FORTIN RF9MA Security System Remote Car Starter User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- FORTIN
Table of Contents
- FORTIN RF9MA Security System Remote Car Starter
- INTRODUCTION
- US GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
- FULL FUNCTIONS
- BASIC FUNCTIONS
- REMOTE-STARTING
- ACCESSORY PRESET
- TO DEACTIVATE READY MODE
- REMOTE-STARTER FEATURES
- FUNCTIONALITY ****
- AUXILIARY USE ****
- REMOTE STARTING OPTIONS
- ALARM
- TRANSMITTER RANGE
- FAILED REMOTE-START
- REMOTE START / ALARM DIAGNOSTICS
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
FORTIN RF9MA Security System Remote Car Starter
CAUTION
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REMOTE CAR STARTER OPERATOR TO :
- ensure that the vehicle is parked in a safe and responsible manner.
- ensure that the vehicle is not remotely started indoors (garage, underground parking).
- ensure that the vehicle is not remotely started with a passenger inside.
- ensure that the vehicle is not remotely started with a window or the roof open.
- ensure that the gearshift lever is in the NEUTRAL position and the parking brake is engaged on manual transmission in order to avoid accidents upon remote starting.
- when leaving the vehicle, ensure that the gearshift lever is in the “PARK” position for an automatic transmission in order to avoid accidents upon remote starting. (Note: Make sure that the vehicle cannot start in “Drive” position).
- ensure that the remote starter is disabled or put into valet mode before servicing. When servicing the vehicle, enable valet Mode (via switch), page 17.
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this Remote-Starter/Alarm system. This is a state of
the art Remote-Starter/Security-System including numerous new comfort and
security features, and all of the elementary features generally offered with
most basic Remote-Starter systems.There are certain features listed in this
manual that may not be available for your system. There may also be features
listed in this manual that require additional installation or programming
before they are active. In order to truly enjoy the benefits of this system,
we recommend that you thoroughly review the following manual. This system
contains transmitter(s) and a receiver with 2 Km / 6500Ft. See transmitter
range, page
NOTE
- The system can be configured in three different ways: Remote Start only, alarm only or alarm and remote starter.
- The options vary by vehicle, the components can be added to the system and the functions on the vehicle.
INDUSTRY CANADA USER NOTICE
Operation is subject to the following two conditions : (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. To
reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(EIRP) is not more than that required for successful communication.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such
modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
US GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions : (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates and can radiate radio
frequency energyand, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures :
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with the Industry Canada Radio Standards Specification RSS 210. Its use is authorized only on a no-interference, no-protection basis; in other words, this device must not be used if it is determined that it causes harmful interferences to services authorized by IC. In addition, the user of this device must accept any radio interface that may be received, even if this interference affect the operation of the device.
WARNING : CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS DEVICE.
FULL FUNCTIONS
NOTE [1]: It is possible that the remote control was able to communicate with the remote-starter and that action was performed successfully, but the remote-starter was unable to send its response back to the remote control. Some factors such as radio interference may interfere with the communication between the remote control and the remote-starter. See the TRANSMITTER RANGE page 22 and FAILED REMOTE-START page 22.
BASIC FUNCTIONS
- The remote LED flashes BLUE when a button is pressed.
- The remote LED flashes BLUE when the remote is transmitting the information.
- For car command confirmation, see Introduction, page 5.
REMOTE-STARTING
REMOTE-STARTING THE VEHICLE
This Remote-Starter supports both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.
For manual transmission vehicles see the Ready Mode section.
If the vehicle fails to start on the first attempt, the Remote-Starter will
wait 3 seconds before it will attempt to start the vehicle again. The Remote-
Starter will attempt to start the vehicle 2 times (default) before giving up
(see Failed Remote Start page 22).
WARNING
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR ANIMALS IN A REMOTE-STARTED VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
ACCESSORY PRESET
HEATER & HEATED SEATS : When leaving the vehicle it is recommended that the
driver pre-set the climate controls in preparation for a later Remote-Start.
When the vehicle Remote-Starts, the current (or last) setting for the climate
controls, windshield wipers (and other accesso-ries) will be used. When
setting the blower motor (fan speed) and heated seats (if equipped) should not
be left on HIGH. It is recommended to leave these settings on either a LOW
or MEDIUM setting.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS & RADIO & HEADLIGHTS : Some vehicles require the radio,
windshield wiper, headlight circuits to become energized while running under
Remote-Start. When leaving the vehicle you must ensure that the windshield
wiper and headlight switches are turned off. Leaving the headlights on with
some vehicles could cause them to remain on even after the Remote-Starter has
shut down, resulting in a dead battery.
REAR DEFROST : On most vehicles the Rear Defrost can only be activated
after the vehicle has been started and in most cases this feature is not
included with a Remote-Starter installation. On some vehicles it may be
possible for the installer to hook this feature up so it either automatically
enables after Remote-Start or can be enabled by using an AUX output .
DRIVER PRESETS : Some vehicles retain different seat, mirror and radio
settings for each driver. Different driver presets are not controlled by the
Remote-Starter, however they may be controlled with the Bypass/Interface Kit
(ask your installer for more details).
READY MODE (MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY)
Four activation methods are possible, please consult the salesman or installer to determine which of these modes applies to your vehicle. There are always safety concerns for a manual transmis-sion vehicle to accidentally start while in gear, Ready Mode alleviates these concerns. The driver must enable Ready Mode in order to Remote-Start the vehicle at a later time. Once Ready Mode is set-up the vehicle can be started/stopped at will, as many times as needed. However once the parking brake is disengaged, the hood is opened, or any of the doors are opened, Ready Mode will deactivate and the vehicle will not start until Ready Mode is reactivated.
BY DEFAULT – This method will activate the remote car starter sequence
CHOICE 2 – This method must be programmed by the installer during installation. This method will activate the remote car starter sequence:
If the parking brake is disengaged, the hood is opened, or any of the doors are opened, Ready Mode will deactivate to cancel. Start over the sequence from step 1.
CHOICE 3 – This method must be programmed by the installer during installation. This method will activate the remote car starter sequence
If the parking brake is disengaged, the hood is opened, or any of the doors are opened, Ready Mode will deactivate to cancel. Start over the sequence from step 1.
CHOICE 4 – This method must be programmed by the installer during installation. This method will activate the remote car starter sequencE
If the parking brake is disengaged, the hood is opened, or any of the doors are opened, Ready Mode will deactivate to cancel. Start over the sequence from step 1.
TO DEACTIVATE READY MODE
- Open any door(s)
- Open the hood
- Disengage of the parking brake
Note : If the parking lights flash 3 times when Remote-Starting, Ready Mode is not enabled.
DRIVING OFF
When the vehicle is running with the Remote-Starter, enter the vehicle and
proceed with the following steps :
REMOTE-STARTER FEATURES
IDLE MODE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
Idle Mode allows the vehicle to run without the key in the ignition barrel.
For example, if you stop for a quick errand or delivery, simply allow the
vehicle to run while you are gone. The engine will run until the Remote-
Starter runtime expires. Press START any time the vehicle is running with the
Remote-Starter to reset this timer.
To activate Idle Mode (automatic transmission) proceed with the following
steps :
The engine will continue to run until either the remote stop function is
pressed (see FULL FUNCTIONS, page 6), the Remote-Starter runtime expires, the
parking brake is disengaged, the brake is pressed, or the hood is opened. If
the Remote-Starter is shut down by transmitter it will automatically go in to
Ready Mode (if all the doors are closed).
WARNIN
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR ANIMALS IN A REMOTE-STARTED VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
IDLE MODE (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)
Idle mode is activated in much the same way Ready Mode is activated, except
for Step 1. To activate Idle Mode (manual transmission) proceed with the
following steps
The engine will continue to run until either the remote stop function is
pressed (see FULL FUNCTIONS, page 6), the Remote-Starter runtime expires, the
parking brake is disengaged, the brake is pressed, or the hood is opened. If
the Remote-Starter is shut down by transmitter it will automatically go in to
Ready Mode (if all the doors are closed).
WARNING
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR ANIMALS IN A REMOTE-STARTED VEHICLE UNATTENDED.
TURBO MODE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION)
Turbo Mode (if available) is similar to Idle Mode but is used to cool down the
turbo-charger once the driver leaves the vehicle. The Remote-Starter will
continue run the vehicle for 2 minutes allowing the turbo-charger to cool
down.
To activate Turbo Mode (automatic transmission) proceed with the following
steps :
TURBO MODE (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)
Turbo Mode (if available) is similar to Idle Mode but is used to cool down the
turbo-charger once the driver leaves the vehicle. The Remote-Starter will
continue run the vehicle for 2 minutes allowing the turbo-charger to cool
down. To activate Turbo Mode (manual transmission, see IDLE MODE (MANUAL
TRANSMISSION) on page 14.
KEY TAKEOVER AFTER REMOTE STARTING
LOW BATTERY WARNING
FUNCTIONALITY ****
VALET MODE (VIA SWITCH)
Valet Mode disables both the Remote-Starter and Alarm system. Whenever the
vehicle is being serviced or repaired, or the vehicle is parked indoors it is
mandatory that Valet Mode be enabled to prevent an accidental Remote-Start.
Note : The alarm system is not active (including Starter Kill) when the
system is in Valet Mode. However you are still able to lock and unlock the
doors, and release the rear hatch/trunk.
Note : When the Remote-Starter/Alarm is in Valet Mode, the LED will stay
ON solid instead of flashing after the doors are locked. The LED will turn off
only after the Remote-Starter/Alarm exit Valet Mode.
VALET MODE (BY DEFAULT)
VALET MODE (VIA REMOTE)
Valet Mode disables the remote-starter and alarm. Whenever the vehicle is
being serviced or repaired, or the vehicle is parked indoors it is mandatory
that Valet Mode be enabled to prevent an accidental Remote-Start.
Note : The alarm system is deactivated (including Starter Kill) when the
system is in Valet Mode. However you are still able to lock & unlock the
doors, and release the rear hatch/trunk. This method of enabling/disabling
Valet Mode uses the remote transmitter instead of the valet switch indicated
in the preceding section.
AUXILIARY USE ****
Note : The function of the auxiliary outputs may vary depending on the vehicle and the installation. In most cases these outputs are not used, and in some cases they may be used to control other features such as the power windows, sunroof, or heated seats. Check with the installer to find out what AUX outputs have been installed, and what they control.
REMOTE STARTING OPTIONS
CONFIGURABLE FUNCTIONALITY DURING INSTALLATION
This Remote-Starter is designed to be highly flexible when integrating into
original equipment (OEM). With the following programmable options the Remote-
Starter/Alarm can control most electronic systems within the vehicle.
WARNING
THIS REMOTE-STARTER MUST BE INSTALLED BY A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL. IMPROPER
MODIFICATIONS TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SETTINGS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE
RELIABILITY OF THE REMOTE STARTER AND/OR THE VEHICLE’S OPERATION.
CONFIGURABLE OPTIONS
- Remote Door Locks
- Security Lock Runtime Reset
- Active or Passive
- Arming Trunk / Hatch Release
- Secure Transmitter Mode
- Ignition Door Locks Runtime
REMOTE DOOR LOCKS
If the Remote-Starter is installed with door locks, you will be able to lock and unlock the vehicle without using the key or OEM key fob.
ACTIVE OR PASSIVE ARMING (OPTIONAL)
Passive Mode will allow the Alarm to automatically rearm itself 60 seconds
after it is disarmed if no door(s) (or trunk) are open(ed). Opening a door
before the 60 seconds has expired will reset the timer but will also prevent
the Alarm from locking the doors. This option is enabled by default and the
Alarm will never arm as long as at least one door is left open. When this
feature is disabled the Alarm is considered to be in Active Mode which
requires the remote transmitter to arm the Alarm.
Note : The automatic rearm can be deactivated by pressing the UNLOCK
button.
IGNITION DOOR LOCKS (OPTIONAL)
Ignition Door Locks is an automatic passenger safety feature. When enabled the
Remote-Starter/Alarm will automatically LOCK the vehicles doors once the key
is turned to the ignition (ON/RUN) position and the brake pedal is pressed.
The Remote-Starter/Alarm will also automatically UNLOCK the vehicle’s doors
once the key is turned to the OFF position.
SECURITY LOCK (OPTIONAL)
Security Lock triggers the vehicle’s door locks after the Remote-Starter has
shut down. In some cases before the Remote-Starter is able to start the
vehicle it must disarm the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) anti-theft
system first (if equipped) to prevent a false alarm when the vehicle is
running. After the Remote-Starter runtime has expired and the Remote-Starter
shuts down, the Security Lock will re-arm the OEM anti-theft system in order
to return the vehicle to its original protective state.
TRUNK / HATCH RELEASE (ZONE 6)
The vehicle’s trunk or rear hatch (if available) can be opened by pressing the
TRUNK button .
RUNTIME
On gas engines, the Remote-Starter can run the vehicle for either 3, 7 or 15
(default) minutes. On diesel engines the Remote-Starter can run the vehicle
for either 6, 15 or 30 (default) minutes.
RUNTIME RESET
Once the vehicle is running with the Remote-Starter the runtime can be reset
(before it expires) at any time by pressing the START button while the vehicle
is Remote-Started. The horn/siren will sound once confirmed (If installed).
ALARM
AUDIBLE CONFIRMATION (OPTIONAL)
By default the Alarm will not send an audible confirmation (horn/siren) after
the first signal has been received from the remote transmitter(s).
SILENT: Press the LOCK or UNLOCK button ONCE and the park lights will
flash, but the horn/siren will NOT confirm the signal.
AUDIBLE: Pressing the same button TWICE consecutively (LOCK or UNLOCK)
the park lights will flash, and the horn/siren will confirm the signal.
The Alarm can be programmed to audibly confirm the signal on the first button
press. (See Installa-tion Guide).
ALARM ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL)
The following characteristics enhance your vehicle’s security. If the Alarm
system is active and the horn/siren is sounding :
- Press the UNLOCK button ONCE to stop the alarm sound. The Alarm will remain active and will immediately resound if a zone is (re)triggered.
- Press the UNLOCK button TWICE to stop the alarm sound, deactivate the Alarm, and unlock the doors.
- When the vehicle is unlocked the horn/siren will sound with several short chirps to indicate the zone that has previously triggered the Alarm (see Remote-Start/Alarm Diagnostics page 5).
Note 1 : If the vehicle is running with the Remote-Starter and the Alarm
is triggered the Remote-Starter will shut down immediately. This applies to
Cold Start, Turbo and Idle Modes. However the vehicle can be Remote-Started at
a later time (i.e. The Alarm will not cancel Cold Start Timer).
Note 2 : When an alarm infraction has occurred the LED on the antenna
will quickly flash 3 times followed of a long pause. It will continue to flash
until the alarm is disabled.
OPEN ZONE NOTIFICATION (OPTIONAL)
When the LOCK button is pressed to ARM the Alarm (non-Valet Mode), it will
indicate if there are any zones which are currently active. The Alarm will
sound with several short chirps to indicate which zone is active. A silent ARM
or only 1 chirp indicates that no zones are currently active (see Remote-
Starter/Alarm Diagnostics page 5).
FALSE ALARM DEACTIVATION (OPTIONAL)
This option will disable any zone that triggers the alarm 3 consecutive times.
The zone will automat-ically re-enable once the LOCK button or the UNLOCK
button is pressed.
SHOCK SENSOR (ZONE 4) (OPTIONAL)
The Alarm system supports FSS2Z (2 stage – 3 wire) Shock Sensors. The Shock
Sensor will produce a short audible warning on a weak shock, and will trigger
a full alarm on a strong shock. Whenever the vehicle is running with the
Remote-Starter the shock sensor is ignored until the Remote-Starter shuts
down. However the Alarm can be set to monitor the Shock Sensor if the vehicle
is Armed AFTER the vehicle is Remote-Started.
VEHICLE LOCATOR / PANIC MODE
To locate your vehicle in a busy parking lot press the LOCK button for 3
seconds to sound the horn/siren (if available) and flash the parking lights.
Press unlock to cancel this Mode.
Note : If an Alarm pre-triggered zone is in memory, this Mode will NOT clear
this zone from memory.
SENSOR DEACTIVATION
In cases where a sensor is too sensitive and causes false alarms, it is
possible to disable some of the zones. The Shock Sensor (zone 4), Auxiliary In
(zone 7) and the Tilt Sensor (zone 8). To disable all of these zones press the
auxiliary ! HOLD button followed by either the LOCK button or the UNLOCK
button. Confirmation of 1 signal indicates the zones are activated and 2
signals indicates the zones are deactivated.
TRANSMITTER RANGE
Several factors may affect the operating range of the remote transmitter :
- A weak transmitter battery.
- The operating environment such as in the city and airports due to radio interference, cell phone towers, etc.
- Several types of metal such as the vehicle itself, other vehicles, the windshields tint lines and large buildings.
- The vehicle’s shape. Vans generally have poorer range.
- The shape of the vehicle’s roof and the A-pillars cause considerable radio-frequency deflection. As a result, the direction in which the vehicle is facing with relation to the remote transmit-ter can affect range. Facing the front of the vehicle generally produces the greatest range; secondly facing the back. Facing either side of the vehicle will usually give the poorest range.
- The range will be significantly poorer in crowded parking lots as opposed to empty parking lots.
- Hold the transmitter at shoulder height or hold it against your chin so your body acts as a larger antenna.
- The operating range will be somewhat poorer on vehicles equipped with a factory alarm or keyless entry system.
FAILED REMOTE-START
There are several different installation factors and devices that must work together in order for your vehicle to Remote-Start properly. In some cases a failed Remote Start is not the fault of the Remote-Starter itself. Here are some things to consider when the Remote-Starter fails :
- Unmaintained Engine. If you have problems starting the vehicle with the key then the Remote-Starter will have the same difficulty.
- Low Battery. A battery’s voltage can drop to less than 4 volts DC (1/3 of the original) during cold-weather starting. Ensure your battery is working properly and is able to provide the proper current needed to start the vehicle in extreme temperatures.
- Low Fuel, or water in the fuel tank. Keep your fuel tank full as much as possible to prevent the build-up of condensation in the tank..
- A corroded or broken Hood Pin switch. Visually inspect the hood pin switch frequently. Cover with a dialectic grease to prevent corrosion.
- Trailer wiring. Corroded or improperly wired trailer wiring may cause the park light signal to bleed into the brake signal. This will cause the Remote-Starter to shut down as soon as the park lights are turned on.
- Problems with the Bypass Kit (if available). If you are able to put the Remote-Starter into Ready Mode, Idle Mode, or Turbo Mode, but you are unable to Remote-Start the vehicle then the Bypass Kit may be failing. Several
- Remote-Start attempts with a failed Bypass Kit may lock your vehicle for several hours.
- Dash warning lights. The dash should display in exactly the same way when either starting the vehicle with the key, or with the Remote-Starter. If the dash displays any warning lights (Check Engine, ABS, or Theft) once
- Remote-Started then something is wrong. Stop using the Remote-Starter and have it looked at immediately.
TIP: If your vehicle is experiencing any problems either starting or running with the key have it looked at by the Remote-Starter’s installer first. Having the vehicle worked on by another service centre may void any warranty and/or guarantees on the Remote-Starter and its Installation. Addition-ally the original installation centre may refuse all fees incurred by the latter service centre (if any).
REMOTE START / ALARM DIAGNOSTICS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>