All about the Valet button and how to disable it yourself on alarm systems of different brands

Author: Victor

The Valet button in a car alarm is a control element that allows you to enter the service mode for servicing the anti-theft system. Using this key, you can activate and disable the security yourself in case of loss or malfunction of the key fob.

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What is the Valet button and what is it for?

The purpose of the Valet key on car alarms Pandora, Pantera and others is to provide the ability to enter the service mode. The operation of the latter implies limitation of vehicle protection options. Using emergency mode, the user can set some alarm parameters and functions. In Starline, Alligator and other systems, setting up service options will be impossible.

Entering the service mode provides the car owner with the following options:

1. Activation and unlocking of the security system protection mode. If the remote control key fob is lost, its location is unknown or it is out of order, Valet will allow you to turn the security system on and off. However, to do this, the user must have access to the vehicle's interior and ignition system.
2. Transferring the vehicle to a service station or car wash without having to leave the key fob. In addition to turning the security function on and off, the Valet key will allow you to activate the service mode. In this case, the Sherkhan alarm or any other does not indicate its presence. It will be almost impossible to detect the control unit, as a result of which car wash or service station employees will not be able to determine the model of the system.
3. If the service mode is running, the likelihood of calculating the serial number of the anti-theft complex is minimized. It is possible to activate the security function using a personal password. In this case, a potential attacker will not be able to determine the algorithm for disabling the security function.

Causes of malfunctions in car alarms

The anti-theft system occupies a vital place in the vehicle security system. For this reason, the occurrence of problems with it, mechanical or hardware, makes the car vulnerable to theft. It is important to be able to understand malfunctions and recognize the first symptoms. It is customary to distinguish several main reasons for the failure of a car alarm:

• power supply problem;
• presence of radio interference;
• software failures;
• control panel malfunction;
• frost below the permissible norm;
• battery discharge.

If power surges occur in a car, they can lead to complete failure of electrical equipment in a short time. If there is no current at all, the signal is automatically de-energized, and the car no longer responds to commands sent by the key fob. It is also possible that the wiring contacts may oxidize or the fuses may break. Because of this, current cannot pass through the circuit, and the anti-theft system cannot respond correctly to commands.

Radio interference is relevant for large cities where there is a large concentration of cars and various electronics. The latter emit radio waves, which, under certain conditions, cancel each other out. For example, a faulty alarm key fob of a neighboring car can interrupt the impulses supplied by the “native” remote control.

A software failure is caused by problems in the operation of the central unit, which performs the functions of the main control. As a rule, the first sign of this is a glitch in the alarm system. Numerous errors appear and the engine is blocked.

False alarms can also be caused by incorrect adjustment of the sensitivity of the controllers. If the technician sets this parameter to too high a value, the sensors will trigger more often, even reacting to vibrations from other cars, animals passing nearby, and loud sounds. Another mistake is that the controllers are installed on a plastic base, which itself increases vibrations. In addition, if the plastic heats up and expands, the sensors will automatically trigger.

The causes of problems with the remote control are falling or water getting inside the microcircuit. When it breaks or malfunctions, the central unit cannot receive commands and control the system.

Severe frosts below 25 degrees Celsius negatively affect the operation of the anti-theft system. In this case, difficulties arise in data transfer. As for battery discharge, this is a common situation that leads to the loss of power to all electrical systems of the car. This often happens in the winter season.

What does the button look like?

It is important to know

To determine as accurately as possible what the Valet service key looks like, you need to look at the operating instructions.

The manual for any security system, including Alligator and Sheriff, contains images of all components included in the delivery kit. Depending on the manufacturer, this element may have a different shape and color of the insulating layer of the cable that powers it.

Description of the main appearance features that allow the consumer to recognize and detect the Jack key:

1. The button is small in size, as a rule, no more than 1.2-1.5 cm.
2. There are two wires connected to the key - power and ground. The color of the conductors may match the color of the standard cables. Experienced installers of anti-theft systems specifically change the wire in order to ensure hidden installation of the part.
3. On Sheriff alarms and other models, the button itself is located in the center of the black plastic case. It can be made in the form of a circle or square with rounded ends.

Video: description of the Jack key

The channel “sigmax69” in its video showed what the Valet service button looks like and talked about its features.

Electronic protection device

To a first approximation, any alarm system is a complex of interconnected electronic devices. The malfunction of any of them, of course, leads to the loss of the function intended only for it and, in general, the entire car alarm ceases to be functional. The list of such electronic components most often looks like this:

• remote control - key fob. It is a miniature mobile phone. Its task is to send an encoded radio signal to the car alarm receiving antenna. The functions of supplying a control signal can be performed by the driver’s individual tag (card), the secret “Valet” button, a mobile phone, the ignition key;

• it can be made with or without a display;
• it comes with both one-way and two-way communication;
• with its help, knowing how and what to do, you can program some functions of the alarm system installed on the machine;

Where is?

Good to know

Since the Jack button performs an emergency disabling of the security mode, it should be located as secretly as possible so that the criminal cannot use it.

If the installation of the anti-theft system is not carried out independently, a specialist can install the key anywhere in the cabin. The car owner must be informed where exactly the part is located. In most cases, you need to look for the key under the instrument cluster (it can be disguised in one of the bundles with standard wiring). To prevent a criminal from quickly unlocking the security mode, the installer could wrap the wires and the part itself with electrical tape for more reliable protection.

Possible locations for installing the Jack button:

• in the free space on the audio system;
• under the driver's seat;
• in the plastic trim of the steering wheel near the ignition switch;
• in the free space behind the central part of the dashboard;
• behind the glove compartment;
• under the ashtray;
• in the area of ​​the parking brake lever.

If you need to find the location of the key for the Panther alarm or any other model in the car, you must perform the following steps:

1. Calculate the location of the microprocessor module, which may be located under the instrument cluster or in the free space behind it. If difficulties arise at this stage, you can use power circuits with a positive contact that come from the battery or ignition switch. Sometimes it is advisable to use the negative output connected to the battery or a standard bolt screwed into the body of the vehicle.
2. Carefully examine all the pads on the microprocessor module. If the consumer still has the service manual for the alarm, then the documentation will allow you to understand the purpose of the pads. One of the outputs on the microprocessor unit is intended for connecting a service button.
3. If documentation is missing, it is necessary to check each wire coming from the control unit. Usually the key is connected through a separate connector designed for 2 or 4 contacts. Sometimes, to search, you will need to dismantle the interior trim.

If you have difficulty determining the location of the control unit, then on Starline A91 alarms and other models you can proceed as follows:

1. The search algorithm consists of listening to the relay installed in the module. The user must get behind the wheel of the car and lock the door. The engine must be turned off. It is important that the vehicle is located in the quietest place possible, away from roads with heavy traffic.
2. While the driver is in the cabin, he needs to turn the alarm on and off as many times as necessary to determine the relay clicks. When activating and disabling the security mode, their number must be multiple.
3. If the control unit is detected, it is necessary to check each wire coming from it.

Good to know

If the security system is configured for silent activation or silent security mode, then clicks will not be heard.

In Pandora anti-theft systems, the settings key is located on the transceiver module, which is usually installed on the windshield or rear window. However, this button is not a Jack; the latter is located secretly separately from the antenna.

Photo gallery: possible locations for installing the Valet key

Button behind the center console

Possible mounting locations for the key

Button on the end of the dashboard

Potential installation locations

Deactivation of Starline A1, A2, A4, A and A9 alarms

In order to turn off the alarm without using a personal code, you must perform the following sequence of actions:

• the owner opens the door using the key (the siren will be activated);
• insert the key into the ignition and turn;
• Press the Valet button three times (Starline A1, A2 and A4) or four times (Starline A8 and A9) and turn off the car ignition.

However, it is important to remember the following: all actions must be completed in 20 seconds or less - otherwise the security will not be turned off.

If the alarm is deactivated by entering a two-digit number, after the lights flash four times, you need to do the following: after activating the alarm, insert the key into the ignition and press the button as many times as indicated in the first number (1-9). After this, turn the ignition off and on and enter the second digit. You have 20 seconds to do everything. Otherwise, the alarm will not be unlocked.

This is interesting: At what distance from the Disabled sign can you park your car?

Step-by-step guide to disabling Valet mode

In Starline alarms, you can disable the Valet mode using the key fob, provided that the remote control is equipped with a display.

The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

1. You enter the security system setup menu. To do this, you need to hold down one of the keys to activate the cursor selection of functional options. The button number depends on the model of the anti-theft complex.
2. The cursor then moves on the screen to the position of the indicator with a wrench and the inscription “Valet”. The user presses the button on the communicator with the open lock icon once. The security system siren will sound three times, and the external lighting devices will blink three times. This refers to hazard warning lights or side lights, depending on which optical elements the anti-theft complex is connected to. The communicator should emit a melodic signal.
3. The indicator with the letter Z should disappear on the key fob display. Often, after disabling the service mode, the turbo timer and immobilizer settings are lost, so they need to be restored.

Deactivation of the service mode using the example of the Alligator L430 alarm system:

1. The ignition system in the car is turned on and off.
2. The user presses a key and holds it for two seconds. This must be done within fifteen seconds after the ignition is turned off. If deactivation is performed using the remote control, the locked and unlocked keys are held for three seconds.
3. If the service mode is successfully deactivated, the alarm siren will sound twice. The system status LED should turn off.

On the Alligator C250, disabling the service mode is done as follows:

1. The driver gets into the car, activates and turns off the ignition system.
2. Within ten seconds after the last shutdown, the Valet button is pressed once.
3. The siren should beep twice and the LED indicator will stop blinking.

If you have a remote control, then deactivating the mode on the Alligator C250 is done as follows:

1. The driver gets into the car, the key in the lock is turned to the “ACC” position, and then immediately to “OFF” or “LOCK”.
2. Over the next ten seconds, the controls on the communicator are pressed with the lock open and the loudspeaker crossed out. These buttons must be held for 3 seconds.
3. To confirm, the siren will sound twice and the LED light will stop blinking.

In Sheriff ZX 750 systems, the mode is deactivated as follows:

1. The driver activates and deactivates the ignition.
2. Over the next five seconds, the Jack button is briefly pressed and released. There is no need to hold this element.
3. If the alarm status diode goes out, this indicates a transition to the service maintenance mode.

Video: disabling service mode

The channel “SDD and everything about JLR”, using the example of a 2010 Range Rover, talked about the procedure for disabling the Valet service mode.

Disabling the security mode using the Valet button

The process of deactivating the security function using the Starline A96 alarm system as an example looks like this:

1. The car door is opened and the ignition is turned on; the key is turned to the “ACC” position. This will activate the alarm and siren mode.
2. At the next stage, the user needs to press the Valet button several times in accordance with the number of the personal password. Unlocking can only be done using a code. The number of “clicks” must correspond to the first character of the password.
3. The ignition is turned off, the key is pressed once. Then the key is scrolled to the “ACC” position, and the second digit of the code is entered.
4. The third and fourth characters of the password are specified in the same way. If the code is entered correctly, the siren will sound twice and the LED will blink twice.

If the car is equipped with a Start/Stop button, then the security function is deactivated as follows:

1. When the ignition is turned off, the first digit of the code is entered.
2. After five seconds, the diode light should blink several times. The number of flashes corresponds to the code symbol.
3. Similar steps are repeated to enter the remaining characters of the password.

StarLine does not respond to the key fob at times

There may be several reasons for an alarm to not trigger correctly. If the problem is intermittent, then you should pay attention to the following factors:

• The car is parked in a radio interference zone. In urban environments, there may be objects near the car that interfere with proper signal transmission. These could be cell towers, airports, sensitive facilities, or simply a large accumulation of metal parts. Some models such as A6, A61 or A8 are equipped with a special signal amplifier that solves this problem;
• low battery charge. The car can receive signals from the key fob, but due to low voltage in the system, do not open the doors or do not autostart. This problem is clearly expressed after the car has been idle for a long time or at low temperatures. And it quickly disappears after regular trips, since the battery is constantly recharged;
• wear and tear of car alarm parts. During operation, car alarm components are subject to wear and tear.

Video: disabling the Valet mode on the Sheriff alarm system

The Kolya Kolya channel made a video in which it spoke in detail about disabling the Sheriff alarm maintenance mode.

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Table: characteristics of some car alarm models

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If there is no reaction from the defense

Just as an unloaded gun hanging on the wall shoots, a seemingly serviceable key fob refuses to disarm the car. In other words, the perplexed driver will have to find out for himself the reason for the absence of a coded signal or the reluctance of other car alarm components to respond to it. Sometimes it is not difficult to fix this malfunction with your own hands, but sometimes repair is simply impossible. What to do if the alarm does not recognize the key fob:

• A simple DIY repair will involve simply changing the battery inside. It’s not difficult to understand what to do;
• The main thing here is to choose the right battery or “pill” with the current expiration date;
• do not confuse the declared polarity during such repairs;
• if there is no new battery in the foreseeable vicinity, you can try to revive the old one yourself by slightly deforming it;
• The functionality of the key fob in this case can be checked by the glow of its LED and how the car alarm itself reacts to the key fob;
• if the previous key fob repair option did not give positive results, then you can use an auxiliary key fob without a display;
• if the alarm system begins to respond normally to the key fob signal, then you can repair the main key fob yourself at home in a calm environment;
• After opening it for repair, you should very carefully inspect all the switching wiring. And especially in the area of ​​the battery;
• If the repair results are negative, you will have to purchase a new key fob yourself. There have been no problems with their purchase for a long time;
• Repairs of similar complexity will involve the ability to eliminate harmful interference. It’s hard to even imagine how many there could be. Especially if there is an industrial facility, shopping or exhibition center nearby;
• It is unlikely that you will be able to simply roll the car to the side - the car alarm will go off with all the ensuing consequences;
• but it would be quite reasonable to use the “Valet” function of the car alarm. To the extent that you can carry out the necessary repairs at the nearest alarm service center.

Important: the presence of spare batteries, as well as an additional key fob, will greatly simplify the life of the car owner in the above repair cases.

Requirement of a PIN code

The “Valet” mode is not the only thing the service button controls. It is also used to disable security without a key fob: just open the door with the key, turn on the ignition and hold down the Valet button for two seconds. If the PIN code is not set by the owner, the car will be disarmed.

Now imagine how much time a car thief will spend pulling out the door rod and turning the ignition lock cylinder. Without a given pin code, Sherkhan is not able to protect against even the most primitive hacking, and this must be remembered.

Valet on telematic alarms and mobile applications

The first family of Scher-Khan alarms with telematic capabilities was Universe - controversial and at the time of its debut, which caused not the most flattering reviews, since Universe 1 worked in pure Slave mode, without additional authorization mechanisms - wearable tags appeared only in Universe 2.

However, this is not relevant to the topic of the article. As for the service mode, its management has been changed. The “Sherkhan” alarm system, which does not have its own key fob, can turn on the “Valet” function (renamed here to the “Car Service” mode) through a mobile application, the “Commander” interior unit or via a GSM channel (by call or SMS).

On the mobile app, drag the screen to the left to display the side menu. In it, select the appropriate item (we will leave the phrase “Enable car service” to the conscience of the authors). After this, all that remains is to confirm your choice.

Without a mobile application, you can simply call the SIM card number installed in the central alarm unit and dial the appropriate command. The system is put into the “Car Service” mode with the command *6#, and removed using *3#. We type the same commands on the Commander interior module, which has built-in alarm control LEDs. Please note that in both cases

the alarm will ask you to enter a secret PIN code. Unlike other Scher-Khan systems, here the PIN code is initially set at the factory and is indicated on the plastic card included with the security system.

Control of Universe systems is also possible through the manufacturer’s Internet portal, but it does not provide a function for switching to service mode, unlike portals from other companies.

For Mobicar alarms, the mobile application connects to the alarm not via the Internet, but via Bluetooth. Therefore, the company has released its own application for them, which differs in interface from the one made for Universe.

And control of the service mode is placed in a separate menu item.

Here, fortunately, the menu is written out more clearly, and after selecting the “Enable Auto Service mode” item, no confirmation is needed. The color of the machine icon changes, indicating that the service mode is activated, and the window title also indicates this.

In service mode, the alarm retains all the capabilities of monitoring the status through a mobile application, and the functionality of the driver call button in the cabin is also maintained.

Something else useful for you:

Video: Management and configuration of Scher-Khan

Starline does not respond due to problems with the key fob

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 central processor cannot recognize it.

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

The Valet button on the Starline alarm system does not work

The Valet service key is important for the security system. With its help, you can enter programming mode, emergency shutdown of the system, or reset settings to factory settings. Reason No. 1 why it may not work on Starline A9 models and other kits is the lack of a physical connection, that is, a broken circuit.

To check, it is worth disconnecting the alarm unit from the car and inspecting it. There should be no cracks or mechanical damage on the housing. Next, you need to ring using a circuit tester for the Valet button and LED. Most likely, this is the reason. After identifying poor 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 key presses. In this case, it is advisable to check whether the key fob button block is turned on by mistake. Entering this mode occurs by clicking on the second and fourth keys. After this, a short signal will sound and the display will show “Block”. Unlocking occurs after a short click on the first and fourth buttons.

Also, the reason for the lack of response (in addition to a dead remote control battery) 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 fastening 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.