AstroStart RSS-2524 User manual

All rights reserved © Astroflex Electronics 2007 September 2007 UBRSS2524
PATENT NOS
CAN 1.130.426
USA 4.345.554 - 5.614.883
- 5.617.819 - 5.673.017
AND OTHER PATENTS PENDING
USER MANUAL
MODEL RSS-2524
For all hybrid, gas-
and diesel-powered
vehicles.
This model may
be equipped with an
optional security system.
(FRANÇAIS AU VERSO)
CONSULT SAFETY PRECAUTION SECTION
BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT.
SOME FEATURES MAY REQUIRE
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL (NOT INCLUDED).
®
REMOTE CONTROL
ENGINE STARTER

GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
This device complies with the Industry Canada Radio Standards Specification RSS 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 harmfulinterference 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 ormore 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 thatto 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.
ELECTRONICS
188 St-François-Xavier
Delson, Qc
Canada
J5B 1X9
www.astroflex.com

1
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING AN ASTROSTART REMOTE CAR STARTER!
Just like you are, Astroflex Electronics is concerned with the environment.
This is why we are suggesting you to use the two-minute runtime
when you remote-start your vehicle to warm up engine fluids.
You can set the runtime yourself using your transmitter.
We take this opportunity to remind you to properly defrost your windows
and remove all the snow on your vehicle before driving on public roads.
Rolling igloos are extremely dangerous!
We wish you an excellent journey with your remote engine starter!
USER GUIDE FOR RSS-2524REMOTE ENGINE STARTER
The RSS-2524 is a remote engine starter system that provides unlocks features allowing remote control of door locks and
trunk. These features are optional and may require additional material and/or wiring during installation.
When it is interfaced with an optional safety system,not only does it allow starting the vehicle at a distance,it can sound an
alarm and prevent engine from starting should someone try to steal your vehicle or its contents.
Table of contents
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ____________________________________________________________________________2
SAFETY SEQUENCE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
PREPARING SYSTEM----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
THE REMOTE CONTROL____________________________________________________________________________4
SELECTING TRANSMISSION CHANNEL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
BATTERY REPLACEMENT-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
PAGER --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
TABLE OF COMMANDS_____________________________________________________________________________5
START COMMANDS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
SECURITY SYSTEM (OPTIONAL) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
LOCK/UNLOCK COMMANDS AND ALARM SYSTEM ARMING/DISARMING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
OTHER COMMANDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
CODE LEARNING OF ADDITIONAL TRANSMITTER(S)___________________________________________________17
SAFETY CHECKS_________________________________________________________________________________17
HOOD SWITCH---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
GEARSHIFT CHECK APPLICABLE TO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VEHICLES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
GEARSHIFT CHECK APPLICABLE TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
REPLACING OR BOOSTING VEHICLE BATTERY_______________________________________________________18

2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before using this product, carefully read the following safety precautions.
GENERAL RULES
•Never perform a remote start when a person oranimal is inside the vehicle.
•Do not allow any person or animal to remain inside the vehicle when the engine is running under remote starter
control (continuous mode).
•Immediately reportany malfunction to the AstroStart dealer that performed the installation.
•Under no circumstance can this product or its use be modified.
•Always turn off the main switch when vehicle is parked in an enclosed, unventilated area oris in for servicing.
•Always turn off the main switch when not using your remote starter for extended periods.
•Keep remote controls away from children.
•Have your engine tuned regularly to ensure optimum performance of your remote starter.
•Make sure that the windshield wipers and the headlights 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.
•To ensure continued safe operation of your remote starter, ask your AstroStart dealer to periodically check
and/or tune the remote starting system.
•Always advise service personnel that your vehicle is equipped with a remote starter.
•We strongly recommend that you have your remote starter checked annually. Contact a dealer in your area.
•All users of the vehicle should be aware of the safety precautions and operation procedures.
•Make sure that the warning sticker is present on the driver's window.
SPECIFIC RULES FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES
•Make sure that the parking brake is operational, i.e. it can prevent the vehicle from moving.
•If the shift lever is accessible without having to open a door of the vehicle (for example, by entering via the lift
gate or rear hatch)or in the case of a convertible vehicle, it is strongly recommended to have a motion detector
(microwave) installed with the system. This device prevents the engine from starting should any activity be
detected near the gearshift.

3
SAFETY SEQUENCE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES
Your remote starter was designed to force you to perform a series of actions that will ensure that the gearshift lever is in
neutral position when you exit the vehicle.
This series of actions is called a "safety sequence" and is aimed at preventing any remote start in situations where remote
starting the engine would not be safe.
Should the hatchback or any door be opened atany time, the intrusion will be detected and the safety sequence will be
cancelled by the system, thus preventing a remote start. In such cases, the sequence must be repeated to allow for an
eventual remote start.
The system offers two execution modes for the sequence. These options mustbe set at time of installation. The first mode is
initiated by the parking brake and the other by the remote control.
The safety sequence must be performed as follows.
Sequence activated by the parking brake .
1. While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Move gearshift lever to neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake Once Twice
Note: The system can be set - attime of installation - to require that the parking brake be applied once or twice.
If set for two actuations, pause one second between the two.
4. Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).
5. Exit the vehicle.
6. Within 60 seconds, close all doors.
7. The system will stop the engine exceptifTurbo Mode orContinuous Mode isactiveand blink the parking brakes
once to confirm the sequence is valid (vehicle is ready fora remote start command).
Sequence activated by the remote control
1. While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Move gearshift lever to neutral.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. Press button on your remote control.
5. Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).
6. Depending on programmed option:
Within 60 seconds exit the vehicle,
close back all the doors then,using
the remote, send the STOP command.
Note that the Turbo mode is
not available with this option.
Within 60 seconds exit the vehicle
then close back all the doors.
The system will stop the engine
except if either the Turbo mode
or the continuous mode is activated
Parking lights will blink once to confirm that the sequence is valid (vehicle is ready for a remote start
command).
If the engine stops when the key is removed from the ignition, the safety sequence is invalid.
Perform a new safety sequence. If problem persists, consult your installer.
PREPARING SYSTEM
When you exit the vehicle, you need to prepare the remote starter for its next use.
•If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, make sure thatthe remote starter system has detected a
valid safety sequence.
•If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, make sure that the transmission lever is in the "P"
position.
•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 to avoid strain on the mechanism should a start command be
sent to the vehicle, i.e. when heavy snow immobilizes the wipers.
•Make sure that the headlights are turned off.
•Be sure not to leave your keys inside the vehicle. Certain rearming functions can cause the doors to lock
automatically.

4
(2) CR-2016
THE REMOTE CONTROL
Your remote control can transmit on two different channels, allowing control of two separate
vehicles.
Up to four remote controls can be assigned to your vehicle.
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.
Only the "Panic" command is transmitted on both channels when a single command is sent
(alternating transmission channels).
The transmitter provides audible (piezo) and visual(LED ) confirmation.
The LED lights-up green when it transmits on channel one or red when it transmits on channel
two.
The remote shown may differ from the one included in the kits.
SELECTING TRANSMISSION CHANNEL
CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2
Press desired button for two
seconds. Momentarily press the «?» button, then as soon as a
tone is heard or that the red LED lights-up, press the
desired button and hold itdown for two seconds.
A command will not be executed if you do not press button long enough except for the RSS-5224 remote that immediately
transmit when either the lock or unlock button is pressed. In that case, the command is sent at reduced power.
Only one command is transmitted even when a button is pressed for more than two seconds, except for the "Panic"
command, which is repeated as long as button is pressed.
Your system may be programmed in such a way that it can distinguish between two groups of remote controls (maximum:
two remotes per group). These groups let you activate predefined settings (seat, mirror and other) when unlocking certain
vehicles (additional optional equipment required).
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Your remote works off two 3-volt lithium CR-2016 batteries or equivalent.
To replace the batteries, use a coin to snap open the remote casing via the slot on the
side of the remote, remove old batteries and replace them with new ones. Make sure to
properly orient the batteries; see illustration opposite.
Close the casing by applying a pressure on both parts while these are properly aligned.
PAGER
The system is equipped with a function called ‘Pager’. You can use this feature to send a general call to allremote controls
related to the system asking those who carry them to get to the vehicle or to perform a task previously established. The
other function is to locate a misplaced remote control.
Paging from the vehicle
To send a general call, the usermust press the ‘Valet’ switch and hold it for 3 seconds while engine is stopped and key
is not in the ignition, or while engine is remote started (see ‘ValetMode’ on page 15)(The valet switch is a small push
button hidden under the dash board).
Parking lights on the vehicle blink once to confirm the call was sent.
All remote controls (maximum: 4) located within the radio frequency range of the vehicle will begin to chirp and the
LED will flash green. To silence the remote control, press any button.

5
TABLE OF COMMANDS
CONFIRMATIONS
BUTTONS
COMMAND GROUPE 1 GROUPE 2 HORN PARKING LIGHTS SIREN*
PANIC OR
(> 4SEC.) AND
(>4SEC.) 30 /60 SEC.
START /CONTINUOUS MODE 11-
STOP (>4SEC.) 1 1 -
LOCK /ARMING* (REDUCED RANGE IF <2SEC.) 11/31/3/X

UNLOCK /DISARMING*(REDUCED RANGE IF <2SEC.) - 2/4¡2/4/X
¡
TRUNK 1(>4 sec.) - 1/3 3 
STATUS ? - - -
ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE SENTINEL MODE - 4/2/3¢-
CAR FINDER 7 3 -
RUNTIME SETTING - 1–4 -
DISPLAY REMOTE START FAIL CODES - 1-20 -
ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE UTILITY 1 (> 4SEC.) - 1 -
ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE UTILITY 2 (> 4SEC.) - 1 -
ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE UTILITY 3 - 1 -
ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE UTILITY 4 - 1 -
VALET MODE ACTIVATE /DEACTIVATE - 4 /2¢-
DISPLAY ALARM CONDITION CODES - 1–8 -
KEYPAD LOCK - - -
MUTE MODE (REMOTE TRANSMITTER) - - -
COMMAND GROUPE (TOGGLE)
COMMAND GROUP SELECTING UPON INSTALLING.
GROUP 2USAGE IS PREFERABLE WHEN REMOTE
STARTER IS EQUIPPED WITH A SECURITY SYSTEM.
*COMMAND RELATED TO ARMING AND DISARMING ONLY APPLIES TO SYSTEM THAT IS
INTERFACED WITH AN OPTIONAL ASTROSTART SECURITY SYSTEM.
THIS CONFIRMATION IS SENT ONLY WHEN COMMAND IS REPEATED WHILE ENGINE IS ALREADY RUNNING (HORN:PROGRAMMABLE
DURING INSTALLATION). THIS COMMAND ENDS:RUNTIME,ALARM CONDITION AND PANIC MODE CONFIRMATION BY CHIRP OR
HORN ON 2ND LOCK (WHEN PROGRAMMED "ON").ONLY IF SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SENSOR,WHICH DETECTS WHEN TRUNK
IS OPEN (OPTIONAL).THESE CONFIRMATIONS ARE PROGRAMMABLE ENABLE/DISABLE DURING INSTALLATION.1=NO ZONE IS
IN VIOLATION AT ARMING.3=AT LEAST ONE ZONE IS IN VIOLATION AT ARMING.X=NO CHIRP WHEN VALET MODE IS ACTIVE OR
WHEN ALARM IS PROGRAMMED "OFF".TEMPORARY VALET MODE IS DISABLED IF COMMAND IS REPEATED DURING REARMING
CYCLE.¡2=NO ZONE WAS IN VIOLATION WHEN ALARM WAS ARMED.4=AT LEAST ONE ZONE WAS IN INFRACTION WHEN ALARM
WAS ARMED.¢4=ACTIVATED /2=DEACTIVATED /3=SYSTEM NOT READY.1PARKING LIGHTS FLASHES ONCE IF THE
COMMAND CANNOT BE EXECUTED.

6
CONFIRMATION
Vehicle’s confirmations:
In all cases, your Remote Starter will
confirm that command has been
received properly.
This will be done by eithersounding
horn or flashing parking lights.
Parking light confirmations are
mandatory. Horn confirmations are
optional (programmable) and require
an additional connection and/or
equipment during installation.
Confirmations are explained in more
detail under each command.
Remote control’s confirmations:
The remote transmitter provides two
types of confirmations, those
immediately preceding a command
transmission, named instantaneous
confirmations, and those that are sent
when the status of a monitored
feature changes, named status
confirmations.
START COMMANDS
STARTING THE ENGINE
Press the button for 2 seconds.
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 (programmable during installation) to let you know
engine is already running.
Repeating this command will produce an audible confirmation that engine has started, which can be useful ifvehicle is not in
sight (configurable during installation).
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 16).
UPON ENTERING YOUR VEHICLE...
DO NOT TURN IGNITION KEY TO START POSITION.
Automatic transmission vehicles Manual transmission vehicles
To avoid turning the engine off when taking
place behind the steering wheel, do not apply
the brakes until you have placed the key in the
ignition and turned it to the RUN position.
Drive as usual.
To avoid turning the engine off when taking place behind
the steering wheel, do not apply the brakes and do not
remove the parking brake until you have placed the key in
the ignition and turned it to the RUN position.
Drive as usual.
COMMAND LED TONE
SYSTEM IS READY FOR STARTING HIGH
SYSTEM IS NOT READY FOR STARTING RED LOW
REMOTE START ACCOMPLISHED ASCENDING MELODIE
STOP DESCENDING MELODIE
HIGH,LOW
LOCKING ARMING 3X (HIGH,LOW )
WITH VALET MODE ENABLED OR BYPASSED ZONE
LOW ,HIGH
UNLOCKING DISARMING 3X (LOW ,HIGH )WITH ALARM CONDITION
STATUS COMBINATION OF ONE STARTING STATUS AND
ONE DOOR LOCKING STATUS,SEE GREY ZONES ABOVE.
HIGH
TRUNK RED 3LOW
GREEN HIGH
OTHER COMMANDS RED 3LOW
INSTANTANEOUS CONFIRMATIONS
OUT OF RANGE RED 3LOW
PARKING LIGHTS
DOOR OPENNED
ALTERNING HIGH,HIGH,LOW
PAGER GREEN TELEPHONE RINGING
ALARM /ALARM LINK
RED SIREN
ENGINE IS RUNNING ASCENDING MELODIE
STATUS CONFIRMATIONS
BACK TO NORMAL STATE GREEN HIGH

7
ENGINE RUNTIME
Your engine will stop automatically after a preset time (See "Setting the runtime" on page 8).
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 an AstroStart RST-2 timer
output (optional), part number 310-903-502.
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.
CONTINUOUS MODE
Continuous Mode function lets you remove the key from the ignition while leaving the engine running. This convenient
feature allows you to leave your vehicle for shortperiods while climate controls remain on.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
VEHICLES
To access Continuous Mode, press on the button while engine is idling (see STARTING THE
ENGINE on page 6). If Turbo Mode is active, you must press a second time on the button of the
remote to set the runtime according to the presetsettings.
Parking lights, engine and climate controls will remain on for the duration of the programmed
runtime.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
VEHICLES
To access Continuous Mode, press on the button before removing the key from ignition when
performing the safety sequence described on page 3. See “STARTING the ENGINE“ on page 6.
Note: Do not send the stop command if you perform sequence activated by the remote control
(Step 7) on page 3.
If Turbo Mode is on, itwill be activated when the safety sequence is executed.
Remove the key, exit vehicle and lock all doors. All safety devices will remain active.
If you return to your vehicle before runtime has elapsed, just turn the key to RUN position and press the brake pedal.
TURBO MODE
(Activated at time of installation)
This mode allows the engine to be left running at idle speed for a shortperiod of time so that the turbocharger can cool down
as recommended by certain car manufacturers.
This mode activates the continuous mode at a reduced runtime (one or two minutes according to the programming).
To activate the Turbo Mode:
•Automatic: Press on the (2 sec.) button (refer to ‘Continuous Mode’).
•Manual: Perform the security sequence.
WHAT STOPS THE ENGINE
For your safety, engine will not start or will stop if:
Your key is in the RUN position (prevents Start cycle).
Remote control sends a Stop message.
Hood is open.
Brakes are applied.
Engine is over-revving (if programmed Enable at installation).
Alarm detects intrusion.
Main switch is OFF.
Safety sequence not valid (manual transmission vehicle only - parking brake not applied, opening of door detected
while remote starter was not keeping engine running).

8
MAIN SWITCH
Main switch is usually mounted under dashboard. It is a toggle ON/OFF switch that is used
to cancel start functions.
It does not disable other commands which remain active (alarm, lock/unlock commands,
etc.).
STOP
Refer to the table ofcommand on page 5 to know which button to press.
This command only applies when engine is keptrunning by Remote Starter.
It is used to stop the run time, the panic mode as well as the alarm condition withoutdisarming the security system.
LOW TEMPERATURE MODE
Press the and buttons simultaneously for 2 seconds.
The command alternatively activates/deactivate Low Temperature mode.
In Low Temperature (Sentinel) mode, system starts your engine automatically when temperature falls below a preset level.
Engine will run forprogrammed runtime, after which system will wait 2½ hours and then start engine againif temperature is
still below preset level.
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.
In the case of a manual transmission vehicle, the system must have detected a valid security sequence to allow the
activation of Low Temperature mode. (See "Safety sequence formanual transmission vehicles" on page 3).
If system cannot execute command (for example, hood is open), confirmation will be different (lights: 3).
When mode is deactivated:
Parking lights will flash twice to confirm that mode is deactivated.Applying brakes deactivates Low Temperature mode.
SETTING THE RUNTIME
Refer to the table ofcommand on page 5 to know which button to press.
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 fora 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 Runtime
1 2 minutes
1
2 4 minutes
3 8 minutes
4 18 minutes