Directed Electronics Automate 552 User manual

Model 552
Owner's Guide

i
©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Limited Lifetime
Consumer Warranty
Directed Electronics, Inc. ("DEI®") promises to the original purchaser to repair or
replace with a comparable reconditioned model any DEI unit (hereafter the "unit"),
excluding without limitation the siren, the remote transmitters, the associated
sensors and accessories, which proves to be defective in workmanship or material
under reasonable use during the lifetime of the vehicle provided the following con-
ditions are met: the unit was professionally installed and serviced by an authorized
DEI dealer; the unit will be professionally reinstalled in the vehicle in which it was
originally installed by an authorized DEI dealer; and the unit is returned to DEI, ship-
ping prepaid with a legible copy of the bill of sale or other dated proof of purchase
bearing the following information: consumer's name, telephone number and address;
the authorized dealers name, telephone number and address; complete product
description, including accessories; the year, make and model of the vehicle; vehicle
license number and vehicle identification number. All components other than the
unit, including without limitation the siren, the remote transmitters and the associ-
ated sensors and accessories, carry a one-year warranty from the date of purchase of
the same. This warranty is non-transferable and is automatically void if: the original
purchaser has not completed the warranty card and mailed it within ten (10) days of
the date of purchase to the address listed on the card; the unit's date code or serial
number is defaced, missing or altered; the unit has been modified or used in a
manner contrary to its intended purpose; the unit has been damaged by accident,
unreasonable use, neglect, improper service, installation or other causes not arising
out of defects in materials or construction. The warranty does not cover damage to
the unit caused by installation or removal of the unit. DEI, in its sole discretion, will
determine what constitutes excessive damage and may refuse the return of any unit
with excessive damage. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, ALL WAR-
RANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS WARRANTY, IMPLIED
WARRANTY, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE
AND WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, ARE
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED; AND DEI NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON
OR ENTITY TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY DUTY, OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNEC-
TION WITH ITS PRODUCTS. DEI DISCLAIMS AND HAS ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY AND ALL ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS
OR INSTALLERS. DEI SECURITY SYSTEMS, INCLUDING THIS UNIT, ARE DETERRENTS
AGAINST POSSIBLE THEFT. DEI IS NOT OFFERING A GUARANTEE OR INSURANCE
AGAINST VANDALISM, DAMAGE OR THEFT OF THE AUTOMOBILE, ITS PARTS OR CON-
TENTS; AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LIABILITY FOR THEFT, DAMAGE AND/OR VAN-

ii ©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
DALISM. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER LABOR COSTS FOR MAINTENANCE,
REMOVAL OR REINSTALLATION OF THE UNIT OR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF
ANY KIND. IN THE EVENT OF A CLAIM OR A DISPUTE INVOLVING DEI OR ITS SUB-
SIDIARY, THE PROPER VENUE SHALL BE SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA. CALIFORNIA STATE LAWS AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAWS SHALL
APPLY AND GOVERN THE DISPUTE. THE MAXIMUM RECOVERY UNDER ANY CLAIM
AGAINST DEI SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE AUTHORIZED DEI DEALER'S PUR-
CHASE PRICE OF THE UNIT. DEI SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, DAMAGES FOR THE LOSS OF TIME, LOSS OF EARNINGS,
COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOSS OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND THE LIKE. NOTWITH-
STANDING THE ABOVE, THE MANUFACTURER DOES OFFER A LIMITED WARRANTY TO
REPLACE OR REPAIR THE CONTROL MODULE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. Some states do
not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty will last or the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from State to State.
This product may be covered by a Guaranteed Protection Plan ("GPP"). See your
authorized DEI dealer for details of the plan or call DEI Customer Service at 1-800-
876-0800. DEI security systems, including this unit, are deterrents against possible
theft. DEI is not offering a guarantee or insurance against vandalism, damage or theft
of the automobile, its parts or contents; and hereby expressly disclaims any liability
whatsoever, including without limitation, liability for theft, damage and/or vandalism.
DEI does not and has not authorized any person or entity to create for it any other
obligation, promise, duty or obligation in connection with this security system.
Make sure you have all of the following information from your dealer:
A clear copy of the sales receipt, showing the following:
■Date of purchase
■Your full name and address
■Authorized dealer's company name and address
■Type of alarm installed
■Year, make, model and color of the automobile
■Automobile license number
■Vehicle identification number
■All security options installed on automobile
■Installation receipts

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Table of Contents
Limited Lifetime Consumer Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
What Is Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Your Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FCC/ID Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Transmitter Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Standard Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Warning! Safety First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Locking/Arming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Unlocking/Disarming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Disabling the Starter Kill Without a Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Valet®Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Panic Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Valet®Take-Over. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Timer Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starter Anti-Grind Circuitry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Disabling the Remote Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Programming Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Convenience Expansions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Standard Configuration

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
What is Included
■The control module
■An XHF receiver/antenna
■A pair of four-button transmitters
■The red status LED indicator light
■A push-button Valet®switch
■Your warranty registration
■Failsafe®Starter Kill Relay
■A shut-down toggle switch
Important Information
Congratulations on the purchase of your remote start keyless entry
system. This system has been designed to provide years of trouble-
free operation. By carefully reading this owner's guide prior to
using your system, you will maximize the use of this system and
its features.
This system requires no specific maintenance. Your remotes are
powered by a miniature 3-volt battery, type 2032, that lasts
approximately one year under normal use. When the battery weakens,
the LED on the remote will dim and operating range will be reduced.
System Maintenance

4©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Your warranty registration must be completely filled out and
returned within 10 days of purchase. Your product warranty
will not be validated if your warranty registration is not returned.
Make sure you receive the warranty registration from your dealer.
It is also necessary to keep your proof of purchase, which reflects
that the product was installed by an authorized dealer.
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to oper-
ate this device.
This product is designed for fuel injected, automatic transmission
vehicles only. Use of this product in a standard transmission vehi-
cle is dangerous and contrary to the product's intended use.
Caution
FCC/ID Notice
Your Warranty

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Transmitter Functions
The receiver uses a computer-based learn routine to learn the
transmitter buttons. This makes it possible to assign any specific
transmitter button, or combination of buttons, to any receiver
function. The transmitter initially comes programmed with the
Standard Configuration, but may also be customized by an autho-
rized dealer. The buttons used in all of the instructions in this
manual correspond to a Standard Configuration transmitter.
Button
The locking/arming function is controlled by pressing .
Button
The unlocking/disarming function is controlled by pressing .
Button
An optional auxiliary function, such as trunk release, is controlled
by pressing for 1.5 seconds.
Button
The panic function is controlled by pressing for 1 second.
and Buttons
The remote start function of your system is controlled by pressing
and simultaneously.
Standard Configuration

6©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Using Your System
The following safety warnings must be observed at all times:
■Due to the complexity of this system, installation of this
product must only be performed by an authorized DEI dealer.
■When properly installed, this system can start the vehicle via
a command signal from the remote control transmitter.
Therefore, never operate the system in an enclosed area or
partially enclosed area without ventilation (such as a garage).
When parking in an enclosed or partially enclosed area or
when having the vehicle serviced, the remote start system
must be disabled using the installed toggle switch. It is the
user's sole responsibility to properly handle and keep out of
reach from children all remote control transmitters to assure
that the system does not unintentionally remote start the
vehicle. THE USER MUST INSTALL A CARBON MONOXIDE
DETECTOR IN OR ABOUT THE LIVING AREA ADJACENT TO THE
VEHICLE. ALL DOORS LEADING FROM ADJACENT LIVING
AREAS TO THE ENCLOSED OR PARTIALLY ENCLOSED VEHICLE
STORAGE AREA MUST AT ALL TIMES REMAIN CLOSED. These
precautions are the sole responsibility of the user.
■Use of this product in a manner contrary to its intended mode
of operation may result in property damage, personal injury,
Warning! Safety First

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
or death. (1) Never remotely start the vehicle with the vehi-
cle in gear, and (2) Never remotely start the vehicle with the
keys in the ignition. The user must also have the neutral safe-
ty feature of the vehicle periodically checked, wherein the
vehicle must not remotely start while the car is in gear. This
testing should be performed by an authorized DEI dealer in
accordance with the Safety Check outlined in the product
installation guide. If the vehicle starts in gear, cease remote
start operation immediately and consult with the authorized
DEI dealer to fix the problem.
■After the remote start module has been installed, contact your
authorized dealer to have him or her test the remote start
module by performing the Safety Check outlined in the prod-
uct installation guide. If the vehicle starts when performing
the Neutral Safety Shutdown Circuit test, the remote start unit
has not been properly installed. The remote start module must
be removed or the installer must properly reinstall the remote
start system so that the vehicle does not start in gear. All
installations must be performed by an authorized DEI dealer.
OPERATION OF THE REMOTE START MODULE IF THE VEHICLE
STARTS IN GEAR IS CONTRARY TO ITS INTENDED MODE OF
OPERATION. OPERATING THE REMOTE START SYSTEM UNDER
THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR
PERSONAL INJURY. YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY CEASE THE USE
OF THE UNIT AND SEEK THE ASSISTANCE OF AN AUTHORIZED
DEI DEALER TO REPAIR OR DISCONNECT THE INSTALLED
REMOTE START MODULE. DEI WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSI-
BLE OR PAY FOR INSTALLATION OR REINSTALLATION COSTS.

8©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Pressing for one second arms the system by activating the
starter kill and locking the doors (if the door locks are connected).
The horn will honk (if connected) and the parking lights will flash
once to confirm arming of the system. While the system is armed,
the status LED will flash once per second. The Failsafe®Starter Kill
(if installed) will also prevent the vehicle’s starter from cranking.
The system can also be programmed to arm the optional Failsafe®
Starter Kill automatically (called Passive Mode). If the system has
been programmed for Passive Mode, the Failsafe®Starter Kill will
automatically activate 30 seconds after the ignition has been
turned off. After the ignition has been turned off, the status LED
will flash rapidly to indicate that the system is in Passive Mode.
If Passive Mode has been programmed on, then it is also possible
to program the system for Passive Locking. With Passive Locking,
the vehicle doors lock automatically at the same time that the
Failsafe®Starter Kill is activated. If Passive Locking is programmed
on, care must be taken to prevent the keys from being locked in
the vehicle.
NOTE: For Passive Mode to be effective, the Failsafe®Starter Kill relay
must be installed.
Locking/Arming

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Pressing for one second disarms the system and unlocks the
doors (if connected). The horn will honk twice (if connected) and
the parking lights will flash twice to confirm disarming of the sys-
tem. The optional Failsafe®Starter Kill will be deactivated. The sta-
tus LED will turn off, unless the system is programmed for Passive
Mode. In Passive Mode, the status LED will flash rapidly when the
system is disarmed. This indicates that the system will re-engage
the starter kill and re-lock the doors (if Passive Locking has been
programmed) in 30 seconds unless the ignition is turned on.
If your remote transmitter is lost or damaged, you can manually
override the starter kill. To do this, you must have the vehicle's
ignition key and know where the Valet®switch is located. Be sure
to check with the installer for the location of the Valet®switch.
To override the starter kill, turn
the ignition on and press the
Valet®switch within 10 seconds.
The status LED will stop flashing
and the vehicle should start. If it
does not start, you may have
waited too long; turn the igni-
tion off and repeat the process.
LOCATION OF VALET®SWITCH______________________________
DRW-35
Disabling the Starter Kill Without a Transmitter
Unlocking/Disarming

10 ©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
You can prevent your system from automatically activating the
Failsafe®Starter Kill and locking the doors by using Valet®Mode.
This is very useful when washing the vehicle or having it serviced.
In Valet®Mode, the starter kill cannot be activated, even with the
transmitter, but all convenience functions (door locks, remote
start, etc.) will continue to work normally.
To enter or exit Valet®Mode:
1. Turn the ignition on.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Press and release the Valet®
switch within 10 seconds.
The status LED will light steadily if you are entering Valet®Mode
and will turn off if you are exiting Valet®Mode.
If you are threatened in or near your vehicle, you can attract
attention by triggering the system with your transmitter. Just
press for 1 second to enter Panic Mode. In Panic Mode, the
horn will honk and the parking lights will flash for 30 seconds. To
stop Panic Mode at any time, press on the transmitter.
NOTE: In order for Panic Mode to be effective, the vehicle’s horn (or
optional siren) as well as the vehicle's parking lights must be
connected.
Panic Mode
DRW-35
Valet®Mode

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
This feature allows you to remotely start and run your vehicle for
a programmable period of time. This makes it possible to warm up
the engine, as well as adjust the interior temperature of the vehi-
cle with the climate control system. If interior heating or cooling
is desired, the climate controls must be preset, and the fan blower
must be set to the desired level prior to remote starting the
vehicle.
IMPORTANT! (1) Never remote start your vehicle when the keys are in
the ignition, except when performing Valet®Take-Over, and (2) Never
start the vehicle if it is not in either PARK or NEUTRAL.
To remote start the vehicle:
1. Simultaneously press and on the transmitter for
one second.
2. The parking lights will flash to confirm that the vehicle will
attempt to start.
3. Release the and buttons as soon as the parking
lights flash. (In gasoline vehicles, the engine will start 4 sec-
onds after the parking lights flash. In diesel vehicles, the
engine will start when the WAIT-TO-START indicator on the
vehicle's dash goes out.)
3. Once the vehicle has started, it will run for the pre-program-
med period of time (either 12, 24, or 60 minutes - see
Programming Options section of this guide) or until a shut-
down input is triggered.
Remote Start

12 ©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
When you are ready to drive the vehicle:
1. Insert the ignition key and
turn it to the ON (not the
START) position.
2. Press the brake pedal.
NOTE: If the brake pedal is pressed before the key is in the ON position,
the engine will shut down.
While the vehicle is running during remote start operation, the
system will monitor the vehicle and will automatically shut down
the engine if the system receives any of the following shut-down
inputs:
■The brake pedal is pressed.
■The hood is opened.
■The shutdown toggle switch is put into the OFF position.
■The programmed run time (12, 24, or 60 minutes) has elapsed.
■Transmitter buttons and are pressed again to start
the vehicle.
To shut down the remote start and turn off the engine:
■Step on the brake pedal, or
■Press and for one second.
The Valet®Take-Over feature allows the vehicle to remain running
after the key has been removed from the ignition. This feature is
useful for occasions when you wish to exit and lock the vehicle for
Valet®Take-Over

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
short periods of time, but would like to leave the motor running
and the climate controls on.
To perform Valet®Take-Over:
1. Before turning off the engine, press and release and
on the transmitter (or press and release the optional
momentary switch).
2. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. (The engine will
stay running.)
3. The engine will run until the pre-programmed time elapses or
a shut-down input is received. (See the previous Remote Start
section for a complete list of shut-down inputs.)
NOTE: This feature will not work if the brake pedal is being pressed.
Timer Mode automatically starts the engine and runs it for a pre-
programmed time period, every three hours for a total of six oper-
ation cycles. This feature helps to ensure that your engine will
start in the morning after a night of extremely cold temperatures.
IMPORTANT! This feature must only be used in open areas, never in an
enclosed area such as a garage.
To enter Timer Mode:
1. Start the vehicle by pressing and releasing and .
2. Press and release .
3. Within two seconds press and release and again.
4. The engine will shut down and the parking lights will flash
four times. The engine will then restart to confirm that Timer
Mode has been entered.
Timer Mode

14 ©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
The engine may be allowed to run for its pre-programmed time
period, or it can be shut down while running during Timer Mode
operation by pressing Buttons and again. In either
case, the vehicle will restart every three hours for a total of six
operation cycles. If the system receives a shut-down input while
the engine is running in Timer Mode, the engine will stop, but will
restart, on schedule, again in three hours!
To exit Timer Mode:
Timer Mode can be exited by turning the ignition on with the key
any time the engine is not running. You can also exit Timer Mode
with the remote transmitter by following these steps:
1. Start the engine by pressing and .
2. Press and release .
3. Within two seconds press and release and again.
4. The engine will shut down and the parking lights will flash
four times to confirm that Timer Mode has been exited. If the
car has already been remote started, skip Step One.
Whenever the vehicle is remote started, advanced anti-grind cir-
cuitry prevents the starter from engaging, even if the key is turned
to the start position. This prevents damage to the starter motor if
the key is turned to the start position during remote start operation.
NOTE: Anti-grind circuitry only works when the remote start system is
operating the motor and the Failsafe®Starter Kill relay is installed.
Starter Anti-Grind Circuitry

This feature allows your system's remote start unit to be tem-
porarily disabled to prevent the vehicle from being remote started
accidentally. This feature is useful if the vehicle is being serviced
or stored in an enclosed area. To disable the remote start, move
the shutdown toggle switch to the OFF position. The switch can
be installed in a location of your choice. Check with your installer
for recommended locations.
LOCATION OF SHUTDOWN SWITCH_________________________
Programming Options
Programming options control your system's normal, operational
set-up. Most options do not require additional parts, but some may
require additional installation labor.
This system's programming options are listed below, with the
factory default settings in bold:
■12, 24, or 60 minute run time. Your system can be pro-
grammed to allow the vehicle to run for 12, 24, or 60 min-
utes when remote started or in Timer Mode.
■Parking lights flashing or constant. Your system can be pro-
grammed to either flash or to turn on the parking lights con-
stantly during the entire remote start operation.
Disabling the Remote Start System
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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.

16 ©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
■Passive Mode or Active Mode. In Passive Mode the Failsafe®
Starter Kill will automatically activate 30 seconds after the
ignition has been turned off.
■The ignition switch-controlled door-locking feature on or off.
With this feature on, the doors will lock 3 seconds after the
ignition key is turned on, and unlock when the ignition key
is turned off.
■Passive Locking or Active Locking (doors lock only with the
transmitter). With Passive Locking, the vehicle doors lock
automatically 30 seconds after the ignition has been turned
off. Passive Locking can only be selected when the system
has been programmed for Passive Mode.
■The horn honk confirmations for locking and unlocking can
be programmed on or off. In order for this feature to be pro-
grammed on, the horn must be connected to the system.

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©1999 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Glossary of Terms
Control Unit: The “brain” of your system. Usually hidden under-
neath the dash area of the vehicle. It houses the microprocessor
that monitors your vehicle and controls all system functions.
Failsafe®Starter Kill: An automatic switch controlled by your sys-
tem which prevents the vehicle’s starter from cranking whenever
the system is armed. The vehicle is never prevented from cranking
when the system is disarmed, in Valet®Mode, or if the starter kill
switch itself fails. Your system has feature-ready circuitry for the
starter kill, however installation may require additional labor.
LED: A red light mounted at a discretionary location inside the
vehicle. It is used to indicate the status of your system.
Transmitter: A hand-held, remote control which operates the var-
ious functions of your system.
Valet®Switch: A small push button mounted at a discretionary
location inside the vehicle. It is used to override the Failsafe®
Starter Kill when a transmitter is lost or damaged, or to enter or
exit Valet®Mode.