The auxiliary key fob does not work. The alarm does not respond to the key fob: what to do

To date, car alarms are one of the most common options for protecting a vehicle. But it happens that the anti-theft system fails, thus causing inconvenience to the car owner. What to do if the car alarm no longer responds to the key fob, what are the reasons for the remote control failure?

[ Hide ]

Reasons for key fob failure

If, when you press the button on the remote control, the device, the cause should be sought not only in the key fob itself, but also in the anti-theft system. If the alarm does not respond to the key fob, while the car does not open, this may be due to several types of malfunctions.

Key fob problems

When the anti-theft installation refuses to see, respond and respond to pressing the buttons from the key fob, it is first necessary to diagnose the remote control itself. It is possible that the car alarm does not see the key fob due to a dead battery. If the remote is equipped with a screen, check if it responds to key presses, if there is no display, then there should be an indicator light that also lights up when a key is pressed or when the batteries are dead.

The problem in the operation of the car alarm may also be related to the remote control, namely the transmitter located inside. Do-it-yourself repairs are problematic, so try using a spare key fob. If the system does not work correctly with him, most likely, the problem is not with him.

Cell battery

A completely discharged battery can also render the anti-theft system inoperable. If the battery is not completely dead, then you can try to press the remote control from a closer distance to the car. Even if you manage to open the car, it will be problematic to start the engine. To prevent a complete discharge of the battery, when arming the car, you must turn off all electrical equipment.

radio interference

It happens that the impulses of radio waves are jammed by various interferences, and if you suddenly find yourself in such a zone, then the car will not be able to be put in or removed from the signaling. Interference can occur near airports, military factories, as well as near objects of national importance. If you really are in the zone of electromagnetic interference, you can check this using your phone - interference will affect both the signal and GPS communication. In this case, the only optimal solution would be to bring the remote control closest to the pulse receiver.


Loss of communication between the remote control and the unit

Software failures can lead to a loss of communication between this element and the impulse receiver, that is, the block. Only reprogramming the signal will solve this problem. To do this, you need to turn off the anti-theft system unit in emergency mode by disconnecting the wiring from it, and then re-synchronize it with the remote control.

The programming procedure in this case can be done by hand, but for this you will need a service book for the signaling. Sometimes it happens that the program is simply deleted from memory, in which case the synchronization will not work, since the software will need to be restored first. This type of repair can only be carried out by specialists.

Electronics faults

Malfunctions in the electronics can occur even when the motor is turned off. If a power surge occurs in the on-board network, the anti-theft system control unit may burn out. This is fraught not only with the need to repair or replace the unit, but also with possible wiring problems.

If the unit itself behaves incorrectly, the symptoms of its malfunction can be determined in advance. For example, the system may turn on automatically, commands sent by the remote control will not work correctly, some options may not work. If you have any doubts about the need to repair the unit, it is better to consult with specialists (the author of the video about turning off the idle signaling is Nadezhda Bespyatykh).

What if the alarm does not respond to the key fob?

Not every motorist is able to repair the signaling or remote control. Therefore, we will talk about how to open a car when the signaling is not working correctly, that is, when it is possible to open the doors.

You have several options:

  1. Emergency shutdown option. Any anti-theft system has a code that allows you to disable it. This code must be included in the kit or it is installed during the installation of the signaling. To enter the combination, you will need the Valet button, which is usually located in the passenger compartment, not far from the unit, either under the steering wheel, or somewhere in the center console. In general, everything here is individual. The code itself may consist of several clicks or other commands.
  2. Increase the triggered trip signal. This method is to open your vehicle, get behind the wheel and bring the signaling key fob as close to the block as possible. After bringing the button on the key fob, you must press it many times, and do this often. This usually allows you to send the necessary signal to turn off the alarm.

Starline Tawge security systems are equipped with a special Slave system that allows you to bind to a standard car key. This not only guarantees reliable protection against theft with the help of a dialogue code, but also allows you to configure the car alarm at your discretion by setting the turbo timer and auto start parameters. But sometimes the system can cause problems - for example, the Starline alarm does not respond to the key fob.

If this applies only to the main remote control with feedback, then it is necessary, first of all, to check the batteries in the key fob. If it concerns both remotes, then the problem may relate to other aspects of telematics. More details about all the nuances of the lack of response to commands are described below.

What to do if Starline does not respond to the key fob

If the signaling device refuses to execute commands directly from the remote control, but it is necessary to drive, then for such cases an emergency disarming is provided using the special service key Valet. This button is mounted inside the cabin in places hidden from the eyes of potential hijackers.

If its location is unknown, then it is worth checking: a place near the pedal assembly, the space under the steering column, the inside of the coin compartments on the door cards, the central tunnel between the first row seats, the space under the front decorative panel, near the fuse box.

Freelance disarming without a key fob occurs as follows:

  • the door is opened with a regular key, while the siren starts to work;
  • after the key is in the ignition (and it will be turned on), the sound alarm is deactivated, and the car blinks its dimensions four times;
  • now it is necessary to press the Valet service key three times within twenty seconds;
  • then you need to turn off the ignition again, turn it on and enter the first digit of a personal two-digit secret code (the number of presses of the Valet button corresponds to this indicator);
  • then turn on the ignition again and do the same procedure for the second digit of the two-digit code;
  • a signal confirming the successful completion of the procedure will be two light signals from the car.

Now the security mode is deactivated and you can start the car engine.

StarLine does not respond to the key fob at times


There can be several reasons for incorrect alarm operation. If the problem is intermittent, then you should pay attention to the following factors:

  • the vehicle is in a radio interference zone. In urban areas, there may be objects near the car that interfere with the correct signal transmission. It can be cell towers, airports, secure facilities, or just a large accumulation of metal parts. Some models of type A6, A61 or A8 are equipped with a special signal amplifier that solves this problem;
  • weak battery. The car can receive signals from the key fob, but due to the low voltage in the system, do not open the doors or auto start. This problem is clearly expressed after a long idle time of the car or at low temperatures. And quickly disappears after regular trips, as the battery is constantly recharged;
  • deterioration of car alarm parts. During operation, the components of the car alarm are subject to wear.
Flaws during the installation process can contribute to accelerated failure. For example, the radio transmitter should be away from metal parts, and the cables, CPU and signaling should be away from sources of high temperatures. After a long negative impact, the transmitter may begin to fail, and the wires may melt and short at times. Because of this, the car alarm does not work correctly. Diagnosis of this malfunction should be carried out in a specialized service.

Starline does not respond due to key fob problems

There are cases when the complex does not execute commands due to malfunctions of the control panel. Most often, the problem is a dead battery in the main key fob. Due to a weak signal, the dialogue code does not reach the radio transmitter or is distorted. Accordingly, the CPU cannot recognize it.

It is also worth remembering that in urban conditions the range of the key fob will decrease significantly due to the presence of numerous interferences.

Valet button on Starline alarm does not work

The Valet service key is important for the security complex. With its help, exit to the programming mode, emergency shutdown of the system or reset to factory settings. The number 1 reason why it may not work on Starline A9 models and other kits is the lack of a physical connection, that is, a circuit break.

To check, it is worth disconnecting the alarm unit from the car and inspecting it. The case must not have cracks or mechanical damage. Next, you need to ring the Valet button and LED circuit using a tester. Most likely, the reason is here. After identifying a bad contact or its absence, you should solder the wires and insulate the connection.


StarLine alarm key fob does not respond to button presses

Owners of the Starline A94 system sometimes complain that the remote control does not respond to keystrokes. In this case, it is advisable to check if the key fob button block is turned on by mistake. Setting in this mode occurs by clicking on the second and fourth keys. After that, a short beep will sound, and the display will show the inscription "Block". Unlocking occurs after a short click on the first and fourth buttons.

Also, the reason for the lack of reaction (in addition to a dead battery in the remote control) may be faulty and sticky buttons. In this case, you need to disassemble the remote control (remove the back cover, remove the battery, and then unscrew the mounting bolt and disconnect the case) and clean the contact points of the buttons with the board. If this does not help, then you can order spare keys and install them in place of the old ones using a soldering kit.

Starline alarm does not respond to hits on the car

The Starline A91 and B9 alarms are equipped with a two-level shock sensor that turns on when the car is damaged or hacked. If it does not work, then its sensitivity is too low. To configure the parameters, you will need to get to the sensor itself and make adjustments. The part is attached near the front pillar, as a rule, it can be reached without much hassle.

Sensitivity adjustment is carried out using a standard screwdriver (there are two adjusting screws on the sensor body). They must be turned while tapping on the car body to determine the optimal sensitivity.

Also, the reason for the lack of reaction to blows to the car may be broken signaling wires. You need to arm yourself with a tester and check the health of the contacts and wires responsible for signal transmission.

Siren StarLine not working

A siren is also mounted in the engine compartment. The main condition is to avoid moisture ingress, as well as place it away from large heat sources in order to prevent the horn from melting. Also, the wires for connecting the siren should not be accessible from under the car so that an intruder cannot cut them.


If the siren does not work, you should pay attention to whether the car is set to silent mode. The Starline C9 model and other modifications have this option. You can turn on the silent mode as follows: first, the first key on the remote control is pressed for a long time, and then the second button is briefly clicked again.

After that, the vehicle's LED indicator will flash, the dimensions will flash once, and the door locks will be activated. The keyfob will emit one short beep, and the display will show a closed lock along with a crossed-out speaker. To exit this mode, you must press the first key for a long time, and then the second button briefly after a melodic signal sounds. The car will blink twice and unlock the doors.


If this does not help, you need to similarly check for physical contact between the siren and the central control unit. To do this, you need to arm yourself with a tester. It is also advisable to inspect the siren for mechanical damage.

The turbo timer does not work on the Starline alarm

Among the complaints about the incorrect operation of the Starline A92 or A93 models, there are complaints about the lack of operation of the turbo timer. It is important to understand that in order to control the operation of the turbine, it is necessary to connect a diode to the handbrake circuit, and also to connect the gray-black engine control wire to the tachometer.

If the reason is not in the absence of physical contact, then it is worth checking the settings and parameters set for the function through the programming menu. And also check the system for errors in a specialized service.

Starline does not open or close doors

A potential cause of this problem is a malfunction of the central lock or door switches. Because of this, the opening may not occur. The second reason for the Starline B6 or B9 alarm is a broken wire, which is responsible for opening and closing doors. This theory is easy to test:

  • you need to leave the door open, and then insert a rod into the latch at the end. The result should be similar to a standard shackle latch;
  • press the end cap in the doorway so that the central unit receives the appropriate signal;
  • carry out the guarding.

If everything is in order, the alarm will close the doors. Otherwise, it will be necessary to ring the red-yellow wire responsible for the door closing function and eliminate the gap.

The car does not respond to the StarLine key fob and does not start

If the car does not respond to commands from the remote control and does not start. But at the same time, the system is working, and the battery has a sufficient charge - you need to reset the settings to the factory settings. On the Starline A91 and A9 alarms, it is carried out as follows:

  • the ignition key is inserted into the lock and turned to the On position;
  • after that, the service key Valet is pressed 10 times;
  • now you need to turn the key to the off position. The machine will blink its dimensions ten times, and will also emit ten beeps, confirming the successful transition to the reset user settings mode;
  • press the Valet button again, and the car beeps again;
  • on the key fob, the first button is now pressed. A short melody will confirm that the operation has been completed successfully and all parameters have been returned to the factory settings;
  • to complete the procedure, turn the key to the On position.

The second way is not to press anything for ten seconds. The fact that the exit has been carried out will be reported by the car itself, turning on the dimensions five times. The keychain will play a short melody.

GPS Starline not working

Alarm models Starline A6, A61, A8 or A9 support the installation of a GPS module on the car, which allows you to determine the location of the vehicle. At the same time, it may not always work correctly - this may be due to the presence of interference in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe car. To solve this problem, you need to send three SMS with the codes 00550, 00990, 00551 to the SIM card number in the car. After that, the system should work correctly.

Starline alarm does not respond to key fob after battery change

After installing a new power element, some settings may be knocked down or performed incorrectly. For example, on models with auto start, such as Starline A91 or B9, you need to re-set the clock so that the car starts at the right time. If the car has stopped responding to commands, then you need to check if it has been put into service mode - that is, turn it on again and then turn it off.

Shutdown occurs in several ways. For example, you can simply hold down the second button on the remote control for more than three seconds. After that, a melodic signal will sound, and the car will blink its dimensions twice, confirming the successful deactivation of the service mode. The wrench icon will no longer be active.

You can remove the key icon and deactivate the mode using the cursor method:

  • key three is pressed for a long time, up to one melodic and one short signal;
  • short presses on the second and third buttons move the cursor to the wrench icon;
  • the first button is clicked once;
  • a melody sounds in combination with two short beeps, and the key icon is no longer active;
    It is also necessary to check the health of the remote control itself and repair it if necessary:
  • open the back cover and remove the battery;
  • unscrew the mounting bolt and remove the back from the latches;
  • we carry out visual diagnostics of the remote control for the presence of microcracks or damage;
  • we clean the board from dust and dirt, we lubricate the contacts with alcohol;
  • additionally, you can analyze the contacts and diagnose the voltage using a tester;
  • after performing these works and assembly, the problem should disappear.

Starline app not working

The Starline mobile application is available for many alarm models, including E90 and A92. This application allows you to control many alarm functions remotely. But it happens that the phone does not see the car or does not work. As a rule, the reason is the maintenance work on the server - over time, the system restores performance. Also, to determine the problem, you need to send commands directly from the computer, and not from the phone, in order to understand whether the problem is the server or the application on the mobile.


Starline does not respond to commands from the phone

If there is a GSM module, the car alarm allows you to send remote commands from your smartphone: carry out remote start, etc. If the Starline A93, A94 or B9 system does not work for commands, then you need to send three SMS from the master phone to the number of the SIM card installed by the alarm. Commands in SMS must be with the code 00550, 00990 and 00551.

Also, do not forget about replenishing the account on the alarm card. Perhaps the complex does not execute commands due to a negative account balance. If funds run out too quickly, then you should take a suitable tariff with an emphasis on Internet traffic. As a rule, such cards come directly in the set, and using the standard tariff plan is too expensive. With the correct choice of the tariff, regular replenishment of the account and making competent requests, there will be no problems.

Having a car is not only happiness and responsibility, but also occasional surprises. Among them, there is often this one: we press the button on the alarm key fob, and in response there is no reaction. In most cases, this happens unexpectedly and at the most inopportune moment, when you are in a hurry to a meeting or you leave the store loaded with bags. The native car meets with an impregnable fortress: the alarm does not turn off and the central lock does not open. Why is this happening and what to do? Sometimes the solution can be very simple.

key fob problem

If the alarm does not respond to the key fob, then it is logical to suspect it of the trouble that has arisen. This fragile miniature thing seems much more vulnerable than the control unit installed in the car. This postulate is confirmed by practice. The alarm key fob fails for the following reasons:

1. The battery is dead. No matter how trite it may sound, but most motorists forget that the key fob runs on a battery and needs to be changed periodically. Usually the battery is discharged gradually. This is expressed in a reduction in the radius of its action, but in the daily bustle of this you can not notice and get an unpleasant surprise.

Ambulance: Remove the battery and tap it on a hard surface, then replace it. Sometimes this helps to activate the remaining resource, which is enough to remove the car from the alarm.

Solution: It is recommended at your leisure to disassemble the key fob, familiarize yourself with the type of battery used, purchase it and keep it in the glove compartment, wallet or somewhere at hand. Then at the right time it will be enough to replace the battery to restore the operation of the control panel.

You can be proactive. The battery must be replaced every 6-9 months. If there is a screen or LED that reflects the state of charge of the battery, then it is enough to monitor the status and replace the dead battery in a timely manner.

2. The electrolyte has spread. This problem occurs when using low-quality batteries. It happens suddenly. In some cases, the keychain can no longer be returned to life, but it's worth a try.

Solution: The key fob is disassembled, washed and dried, treated with alcohol. Do not use aggressive substances such as acetone. They will definitely lead to the fact that you will have to say goodbye to the electronic device.

3. Liquid ingress. A keychain that has fallen into an autumn-winter puddle may fail. If simple water is not terrible for the control panel, then salt and chemicals can paralyze its work.

Solution: If a questionable liquid gets in, the key fob must be disassembled and cleaned with alcohol. The cleaning process will be facilitated by a soft thin brush, and a regular hair dryer will speed up the drying process. If the control panel is not simple, but, for example, with a screen, then it is better to contact specialists. All that you can do yourself in this case is to remove the battery in order to avoid worsening the situation.

4. Transmitter failure. Each remote control contains a transmitter. It can be broken by frequent or even continuous keystrokes. This happens if the device falls into the hands of children or is unsuccessfully placed in a pocket.

Solution: The remote control will have to be taken to a workshop or replaced with a new one.

Problem in the control unit

If the car alarm does not respond to button presses, then the key fob is not always to blame. Faults also occur in the head unit. These include:

1. Antenna failure. Usually the head unit is under the steering wheel, and the antenna is a small wire. If it is not fixed in any special way, then under certain conditions it can break off. It is also possible that it could be accidentally damaged by a car service specialist with a lack of experience in the latter.

Solution: Without an antenna, the alarm cannot be remotely controlled or its range is significantly reduced. A damaged antenna needs to be replaced.

2. Breakdown of the control unit. The service life of the alarm head unit is limited. Working around the clock and year-round, the control unit one day fails. This happens about once every 5-7 years, but the numbers for different models are different. Such a breakdown is foreshadowed by the non-standard operation of the security system. The car alarm starts to behave unstably: it suddenly turns on, does not always respond to commands, or reacts with an error.

Solution: With a long-term operation of the car, you need to be prepared for the fact that sooner or later the alarm will have to be updated.

In some cases, it makes sense to abandon the alarm in principle, since the removal of the old security system and the installation of a new one will require costs, and a car with high mileage is unlikely to be of interest to car thieves.

The problem in the interaction of the key fob and the control unit

Sometimes the key fob "gets rid" of the car alarm, that is, the control panel loses contact with the power supply, and their interaction becomes impossible. At the same time, the external bulbs on the key fob may continue to burn, as if nothing had happened, but pressing the buttons does nothing. This can happen for the following reasons:

1. Battery replacement. When working with electronic systems, withdrawal has unpredictable consequences. Among them is a malfunction in the alarm system. Also, a sat down disrupts the normal functioning of the security system.

2. Software failure. It may occur for no apparent reason. Enough to get into the zone of electromagnetic interference. Usually such areas are located at airports, government enterprises, near cell towers, etc. To check how radio waves work, it is enough to use a mobile phone, paying attention to the GPS function.

3. Error when reprogramming the device. If you or a service specialist recently reprogrammed the control unit, then this may be the reason for the failure of the car alarm.

4. Hacking attempt. The use of stun guns and other special devices leads to a breakdown in communication between the key fob and the control unit.

Ambulance: The easiest thing is to get the second remote control, if there is one, and try to get into the car with it. If there is no spare remote control, then bring the key fob as close as possible to the signal receiving device. This will help reduce the negative effects of radio interference.

Solution: You will need to reprogram the key fob by "tying" it to the car. This can be done independently by taking information from the Internet or from the instructions for the alarm. To do this, you need to know the model of the car alarm.

If pressing the buttons on the key fob does not cause a response, do not rush to panic. In extreme cases, the car will have to be opened with a key, briefly feeling like a robber. Probably, the problem is solved by one of the above methods. A spare remote control, a spare battery, shortening the signal range, etc. can help. The need to replace the entire alarm system is rare, so it is highly likely that you will not have to resort to this emergency measure.

    What are the components of a car security system?

    Why the alarm does not respond to the key fob

    How to fix it

Cases when the alarm does not respond to the key fob are not so rare, any car owner can encounter them. At the same time, in order to open the car, you have to use a regular key, as a result, a siren is triggered, and not the most pleasant moments are provided to the owner of the car. What to do in such a situation, how to eliminate the causes of device failure, you will learn from our article.

Alarm components

Having familiarized yourself with the car alarm device closer, you will see that any security system is a complex of interconnected electronic devices. The failure of any of the elements leads to the fact that it ceases to perform its tasks, and, accordingly, the alarm system as a whole stops working. The car alarm consists of the following components:

    Remote control - a key fob that looks like a miniature mobile phone. The task of this element is to send an encoded radio signal to the car alarm receiving antenna. To transmit a signal, you can use an individual label (card) of the driver, a secret button "Jack", a mobile phone, an ignition key.

Keychain features:

May or may not have a display.

The remote control can have one-way or two-way communication.

With its help, programming of various alarm functions that is installed on the car is carried out.

    Car alarm receiving antenna, which is used to receive and transmit to the central electronic device (immobilizer) encrypted radio signals received from a key fob or tag.

    Alarm immobilizer - a device that analyzes the received encrypted radio signals, disarms the car or makes other decisions. The decision made is transmitted to the electronic control unit of the car, which activates the mechanisms that block the vehicle.

    Executive blocking mechanisms and car alarm sensors:

    They can be both contact and non-contact;

    The best car alarms have over 12 security zones;

    Malfunction or violation of the protection zone leads to an immediate response of the electronic alarm circuit.

Important. Faced with the fact that the alarm does not respond to the keyfob, please note that its operation also depends on various power sources, including standard batteries and accumulators that are independently installed in keyfobs, individual tags, GPS / GSM beacons. The reason for the malfunction of the security device may also be a malfunction in the main battery of the car.

Why the alarm does not respond to the key fob: 5 main reasons

Situations in which the alarm does not respond to the key fob can be caused by various reasons. Most of them can be eliminated on your own without the help of car services or specialists installing security systems. Any motorist can cope with the repair of the car alarm control panel.

Faced with the fact that the alarm key fob does not respond to the battery, the first step is to make sure that the battery is working. Low battery power is often accompanied by dimming of the LED and screen.

To correct the situation, it is enough to replace the batteries. To do this, you need to open the body of the key fob and, after tapping it on a hard surface, wait for the battery to fall out of the socket. After you insert a new battery into the car alarm remote control, the system's response to keystrokes will be restored.


Passing by closed objects, airports, secure enterprises, you can get into the radio interference zone. Interference can be caused by an electromagnetic field, a large congestion of vehicles, cash-in-transit vehicles (for this reason, you should not leave your car near them).

In order to make sure that the standard alarm does not respond to the key fob due to radio interference, bring the device close to the receiver and press the desired button. If this does not help, drive the car away and repeat the manipulations with the remote control.


The alarm does not respond to the key fob in case of insufficient operating voltage of the car battery. Also, it may not work during severe frosts.

Often you may encounter the fact that the car alarm does not work if the car is outside its coverage area or when you repeatedly press the buttons. Such situations are possible when the key fob is in your pocket, when small children play with it.

      Deterioration of the alarm system.

After a long period of time using the alarm, you may encounter a reduction in its range. This may occur due to malfunctions in the operation of the transmitter signal reception antenna installed in the passenger compartment. There is also a possibility of such consequences occurring due to errors made during the installation of the security system.

      The key fob does not sync with the car.

Another reason that the alarm does not respond to the key fob may be the lack of synchronization with the car. In this case, a flashing of the remote control is required, which is performed by specialists. The security system is disabled in an emergency way. You can also reprogram the key fob yourself by studying the car alarm operating manual, which usually describes this process, which consists in pressing the remote control keys in a certain sequence.

A few more reasons why the car stopped responding to the alarm key fob and how to fix it

    The electrolyte is dispersed.

A similar situation can be encountered if you use low-quality batteries. The electrolyte always leaks unexpectedly. Most likely, it will no longer be possible to return the keychain to life, although you should still try.

You can solve the problem by disassembling, washing and drying the key fob, and then treating it with alcohol. Aggressive substances, such as acetone, are not suitable for these purposes. Having decided to resort to their help, you can not count on the further functioning of the key fob.

    Hit in the key fob liquid.

You can face the fact that the alarm key fob does not respond to button presses by dropping it, for example, into a puddle. Getting inside the device with plain water is not so scary, but if, in addition to it, there is salt or chemicals in the puddle, then the remote control will most likely stop working.

You can solve the problem by disassembling the device and cleaning it with alcohol. To speed up the cleaning process, use a soft thin brush, you can use a hair dryer to dry. If the remote control has a screen, you should not repair it yourself, it is better to turn to the help of specialists. In such a situation, it is only necessary to remove the battery from the device so as not to worsen the situation.


Any remote control is equipped with a transmitter, which can be damaged if the buttons are pressed frequently or continuously. This situation is possible if, for example, children play with a key fob. To solve the problem that the car does not respond to the alarm key fob, in this case, you can take it for repair or replace it with a new one.

If the alarm does not respond to the key fob, the reasons may also lie in the head unit.

    Antenna failure.

The head unit of the car alarm is mainly located under the steering wheel, the antenna looks like a small wire. In the absence of a special fastening, there is a possibility that it will break off. It can also be accidentally damaged by an inexperienced car service worker.

Since the absence of an antenna leads to the impossibility of remote control of the alarm or a significant reduction in its range, the situation can be corrected by replacing the damaged element.


The car alarm head unit has a limited lifespan. Working all day long for several years, sooner or later it ceases to function. On average, the resource of the control unit is 5-7 years, but this figure may be different for different security systems. Before it stops responding to the key fob, the alarm will work unstable, you may experience its sudden shutdown, lack of response to commands, errors in responses.

You can solve the problem that the alarm key fob does not respond to commands during long-term operation of the car by updating the security device.

If the car's mileage is high, then perhaps there is no point in signaling at all, since replacing the security system is an expensive pleasure, and an old car may not be of interest to car thieves.

Sometimes you may encounter a loss of communication between the control panel and the power supply, they stop interacting with each other. In this case, despite the burning external lights, the alarm key fob does not respond to the buttons. There may be several reasons for this situation:

    Software failure.

It is not always possible to understand what caused it. Sometimes a failure occurs when it enters an electromagnetic interference zone (for example, near airports, government enterprises, cell towers, etc.). You can use a mobile phone to check the operation of the radio waves by looking at how the GPS function works.

    Error while reprogramming device.

Another reason that the car does not respond to the alarm key fob may be a mistake made when reprogramming the device (both independently and in a service center).


The reason that the alarm does not respond well to the key fob may be a violation of the connections between the key fob and the security system control panel, caused by the use of stun guns or other special devices when trying to break into your car.

The second key fob (if available) will help to cope with the situation, which will allow you to get into the car. If you do not have a spare remote control, you can try to solve the problem by moving the remote control as close as possible to the receiving device to reduce the negative effect of radio interference.

In addition, in this case, it will be necessary to reprogram the remote control and link it to the car. You can deal with this yourself with the help of instructions or information on the Internet. The main thing is to know which model of the security device is installed on the car.

If the car does not respond to the alarm key fob, there is no reason for immediate panic. Most often, you can deal with this problem in one of the following ways - by replacing the battery, using a spare key fob, reducing the signal reception radius, etc. It is very rare to change the entire security system, it is unlikely that you will encounter the need to take such a drastic measure.

What to do if the alarm key fob does not respond to buttons

If the alarm key fob looks good, but does not respond to button presses, the driver will have to solve this problem on his own. Most often, car owners do not have any difficulties, but still in some cases it is impossible to repair the device. What to do if the alarm does not respond to the key fob:

    the easiest way to solve the problem is to replace the battery;

    the main point is to independently select the right battery with a suitable expiration date;

    when inserting a battery into the remote control, it is important to observe the correct polarity;

    if it is not immediately possible to purchase a new battery, you can try to bring the old battery back to life by slightly deforming it;

    to check the functioning of the key fob, pay attention to how its LED glows and what is the reaction to the remote control of the security system itself;

    in the absence of a positive result from the performed manipulations, use an additional key fob without a display;

    if the use of an additional key fob caused a normal reaction of the security system, then the main device can be repaired later, once in a calm environment;

    having opened the alarm key fob, pay attention to the condition of all switching wiring, in particular, near the battery;

    if the repair does not bring a positive result, then to solve the problem you will have to buy a new control panel;

    repair of approximately the same complexity is required to eliminate harmful interference, which can be a great many (especially with a nearby industrial facility, shopping or exhibition center);

    it is unlikely that you can just drive the car away - the burglar alarm will most likely work;

    however, you can use the "Jack" service function, which will help you disable the security system and drive to the service center to repair the security system.

Important. If you have spare batteries and a spare key fob, then you are not afraid of situations with a car alarm failure.

In emergency cases, you can use the "Jack" button, which is available in all types of security systems, since it is impossible to repair the alarm without it. However, it will help only those car owners who know about it.

Repair of an alarm that does not respond to the key fob, in which case it will look like this:

    the driver's door must be opened with a standard key;

    the security system will respond with both sound and light signals;

    it is necessary to immediately insert the key into the ignition lock, and then perform the manipulations that are prescribed in the instructions for the "Jack" button, entering the secret code;

    the performed manipulations will disarm the car by disabling the alarm;

    cars can be driven to a service center where they repair and flash key fobs;

    the service function is valid until you turn off the ignition, after which the alarm starts to work again;

    if you have the skills and desire, you can reflash the key fob yourself;

    no more than four remote controls can be registered at once.

Important. When the alarm is in the "Jack" mode, be prepared for the fact that the alarm LED does not blink, but lights up continuously.

Where in St. Petersburg you can quickly repair the alarm device

In the auto services of Citroen of our company "Auto Premium" they will quickly and efficiently repair the alarm device of any car. The company has been operating on the market for more than 20 years, providing high-quality services for maintenance and repair of cars of all brands and any year of manufacture at affordable prices. Our service stations have the latest equipment and special tools, and our employees are highly qualified.

You can get more detailed information on our website or ask managers directly. We will be glad to see you in our service center!

Reading 8 min. Views 4.7k.

Winter tires - the most useless purchase of this winter?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

    I use last year's 62%, 150 votes

    I agree, I bought it myself 😎 19%, 46 votes

    I don't know if it's worth it 🚘 all season 13%, 31 voice

    Probably didn't buy, saved 💲 6%, 14 votes

04.02.2020

When the Starline alarm does not respond to the key fob, the control of the anti-theft system becomes impossible. Pager malfunctions can be caused by the failure of both the mechanical and software parts of the system. The driver can fix some malfunctions on his own.

Why doesn't it work

The Starline A93 car alarm can stop working both due to a malfunction of the head unit and due to a broken key fob. If the system does not respond to commands, it is necessary to check the correct installation of the main elements of the anti-theft complex.

General faults

In the event of general faults, the alarm does not stop functioning immediately. In the early stages, malfunctions occur, but the protective properties are not lost. So Starline A93 can work for several months.

Wear alarm

With prolonged use of the anti-theft device, some components fail due to natural wear and tear. In this case, you need to do the following:

  • Assess the condition of the cables connecting the head unit to other components. If damage can be detected without the use of special instruments, the faulty sections of the circuit are replaced. If it is visually impossible to identify damage, a multimeter is used to check. The joints of the wires are wrapped with electrical tape. This prevents further wear.
  • Check the contacts and connectors of the system elements. You need to inspect the LED indicator, control unit, transceiver. If there are signs of oxidation, the contacts are cleaned with sandpaper.
  • Checking the antenna module. When the element is worn, the alarm does not see the key fob. It is recommended to replace the transceiver by placing it at least 10 cm away from metal parts.

radio interference

When picking up third-party radio signals, it transmits commands to the control unit with a delay or does not see the car. This is observed when parking a car near airports, industrial zones or sensitive facilities. The reason may also be being near vehicles equipped with a large number of electronic devices. You can solve the problem by moving closer to the car. If Starline A91 still does not respond to key fobs, you need to change the parking place.

The key fob does not sync with the car

It will not work to understand why the key fob does not interact with the anti-theft system without resorting to the help of a specialist. To troubleshoot, try to perform the following actions:

  1. Turn off the engine and try to enter the service mode by pressing the corresponding button 9 times.
  2. The ignition key is set to the "ACC" position. The anti-theft system gives several short beeps, which indicates the transition to the setting mode. When linking new pagers, the data of previously used devices is deleted. All key rings need to be tied at a time.
  3. On the remote control, hold buttons 1 and 2 until an audible alert appears. Actions are performed with all communicators.
  4. Turn off the ignition, the headlights should blink several times.

Control unit problems

The following signs indicate a breakdown of the head unit:

  • is malfunctioning. The locks can spontaneously turn off or the alarm mode is triggered.
  • The unit executes the commands sent from the key fob with a delay.


Diagnostics is performed in a car service and includes the following steps:

  • de-energization of the security system;
  • removal of the control device;
  • disassembly of the block body (components are fixed with self-tapping screws);
  • inspection of the module (the board is checked for moisture and dried).

Problems with door mechanisms

If the alarm from the key fob does not work and the locks do not open, the reasons must be sought in the following malfunctions:

  • blown fuses;
  • breakage of wires;
  • failure of the main lock block.

To diagnose the system, the key is inserted into the driver's door lock and they try to close the car.

If the action is successful, the central locking unit is working.

Further work will be aimed at checking the electrical circuits connecting the head unit with the driver's door.

Insufficient voltage to trigger the system

If the Starline key fob did not work and there is no connection with the car, you need to test the battery. To do this, perform the following steps:

  • Inspection of the battery case. In the presence of cracks, current leakage may occur. In this case, the battery is replaced.
  • Cleaning of battery terminals from traces of corrosion. To do this, use a metal sponge.
  • Battery testing with a voltmeter. The outputs of the device are connected to the battery connectors. A number in the range of 12.5 ... 12.7 V should appear on the screen. After starting the engine, the indicator should increase to 13-14 V.


Key fob malfunctions

If the main parts of the pager are damaged, the driver may notice that the alarm has stopped responding to some commands. In this case, the device must be replaced.

Battery failure

Signs of a low battery in the key fob will be as follows:

  • the driver is forced to make efforts to press the buttons (the Starline alarm does not respond to key presses or does it late);
  • display backlight becomes dimmer;
  • the LED element on the pager body stops burning;
  • an icon appears on the screen indicating that the batteries are low;
  • the corresponding sound indication appears.


After replacing the battery, the key fob should start working correctly.

Display damage

In most cases, a malfunction is detected with a simple inspection. Damage to the display is indicated by the appearance of cracks, chips and scratches on the surface. In this case, the visual indication disappears or the backlight darkens.

Hull damage

Such a problem can be identified on its own. Large chips appear on the case, leading to moisture penetration and damage to the main elements of the communicator. Minor damage can not always be detected.

Button breakage

If the Starline alarm key fob does not work, the presence of accompanying signs is detected:

  • The need for repeated pressing of the buttons. Otherwise, the head unit cannot see the key fob.
  • Sticky buttons. With strong pressure, the key does not restore its position.


Board hardware problem

Inspection of the system on specialized equipment helps to identify such a breakdown. To do this, contact the service engaged in the repair of auto electronics. Symptoms of a malfunction are similar to those of a dead battery.

What to do

If the Starline system does not respond to the key fob, you need to deactivate it using the emergency button and repair the communicator.

Deactivation with the "Jack" button

To disable the anti-theft system in an emergency, do the following:

  1. Open the car doors with a simple key. This will start the alarm mode.
  2. Insert the key into the central lock and move it to the "ACC" position.
  3. Press the emergency button 3 times. Actions must be taken immediately after starting the engine. For some security systems, the number of clicks may be different. The service button is installed in a hidden place, most often under the dashboard.
  4. Turn off the engine. Thus, the alarm will be deactivated not from the key fob.

Deactivation with a code

Part of the anti-theft systems can only be deactivated using an individual code. To unlock the system, do the following:

  1. The driver's door opens and the engine starts.
  2. Before the expiration of 30 seconds, press the service key. The number of short presses corresponds to the first number of the code combination. If the value is 1, the key is used once, and so on.
  3. The engine is turned off, after which the key is set to the “ACC” position.
  4. In the above way, enter the next digit of the code.
  5. The engine is turned off. If the password is entered correctly, the system will be deactivated.


Removal of contaminants

The process of cleaning the communicator from dust and moisture includes the following steps:

  • Hull cleaning. The pager must be thoroughly cleaned of dust that should not penetrate inside.
  • Removing the batteries. After that, clean the slot designed to accommodate the batteries. In the presence of traces of oxidation, metal elements are cleaned with alcohol. Moisten a cotton swab or napkin with liquid.
  • Disassembly of the pager case. To unscrew the fasteners, a screwdriver with a Phillips nozzle is used.
  • Cleaning the internal elements of the key fob. To do this, you need a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • Checking the state of the board. If the microcircuit elements are dirty, they are cleaned. To do this, use a dry cotton swab or brush.
  • Case assembly. All elements are returned to their original position. After the user has changed the batteries and cleaned the key fob, he must check the signaling in operation. It is necessary that the head unit responds to all commands.

Housing and display replacement

Replacement of parts is carried out as follows:

  1. Batteries are removed from the pager. Using a screwdriver with a Phillips nozzle, unscrew the screws that fix the case. The cover and buttons are removed and put aside.
  2. Withdraw payment. Sometimes a screen failure is accompanied by damage to the main chip. In this case, the payment must be removed. To remove this part, use an awl or any other sharp tool. The microcircuit is removed together with the antenna unit after first disconnecting the wire leading to the diode.
  3. Disabling the graphite loop of the microcircuit.
  4. Cleaning the contact tracks of the board. After that, a fitting of the new display is carried out, which makes it possible to verify the correct choice of the part.
  5. Connecting the wire strands to the contact legs. The elements are fastened with a soldering iron. During operation, the contacts must not be disconnected.
  6. Display installation. All actions must be performed carefully. Do not allow glue to get on the screen. If an unforeseen situation nevertheless happened, the display is cleaned with a damp cloth.
  7. Installing the microcircuit, fixing all the details of the communicator. After the owner has replaced the display, he must check the operation of the alarm on the car.

Button repair

Begin work by removing the cover of the remote control and removing the battery. Under the batteries is a sticker that hides the bolt. The fastener is unscrewed and removed to the side. The parts of the body are separated. Defective buttons are removed, the communicator is placed on a flat surface. New keys are fixed on a plastic leg with glue. At this stage, liquid must not be allowed to enter the contacts. After the glue dries, all the elements are installed in place. The pager is equipped with a working battery, then the ability to press the buttons is checked.

What else to read