Remote engine start: how the system works

The opportunity to warm up a car in winter and cool the car interior in the summer heat appeared to drivers about 40 years ago with the advent of injection engines. Despite its relative technological “youth,” remote autostart has become one of the most popular options and types of additional equipment purchased by car owners around the world. How remote car starting works, what are its advantages and disadvantages, we will look into this article.

Why do you need remote start?

The remote start system allows the car owner to control the operation of the vehicle's engine from a distance. All the convenience of autostart can be appreciated in winter: the driver no longer has to go outside in advance to warm up the car. Just press the key fob button and the engine will start on its own. After some time, you will be able to go out to the car, sit in the cabin, warmed up to a comfortable temperature, and immediately hit the road.

Remote car start will allow you to start the engine from a remote distance

The autostart function will be no less useful on hot summer days, when the car interior is heated to high temperatures. In this case, the air conditioning system will pre-cool the air in the cabin to comfortable values.

Many modern cars are equipped with an internal combustion engine autostart system. Also, the car owner can independently install the module on his car as an additional option.

How harmful is it to the engine?

Also, an increased load is placed on the gas distribution mechanism, and in particular on the timing belt, which can burst. If there is a chain instead of a belt, then it stretches and the gear teeth may chip. Ignition in the wrong phase can lead to valve failure due to their collision with the pistons.

As for burnout of pistons or thermal deformation of parts, when following the instructions described above, they are practically impossible. The injection period of this substance is too short.

But if a diesel engine starts only from a quick start, the reason may be in the starter or ignition system. Then frequent use of such a liquid contributes to burnout of both valves and pistons and even complete destruction of the pistons. Too much of the substance in one injection is also harmful; detonation of a large portion can cause cracks in the liners, the block and the head. That is, this method is suitable in an emergency for a one-time launch. On an ongoing basis, you will quickly ruin the engine.

We also do not forget that the esters included in such a product wash away oil from engine parts, and the presence of lubricating additives does not fully compensate for the necessary protection against friction.

Types of remote start system

Today there are two types of remote engine starting in a car.

Driver controlled starting system. This scheme is the most optimal and safe. But it is feasible only if the owner of the car is at a short distance from the car (within 400 meters). The driver himself controls the start of the engine by pressing a button on the key fob or in an application on his smartphone. Only after receiving a command from the driver does the engine begin to operate.
Programmed engine activation depending on the situation. If the driver is far away (for example, the car was left overnight in a paid parking lot, and not in the yard near the house), the start of the internal combustion engine can be set to certain conditions: start at a given time;
when the engine temperature drops to certain values;
when the battery charge level decreases, etc.

Autorun programming is also carried out using an application on a smartphone.

Operating principle of the autostart system

A command given by the driver from the remote control or received from a timer causes the security alarm to be turned off and the lock to be unlocked. The starter rotor is set in motion. Successful engine starting is confirmed by the flashing of the vehicle's signal lights and the flickering of the LED indicator on the control key fob.

After the power unit is activated, the starter is turned off. If the automatic system fails to start the engine the first time, repeated attempts are made to turn it on with a gradual increase in the starter cranking intervals.

There are specially designed autostart systems that can independently determine the reasons for engine failure. Having completed the required diagnostics, such programs notify the driver about detected problems.

During the frosty period, automatic engine starting, carried out at certain time intervals, becomes especially important. This useful feature helps prevent overcooling of the power unit.

Also, talented inventors have developed a program that provides for the autostart system to be activated when the engine reaches a certain temperature. This option prevents the oil from freezing in the engine by periodically warming up the unit when it gets significantly colder.

Remote start system design

The entire remote start system is housed in a compact plastic housing. Inside there is an electronic board that, once connected to the car, communicates with a group of sensors. The autostart unit is connected to the standard electrical wiring of the vehicle using a set of wires.

The autostart system can be installed in a car together with an alarm system or completely autonomously. The module connects to any type of engine (petrol and diesel, turbocharged and naturally aspirated) and gearbox (manual, automatic, robot, CVT). There are no technical requirements for the car.

Recommendations for making your own car remote control system

A fairly wide price range allows you to choose an industrial autostart device. However, for domestic craftsmen there will always be another reason to prove to others their skills and ability to save money. For home-grown mechanics, the following tips will be very useful.

It is possible to independently manufacture a simple device that remotely starts a car engine. To do this, it is necessary to supplement the design of the machine with a programmable microcircuit, connected through a relay to the ignition and the required sensors. The block is absolutely undemanding in terms of location; it can be placed in any convenient place. The only condition is access to electricity.

Normal operation of the autostart system is ensured by connecting the electronic board with the following functional elements:

turning on the engine is impossible without the device contacting the ignition;
to control the operation of the power unit, it is necessary to connect the microcircuit to the tachometer;
the hood switch is connected to the electronic board;
the device must be connected to a speed sensor;
a device that displays oil pressure in the system is also connected to the microcircuit;
the board is also connected to the gas pedal;
it is necessary to ensure contact of the device with the gear shift lever and handbrake.

Separately, it should be noted that in diesel units the microcircuit is connected to glow plugs.

To make a car autostart system with your own hands, you will need several contact relays with special blocks for them and insulating tape. As for the equipment, a regular soldering iron is sufficient.

The first relay is used to connect the microcircuit to the power source. The second wire is led out to the handbrake limit switch. Using the third relay, the starter is connected to the system.

Autorun operating principle

To start the engine remotely, the car owner will need to press the corresponding button on the alarm key fob or in the application on the smartphone. The signal is sent to the module, after which the control unit supplies power to the electrical ignition circuit. This action simulates the presence of an ignition key in the lock.

This is followed by a short pause necessary for the fuel pump to create fuel pressure in the fuel rail. As soon as the pressure reaches the desired value, power is transferred to the starter. This mechanism is similar to the usual turning of the ignition key to the “start” position. The autostart module controls the process until the engine starts, and then the starter is turned off.

In some devices, the starter operating time is limited to certain limits. That is, the mechanism does not turn off after the engine starts, but after a specified period of time.

On diesel engines, the autostart module first connects the glow plugs. As soon as the block receives information that the cylinders have sufficiently warmed up, the system activates the starter.

Principle of operation

Features of the functioning of the installed unit on a car with a manual or automatic transmission:

A command is sent to the control module to start the power unit. If an alarm is installed on the vehicle, then it, together with the engine blocking, is turned off. The starter mechanism begins to rotate.
If the power unit starts, the parking lights or light alarm of the car will begin to blink. The diode indicator on the control panel may blink.
Some systems, after starting the internal combustion engine, can independently monitor the parameters of the speed controller. It is possible to monitor the pressure of the engine fluid or the voltage in the machine's electrical network.
When the power unit starts up, the starter unit turns off automatically.
If the engine does not start, the module will make several attempts to start it. A certain interval will be observed between turning the starter mechanism. With each subsequent attempt, the latter will spin for a longer duration.
More advanced modules can independently find the possible reason why the power unit could not start.

The “MagicSystemsOfficial” channel talked about the operating principle of Agent MS GSM devices.

Pros and cons of the system

Remote engine start is a convenient feature that simplifies the daily operation of the car in cold weather or on hot days. The benefits of autorun include:

the ability to start the internal combustion engine without leaving home and saving personal time;
pre-heating (or cooling) of the car interior, ensuring a comfortable temperature before the trip;
the ability to program start at a specified time or at certain temperatures.

However, the system also has its weaknesses.

Moving engine components are at risk of premature wear. The reason lies in the increasing friction force that occurs when starting the internal combustion engine cold and waiting for the oil to warm up sufficiently.
The battery is subject to heavy load and has to be recharged more often.
When the driver is far from the car and the engine is already running, intruders can break into the car.
In case of repeated automatic starts, fuel consumption increases.

The engine remote start module is enclosed in a compact unit that is connected to the vehicle’s standard electrical wiring

Activating autorun

Regardless of how the remote start unit works, after installation it is necessary to prepare the machine.

This procedure will vary depending on the type of transmission. After preparation, the installed module is activated. Many manufacturers of security systems in their technical manuals indicate the nuances that are necessary for successful automatic start-up. You need to familiarize yourself with them, otherwise problems will arise during remote start.

On mechanics

Cars equipped with a manual transmission must be prepared as follows:

The ignition in the car must be turned off.
The neutral gear is engaged; for this, the gearshift lever is moved to the appropriate position.
The handbrake is activated.
The driver leaves the car and closes all doors.
The security system is activated and the remote start of the internal combustion engine is turned on.

Automatically

Vehicles with automatic transmissions are prepared as follows:

The gearbox lever must be set to parking mode - R. The handbrake can be left untouched.
The driver leaves the car, all doors are closed.
The security system is activated, after which the automatic start of the internal combustion engine is activated.

How to use autorun correctly

If your car is equipped with a remote engine start system, it is important to follow a few simple rules that differ for manual and automatic transmissions.

Algorithm for use in cars with manual transmission

When leaving a car with a manual transmission in a parking lot, you must:

put the box in neutral position;
engage the parking brake;
After leaving the car, turn on the alarm and activate autostart.

Many drivers leave their car in gear. But in this case, the autorun module will not be activated. To solve this problem, the developers equipped the device with a “soft neutral”: the engine cannot be turned off until the manual transmission is in neutral.

Algorithm for use in cars with automatic transmission

Cars with an automatic transmission should be left in the parking lot, having previously switched the gearbox selector to Parking mode. Only after this can the driver turn off the engine, get out of the car, turn on the alarm and autostart system. If the gear selector is in a different position, autostart will not be activated.

You can control remote start both from the key fob and from a smartphone

Remote engine start makes the life of a motorist much more comfortable. You no longer need to go out in the morning and warm up the car, freeze in a cold cabin and waste time waiting for the engine temperature to reach the required values. However, if the vehicle is out of sight, the owner will not be able to control its safety, which car thieves can take advantage of. What is more important - convenience and time saving or peace of mind for your own car - everyone decides for himself.

Features of autostart without alarm

The device for remotely starting a car engine without an alarm system is represented by a separate module designed to remotely start a car in the absence of the driver or when he is at a certain distance from the vehicle.

It is distinguished by a very convenient and understandable design, extreme ease of use, coupled with fairly high reliability and quite acceptable functionality.

The basis for installing such a system is one of the existing types of car alarms, in the absence of the use of its equipment. The considered type of remote activation of the power unit is capable of implementing the following functions:

start the engine at a certain time, pre-agreed by a special program. This option is very attractive for always busy business people who do not want to waste precious minutes warming up the engine;
For frosty winter nights, the ability to periodically turn on the power unit for a specified period of time is considered very useful. For example, regular 20-minute warming up of the engine every 4 hours can prevent the formation of ice in the lubrication system and protect the car’s mechanisms from excessive hypothermia;
the ability to start the engine directly from the key fob is applicable in cases where the driver is located within the visibility range of personal vehicles. Only then can you control the car using a remote control or mobile phone. This option allows the engine to warm up and heat the interior while the driver gets to the car.

It should be noted that using a mobile phone as a control panel has advanced functions.

To the options listed above is added the ability to automatically start the power unit upon an alarm signal or upon a command sent by a special call or SMS.

Is starting the engine remotely a paradise for car thieves?

Today in Russia there are many workshops engaged in the sale and installation of such systems. However, as practice shows, many motorists do not trust these alarms, they say they have low anti-theft properties. But actually it is not. Experts say that the anti-theft properties of any alarm directly depend on the correct installation. And this is especially true for systems with remote start. In order for it to work properly, you must follow the correct technology for its installation and configuration. Otherwise, this alarm may simply jam and damage all the car’s electronics. Therefore, you should not trust the installation of such complex systems to dubious craftsmen.

If installed correctly, the security capabilities of this alarm will be excellent. When autostarting, any opening elements of the car (be it doors, trunk or hood) remain under reliable protection. If you try to open them, the engine stalls and is automatically blocked, and the siren and key fob will certainly inform the car owner about what happened. Moreover, if a thief tries to steal a car on a tow truck (there have been such cases) or a tow truck, the motion sensor is triggered and the siren in the car begins to howl. Of course, all this is transmitted to the key fob display, so the driver will always know what is happening with his vehicle.

But that's not all. If a thief tries to break into a running car through a broken glass, the car will immediately stall after being released from the handbrake. Or if an attacker presses any of the pedals in the cabin.

Additional features

What else, besides warming up and controlling the above elements, can this alarm do? There is practically no limit to the functionality of such systems. It all depends only on your financial capabilities. Below we list a small part of the functions that the driver can purchase for an additional amount:

Anti-HiJack mode. Allows you to close all doors for a certain time (for example, when the engine warms up).
Volume sensor. It complements the shock response mechanism. The volume sensor is useful in cases where an attacker tries to enter the interior by breaking glass or even silently cutting it out (using a special glass cutter).
Vehicle tilt angle measuring device. This function informs the owner that they are trying to remove their car using a tow truck or want to remove the wheels by lifting it with a jack.
Arming delay. In other words, this function acts as a window and sunroof closer. Very useful in cases where the car owner forgot to close the window when leaving.
GPS module. Thanks to this device, you can track the location of your car if it is lost or stolen.

And what’s most interesting is that the more different sensors, options and devices are installed, the greater the confidence that your car will not be stolen.

Alarm "Sherkhan"

Autostart via the SCHER-KHAN system also has many advantages. The alarm kit includes a unit, a control module and a key fob communicator capable of operating at a distance of up to 1.5 kilometers. In the Sherkhan system, autostart is performed using a timer, which can be set in advance for the desired time.

There is also an automatic start function. In addition, the system has protection for the processor unit and is equipped with a shock and call sensor. The siren is installed in the engine compartment.