Autostart AS-1820 FM User manual

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION REMOTE STARTER
AS-1820 FM
Installation Guide
Notice
The manufacturer will accept no responsibility for any electrical damage resulting from improper installation of
the product, be that either damage to the vehicle itself or to the Unit. This Unit must be installed by a certified
technician using all safety devices supplied. Please note that this guide has been written for properly trained
technicians: a certain level of skills and knowledge is therefore assumed. Please review the Installation Guide
carefully before beginning any work.
Warning
This Remote Car Starter is designed for vehicles with an automatic Transmission only. Before
installing the Unit, test that the vehicle does not start when the Gear Select Lever is in the “Drive” position. If it
starts in gear, install a manual-transmission remote starter system instead.
DOC.1.00 – February 23, 2004 Gp CA LP Manufactured in Canada

P. 2 Installation Guide AS-1820 FM
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................2
Introduction................................................3
Included in the Kit ......................................3
Installation Points to Remember................3
Harness Description ..................................4
Flashing the Hood Pin Switch....................9
The Programming Assistance Button ......10
Programming a Transmitter.....................10
Before you Proceed.................................10
The Transmitter Programming Procedure10
Entering Programming Options Mode .....10
Programming Options..............................11
Tach Programming ..................................13
About Tach Programming........................13
Multi-speed Tach Programming...............13
Automatic Tach Programming .................14
Horn Chirp Timing ...................................14
Testing.....................................................15
Closing Up ...............................................15
Supplementary Information ..................... 16
Fifth Relay Output (2nd IGN, ACC or
CRANK)................................................... 16
Ignition-controlled Door Locks................. 16
Secure Lock ............................................ 16
Standard Secure Lock............................. 16
Smart Secure Lock.................................. 17
Lock Pulse Duration ................................ 17
Engine Run Time..................................... 17
Starter Kill (Installation) ........................... 17
Passive or Active Arming ........................ 17
Resetting the Remote Car Starter........... 17
Events Logging........................................ 18
Events playback ...................................... 18
Start Failure Codes through the Parking
Lights....................................................... 18
Diagnostics – Chirps Table ..................... 19
Diagnostics – Parking Light Flash Table. 20

AS-1820 FM Installation Guide P. 3
Introduction
This Guide contains all the information relevant and necessary for the installation of the
Remote Car Starter. Most of the features of this product are explained in the User Guide.
Therefore, if you need detailed information about a feature of the product, we recommend
that you refer to the User Guide.
Included in the Kit
Please carefully read the Installation Guide before beginning the installation, especially the
Harness Description section and the Programming Options.
It is very important that you familiarize yourself with the programming and the operation
of the Remote Car Starter, even if you have already installed a similar Remote Car Starter
in the past. There are many innovative features that you may overlook if you do not read this
Guide.
Prior to the installation, make sure that all the hardware components required to install the
system are in the box.
The following is a list of components included in the kit:
•1 – Remote Car Starter Control Unit
•1 – FM long-range Receiver with LED incorporated
•2 – multi-channel 5-button transmitters
•1 – six-pin 14 AWG Harness (Ignition Harness)
•1 – five-pin 18 AWG Harness (Main Harness)
•1 – twelve-pin 22 AWG Harness (Accessories Harness)
•1 – two-pin 22 AWG Harness (Accessories Harness)
•1 – parts bag: a Hood Pin-switch, a Connector and a Warning Label
•1 – User Guide
The plug-in Valet button is not included with this Remote Car Starter.
INDUSTRY CANADA USER NOTICE:
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain
should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more
than that required for successful communication.
FCC USER NOTICE:
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by
unauthorised modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Installation Points to Remember
ƇMake sure that vehicles equipped with an
automatic Transmission do not start while in
any of the Drive Gears. If the vehicle
starts in gear, install a Manual-
transmission Remote Starter instead.
ƇWhen installing a manual-transmission
product on a vehicle with a manual
Transmission, always make sure that all
Doors will get the Unit out of Ready Mode.
Switch the wire used so that it is triggered
by all Doors.

P. 4 Installation Guide AS-1820 FM
ƇWhen installing a manual-transmission
product on a vehicle with a manual
Transmission, make sure that the Parking
Brake and Door Switch contacts work
properly.
ƇWhen working on a vehicle, always leave a
window open.
ƇNever leave the keys in the car. Leave
them on a workbench with a window rolled
down.
ƇIf possible, remove courtesy light fuse to
prevent battery drain.
ƇThe
PROGRAMMING ASSISTANCE BUTTON (PAB)
The PAB is mounted on the side of the
Remote Car Starter unit and fulfils the same
function as the Hood-Pin Switch. The PAB
will spare installers the effort of getting out
of the vehicle to access the Hood-Pin
Switch. The PAB works only when the
Hood is up.
ƇInspect vehicle for any body damage or
electrical problems
ƇAlways solder and tape all connections.
ƇKeep the Antenna away from other types of
antennas (GPS/OnStar).
ƇNever install the control unit where it could
interfere with normal operation or obstruct
service technicians.
ƇAlways use a grommet when running wires
into the Engine compartment. Never run
wires through bare or sharp metal.
ƇDo not disconnect the battery on vehicles
equipped with air bags and anti-theft radios.
ƇNever ground the control unit to the
vehicle’s steering column.
ƇMake sure that all the switches and controls
operate properly.
ƇVerify that the vehicle starts and idles
properly.
ƇMake sure that all safety equipment is
installed: the Valet Button (if provided), the
Hood Switch and the Warning Label.
ƇWhen wiring in parallel, make sure you
isolate each connection with a diode in
order to avoid feedback and possible
damage.
Examples:
Wiring a Clutch Bypass and a
Transponder Module to the GROUND OUT
WHEN RUNNING wire: At the junction point,
where the GROUND OUT WHEN RUNNING wire
“splits” and connects to each device, a
diode is inserted on each of these lines.
Multiple or separate Door pin Connec-
tions:
When joining all Door Pins together to the
Door Pin input wire of the Remote Car
Starter unit, each wire must be isolated with
a diode to prevent feedback.
Note: The above examples reflect common
situations where diodes are use to isolate
connections. Please note that there are
numerous other cases where diode isolation
is required.
ƇAlways make sure that all external relays or
modules added to the Remote Car Starter
unit are properly fused and diode isolated.
ƇOn vehicles equipped with daytime running
lights, the installer may be unable to see
certain programming results since the
daytime running lights never go out.
Note: The Parking Light Output Relay of the
unit gives two clicking sounds for each flash
of the lights: one click when the lights would
go ON and one click when the lights would
go OFF.)
ƇParking Light flashes to which the text
refers throughout this manual refer to the
Parking Light output of the unit, not of the
vehicle.
Harness Description
When connecting a Remote Car Starter, it is important to make sure that the connector with the
Ground wire is connected first, before making the 12-volt connections. Should the Unit be powered
up before being grounded, there could be serious damage to internal components of the Unit.

Be careful not to power up a Remote Car Starter before it is properly grounded. To avoid any
accident, it is recommended to pull out the Fuses from their sockets before the installation, and to
put them back during the very last steps.
6-pin Main Ignition Harness
Wire Colour Function Description
Connect to the largest 12 V supply wire at the Ignition Harness.
Ensure that the OEM power wire is fused for more than 30 A.
ARED (+) 12 V Battery Please note: some of the most recent vehicles have no suitable
12 V source at the Ignition Switch (the 12 V wire is too small to
supply the necessary current). In such cases, it is recommended to
use the fuse box or the B+ connection on the Battery.
BPURPLE (+) Starter output
(30 A)
Connect to the Starter wire of the vehicle. The source wire should
have +12 V with the Ignition Key in the CRANK position only.
Connect to the largest 12 V supply wire at the Ignition Harness.
Ensure that the OEM power wire is fused for more than 30 A.
CRED (+) 12 V Battery Please note: some of the most recent vehicles have no suitable
12 V source at the Ignition Switch (the 12 V wire is too small to
supply the necessary current). In such cases, it is recommended to
use the fuse box or the B+ connection on the Battery.
Connect to the Ignition wire of the vehicle. The source wire should
have +12 V with the Ignition Key in the IGNITION ON (RUN) and
CRANK positions.
DYELLOW (+) Ignition
output (30 A)
Warning: at the Ignition Switch of certain vehicles, there may be
more than one Ignition wire. Use the 5th relay (Pin F) and extra
relays to power up any extra Ignition wires if necessary. Do not
jump wires at the Ignition Switch: this would compromise the
OEM electrical system.
This wire will power the Heater Blower Motor. Usually connected
to the Accessories wire of the vehicle. The source wire must have
power with the Ignition Key in the IGNITION ON (RUN) position only
(no power in the CRANK position).
EORANGE (+) Accessories
output (30 A) Warning: at the Ignition Switch of certain vehicles, there may be
more than one Ignition wire for powering the Heater Blower Motor.
Use the 5th relay (Pin F) and extra relays to power up any extra
Ignition wires if necessary. Do not jump wires at the Ignition
Switch: this would compromise the OEM electrical system.
This high-current output can be used to power a second Ignition,
Accessories or Crank wire. See Jumper Setting, later in this
Guide, for correct output.
FGREEN (+) Fifth Relay
output (30 A) Please note: additional Ignition, Accessories, or Starter wires must
use external relays. Do not jump wires at the Ignition Switch: this
would compromise the OEM electrical system.
AS-1820 FM Installation Guide P. 5

P. 6 Installation Guide AS-1820 FM
5-Pin Secondary Harness
Wire Colour Function Description
1BLACK
(–)
Chassis ground
input
This wire must be connected to bare, unpainted metal (the Chassis
or the true Body ground). It is preferable to use a factory ground
bolt rather than a self-tapping screw. Screws tend to get loose or
rusted over time and can cause erratic problems.
This wire will allow the Remote Car Starter to sense whether the
Engine is running. The wire requires at least 1.8 V (AC) and 1.6 Hz
or faster when the Engine runs at idle speed. Among common
references for the Tach wire are: the negative side of the Ignition
Coil, the Camshaft sensor, the Crankshaft sensor or the Engine
Control Module (ECM).
2PURPLE
(A.C.)
Tachometer
input
Note: if the Tach signal is too low, the Remote Car Starter will
“over-crank”. Conversely, if the Tach signal is too high, the Remote
Car Starter will “under-crank”.
3GREY (–) Hood Switch
input
Connect this wire to the installed Hood Pin switch supplied. This
input will disable or shut down the Remote Starter when the Hood is
up.
4ORANGE (+) Brake Switch
input
This wire must be connected to the Brake Light wire of the vehicle.
This wire must have +12 V only when the Brake Pedal is down.
This input will shut down the Remote Starter if the Brake Pedal is
pressed.
This wire provides a +12 V output and must be connected on the
vehicle to the Parking Lights wire that tests +12 V when the Light
switch is in the ON position.
5YELLOW (+) 12 V Parking
Light output Note: ensure that the voltage does not decrease or increase when
the dimmer control switch is turned. If the voltage goes up or down,
find another Parking Light wire.
12-Pin Accessories Harness
Wire Colour Function Description
1BLUE (–) Trunk /
AUX 3 output
500 mA negative output. This output can be used to control the
Trunk release (1-sec. pulse), or it can be set to operate as a
constant output as long as the TRUNK button is held pressed (for
Sunroof or Window closure)
2BROWN (–) Lock
output
Programmable 500 mA negative output: 1/10-sec., 7/10-sec. or 4-
sec. pulse
3GREEN (–) Unlock
output
Programmable 500 mA negative output: 1/10-sec., 7/10-sec., 4-
sec. or double 1/4-sec. pulse (ON 250 ms, OFF 500 ms, ON 250 ms).
4WHITE /
BROWN
(–) Rearm
output
500 mA ground signal when the Doors are locked by remote
control. This wire will go to ground 1/2 sec. before the LOCK pulse,
and go out 1/8 sec after LOCK. The wire must be connected to the
OEM Arm wire (usually the Door Pin).
Note: The Remote Car Starter will also give a Rearm pulse on this
wire when it shuts down the vehicle after a remote start.
5WHITE /
GREEN
(–) Disarm
output
500 mA ground pulse when the Doors are unlocked by remote
control. Connect to the OEM Disarm wire of the vehicle.
Note: The system will also give a Disarm pulse on this wire before
every remote start.
6BLUE /
WHITE
(–) AUX 1
output
Depending on the configuration of Mode 3, Function 4 (see
Programming Options later in this Guide), this output will provide
either a 500 mA ground output on the 2nd consecutive press of the
UNLOCK button for Priority Door Access, or a Horn Confirmation on
the first or second press of the LOCK button.

AS-1820 FM Installation Guide P. 7
7WHITE /
ORANGE
(–) Starter Kill
output
(armed output)
This wire will provide a constant 500 mA output when the system is
armed (locked by remote control). It can be connected to an
external Starter Interrupt Relay.
This wire should be connected to a Single Pole Double-Throw
Relay: this wire will connect to Pin 85 on the Relay, and Pin 86 will
be connected to the Ignition wire.
The Starter Kill output becomes active during remote starts.
One benefit of the Starter Kill is the Anti-Grind feature. Once the
vehicle has been remote started, the Anti-Grind prevents the
Starter Motor from re-engaging when the Ignition Key is inserted in
the Ignition Switch and accidentally turned to the CRANK position.
8ORANGE (–) AUX 2
output
This negative 500 mA output can be programmed for one of the
following options:
1. Constant while the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons are pressed + 1
sec after release of the buttons.
2. LOCK + UNLOCK toggles ON / OFF (max. 30 sec.).
3. LOCK + UNLOCK toggles ON / OFF (max. 60 sec.).
4. Priority Door Access (2nd press of UNLOCK)
9PURPLE (–) External
Trigger
The External Trigger wire can be used for remote-starting the
vehicle with an external device. When the vehicle is running,
triggering this input will activate Idle Mode. The External Trigger
wire can also be used to operate as a negative trigger with the
Trunk Pin-switch, the Key Sense wire or the Door Pin-switch:
Option 1 Connects to Negative Trunk Pin. When this wire is
programmed for TRUNK PIN, pressing TRUNK will activate a 1-
second DISARM output. If ground (-) is detected on the TRUNK PIN
(the Trunk has been opened), an ARM pulse will be sent 5 seconds
after the Trunk is closes. An ARM pulse will be sent 4 seconds after
the TRUNK button is pressed if the Trunk pin state is unchanged
(The Trunk was unopened). DISARM is sent only if the system was
previously locked and armed. If Secure Lock is enabled, UNLOCK
pulse(s) will be sent with DISARM, a LOCK pulse and a REARM
pulse will be sent when the Trunk is closed or if the Trunk was left
closed.
Option 2 (Default: Engine Start/Stop): The first Ground (-) pulse on
this input will start the Engine, the second Ground (-) pulse on this
input will stop the Engine.
Option 3 (Key Sense (-) Input): Connects to OEM Key Sense Wire.
When the Key is detected in the Ignition Switch (Ground (-) signal
on the OEM Key Sense Wire) the Starter Kill will not ARM even
when it is set to Passive Mode. If Secure Lock is programmed,
LOCK and ARM will not be activated while the Key Sense input is
active (“active” meaning there is a key in the Ignition barrel).
Option 4 (Smart Ignition Re-Lock): Connects to the Negative Door
trigger Input. When the Ignition Lock Option or the Lock Only
Option is enabled: after the Brake Pedal is pressed and after a
Door has been opened and closed, the Doors will RE-LOCK.
This wire provides a constant 500 mA ground output while the
Remote Car Starter is running. This output becomes active at the
same time as the Ignition and shuts off when the Remote Car
Starter shuts down, e.g.: when the Run Time has expired, when
the START/STOP button has been pressed, etc. This output can be
used to activate external relays, bypass kits, etc..
10 WHITE
(–) Ground
Out
When
Running Caution! If multiple relays or modules are connected to the GROUND
OUT WHEN RUNNING wire, make sure they are diode isolated from one
another: feedback may otherwise occur, causing damage to the
vehicle.

P. 8 Installation Guide AS-1820 FM
11 GREY (–) N/A This pin is not used. Leave it empty.
12 YELLOW (+) Glow-Plug
input
In Diesel Mode, this positive input will monitor the Glow Plug Light:
it will wait for up to 18 seconds until the Glow-plug Light goes out
before allowing the Remote Car Starter to proceed to cranking the
Engine. Connect to the side of the Glow-plug Light which is positive
when the Light is on.
Note: the Remote Car Starter will nevertheless proceed to
cranking the Engine if the Glow-plug Light is still on after the 18-
sec. delay (25 sec. when the Run Time is set to 30 min.).
A Note on the Diesel Glow-plug Indicator Light:
(Also known as the “wait-to-start light”.) The purpose of the Glow-
plug circuit on diesel vehicles is to pre-heat the Combustion
Chamber before the vehicle is started.
When a Remote Starter is installed on a diesel vehicle, the Glow-
plug section of the Ignition circuit must be activated and allowed to
operate before the vehicle is remote-started. For that purpose, the
Glow-plug input wire of the Remote Car Starter must be connected
to the Glow-plug indicator light of the vehicle.
Caution! The Remote Car Starter will only accept positive Glow-
plug input signals, therefore negative Glow Plugs should only be
connected using relays to invert the polarity.
A diode must be added between the negative Glow-plug trigger on
the relay and the negative Glow-plug wire of the car. This is to
prevent feedback effects on the Glow-plug indicator light on the
instrument cluster: the light on the dash would come on because of
the feedback, even though the circuit is off.
When the user remote-starts the vehicle:
•The Remote Car Starter will power up the Ignition circuit and
wait to engage the Starter Motor while the Glow-plug
indicator light is still on.
•The Remote Car Starter will engage the Starter Motor as
soon as the Glow-plug light (+) goes out.
oMinimum waiting time is 3 seconds.
oMaximum waiting time is 18 seconds.
If no Glow-plug wire is found on the vehicle, the Glow-plug input on
the Remote Car Starter may be “timed out”. The Remote Car
Starter will power up the Ignition and Glow-plug circuits and simply
wait for the time-out before starting:
•Connecting the Glow-plug input wire of the Remote Car
Starter to Ignition will hold the ignition ON for the maximum
waiting time (18 sec., recommended).
•Keeping the Glow-plug input wire of the Remote Car Starter
unconnected will hold the ignition ON for the minimum
waiting time (3 sec., not recommended in very cold
environments).
Connect the Glow-plug wire to the Ignition wire only after the Tach
programming has been completed: connecting the Glow-plug wire
is one of the very last steps in the installation process.
2-Pin Harness
Wire Colour Function Description
1BLUE/
WHITE (–) N/A This pin is not used. Leave it empty.
2YELLOW (–) Parking
Light output 500 mA negative Parking Light output.

AS-1820 FM Installation Guide P. 9
Flashing the Hood Pin Switch
Flashing the Hood Pin switch is a procedure that brings the Remote Car Starter into
Programming Mode. Once the Remote Car Starter is in Programming Mode, the installer
will have up to 20 seconds to select one of the sub-menus. If the installer fails to select a
sub-menu before the 20-second delay, the Remote Car Starter will exit Programming Mode
and the installer will have to flash the Hood Pin switch once more.
Tip
As long as the Hood is up, you may use the
Programming Assistance Button instead of the Hood
Pin switch.
Here are the steps which the installer must follow in order to flash the Hood Pin switch:
The Installer … The Module …
1. Press and hold the Hood Pin switch for 4 seconds.
2. Release the Hood Pin switch. The Parking Lights will turn ON.
3. While the Parking Lights are ON,press down the
Hood Pin switch once more.
4. Release the Hood Pin switch again.
Caution! If you press down and release the Hood
Pin Switch too many times, you will enter
Diagnostic Mode rather than Programming Mode.
The Parking Lights will stay ON
for 20 seconds
5. You now have 20 seconds to select one of the sub-
menus.
Table 1: Flashing the Hood Pin switch
Once the Remote Car Starter has entered Programming Mode, you will have a selection of
many different sub-menus, which will be described later in this Guide:
a. Transmitter Programming
b. Programming Options
c. Honk/Horn Timing (if available)
d. Tach Programming
Remember:
Once the Parking Lights are ON (solid), you have up
to 20 seconds to select a sub-menu. If you do not
select a sub-menu within 20 seconds, the Remote
Car Starter will exit Programming Mode and you will
have to flash the Hood Pin switch once again.

The Programming Assistance Button
(A.k.a. the PAB.) Mounted on the
Remote Car Starter, this button can be
used from within the vehicle instead of
the Hood Pin switch in the Engine
compartment. This will spare the installer
the trouble of accessing the Hood Pin
switch in the Engine compartment.
Caution
The Hood Pin switch must be installed and connec-
ted in order for the Programming Assistance Button
to function. The button will work only when the
Hood is up.
Programming a Transmitter
Before you Proceed
The Transmitter of the Remote Car Starter is not delivered pre-programmed: it must be
programmed after the wiring of the Remote Car Starter is completed. The Remote Car
Starter has the ability to retain up to 4 different Transmitter codes; if a fifth Transmitter is
code-learnt, the code of the first Transmitter will be lost from memory. To erase all
Transmitter codes from memory, you must perform a reset of the Remote Car Starter
(see Resetting the Remote Car Starter, later in this Guide, for more details).
The Transmitter Programming Procedure
1. Flash the Hood Pin switch (see Table 1)
– The Parking Lights will stay ON for up to 20 seconds.
– Before the lights go out, turn the Ignition Key to the IGNITION ON (RUN) position.
– Immediately turn the Ignition Key back to the OFF position.
Press and hold the LOCK button and keep it down until the Parking Lights flash
5 times quickly.
– The Remote Car Starter has stored the code of the Transmitter into memory.
2. To exit: close the Hood.
Table 2: Programming a Transmitter
Entering Programming Options Mode
The Remote Car Starter is equipped with three custom programming Modes that allow the
installer to custom-fit the system outputs according to installation requirements. The
Programming Options are designed to facilitate interfacing with all vehicle types. (See
section Table of Programming Options later in this Guide.)
1. Flash the Hood Pin switch (see Table 1)
– The Parking Lights will stay ON for up to 20 seconds.
– Before the lights go out:
P. 10 Installation Guide AS-1820 FM