How to set up Starline A91 autostart: periodic, alarm clock and temperature

Although the Starline A91 is outdated by modern standards (lack of flexible channels, support for CAN/LIN buses, use of a 433 MHz radio channel), there are still a lot of alarm systems of this model in service. And questions often arise about setting it up: for example, how to set up Starline A91 autostart by time or set autostart from the key fob. Especially if the car was purchased on the secondary market, and the instructions for the alarm system installed on it have long been lost.

1. Selecting the type of vehicle gearbox

To enable autorun, you need to program several parameters. The first is the type of gearbox: manual (manual transmission) or automatic (automatic transmission). If your car has a manual transmission, then you need to cut the black loop in the wiring harness of the 18-pin connector in the central unit; if you have an automatic transmission, you don’t need to do anything, the loop should remain.

Loop responsible for programming the gearbox

The most common causes of breakdowns

2. Selecting the type of car engine

The next parameter that needs to be pre-programmed is the engine type, petrol or diesel. To make this selection, you must enter function programming mode No. 10 and select:

• Option 1 – petrol engine (factory setting). The starter activation delay time after turning on the ignition during the first attempt to start the engine is 2 seconds.
• Option 2 – diesel engine with a starter activation delay time of 4 seconds.
• Option 3 – diesel engine with a starter activation delay time of 6 seconds.
• Option 4 – diesel engine with a starter activation delay time of 10 seconds.

PIN code programming

Setting a key fob PIN code for emergency alarm deactivation is necessary, as it seriously increases the security of the system. In Starline E90, this code can consist of 1,2 or 3 digits from 1 to 6, that is, a total of 258 different options are available.

The factory default value of the pin code is 3, which is also set after resetting to factory settings. It is impossible to erase the PIN code separately on the E90.

To set a PIN code, you must first set its length in the alarm settings (see below), then with the ignition on, press the Valet service button four times. Then turn on the ignition and enter the first digit of the code:

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3. Engine autostart conditions

In what cases does Starline A91 not start remotely and automatically:

• ignition on;
• the brake pedal is pressed or the parking brake is released;
• the hood is open;
• For cars with a manual transmission, the program neutral mode is not installed;
• For cars with automatic transmission, the control lever is not in the PARK position.

4. Starting a car with a manual transmission

On cars with a manual transmission and an alarm system with auto start, the “Manual transmission” icon must be lit on the key fob. It indicates that the correct operating mode has been selected - with a manual transmission. Enabling this option means that the machine is in program neutral mode.

Important! If the “Manual transmission” icon is not on the key fob display, then using the StarLine autostart on a manual vehicle is prohibited, since there is a risk of the vehicle moving when at speed.

For the function to work correctly, the driver must get out of the car and leave it in program neutral, with the handbrake raised. This allows you to protect the car from starting the engine when the gear is engaged. In this case, the driver can activate autostart and also turn off the engine using the Starline A91 key fob without any problems.

You can activate the “software neutral” option in different ways. It all depends on what type of ignition support function No. 12 is programmed for:

• Option 1 – when the ignition is turned off (factory setting), i.e. automatically.
• Option 2 – when you press the key fob button.
• Option 3 – when applying the handbrake.
• Option 4 – disabled.

How to activate the “software neutral” option:

1. Depending on how function No. 12 is programmed, do the following: option 1 - turn on the handbrake, turn off the ignition, option 2 - turn on the handbrake, press the key fob button 2 with the doors closed, option 3 - turn on the handbrake.

2. Remove the key from the ignition, get out of the car and close all doors.

3. Enable security mode. Depending on whether the turbo timer mode is programmed or not, a certain indication will be displayed on the key fob screen and there will be specific sound and light signals. After this step, the car will be ready to autostart the engine.

How to setup

If the car is located outside the range of the key fob or automatic warming is necessary, the Starline A91 has an engine start function based on data from several sensors. Brief instructions for programming launch modes are given below.

Table: instructions for setting autorun by time

In this mode, the car engine starts at certain intervals, which allows you to maintain it in a warm state throughout the day.

The sequence for setting the mode is as follows:

Frequency selection table

When programming autorun, the number of presses corresponds to the mode number, in this case three times.

The choice of frequency is carried out according to the following method (by default the manufacturer sets the interval to 2 hours):

By temperature

To set autostart using a sensor, there are four temperature modes:

• 5°C;
• 10°C;
• 18°C;
• 25°C.

Starting is carried out when the temperature drops below the programmed parameter. The engine operating time before stopping is programmed separately and ranges from 10 minutes to infinity.

Triggering based on temperature sensor readings depends on a number of conditions:

• presence of a sensor;
• correctness of temperature measurement;
• sensor location in the car.

Table: setup instructions

A video from the CrossoveR 159 channel demonstrates setting the temperature threshold for autostart.

Table: starting temperature selection

The start temperature (mode 4) is selected according to the table (the default is -5°C):

Table: operating time selection

The operating time (mode 2) is selected based on the following data (the default interval is 10 minutes):

By alarm

In order to use this mode, you must set the current time on the clock located in the Starline A91 key fob. It automatically synchronizes with the security system control unit.

The peculiarity of this launch is its one-time functionality. You can restart the engine by reprogramming the alarm clock or pressing the buttons on the key fob.

Table: clock setting

To set the clock you need:

Table: Alarm programming

After setting the clock, you can start programming the alarm:

Table: activation and deactivation of autorun by alarm clock

5. Remote engine start

With proper preparation of the car, you will be able to remotely start the engine using the Starline A91 key fob. For this purpose, a certain combination of buttons is provided - 1 + 3 in sequence, i.e. we press the first one for a long time, and the third - briefly. This will be followed by a series of events:

• a short signal will sound;
• The indication St will appear on the screen for 1 s;
• then the display will show an icon of the running engine, security mode and remaining time (r10, r20, r30, r99), which is updated every minute.

If the first attempt to autostart the engine is unsuccessful, the system will repeat it three more times. If after the 4th time nothing happens, then the inscription SP will appear on the key fob display. You will be notified of the exhaustion of attempts by 4 sound and light signals.

The system will notify you that the warm-up time is ending. There will be an r01 icon on the key fob screen, and 4 beeps will sound twice. After the remaining engine warm-up time has elapsed and it stops, you will see 4 flashes of dimensions. The display will display r00, and the key fob itself will notify you with 4 beeps. The engine running icon will disappear from the display.

What the owner needs to know

The Starline A91 Dialog alarm can be configured either using a table or using the cursor method. When setting up autostart based on temperature, they go to the “thermometer” symbol, but if the sensor is faulty, the icon is not activated.

Screenshot of Ultrastar manual

Such functions could not be implemented if the Dialog mode was not used. In every review where the Starline A91 Dialog security system is considered, its resistance to burglary is also praised. All these characteristics, as you can understand, are associated with the presence of an interactive mode.

There is a review where the communication range with the key fob was measured during testing. During operation, obviously, slightly different values ​​are obtained that differ from the “passport” values. For the Starline A91 Dialog signaling, the following results were obtained:

Communication range test

The command sent to the system from the key fob was only to start the starter. The characteristics here look good, but they clearly do not reach the several kilometers indicated in the documentation.

Reviews published by owners provide information that is not available in any review:

• Using the Dialogue mode also has negative consequences - the battery in the key fob with the display quickly runs out. This effect itself is more pronounced at low air temperatures.
• The car security system of the model in question has its own specific disadvantages. After several seasons of operation, for example, you have to adjust the shock sensor, turn it off or replace it with a new one.
• Temperature-based autostart can be used. But it is better to mount the temperature sensor under the dashboard, and not on the engine crankcase.

Information from the list may relate to the Starline A91 Dialog signaling system, but not only to it. Ultimately, its processor program provides 3 autorun modes: by temperature, and at a certain time (alarm clock) or by timer. The combined mode can also be used. We will leave the choice to the future owner.

6. Automatic periodic autostart

The Starline A91 alarm allows you to start the engine at intervals of several hours: 2, 3, 4 or 24 hours. In the latter case, you can configure daily autorun. Specific time is programmable function No.03. You also need to program function No. 02 – engine operating time after remote start.

To enable periodic autorun, you need to move the cursor corresponding to this function (see the picture below) and confirm your actions by briefly pressing key 1.

Download instructions for the Starline A91 alarm in PDF format

You can download a detailed service manual for installing and managing Starline A91 using the link:

7. Auto start based on engine temperature

A temperature sensor is installed on the engine, which comes complete with a car alarm and records the temperature value. If it drops below the level you set, the autostart function is triggered and the engine starts running.

The temperature threshold can be -5 °C, -10 °C, -18 °C, -25 °C. This is programmable function No. 04, respectively options 1, 2, 3 and 4.

How to enable autostart of Starline A91 by temperature - place the cursor on the thermometer icon and briefly press key 1.

Why it may not work and how to fix it

If it is impossible to enable autorun from the remote control, the reason should be sought in the following:

1. Incorrect setting of alarm unit operating modes. It is necessary to check and adjust the parameters.
2. Damage or failure of the control key fob or alarm. Check the operation of the system with an additional remote control.
3. To troubleshoot the remote control, replace the battery; if this does not help, the device must be disassembled. Often the cause of problems is the exposure of the communicator board to dust or moisture. After disassembling the case, the user needs to clean the circuit and also get rid of traces of moisture by drying the device in a warm and dry place. To remove dirt, you can use a cotton swab or a dry cloth treated with alcohol.
4. If the alarm operates from an additional key fob, then it is necessary to replace the battery in it.
5. Another reason could be a break or short in the control wiring. It is advisable to fix this problem in a specialized service. Damaged wires can be identified visually. First of all, it is recommended to check all contacts on the control unit, temperature sensor and ignition switch.
6. If only automatic start by alarm or timer does not work, then you need to check that the current time and the main options of the remote control are configured correctly. But this is only relevant if the remote engine start based on temperature is functioning.
7. The cause of the problem may be related to the standard immobilizer - there may be a conflict in the operation of the engine blocker and alarm system. To fix this problem, you will need to additionally install an immo bypass module. You can use crawlers from any manufacturer, but it is recommended to give preference to Starline blocks.
8. If this does not help, then you should contact the service for a more detailed analysis and purchase a new remote control or alarm.

8. Auto start on alarm clock

Before setting up this automatic start modification, you need to check that your key fob is set to the current time that corresponds to reality. Next, you need to set the alarm for the desired time to turn on the engine and activate this alarm.

After this, all that remains is to select the alarm clock icon using the cursor method and briefly press button 1. The alarm clock indication and an icon in the form of a sound signal will be displayed on the display, indicating auto-start according to the alarm clock you set.

Note! In this way, autorun is enabled only once. If you need the engine to start again on the alarm clock, then you need to repeat these steps, re-activating the corresponding icon on the display.

Equipment and characteristics of the Starline A91 alarm system with auto start

When purchasing a Starline A91 alarm system (the price of the device varies between 3500-4000 rubles), the motorist receives a whole set of additional equipment, which includes:

• Instructions for installation and use of security;
• Two branded key fobs (main, with LCD screen and spare);
• Replaceable battery;
• Control module;
• Antenna;
• Shock sensor;
• Standard case;
• A set of wires for connecting component parts (we will look at how to connect an alarm system to a car later in the article);
• Sensor for the engine compartment;
• Temperature meter;
• Service key (where the jack button is located on the Starline A91 alarm system and how to use it, we will tell you in detailed instructions below).

After installing the listed components on your car, the owner can use the presented device not only as sound or silent security, but also for:

• Central locking control;
• Warming up the engine and interior (we will find out a little later how to set the automatic engine start time and indicate the required heating temperature);
• Immobilizer settings.

At the same time, the device is capable of capturing the signal from the key fob in 4 channels, at a distance of 700 to 1500 meters. And to power it, 25 mAh is enough, which can be obtained from a 12-volt battery.

9. Remote extension of engine operation

If you want the engine to continue working, you need to press buttons 1 and 3 in succession: the first for a long time, the second for a short time. This can be done any number of times.

Each time you press this key combination, engine operation is extended by 5 minutes - they are added to the time remaining before shutting down. The maximum number of renewal attempts can be set to 30 minutes.