Valet 551T User manual

Model 551T
Installation Guide
© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, CA N551T 12-00
®
®

2© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.
table of contents
What Is Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Warning! Safety First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installation Points to Remember. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Finding The Wires You Need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Obtaining Constant 12V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Finding the Starter Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Finding the 12V Switched Ignition Wire . . . . . 7
Finding the Accessory Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Finding a (+) Parking Light Wire. . . . . . . . . . 7
Finding the Tachometer Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Finding the Wait-To-Start Bulb Wire For Diesels . 9
Primary Harness (H1), 8-Pin Connector
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Start Ribbon Harness, 5-Pin Connector
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Heavy Gauge Relay Satellite Wires
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Remote Start Harness (H2), 6-Pin Connector
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Primary Harness (H1) Wire Connection Guide . 11
Relay Satellite Key Switch Interface
Wire Connection Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Remote Start Harness (H2), 6-Pin Connector
Wire Connection Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Neutral Safety Switch Interface . . . . . . . . . . 17
GM Trucks, SUVs and Column-Shifting
Passenger Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pre-1996 Dodge Dakota Pickups with
2.5 Liter Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Bypassing GM Vehicle Anti-Theft
Systems (VATS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1995 and Newer Vehicle Anti-Theft Systems
(Immobilizers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Passlock I and Passlock II (PL-1 and PL-2) . . 21
Passkey III (PK-3), Transponder-Based Systems. 21
Optional Anti-Grind Relay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Plug-in Program Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tach Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Internal Programming Jumper . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Digital Tach Threshold On/Off . . . . . . . . . . 24
Operating-Settings Learn Routine . . . . . . . . . 25
Features Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Feature Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Shutdown Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Timer Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Safety Check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Wiring Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Bitwriter™, Code Hopping™, DEI®, Doubleguard®, ESP™, FailSafe®, Ghost Switch™, Learn
Routine™, Nite-Lite®, Nuisance Prevention Circuitry®, NPC®, Revenger®, Silent Mode™, Soft Chirp®,
Stinger®, Valet®, Vehicle Recovery System®, VRS®, and Warn Away® are all Trademarks or Registered
Trademarks of Directed Electronics, Inc.

what is included
© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 3
DRW-318
■The control module (see diagram)
■The plug-in program switch
■A hood pinswitch
■A relay satellite
■A toggle override switch
■An 8-pin primary wiring harness
■A 6-pin remote wiring harness
■A 5-pin relay satellite harness
■A warning sticker
6-pin Remote
Start Harness H2
5-pin Relay
Satellite
Harness
8-pin Primary
Harness H1
2-pin Mini
Blue Program
Plug
Status LED

warning! safety first
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 area that does not have adequate ventilation. The fol-
lowing precautions are the sole responsibility of the user; however, authorized DEI dealers should make the
following recommendations to all users of this system:
1. Never operate the system in an enclosed or partially enclosed area without ventilation (such as a garage).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 PAR-
TIALLY ENCLOSED VEHICLE STORAGE AREA MUST AT ALL TIMES REMAIN CLOSED.
■Use of this product in a manner contrary to its intended mode of operation may result in property damage,
personal injury, or death. Except when performing the Safety Check outlined in this installation guide, (1)
Never remotely start the vehicle with the vehicle in gear, and (2) Never remotely start the vehicle with the
keys in the ignition. The user will be responsible for having the neutral safety feature of the vehicle period-
ically 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 this product instal-
lation guide. If the vehicle starts in gear, cease remote start operation immediately and consult with the user
to fix the problem immediately.
■After the remote start module has been installed, test the remote start module in accordance with the Safety
Check outlined in this 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 properly reinstalled 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 CON-
TRARY TO ITS INTENDED MODE OF OPERATION. OPERATING THE REMOTE START SYSTEM UNDER THESE
CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY. IMMEDIATELY CEASE THE USE OF
THE UNIT AND REPAIR OR DISCONNECT THE INSTALLED REMOTE START MODULE. DEI WILL NOT BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE OR PAY FOR INSTALLATION OR REINSTALLATION COSTS.
4© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 5
installation points to remember
Before beginning the installation:
IMPORTANT! This product is designed for fuel-injected, automatic transmission vehicles only.
Installing it in a standard transmission vehicle is dangerous and is contrary to its intended use.
■Please read this entire installation guide before beginning the installation. The installation of this remote
start system requires interfacing with many of the vehicle’s systems. Many new vehicles use low-voltage or
multiplexed systems that can be damaged by low resistance testing devices, such as test lights and logic
probes (computer safe test lights). Test all circuits with a high quality digital multi-meter before making con-
nections.
■Do not disconnect the battery if the vehicle has an anti-theft-coded radio. If equipped with an air bag, avoid
disconnecting the battery if possible. Many airbag systems will display a diagnostic code through their
warning lights after they lose power. Disconnecting the battery requires this code to be erased, which can
require a trip to the dealer.
■Check with the customer on status LED location.
■Remove the domelight fuse. This prevents accidentally draining the battery.
■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.
■Complete the vehicle Safety Check outlined in this manual prior to the vehicle reassembly.

finding the wires you need
IMPORTANT! Do not use a 12V test light or logic probe/computer safe test light to locate these
wires! All testing described in this manual assumes the use of a digital multimeter.
We recommend two possible sources for 12V constant: The (+) terminal of the battery, or the constant 12V supply
to the ignition switch. Always install a fuse within 12 inches of this connection. If the fuse will also be power-
ing other circuits, such as door locks, a power window module, or a Nite-Lite® headlight control system (p/n
545T), fuse accordingly.
IMPORTANT! Do not remove the fuse holder on the red wire. It ensures that the control module has
its own fuse, of the proper value, regardless of how many accessories are added to the main power feed.
The starter wire provides 12V directly to the starter or to a relay controlling starter. In some vehicles, it is
necessary to power a cold start circuit. A cold start circuit will test exactly like a starter circuit, but it does not
control the starter. Instead, the cold start circuit is used to prime the fuel injection system for starting when the
vehicle is cold.
How to find the starter wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the starter wire. The steering
column is an excellent place to find this wire. Remember you do not
need to interrupt the starter at the same point you test it. Hiding
your starter kill relay and connections is always recommended.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the start position. Make sure the car
is not in gear! If your meter reads (+)12V, go to the next step. If it doesn’t, probe another wire.
finding the starter wire
obtaining constant 12V
6© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.

5. Cut the wire you suspect of being the starter wire.
6. Attempt to start the car. If the starter engages, reconnect it and go back to Step 3. If the starter does not
turn over, you have the right wire.
The ignition wire is powered when the key is in the run or start position. This is because the ignition wire powers
the ignition system (spark plugs, coil) as well as the fuel delivery system (fuel pump, fuel injection computer).
Accessory wires lose power when the key is in the start position to make more current available to the starter motor.
How to find (+)12V ignition with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the ignition wire. The steering
column harness or ignition switch harness is an excellent place to find
this wire.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the run position. If your meter reads
(+)12V, go to the next step. If it does not read (+)12V, probe another wire.
5. Now turn the key to the start position. The meter display should stay
steady, not dropping by more than a few tenths of a volt. If it drops close to or all the way to zero, go back
to Step 3. If it stays steady at (+)12V, you have found an ignition wire.
An accessory wire will show (+)12V when the key is in the accessory and run positions. It will not show (+)12V
during the cranking cycle. There will often be more than one accessory wire in the ignition harness. The correct
accessory wire will power the vehicle's climate control system. Some vehicles may have separate wires for the
blower motor and the air conditioning compressor. In such cases, it will be necessary to add a relay to power the
second accessory wire.
Most vehicles use a (+) parking light circuit. The (+) parking light wire is often found near the light switch. In
many vehicles the light switch is built into the turn signal lever; in these vehicles the parking light wire can be
found in the steering column. The same wire can often be accessed in the kick panel or running board.
NOTE: Many Toyotas and other Asian vehicles, send a (-) signal from the switch to a relay. The
relay then sends (+)12V to the bulbs. Whenever you have difficulty finding a (+) parking light wire
near the switch, simply test the wires at any switch or control panel that is lit by the instrument
panel lighting. Remember, you need a (+) parking light wire that does not vary with the dimmer
setting.
finding a (+) parking light wire
finding the accessory wire
finding the 12V switched ignition wire
© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 7

How to find a (+) parking light flash wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Probe the wire you suspect of being the parking light wire. Usually, the area near the headlight/parking light
switch is an excellent area to start, as is the kick panel.
4. Turn on the parking lights. If the meter shows (+)12V, turn off the parking lights and make sure it returns to zero.
5. If it does return to zero, turn the parking lights back on and, using 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.
NOTE: Vehicles that use a (-) signal from the switch to the factory relay may be interfaced directly.
(See H1/5 WHITE wire of Primary Harness (H1) Wire Connection Guide section.)
To test for a tachometer wire, a multimeter capable of testing AC voltage must be used. The tachometer wire will
usually show between 1V and 6V AC. In multi-coil ignition systems, the system can learn individual coil wires.
Individual coil wires in a multi-coil ignition system will register lower amounts of AC voltage. Also, if necessary,
the system can use a fuel injector control wire for engine speed sensing, which should show lower amounts of
AC voltage. Common locations for a tachometer wire are the ignition coil itself, the back of the gauges, engine
computers, and automatic transmission computers.
IMPORTANT! Do not test tachometer wires using a test light or logic probe! The vehicle will be damaged.
How to find a tachometer wire with your multimeter:
1. Set to ACV or AC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3. Start and run the vehicle.
4. Probe the wire you suspect of being the tachometer wire with the red probe of the meter.
5. If this is the correct wire the meter will read between 1V and 6V.
finding the tachometer wire
8© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.

In diesel vehicles it is necessary to interface with the wire that turns on the WAIT TO START light in the dash-
board. This wire illuminates the bulb until the vehicle’s glow plugs are properly heated. When the light goes out
the vehicle can be started. This wire is always available at the connector leading to the bulb in the dashboard.
It can also be found at the Engine Control Module (ECM) in many vehicles.
To test and determine the polarity of this wire:
1. Set your multimeter to DCV or DC voltage (12 or 20V is fine).
2. Attach the (+) probe of the meter to (+)12V.
3. Probe the wire that you suspect leads to the bulb with the (-) probe of the meter.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
5. If the meter indicates 12 volts until the light goes out you have isolated the correct wire and the wire's polar-
ity is negative (ground while the bulb is on).
6. If the meter reads zero volts until the light goes out and then reads 12 volts, you have isolated the correct
wire and the wire's polarity is positive.
finding the wait-to-start bulb wire for diesels
© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 9

primary harness (H1) wiring diagram
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remote start ribbon harness wiring diagram
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heavy gauge relay satellite wiring diagram
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______ PINK/WHITE (+) OUTPUT TO SECOND IGNITION CIRCUIT
PURPLE (+) OUTPUT TO STARTER CIRCUIT
ORANGE (+) OUTPUT TO ACCESSORY CIRCUIT
PINK (+) OUTPUT TO IGNITION CIRCUIT
RED (+) HIGH CURRENT 12V INPUT
RED (+) HIGH CURRENT 12V INPUT
1
2
3
4
5
6
PURPLE (-) 200 mA STARTER RELAY TURN-ON
ORANGE (-) 200 mA ACCESSORY RELAY TURN-ON
PINK (-) 200 mA IGNITION RELAY TURN-ON
YELLOW (+) IGNITION INPUT TO REMOTE START
RED (+) CONSTANT POWER
1
2
3
4
5
NO WIRE
NO WIRE
GRAY/BLACK (-) WAIT-TO-START INPUT
WHITE (-) LIGHT FLASH OUTPUT
YELLOW (+) IGNITION (OUTPUT TO SECURITY SYSTEM)
LIGHT GREEN/BLACK (-) FACTORY DISARM/SPECIAL ACCESSORY
WHITE/BLUE (-) ACTIVATION INPUT
BLACK (-) CHASSIS GROUND INPUT
H1/1
H1/2
H1/3
H1/4
H1/5
H1/6
H1/7
H1/8
10 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 11
remote start harness (H2) wiring diagram
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primary harness (H1) wire connection guide
Remove any paint and connect this wire to bare metal, preferably with a factory bolt rather than your own screw.
(Screws tend to either strip or loosen with time.) We recommend grounding all your components to the same
point in the vehicle.
Sending a negative pulse to the H1/2 WHITE/BLUE (-) activation input wire will initiate the remote start
sequence. The H1/2 WHITE/BLUE wire can be connected to an auxiliary channel output of a security system or
H1/2 WHITE/BLUE (-) activation input
H1/1 BLACK (-) chassis ground connection
BLACK/WHITE (-) NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH INPUT
VIOLET/WHITE TACHOMETER INPUT WIRE
BROWN (+) BRAKE SWITCH SHUTDOWN WIRE
GRAY (-) HOOD PINSWITCH SHUTDOWN WIRE
BLUE/BLACK (-) 200 mA THIRD IGNITION OUTPUT
BLUE (-) 200 mA STATUS/FACTORY SECURITY REARM OUTPUT
H2/1
H2/2
H2/3
H2/4
H2/5
H2/6

12 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.
to a keyless entry system. This wire can also be connected to an optional momentary switch to activate the
remote start system.
This wire sends a negative pulse every time the remote start is activated. This can be used to pulse the disarm
wire of the vehicle's factory anti-theft device. Use a relay to send a (-) or (+) pulse to the disarm wire as shown
in the following diagrams. This wire can also be used as a special accessory output. (See Feature Descriptions
section of this guide.)
Relay for Negative (-) Disarm Wire Relay for Positive (+) Disarm Wire
Connect the H1/4 YELLOW (+) ignition output wire to the ignition input of the remote controlled security or
keyless entry system. The remote start interface will prevent the host system from sensing that the ignition is
on during remote start operation.
H1/4 YELLOW (+) ignition output to RF system
H1/3 LIGHT GREEN/BLACK (-) factory security disarm/special accessory output

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 13
This wire provides a (-) 200mA output to flash the parking lights during remote start operation. This is suitable
for driving (-) light control wires in Toyota, Lexus, BMW, some Mitsubishi, some Mazda models, etc. If the vehicle
has a positive parking light circuit a relay must be used to flash the parking lights.
Connect this wire to the wire in the vehicle that sends the signal to turn on the WAIT-TO-START bulb in the dash-
board. In most diesels the wire is negative (ground turns on the bulb) and the GRAY/BLACK can be directly
connected to the wire in the vehicle. If the vehicle uses a positive wire (12V to turn on the bulb) a relay must
be used to change the polarity. (See Finding the Wires You Need section for testing procedures.) Here are some
common colors of this wire:
■Chevrolet and GMC trucks: Light Blue or Dark Blue
■Ford Trucks: Black/Pink
■Dodge Ram Trucks: Orange/Black or Black/Orange
NOTE! A 1-amp diode must be installed in line on the factory wire between the wait-to-start indi-
cator and the ECM. (See the following diagram for details.)
H1/6 GRAY/BLACK (-) diesel wait-to-start bulb input
H1/5 WHITE (-) light flash output

14 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 15
relay satellite key switch interface
The heavy gauge wires leading from the relay satellite are used to energize high current circuits in the vehicle.
It is crucial that these connections are made correctly so that they are capable of handling the current demands.
For this reason, scotch locks, T-taps and other such connectors should not be used.
Remove the two 30 amp fuses prior to connecting these wires and do not replace them until the satellite has
been plugged into the control module. These wires are the source of current for all the circuits the relay satel-
lite will energize. They must be connected to a high current source. Since the factory supplies (+) 12V to the key
switch that is used to operate the motor, it is recommended that these wires be connected there.
NOTE: If the factory supplies two separate (+) 12V feeds to the ignition switch, connect one RED
wire of the satellite to each feed at the switch.
Connect this wire to the ignition wire in the vehicle. (See Finding the Wires You Need section of this guide.)
Connect this wire to the accessory wire in the vehicle that powers the climate control system. (See Finding the
Wires You Need section of this guide.)
Connect this wire to the starter wire in the vehicle. (See Finding the Wires You Need section of this guide.)
Connect this wire to the second ignition wire in the vehicle. (See Finding the Wires You Need section of this guide.)
NOTE: If there is no second ignition in the vehicle, remove the relay from the socket or insulate
the wire.
PINK/WHITE (+) output to second ignition circuit
PURPLE (+) starter output
ORANGE (+) accessory output
PINK (+) ignition output
RED (2) (+)12V input for relays

16 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.
remote start harness (H2), 6-pin connector
This output is programmable. If programmed for status output, the wire will supply an output at all times the
remote start is operating. If programmed for factory security rearm, the wire will supply a pulse whenever the
remote start times out or is shut down using the transmitter.
This output provides 200mA as soon as the remote starter is activated. It is used to power a relay to energize a
third ignition or second accessory wire as shown below. This output is capable of driving two relays if necessary.
This wire MUST be connected to a hood pinswitch. This input will disable or shut down the remote start when
the hood is opened, which will prevent the remote start from activating when being serviced under the hood.
This wire MUST be connected to the vehicle's brake light wire. This is the wire that shows (+) 12V when the brake
pedal is depressed. The remote start will be disabled or shut down any time the brake pedal is depressed.
This input provides the module with information about the engine's revolutions per minute (RPMs). It can be
connected to the negative side of the coil in vehicles with conventional coils. In multi-coil and high energy igni-
tion systems locating a proper signal may be more difficult. (See Finding the Wires You Need section of this guide
for finding the tachometer wire.) Once connected, you must teach the system the tach signal. (See Tach Learning
section of this guide.)
H2/5 VIOLET/WHITE tachometer input
H2/4 BROWN (+) brake switch input
H2/3 GRAY (-) hood pinswitch input
H2/2 BLUE/BLACK (-) third ignition output
H2/1 BLUE status/factory security rearm output

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 17
Connect this wire to the toggle (override) switch as shown in Figure A. Connect the other wire from the toggle
switch to the PARK/NEUTRAL switch in the vehicle. This wire will test with ground with the gear selector either
in PARK or NEUTRAL. This will prevent the vehicle from accidentally being started while in a drive gear. This input
MUST rest at ground in order for the remote start system to operate. Connected properly the vehicle will only
start while in PARK or NEUTRAL.
In some vehicles, the PARK/NEUTRAL position switch activates a factory starter lock-out that will not allow the
starter to operate in a drive gear. In these vehicles, connect this wire to the toggle switch as shown in Figure
B. Connect the other wire from the toggle switch to chassis ground.
Figure A Figure B
IMPORTANT! Always perform the Vehicle Safety Check section of this guide to verify that the vehicle
cannot be started in ANY drive gear and that the override switch is functioning properly.
neutral safety switch interface
Some vehicles combine the column shift mechanism and the mechanical neutral safety switch into one mechan-
ical part. In these vehicles, it is impossible to interface the remote start system before the neutral safety switch.
With this type of vehicle, if the vehicle is left in a drive gear and the remote start system is activated, the vehicle
will move and may cause damage to persons or property.
According to available information, vehicles known to be manufactured this way are most General Motors trucks,
sport utility vehicles and column shifting passenger vehicles. Available information also indicates that pre-1996
Dodge Dakota pickups with 2.5 liter motors are also manufactured this way.
GM vehicles that have the neutral safety switch built into the column shifter are usually identifiable by a purple
starter wire. Typically, vehicles that use an outboard mechanical switch use a yellow wire from the ignition switch
to the mechanical switch and a purple wire from the mechanical switch to the starter itself. Remember, this is
only a rule of thumb and is not intended as a substitute for proper testing.
IMPORTANT! Please see vehicle Safety Check section of this guide for testing procedures.
H2/6 BLACK/WHITE neutral safety switch input

18 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.
Vehicles with the neutral safety switch built into the column shifter require that the shifter be placed in park in
order to remove the keys from the ignition. As a result, it is possible to use the key-in-ignition sense switch to
prevent remote starting if the keys are in the ignition. (See General Motors Trucks, SUVs and Column-Shifting
Passenger Cars and Pre-1996 Dodge Dakota Pickups with 2.5 Liter Motors diagrams in this section on how to accom-
plish this.) The first diagram applies to all General Motors vehicles as of the date of this guide’s publication. The
second diagram applies to all pre-1996 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks with 2.5 liter motors. This solution has one
side effect: If the customer inserts the key in the ignition with the driver's door open, the remote start system
will shut down. If this interface is used, it is important to inform the customer that the driver’s door must be
closed before inserting the key into the ignition when the remote start is active. This will allow the customer to
turn the key on and shut the remote start down by pressing the brake, without the key sense wire shutting down
the unit prematurely.
You must also connect the H2/4 BROWN (+) shut-down input to the yellow wire on the relay satellite
ribbon cable. This prevents the remote start system from activating if the key is left in the run position. You
must use diodes to isolate the ignition circuit from the brake switch circuit as shown in the diagram below.
IMPORTANT! Once the interface is complete, attempt to remote start the vehicle with the door
closed and the key in the ignition. The vehicle should not start. If it does, recheck the
connections.
As of the date of this guide’s publication, the following list describes the types of vehicles that are known to
have a mechanical neutral safety switch instead of an electrical neutral safety circuit. The model years will vary
from vehicle to vehicle. This list will be updated periodically as new information is available; installers are
encouraged to contact technical support to obtain the most recent information.
■Pre-1996 Dodge Dakota pickups with 2.5 liter engines
■GM "B" Platform: Caprice, Impala SS and Roadmaster
■GM "D" Platform: Cadillac Fleetwood and Fleetwood Brougham
■GM "P" Series: Commercial Van
■GM "L/M" Series: Astro, Safari
■GM "C/K" Series: Full-size pickup, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon
■GM "S/T" Series: Blazer, Bravada, Jimmy, pickup, Sonoma
■GM "G" Series: Express, Savanah

© 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc. 19
pre-1996 dodge dakota pickups with 2.5 liter motors
general motors trucks, SUVs, and column shifting passenger cars

20 © 2000 Directed Electronics, Inc.
bypassing GM vehicle anti-theft systems (VATS)
Vehicles with the GM VATS (Pass Key) systems have a resistor embedded in the ignition key. If the VATS decoder
module does not measure the proper resistance when the vehicle is started, the starter and fuel pump may be
disabled for up to ten minutes. An optional "VATS pack" of resistors is available (p/n 652T). One of the resistors in
the pack will match the resistor in the key.
The VATS wires will be two very light-gauge wires coming out of the steering column. The colors of the wires vary,
but they are often contained in orange tubing - either both will be white wires, or one wire will be purple/white
and the other white/black. Determine the value of the resistor in the key. Then follow the diagram below to
bypass VATS during remote start operation. If the BLUE status output has been programmed for factory security
re-arm, use the H2/2 BLUE/BLACK third ignition output to control the relay.
NOTE: When connecting to the VATS wires, it is not important which wire is cut.