Directed Electronics Automate AM5 User manual

Important: This product is intended for installation by a profes-
sional installer only! Any attempt to install this product by any
person other than a trained professional may result in severe
damage to a vehicle’s electrical system and components.
© 2008 Directed Electronics, Vista, CA
N3101A 2008-07
AM5 Security System
Installation Guide

Bitwriter®, Code Hopping™, Doubleguard®, ESP™, FailSafe®,
Ghost Switch™, Learn Routine™, Nite-Lite®, Nuisance Prevention®
Circuitry, Revenger®, Silent Mode™, Soft Chirp®, Stinger®,
Valet®, Vehicle Recovery System®, VRS®, and Warn Away® are all
Trademarks or Registered Trademarks of Directed Electronics.
The Bitwriter
®
(p/n 998U)
requires chip version 2.5 or
newer to program this unit.
Bitwriters with date code of 6A or older require an IC upgrade
(p/n 998M). Some Bitwriters with a date code of 6B do not
require the IC upgrade. Refer to Tech Tip # 1112 for more infor-
mation. Bitwriter 2 compatible.

Contents
What is included...............................................................................................5
Control module.........................................................................................5
Installation points to remember............................................................................6
Before beginning the installation.................................................................7
After the installation .................................................................................7
Tools required...........................................................................................8
Deciding on component locations........................................................................9
Control module.........................................................................................9
Integrated LED/Valet switch......................................................................10
Starter kill relay ......................................................................................11
Finding the wires you need ..............................................................................12
Obtaining constant 12V ..........................................................................12
12V switched ignition wire ......................................................................13
Parking light wire....................................................................................14
Door pin switch ......................................................................................16
Making your wiring connections .......................................................................17
Primary harness (H1) ..............................................................................18
Auxiliary harness (H2) ............................................................................18
Door lock harness (H3)............................................................................18
Wire connection guides...................................................................................19
Primary harness (H1) ..............................................................................19
Auxiliary harness (H2) ............................................................................25
Door lock harness (H3) ...........................................................................26
Plug-in harnesses ....................................................................................26
Onboard dual stage shock sensor .....................................................................27
Internal polarity jumper....................................................................................29
Bypassing sensor inputs ..................................................................................30
Table of zones ................................................................................................31
Long term event history ....................................................................................32
Rapid resume logic..........................................................................................32
High security disarm........................................................................................33
Feature programming .....................................................................................34
After programming a feature....................................................................35
Accessing features ..................................................................................35
Accessing menus ....................................................................................35
Exiting feature programming ....................................................................36
Bitwriter only features..............................................................................36
Feature menus ........................................................................................37
Transmitter learn routine...................................................................................39
Exiting feature programming ....................................................................40

Master dealer remotes .....................................................................................41
Transmitter configurations.................................................................................43
Standard configuration............................................................................43
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................44
Quick reference install guide ............................................................................47

5
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
What is included
Control module• Integrated LED/Valet switch•
2 four-button•
transmitters (p/n 474A)
2-pin input/output•
harness
XR Plus receiver• 3-pin door lock harness•
12-pin main harness•
Control module
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6© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
Installation points to remember
This product represents many years of research and development. It
is very sophisticated and should be installed by experienced security
installers only. Please do not attempt installation of this product without
reading this guide. The system has been designed to provide the ul-
timate in security, coupled with limitless convenience and expansions
options.
Important: This product is not intended for consumer
installation. The warranty is void, if the product is not
installed by an authorized dealer.
Please read this entire installation guide before beginning the instal-
lation.The installation of this security system requires interfacing with
many of the vehicle’s systems. Many new vehicles use low-voltage or
multiplexed systems which can be damaged by low resistance testing
devices, such as test lights or logic probes. Test all circuits with a high-
quality digital multi-meter before making the connections.
Many airbag systems display a diagnostic code through their warning
light after they lose power. Disconnecting the battery requires this code
to be erased, a procedure that can require a trip to the dealer.

7
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤Before beginning the installation
Check with the customer to determine the integrated LED/Valet•
switch location
Remove the domelight fuse or turn off the courtesy lights to prevent•
the battery from dying
Roll down a window to avoid being locked out of the car•
➤ After the installation
Test all functions. The Using Your System section of the Owner’s•
Guide is very helpful when testing.
When testing, remember this system is equipped with Nuisance•
Prevention® Circuitry. NPC™ can bypass both instant trigger
zones and make them seem to have stop working.
Carefully reassemble the underdash trim panels.•
Inspect the engine compartment for tools that may have been left•
behind.

8© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Tools required
This is a general list of tools required to complete the installation of this
security system in most vehicles. Some vehicles may require additional
tools.
Digital multimeter• Nutdriver and/or socket•
set
Wire cutters/strippers• Panel removal tool•
Solderless terminal•
crimpers
Drill bit set•
Torx driver set• Work light•

9
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
Deciding on component locations
➤ Control module
Never put the control module in the engine compartment.•
The first step in hot-wiring a vehicle is removing the driver’s side•
underdash panel to access the starter and ignition wires. If the
control module is placed just behind the driver’s side dash it can
easily be disconnected.
When positioning the control module, try to find a secure location•
that does not require you to extend the harnesses’ wires (they are
1.5 meters long). Keep it away from the heater core (or any other
heat sources) and any obvious leaks.
Some good control module locations: Above the glove box, inside the
center console, above the underdash fuse box, and above the radio.

10 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Integrated LED/Valet switch
Things to remember when positioning the integrated LED/Valet
switch:
It should be visible from both sides and the rear of the vehicle, if•
possible.
It needs at least 1-1/2” clearance to the rear.•
It is easiest to use a small removable panel, such as a switch blank•
or a dash bezel. Remove it before drilling your 5/16” hole.
Important: Do not use a step drill bit (unibit) for drilling the
5/16” hole. It is recommened to use a 5/16” drill bit.
Use care to ensure the hole is drilled straight. Drilling at an
angle may cause product malfunction.

11
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Starter kill relay
If the Starter Kill Relay or its connections are immediately visible upon
removal of the underdash panel, they can easily be bypassed.
Always make the relay and its connections difficult to discern from the
factory wiring. Exposed yellow butt connectors do not look like factory
parts, and so do not fool anyone. Routing the starter kill wires away
from the steering column is the recommended method.

12 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
Finding the wires you need
Now that you have decided where to locate each component you are
ready to find the wires in the car that the security system connects to.
Important: Do not use a 12V test light to find these
wires. All testing described in this manual uses a
digital multimeter.
➤ Obtaining constant 12V
We recommend two possible sources for 12V constant: the (+) terminal
of the battery, or the constant supply to the ignition switch. Always
install a fuse within 12 inches of this connection. The fuse also powers
circuits such as door locks and interface modules, so fuse accordingly.
Important: Do not remove the fuse holder on the red
wire. It ensures that the control module has its own fuse
of proper value, regardless of how many accessories are
added to the main power feed.

13
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ 12V switched ignition wire
The ignition wire is powered when the key is in the run or start posi-
tion. This is because the ignition wire powers the ignition system (spark
plugs, coil) and the fuel delivery system (fuel pump, fuel injection com-
puter). Accessory wires lose power when the key is in the start position
to make current available to the starter motor.
How to find (+)12V ignition with your multi meter:
Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).1.
Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.2.
Probe the wire you suspect of being the ignition wire. The steering3.
column harness or ignition switch harness is an excellent place to
find this wire.
Turn the ignition key switch to the run position. If your meter reads4.
(+)12V, go to the next step. If it doesn’t, probe another wire.
Turn the key to the start position. The meter display should stay5.
steady, not dropping by more than a few tenths of a volt. If it
drops zero or close to zero, go back to Step 3. If it stays steady
at (+)12V, you have found an ignition wire.

14 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Parking light wire
The parking light wire is often found near the light switch. Many cars
have the switch built into the turn signal lever with the parking light wire
located in the steering column. The same wire is often available in the
kick panel or running board.
How to find a (+) or (-) parking light wire with your multi meter:
Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).1.
Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground, if you are2.
looking for a postive circuit. If you are looking for a negative
circuit, attach (+) probe of your meter to +12V constant.
Probe the wire you suspect of being the parking light wire.3.
Usually, the area near the headlight/parking light switch is an
excellent area to start, as is the kick panel.
Turn on the parking lights. If your meter shows (+)12V, turn off the4.
parking lights and make sure it goes back to zero.

15
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
If the meter returns to zero, turn the parking lights back on and us-5.
ing the dash light dimmer control, turn the brightness of the dash
lights up and down.
If the meter changes more than a volt when using the dimmer, look for
another wire. If it stays relatively close to (+)12V, you have found your
parking light wire.

16 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Door pin switch
The best places to test for the door switch wire are:
Pin switch•
When testing at the pin switch, check the wire to ensure that it
“sees” all the doors. Often, the passenger switch covers all the
doors even if the driver’s switch does not.
Domelight•
This may not be your best choice if the vehicle has delayed dome-
light supervision, but it works in any vehicle with completely diode-
isolated or normally closed pin switches.
The easiest place to connect to the wire is likely the kick panel, at the
windshield pillar, or in the running board. When an easy location is not
available, running a wire to the domelight is the best alternative.
How to find a door pin switch trigger wire with your multimeter:
Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).1.
Fasten the (+) probe of the meter to (+) 12V constant. (For most2.
cars)
Probe the wire you suspect of being the door trigger wire. If the3.
meter reads (+)12V when any door is opened and the meter goes
to zero with the door closed, then you have found a trigger wire.
To ensure the wire detects all the doors, open each door and check the
meter reading. Some newer vehicles lack standard-type pinswitches.
The domelight in these vehicles is turned on when the door handle is
lifted. These usually have a wire coming out of the door into the kick
panel which provides a trigger for all doors.

17
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
Making your wiring connections
Before making your connections, plan how your wires are routed
through the vehicle. In order to keep the wiring neat and make it harder
to find, you may wish to wrap wires together in electrical tape or con-
ceal them in tubing similar to what the manufacturer used.
There are two acceptable ways of making a wire connection - solder
connections and crimp connectors. When properly performed, either
type of connection is reliable and trouble-free. Regardless of whether
you solder your connections or use mechanical type crimp-on connec-
tions, ensure that all connections are mechanically sound and insu-
lated.
Cheap electrical tape, especially when poorly applied, is not a reli-
able insulator. It often falls off in hot weather. Use good-quality electrical
tape or heat shrink.
Never twist-and-tape the wires together without soldering.•
Never use “fuse taps”, as they can damage fuse box terminals.•
If you use tapping connectors such as T-Taps (not to be confused with
Scotch Locks), avoid using them in higher-current applications (constant
12V, ground, etc.) Some tapping connectors are inferior in quality and
should be avoided.

18 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
➤ Primary harness (H1)
H1/1 RED/WHITE (-) 200mA auxiliary channel
H1/2 RED (+) 12v Constant power input
H1/3 BROWN (+) Siren output
H1/4 YELLOW (+) Ignition input
H1/5 BLACK (-) Chassis ground connection
H1/6 VIOLET (+) Door trigger input
H1/7 BLUE (-) Instant trigger ( Zone1)
H1/8 GREEN (-) Door trigger input
H1/9 BLACK/WHITE (-) 200mA Domelight supervison output
H1/10 WHITE/BLUE (-) 200mA Channel 3 / 2nd unlock output
H1/11 WHITE (+) /(-) Light Flash output
H1/12 ORANGE (-) 500mA Ground When Armed
➤ Auxiliary harness (H2)
H2/1 LT. BLUE (-) Multiplex input (Zone4)
H2/2 BROWN (-) Horn Honk output
➤ Door lock harness (H3)
H3/1 BLUE (-) Unlock, (+) Lock output
H3/2 Not used
H3/3 GREEN (-) Lock, (+) Unlock output

19
© 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
Wire connection guides
➤ Primary harness (H1)
H1/1 RED/WHITE (-) 200Ma AUXILIARY CHANNEL
Caution! Never use this wire to drive anything but a relay or a low-
current input! This transistorized output can only supply (-) 200 mA.
Connecting directly to a solenoid, motor, or other high-current device
will cause the module to fail.
Important Note: Zones 2 and 4 are shunted when this channel be-
comes active. Zones 2 and 4 reactivate 5-seconds after the auxiliary
channel output ceases.
H1/2 RED 12V CONSTANT POWER INPUT
Before connecting this wire, remove the supplied fuse. Connect to
the battery positive terminal or the constant 12V supply to the ignition
switch.
Important: Always use a fuse within 12 inches of the
point you obtain (+)12V. Do not use the 15A fuse in the
harness, it protects the module.

20 © 2008 Directed Electronics All rights reserved.
H1/3 BROWN (+) SIREN OUTPUT
This output can be used if an optional siren is installed. Connect this
to the RED wire of the siren. Connect the BLACK wire of the siren to
(-) chassis gound, preferably at the same point as the control module’s
BLACK ground wire.
H1/4 YELLOW (+) IGNITION INPUT
Connect this wire to the (+)12V ignition wire. This wire must show
(+)12V with the key in the run position and during cranking. Take care
to insure that this wire cannot be shorted to the vehicle chassis at any
point.
H1/5 BLACK (-) CHASSIS GROUND CONNECTION
We recommend that you do not use a factory ground. Ground all
your components including the optional siren, to the same point in the
vehicle, (preferably the kick panel). Scrape away any paint and use a
factory bolt or make your own ground with a self-tapping screw and
a star washer.