manual,
confirmation signals are written in an abbreviated form; for example:
(horn: 1, lights: 2) Means that horn will sound once and parking lights will flash twice.
Parking light confirmations are mandatory. Horn confirmations are optional (programmable) and require an
additional connection and equipment during installation.
Confirmations are explained in more detail under each command.

5
START COMMANDS
STARTING THE ENGINE
To start the engine, press button (horn: 0, lights: 1).
The system automatically adjusts ignition duration for your type of vehicle; parking lights flash once
(duration: four seconds) then stay on all the time engine is running.
If more than one command is emitted, each successive start command resets runtime to the beginning,
parking lights flash once to confirm command has been received and horn sounds once to let you know
engine is already running.
Repeating this command will produce an audible confirmation that engine has started, which can be useful
if vehicle is not in sight.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
If your system cannot start your engine at first attempt, it will wait for a few seconds and then try again (it
could try again twice depending on reason for failure to start).
After three attempts, it will shut down automatically and wait for new command (see “Start fail Codes“ on
page 15).
UPON ENTERING YOUR VEHICLE...
 To prevent engine from turning off when you enter your vehicle, do not depress brake pedal before
having placed key in ignition and turned it to "ON" position.
DO NOT TURN IGNITION KEY TO “START” POSITION.
 Drive as usual.
ENGINE RUNTIME
Your engine will stop automatically after a preset time (see "Setting the runtime" on page 7). Parking lights
will stay on as long as engine is running.
TRIGGER INPUT
Your remote starter is equipped with a negative trigger (pulse)
input.
This input can be connected to another remote control device or to
a timer output (optional).
If this input is connected, consult this device's manual or ask your
technician which command controls the Start/Stop function.
The Start/Stop commands received on this input are ignored while
the engine is running on a remote start.
All Start/Stop functions controlled by this input behave in the same
way as functions controlled by remote.

6
CONTINUOUS MODE
The Continuous Mode function lets you remove the key from ignition while leaving the engine running. This
convenient feature allows you to leave vehicle for short periods of time while climate controls remain on.
To access Continuous Mode, send Start command while engine is idling. See “STARTING THE ENGINE“
on page 5.
Parking lights, engine and preset accessories will remain on for the duration of the programmed runtime
(see “ Setting the runtime ” on page 7).
Remove key, exit vehicle and lock doors. All safety devices will remain active.
If you return to your vehicle before runtime has elapsed, just turn the key to the “ON” position and depress
brake pedal.
WHAT STOPS THE ENGINE
For your safety, engine will not start or it will stop if:
 Ignition key is in "RUN" position (prevents start);
 Remote control sends a stop command.
 Hood is open.
 Brakes are applied.
 Alarm is in infraction condition.
 Engine is over-revving (if engine over-revving monitoring is active).
 Main switch is OFF.
MAIN SWITCH
Main switch is usually mounted under dashboard.
When it is placed in the OFF position, it cancels all start
related functions but does not disable other commands,
which remain active (alarm, door locking, etc).
STOP
When engine is kept running by Remote Starter, you can stop it with this command (lights: 1).
The stop command also ends panic mode and alarm condition.

7
LOW TEMPERATURE MODE
In Low Temperature (Sentinel) mode, system starts your engine automatically when temperature falls
below a preset level.
Engine will run for programmed runtime, after which system will wait 2½ hours and then start engine again
if temperature is still below preset level.
To activate/deactivate Low Temperature mode, press and buttons simultaneously.
When mode is activated:
Parking lights will flash 4 times, then, if temperature is below preset level, engine will start.
If temperature is above preset level, system waits until it goes below preset level before starting.
If system cannot execute command (for example, safety sequence is not valid, hood is open, etc),
confirmation will be different (lights: 3).
When mode is deactivated:
Parking lights will flash twice to confirm that mode is deactivated. Applying brakes also deactivates Low
Temperature mode.
SETTING THE START TEMPERATURE
To change preset temperature at which you want your Remote Starter to start engine, press and
buttons simultaneously (lights: 1 - 4).
Parking lights will flash from 1 to 4 times to indicate selected start
temperature (see table opposite).
If you send command when ignition has been turned on (by
Remote Starter or key), preset start temperature does not
change. However, confirmation is still sent to indicate last
selection.
SETTING THE RUNTIME
Press buttons and simultaneously (parking lights: 1 - 4).
Parking lights flash one to four times to indicate selected runtime
(see table opposite).
If you send this command while the ignition circuits are activated
(by remote or key), runtime does not change but confirmation is
sent to indicate last selection.
If Low Temperature (Sentinel) mode is already activated when
this command is sent, the command sets or indicates Low
Temperature mode runtime.
Note: Runtime is doubled for a diesel engine.
1A runtime of 2 minutes (4 min. for a diesel engine ) is not recommended for most vehicles unless you intend to drive off immediately after the
remote start. This selection is not available in Low Temperature mode.
Number of
Flashes
Preset start
temperature
1 -5°C (23°F)
2 -15°C (5°F)
3 -20°C (-7°F)
4 -30°C (-22°F)
Number of
flashes
Runtime
1 2 minutes
1
2 4 minutes
3 8 minutes
4 18 minutes

8
SECURITY SYSTEM
PROTECTION ZONES
Your security system can use up to six different monitoring devices simultaneously to protect your vehicle.
These devices are connected to the system on different inputs called protection zones.
One of these zones can send an audible warning (7 chirps), while the other five generate an alarm
condition if system is armed.
PROTECTION ZONES FUNCTIONS
Pre-shock
(more than 3 times within 3 min.) Siren chirps (7 times)
Doors
Hood
Additional sensor (Trunk)
Shock sensor
Ignition (key)
Siren "ON" for 30 or 60 second period, which can be repeated
up to 4 times depending on initial programming and whether
violated zone is corrected or not.
Each period is separated by a 5 second pause.
(45 seconds for "Door" zone).
DETERRENTS
ACTIVE
When one of the monitoring devices detects a violation, system reacts by activating the following
deterrents, depending on which is connected.
System can activate up to four deterrents simultaneously: siren, parking lights, dome light and/or horn.
PREVENTIVE
Indicator light shows different alarm conditions (see "ZONE CODES" on page 11).
It can also act as a deterrent if installed in a place visible from outside vehicle.
ALARM MODES
WARNING
Warning signal is 7 siren chirps.
If a two-level shock sensor is connected to system, warning sounds every time vehicle is subjected to a
light shock when the alarm is armed.
PRE-ALARM
If you set off alarm by accident and do not want to alarm or disturb the whole neighborhood, "pre-alarm"
mode cuts in three seconds before alarm condition to give you time to disarm system.
In this mode, parking lights, siren and dome light go on and off intermittently for three seconds.
ALARM CONDITION
When system is in alarm condition, it activates the various deterrents connected to the alarm module.
Alarm condition remains active for 30 or 60 seconds depending on initial programming, then system
pauses for five seconds (45 seconds for "Door" zone).
During this pause, it checks the protection zones again and restarts alarm cycle if a zone is still in violation.
This cycle can be repeated up to four times. If situation that caused the violation is corrected in mid-cycle,
alarm stops at end of current cycle.