A modern car security system is not limited to a conventional lock; cars already come off the production line with a pre-installed electronic alarm system, which can be optionally improved almost indefinitely. But, like any mechanism, the alarm system malfunctions over time; in particular, drivers are bothered by a constantly burning light. Let's look at what lies behind this symptom below.
Why does the alarm lamp diode light up?
There is no clear answer to this question, and there may be several reasons.
- Activated Valet service program. When the “valet” mode is turned on, the car’s security systems are deactivated and the car remains defenseless. All that can be done with the car at this moment is to open and close the car locks from a distance. The alarm lamp does not blink at this moment, but simply glows constantly. Sometimes the light goes out when the engine starts. Most often, Valet mode is activated accidentally when the driver in his pocket, for example, accidentally typed the desired combination of buttons. The Valet system deactivation button is usually installed in an inconspicuous place so as not to become an obvious prey for car thieves. By default, it is located under the steering column and hidden under a plug. To learn more about your Valet system and how to use it, just refer to the instructions or to the service center.
- Failed door, trunk or hood switches. For beginners, let us explain that a limit switch is a small button in a car door. The security unit is connected to the door and when the doors are closed, the button is pressed randomly and closes the circuit. Sometimes, due to oxidized contacts in the limit switch, the circuit cannot close and the security system, not understanding the situation, signals an “unarmed” place in the car with a constantly glowing light. To fix the problem, just remove the limit switch and clean the contacts. Before installing the contacts in place, they must be soaked in alcohol and treated with lubricant.
- Sensor malfunction. This problem rarely occurs, but the signal is still the same glowing alarm lamp. As a rule, shock, body position or volume sensors break. It is better to solve the problem with the help of specialists.
- A software failure of the security system will also be indicated by a glowing alarm lamp.
If the glowing lamp does not fit any of the above reasons, then the alarm unit has failed.
Most modern cars are equipped with an alarm system, which is necessary for peace of mind of the driver. The security system allows you to securely close the doors, hood, and trunk from potential intruders. Most often, the driver purchases a car already with an alarm system, rather than installing it separately, which is why he does not know about all the features of the system. A problem such as a constantly burning alarm light can confuse the car owner. If the alarm light begins to light constantly, whereas previously it blinked when the security system was activated, this may indicate a malfunction of the system, but most often the reason is much more trivial, and you can restore the normal operation of the alarm without contacting a service center.
Why is the alarm light constantly on?
There are three main reasons that lead to the fact that the usual blinking mode of the alarm light is replaced by its constant lighting:
- The alarm has been switched to Valet mode. The simplest option, which most often does not indicate a malfunction of the security system;
- The alarm is faulty due to mechanical problems. For example, when the security system is turned on, the door, hood, and trunk limit switches may not retract;
- The alarm is faulty due to software problems or sensor failure.
Depending on what happened to the alarm, the way to solve the problem will change. Let's consider each of them separately.
Valet mode in alarm
Various manufacturers of security systems for cars include several lighting modes for the alarm indicator in their software. In different modes it flashes, is at rest or is constantly on. Most security system manufacturers provide a Valet service mode when the car is unprotected.
Valet is primarily intended for car maintenance and repair, when the security system may interfere with car service workers. Valet can be accidentally or intentionally turned on by the car owner, in which case a constantly lit alarm indicator indicates that the car is unprotected. In this mode, the car owner can only remotely open and close the doors, luggage compartment and hood.
The alarm is faulty due to mechanical problems
Another reason that can lead to a constantly lit alarm light is a mechanical fault. In alarms, it is most often caused by problems in the operation of the limit switches (opening and closing sensors) of the doors, hood or trunk.
The limit switch is a button that is located at the joints of car parts. For example, in the doors or in the trunk. When the limit switch is closed, that is, the door is completely closed, the alarm receives a signal about this.
Please note: Most modern cars have a display that shows which door is open. If there are problems with the limit switches, the doors will also not appear as closed on this graph.
If there are problems with the limit switches, for example, they are out of order or do not close the circuit due to faulty contacts, the alarm will inform the driver about this with a constantly lit light.
Most often, to solve the problem, it is enough to determine which limit switch is not working correctly, then disassemble it and clean the contacts.
What does the wrench mean on the StarLine alarm key fob?
Under standard conditions, the complex performs a lot of security functions. But if you need to transport the car to a service station to perform repair work or check the electrical circuit, the Starline A91 alarm system has a special service mode. If the corresponding icon lights up on the display, this indicates that the alarm is now in service mode. If this mode is enabled, the angle/tilt sensor is deactivated, and it is also impossible to activate a number of functions:
- arming or disarming;
- switch to programming mode;
- activation of the “hands-free” mode;
- closing the doors, hood and trunk via a command to the central locking;
- activation of the “Panic” and “Anti-robbery” mode;
- automatic arming;
- calibration of the central unit of the system;
- remote start from the remote control or execution of autorun parameters;
- linking new key fobs to the system;
- change of individual code.
When activated, a key icon appears on the display, which is either constantly lit or blinks periodically.
What to do to make the wrench light up on Starline
When the service mode is set, repair or maintenance work can be carried out, so you need to know how to connect this option. On the Starline A92 model alarm, this is done in several ways, but you must always first disable the security mode in order to quickly transition to this state.
The first way is through a key fob. To do this, press button two and hold it for four seconds. After this, the key fob will emit one melodic signal, and a nut icon will appear on the display.
The second method is cursor. The owner uses short presses to move the cursor to the icon with the key symbol, and then briefly presses the third button. Now the corresponding icon lights up on the display, and some of the security functions are deactivated.
If you have a GSM module and a SIM card with a positive balance, you can turn it on via your phone. Using a special service application from Starline, you just need to visit your personal account and activate the transition to service mode.
In addition, the owner can activate it via voice command.
You need to make a call to the system number and say the corresponding code “51”. The option can be activated via SMS. In this case, a similar code must be written in the SMS. In service mode, you cannot record additional remote controls, program additional functions, or change the secret unlock code.
How to remove a wrench on a Starline alarm
If all maintenance work has been carried out, then it is necessary to transfer the system to the standard state by disabling the service mode. On the Starline A93 alarm system, to do this, you need to press the second button for a long time (for four seconds). After this, the remote control plays a melodic signal, and the car blinks its headlights twice, indicating that the mode has been successfully turned off.
This option can also be disabled using the cursor method. Press the third button for a long time until a melodic signal sounds. Then, with short presses, the cursor is positioned on the nut icon. To turn it off, press the first button once. The symbol is now no longer active and the car flashes its headlights twice as confirmation.
For this type of system, a convenient mobile application is available, controlled directly from a smartphone. When installing it, you can activate these options remotely. This functionality is also available from your personal account on the official website. Additionally, you can deactivate the mode via a phone call with voice command 50 or via SMS with similar numbers in the content. In order for such commands to work, the system must have a special GSM module, as well as a SIM card with a positive balance.
What to do if the wrench is on and the StarLine alarm does not turn on
In some cases, the standard scheme for removing from the service state may not work. This means you need to check the following places:
- power element. A weak battery may prevent correct signal transmission. Therefore, you need to check this particular part first;
- battery. The reason for the incorrect operation of the Starline A39 alarm system may be a dead battery;
- If the battery in the remote control runs out before the service mode is deactivated, and after replacement the icon is inactive, this does not mean that the mode itself is disabled.
For completely correct operation of the system, you need to re-activate and then deactivate the mode. An alternative way out is to exit this mode by using a spare key fob (here the exit is carried out only by pressing the keys, since there is no LCD display).
- central control unit. Its failure may lead to incorrect response to commands from the remote control. Therefore, it is important to check its functionality and serviceability. These works are best carried out by a specialized service;
- Incorrect connection of the positive yellow wire, which should go to the ACC ignition switch. Without constant contact, the turbo timer, autostart functions will not work, and the transition to and from the service position will not be carried out correctly.
The alarm is faulty due to software problems or sensors
Another reason, but quite rare, which can lead to the alarm light constantly burning, is a software failure. Most often it is associated with a malfunction of one or more sensors (impact, volume, body position, and so on). It is unlikely that you will be able to determine on your own, without diagnostic equipment, which specific sensor has failed and correct its operation. Therefore, in such a situation you need to contact a service center.
Failures in the operation of the control unit software are even less common. Only service specialists can eliminate them.
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The alarm light is on - this is a kind of warning for the car owner. A modern alarm system is a multifunctional device designed not only to protect property, but also has a whole range of additional capabilities. The light signal can light up and serve as a warning about a malfunction or accidental mistake.
Various alarm light states
Today, vehicles without car alarms are some classic models from the distant Soviet period. Security systems are installed at service stations and supplied with vehicles from manufacturers. Like all technical equipment, they are subject to breakdowns and failures. A light indicates a failure; it is on all the time, blinks without stopping, or goes out completely. Let's look at the most common situations.
Reasons for the constant burning of a light bulb
A constantly burning car light indicates that something is wrong with the car alarm. The reasons can be very different, among the main ones why it burns are considered:
Accidental activation of the “VALET” mode. In standard modes, it is activated in car alarms by combinations of key fob buttons. Unintentionally pressed activation buttons cause the LED to glow continuously, which causes unpredictability in the actions of the car driver, when the light does not blink, but is on all the time. If the service alarm mode is accidentally activated, the security options are deactivated. There is an option that remotely controls the opening and closing of the door locks, hood, and trunk of the car. Bringing to working condition is carried out in accordance with the operating instructions for the car alarm.
Technical breakdowns. In cases where the light should blink, but it stays on, problems should be looked for in the technical component of the alarm. One of the reasons is problems with limit switches. The essence of the problem often lies in oxidation and burnout of the limit switch contacts. As a result, the car alarm circuit does not close, the LED is constantly on, and the car is unprotected. The problem is eliminated by cleaning the contacts and replacing the switches. Another problem, when the car alarm light does not blink but is on, occurs when the device’s sensors fail. The problem is properly resolved in service centers.
Software or hardware failure. If the LED on the car continues to light after checking the above reasons, there is a problem with the main car alarm unit. The service center specialists will make an accurate diagnosis, followed by troubleshooting.
Reasons for the frequent blinking of the alarm light
A common problem with vehicle alarms is the frequent blinking of the indicator light, followed by blocking the engine from starting. One of the reasons is the incorrect operation of the limit switches, the closing parts of the car. It is enough for one of them to fail and the correct operation of the device fails. It is enough to clean the contacts or replace the switches.
Another reason is the incorrect location of the power unit temperature control sensor. The car alarm LED will start working normally if the sensor is reinstalled according to the instruction manual.
The alarm light stopped lighting - reasons
In the practice of car enthusiasts, there are situations when the alarm LED does not light up or blink at all. Experience shows that the main reasons can be as follows:
- The main unit overheats;
- Installation errors, when the power is turned off, the alarm returns to factory settings;
- Contacts, wiring, fuses burn out.
Diagnostics by specialists will help to accurately determine problems in the security system on the car. For a car owner ignorant of the nuances of electronics, it is difficult to identify the reason why the LED does not light up. Service centers that have equipment and tools will carry out alarm restoration in the most efficient manner so that the light bulb serves its purpose: it blinks when needed; when necessary, it lights up.
So, this article discusses the main reasons for what problems there may be in car alarms, determined by the state of the light bulb. It burns continuously; blinks inappropriately; does not light up.
As a result, it was revealed that the signaling problems were related to the operating state of the limit switches. Sometimes the cause of incorrect behavior of the car alarm LED is sensors. There are problems with the main processing unit: hardware failure; incorrect operation of the software.
Timely diagnosis and troubleshooting will protect the car from intruders and theft.
These days it is quite difficult to find a car without an alarm system installed, except perhaps an old Moskvich, which has long been collecting dust in the garage of an equally young grandfather. And more modern models are already initially equipped with standard electronic protection devices from the automaker. However, electronic security systems have the unpleasant tendency to break down, “glitch” and give other failures that make negative changes to the daily routine that is familiar to you and me. Most car owners determine the status of their “alarm” by an LED lamp, which is designed to display the current status of the protection system with various light signals. However, not everyone has an idea of what light signal means a particular alarm condition. Most are guided by what signs the LED has given since it was installed in the car, mainly measured blinking. And as soon as this very blinking turns into something else, then every car owner certainly considers it his duty to dig into the protection system and find out what’s really going on. On the one hand, this is correct, because no one wants to leave their car in the care of an “inadequate” alarm system. On the other hand, if you are not a car thief or an employee of a service station, then understanding such complex devices will be quite difficult, and may result in a permanent breakdown of the security system. And perhaps the most common question, which is usually followed by fiddling with the “signal light,” is why the warning light is constantly on? This is what we will try to answer for you further. Contents [Display] REASONS WHY THE LED IS CONSTANTLY ON There are several reasons why the alarm light is constantly on: The most common reason is that the “Valet” service mode is running. The second fairly common reason is a malfunction of the door, hood and trunk switches. Well, a less common reason why the alarm light is constantly on is a software failure in the operation of the security system itself, as well as the failure of one or more sensors. This problem can be associated either with a software failure or with a problem in the electronics itself. Having looked at the list, let's look at all the points in more detail, and let's start with, perhaps, the most common reason, the occurrence of which is most likely. SERVICE MODE “VALET” The very designation “service” already indicates that this function is intended for service work both in the security system itself and in the car as a whole. In this mode, all security functions of the device are deactivated, and the vehicle’s protection does not respond to anything. The entire functionality of the alarm in this state is reduced only to the ability to remotely open and close the door, hood and trunk locks. The LED light then stops blinking and goes into constant operation mode; on some devices the light goes out when the engine is running. The mode is activated on most devices from the remote control by pressing a certain combination of buttons. Thus, if you carry the remote control in your pocket, the buttons could accidentally be pressed in the desired combination, thereby activating the mode. Basically, such combinations consist of simultaneously pressing and holding two or three buttons; complex combinations of sequential pressing of the corresponding buttons are less common. Valet mode can be turned on by accidentally pressing buttons on the remote control. There are systems that do not provide for the inclusion of such modes via a remote control. For such devices, a button called “Valet” is installed in the cabin. Such a button in the cabin is a real blessing for car thieves, as it allows you to instantly disable all car protection, including engine control. Therefore, having discovered such a button, an attacker can easily drive off in your car wherever he pleases. How to find the “Valet” button When installing an anti-theft device, each owner has the right to choose the location options for such a button. A similar button is placed in the secluded corners of the car, and the better you hide it, the greater the chance that the thief will not find it. You can install it anywhere, even in the trunk or under the hood. But if for some reason you did not take such part in installing the alarm, then basically by default the button is located under the steering column, covering it with an inconspicuous plug. If there is nothing under the steering column, then we recommend that you look at the technical instructions for your alarm, namely the location and designation of the output sockets to which various sensors are connected, and our treasured button. Once you find the connector you need, simply follow the wire leading from it and you will eventually come across what you were looking for. If the alarm remote control has a display, then when the Valet mode is turned on, in most cases an icon in the form of the letter “Z” is displayed on the screen. To deactivate the mode using the button in the cabin, press and hold it for about ten to fifteen seconds, after which the car will emit several short beeps, accompanied by light signals from the side lights, and the LED lamp in the cabin will go out. However, this method of activating and deactivating the mode is not suitable for all devices, just as each manufacturer has its own key combination on the remote control. Below we will provide combinations of the necessary buttons on the remote control of the most popular alarms. For more detailed information on enabling and disabling the mode in systems not included in our list, please refer to the instructions or contact the service center of the manufacturer of your security system. Activating and deactivating the “Valet” function in the Star Line Twage B6 alarm To activate using the remote control, hold down key three until the remote control emits one long and two short beeps. One of the icons will begin to flicker on the remote control screen. Briefly press key three to set the “VALET” icon to blink. Press key one, after which the car will notify you with a light signal from the side lights, and the remote control will emit two short and two long beeps. After which, the “VALET” icon will be constantly displayed on the remote control screen, and the LED lamp will go into constant operation mode. Deactivation is done by pressing key two, after which “VALET” will no longer be displayed on the remote control screen, and the alarm light in the cabin will go out. Similar manipulations apply to the Star Line Twage B9 system. Activating and deactivating the “Valet” function and the Scher Khan Magicar 5 alarm To activate the mode, simultaneously press and hold the “I” and “III” keys for no more than one second. Be sure to respect the length of time you hold the keys, since the same combination, when held for two seconds, deactivates the shock sensor. After activating the Jack mode, the light is constantly on. To deactivate the Jack, repeat the activation combination - “I” and “III” and hold for no more than a second. If the shock sensor is accidentally deactivated, press the “I” and “III” keys and hold for at least two seconds. Similar combinations are used in the Scher Khan Magicar 6 system. TECHNICAL AND SOFTWARE PROBLEMS Another common reason why the alarm light is constantly on is faulty door, hood and trunk limit switches. The limit switch is a small button that is installed in the car door. The security system unit is connected to them; when the door is closed, the limit switch button is pressed, thereby closing the circuit. The alarm thus understands that the door is closed. Faulty, oxidized contacts in the limit switch may not close the circuit, as a result of which the protection system may not understand the current situation and will notify you of an allegedly unprotected place in the car by constantly operating the LED light. You can fix such problems yourself; you just need to disassemble all the limit switches, thoroughly clean the contacts, rinse them in alcohol and lubricate them with electrically conductive lubricant. After which you can reinstall the buttons in their original place. Although in rare cases, the answer to the question of why the alarm light is constantly on can be failed various sensors, for example, shock, volume and body position sensors. In such cases, it is better to contact a service center for help. You should also contact a specialized center for help if the alarm light is constantly on due to a software or hardware failure in the security system unit itself. If none of the checks for the above reasons gave a positive result, then most likely the failure is in the alarm unit. In conclusion, we wish that from now on you will never again be tormented by the question of why the alarm light is constantly on, as well as a restful sleep at night without worrying that someone will take your “iron friend” away.
Alarm failure is one of the most common car problems. At the first signs of abnormal operation of the car alarm, measures should be taken to identify the causes of failures and begin to eliminate them.
Otherwise, it is possible that the anti-theft system will deny access to the cabin or prevent the engine from starting. Let's look at the main signs of a car alarm malfunction, the causes and ways to eliminate them.
The principle of operation of a modern car alarm
In the last few years, it has been difficult to find a car that is not equipped with a security alarm. Its presence is designed to reliably protect the car from burglary and theft.
The following main types are distinguished:
- The simplest and most inexpensive option - the limited budget and economy class of the car forces car owners to install it.
- Provides notification of tampering or attempted theft at a distance not exceeding 200 m in open areas.
- Equipped with two-way communication with the owner, it provides notification at a distance of up to 4 km, with information about problems being transmitted to the key fob display.
- The most modern and reliable one today is satellite, it has no restrictions on the range of action, uses dialogue encoding of a signal that cannot be recorded for hacking.
Additional improvements allow you to display information about alarm activation on the owner’s smartphone using a special GSM module.
Additional functions
There are a large number of offers from manufacturers to equip car alarms with additional options and capabilities. The most popular and frequently used include:
- Feedback to the owner, which allows, in case of unauthorized opening, to block the engine from starting.
- Shock and mechanical impact sensors.
- A device indicating which door or hood has been opened.
- Remote engine start will allow you to warm up the engine and interior without the presence of the driver.
Options for lighting the alarm light
Each car alarm developer includes a certain state of the LED in the operating algorithm. Under different conditions, it lights up, blinks, alternates flashes or is in an extinguished state.
Below is a table of the states of the StarLine family alarm lamps (on continuously, blinking, at rest) located on the car.
Light bulb status | ||||
Continuous burning | Does not burn | Slow blink | Rapid blinking | Flashes in series (number) |
With the engine running from a distance | + | |||
With turbo timer enabled | + | |||
With immobilizer enabled | + | |||
Disarmed | + | |||
Security alarm | + | |||
With open doors or hood, trunk (with ignition on) | + | |||
With daily auto-start of the car engine | 2 | |||
With automatic start based on temperature | 3 | |||
With daily autostart based on temperature | 4 | |||
Enabling the “VALET” service mode | 5 |
The PANDORA car alarm (more about the Pandora car alarm manufacturer) uses a three-color light bulb. If the car alarm indicator on your car is lit or blinking, please see the table below.
State | |||
Continuous glow (color) | Blinks periodically (light bulb color) | Does not burn | LED flash colors |
Armed | Red, single, short | ||
Ready for automatic, passive security installation | Red | ||
Enabling “Hands Free”, “Panic” | Red | ||
Alarm disabled (disarming) | Alternating red, green | ||
Disarmed | + | ||
Disabling the immobilizer | + | ||
Car alarm maintenance (ignition off) | + | ||
Maintenance (ignition on) | Green | ||
Time channels are turned on | 1 green | ||
VALET button pressed | 1 orange | ||
Disarming the car alarm, an alarm from the door sensors was triggered | 2 red | ||
Disarming, alarm triggered when ignition is turned on | 3 red | ||
Disarming, shock sensors triggered | 2 green | ||
Disarming, additional sensor triggered | 3 green | ||
Disarming, hood and trunk sensors triggered | 2 orange | ||
Disarming, the machine's network voltage has dropped below the permissible level | 3 orange | ||
Anti-Hi-Jack mode | Single green |
LED indication of the SHERIFF device on the car (more information about the Sheriff car alarm manufacturer) – table
Modes | State | |||
Constant glow | The light is blinking | + | ||
Lack of security | + | |||
The alarm system is armed by passive arming | Often | |||
Car alarm protected | Slowly | |||
Triggering of the main zone 1 of the vehicle impact sensor | 1 | |||
Triggering of the main zone 2 shock sensor |
Triggers of hoods and trunks | 3 |
Triggering of HF triggers in doors | |
Transponder registration detected | Alternating 1 long and 3 short |
Modes | State | |||
Lit | The light is blinking | Switched off | Number of LED flashes with pause | |
Option "VALET" | all the time | |||
The time until the alarm is armed in passive mode is counted down | In frequent |
Service mode
A common reason why the alarm light starts to light is when the jack mode is activated. In this case, only the remote closing/opening sensors work. The rest of the anti-theft system is disabled.
In this case, the light is constantly on or blinking. This function is necessary for repair work, but sometimes it works independently due to accidental pressing of the remote control buttons in an activation combination, increased sensitivity of the keys, malfunction of the electronic system due to high humidity or sudden temperature changes, especially in winter.
Methods for exiting the “jack” service state and activating the alarm system on the most common security devices:
- Star Line Twage B6 and Star Line Twage B9 are deactivated using key 2, the corresponding inscription will no longer be displayed, the signal light will go out. Scher Khan Magicar 5 and 6, turning off the “jack” is done by simultaneously holding keys 1 and 3 for a second. After entering the operating mode, the LED in the cabin stops blinking.
- The tomahawk is disconnected from the preventive mode by repeatedly (2 - 3 times) pressing the key fob key “Z”, a combination is possible: 1 hold, 1 short-term, depending on the model.
- Pandora independently checks the connection with the owner through the key fob. If it is missing, the red light in the cabin lights up. Try replacing the batteries; if the result is negative, due to the complexity of the system, you should contact service. The jack mode can be turned on/off with the help of a specialist.
- Sterline, to turn it off, press button 2 once, and the light in the cabin should go out. Systems that do not use key fob buttons to exit the service mode are equipped with special buttons located in the vehicle interior. By default, in the absence of the owner's wishes, they are mounted under the steering column. Holding this button for 10 seconds will deactivate the “jack”, which will be accompanied by several short beeps from the car and the warning light in the cabin will turn off.
After these procedures are completed, the car is ready for use. In case of repeated, unauthorized cases of switching to the service mode, you must contact the service center for diagnostics.
Valet mode on the alarm system
Each alarm has a Valet mode, which in Russia is usually called “Valet”. This is a service mode that can be activated on the security system to diagnose or configure the alarm. When the security system is in Valet mode, all standard driver alert functions are disabled and only the door, hood and trunk remote control functions.
Please note: If the vehicle's security system is set to Valet mode, it may respond differently when the engine is started. For example, when starting the engine, it may go out, but remain constantly on only when the engine is turned off.
Activation of Valet mode on an alarm can occur either intentionally or accidentally. Most often, when the driver does not understand why the alarm light is constantly on, this means that he accidentally activated the service mode of the security system. To activate Valet mode, you need to press a certain key combination on the alarm key fob.
Please note: Most often, to switch the alarm system to service mode, it is enough to hold down two buttons on the alarm key fob. In rare cases, switching to Valet mode is organized by sequentially pressing the necessary buttons. For a number of old-style alarm systems, switching to Valet mode is carried out by pressing a button (hidden) in the car interior. Manufacturers of security systems are actively refusing the latter option, since attackers, having the ability to switch the alarm to service mode, can steal a car.
How to disable Valet mode
Depending on the alarm model, the method of enabling and disabling Valet mode will change. Let's look at a few basic options.
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Please note: The activation of Valet mode on a car is often indicated by an icon in the form of the letter Z on the alarm key fob (if it has a display).
Button to switch the alarm to Valet mode
If the driver purchased a used car, he may not know where the service alarm button is installed. When installing a security system, most often the service technicians check with the driver where he wants to have this button, so that this place is unexpected for potential intruders. You can often find Valet in the most unexpected places.
We recommend starting your search for the Valet button in the following positions:
- Under the steering column. The most common place to install the Valet button, since the driver can easily reach it at any time. At the same time, this place is the most unsafe from the point of view of intruders, and under the steering wheel there is a possibility of accidental pressing of the button; Please note: When installing the Valet button under the steering column, it is most often covered with an inconspicuous plug to minimize the likelihood of accidental pressing, and also hide the button from prying eyes;
- Under the driver's seat. You also need to look for an element that may look like a stub under which the button is located;
- In the driver's door. A rather rare option for installing a button, since the door can be accessed from outside the car without opening it completely.
As noted above, the location of the Valet button depends entirely on the imagination of the driver who installed the alarm. Sometimes it can be found in completely unexpected places, for example, under the hood or under the rear passenger seats.
Important: A reliable way to find the Valet button is to “read” the technical documentation for the alarm installed in cars. You need to understand from it where the output links are located in the electrical circuit of the security system, and then find the Valet button along the wires from the sensors.
Having found the Valet button in the car, just hold it down for 10-15 seconds to activate or deactivate the service mode. When entering the service mode, the car will indicate this by “blinking” the dimensions and sound signals.
Combinations for enabling Valet mode in alarms
If you cannot find the Valet button, most likely your alarm system is quite modern, and its transition to the service mode is organized by pressing certain keys on the key fob. Let us consider, as an example, several basic methods of activating and deactivating the service mode for popular security system models:
- Star Line Twage B6 (B9). For this type of alarm, to turn on the Valet mode, you need to hold the “3” button for 10-15 seconds. After this, the remote control will indicate the transition to moderation mode with one long and two short beeps. Icons will flicker on the key fob screen. By pressing the “3” button, make the Valet icon flicker on the screen. After this, press button “1” and wait for sound signals and the blinking of the dimensions. The Valet icon will light up on the remote control screen, which means the service mode has been activated. To turn off Valet mode, you need to press the “2” key.
- Scher Khan Magicar 5 (6). For these alarms, Valet mode is activated by simultaneously pressing buttons “1” and “3”. Valet mode is turned off in the same way it is turned on.
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Important: In the Scher Khan Magicar 5 (6) alarm system, if you simultaneously hold buttons “1” and “3” for a long time (more than 2 seconds), the shock sensor is turned off. If you accidentally turn off the shock sensor, instead of deactivating the Valet mode, you can turn it on the same way - by holding down the “1” and “3” buttons for a second.
These are the most common combinations for switching to Valet mode of a car security system. If you don’t know how to put your particular alarm into service mode, use the instructions.
technical issues
Another reason that gives rise to a constant light on, indicating problems with the alarm system of your car, is a malfunction of the “limit switches” of the doors and hoods of the engine and luggage compartments. They are called small plastic push-button sensors that are connected to the security system circuit. When the car is closed, they are pressed, closing the electrical circuit. If the sensor fails to detect a short circuit:
- Oxidation of contact in conditions of high humidity and winter time.
- Loose fit due to poor installation or deformation of body elements as a result of an accident.
- Sensor failure as a result of mechanical impact or shock.
The alarm will perceive this door or hood as being open and send signals to the key fob and light bulb located in the interior of your car.
This malfunction can be eliminated by visual inspection and checking the “limit switches”. Their contacts can be treated with an anti-corrosion agent and lubricated with a special lubricant. If these preventive measures do not eliminate the defect, contact a specialist who will conduct a more accurate diagnosis using special equipment.
Why the alarm light is constantly on: program failure
This problem does not occur often, but it also causes the interior alarm LED to light up without blinking. This may be a sign of a faulty:
- Mechanical impact sensor.
- Indicator for volume changes in the cabin.
- Programs that determine the position of the body.
The listed faults can only be corrected at a service center. Independent attempts at repair and adjustment will not give the desired results and will only lead to serious damage to the entire security alarm system.
The presence of on-board computers on modern cars helps control the operation of security alarms, the reliability of which, every year, more and more pleases and satisfies the needs of motorists. If the lamp indicating a system malfunction is activated, try resetting it and inspect the circuit sensors. Leave all other diagnostics to professionals.
The center’s specialists will help you choose a reliable and inexpensive service for servicing security alarms, following the application you left on the Uremont.com website.
Car security system or why the alarm light is on
A modern car security system is not limited to a conventional lock; cars already come off the production line with a pre-installed electronic alarm system, which can be optionally improved almost indefinitely. But, like any mechanism, the alarm system malfunctions over time; in particular, drivers are bothered by a constantly burning light. Let's look at what lies behind this symptom below.
Why does the alarm lamp diode light up?
There is no clear answer to this question, and there may be several reasons.
- Activated Valet service program. When the “valet” mode is turned on, the car’s security systems are deactivated and the car remains defenseless. All that can be done with the car at this moment is to open and close the car locks from a distance. The alarm lamp does not blink at this moment, but simply glows constantly. Sometimes the light goes out when the engine starts. Most often, Valet mode is activated accidentally when the driver in his pocket, for example, accidentally typed the desired combination of buttons. The Valet system deactivation button is usually installed in an inconspicuous place so as not to become an obvious prey for car thieves. By default, it is located under the steering column and hidden under a plug. To learn more about your Valet system and how to use it, just refer to the instructions or to the service center.
- Failed door, trunk or hood switches. For beginners, let us explain that a limit switch is a small button in a car door. The security unit is connected to the door and when the doors are closed, the button is pressed randomly and closes the circuit. Sometimes, due to oxidized contacts in the limit switch, the circuit cannot close and the security system, not understanding the situation, signals an “unarmed” place in the car with a constantly glowing light. To fix the problem, just remove the limit switch and clean the contacts. Before installing the contacts in place, they must be soaked in alcohol and treated with lubricant.
- Sensor malfunction. This problem rarely occurs, but the signal is still the same glowing alarm lamp. As a rule, shock, body position or volume sensors break. It is better to solve the problem with the help of specialists.
- A software failure of the security system will also be indicated by a glowing alarm lamp.
If the glowing lamp does not fit any of the above reasons, then the alarm unit has failed.
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