The function of remote start and warming up of the engine at first met on trucks and special equipment, which was specially prepared for operation in difficult conditions at low and very low temperatures. Today, this solution can be found on many civilian cars, as the presence of autostart increases comfort when using the vehicle in the cold season and beyond. The development of electronic car security systems and the emergence of car alarms with an extended set of additional features allows you to set a remote engine start for every motorist.
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The main task of this solution is to start and warm up the power plant to the optimum operating temperature. The interior of the car is also warming up, allowing the owner to immediately start the trip in a comfortable environment. Note, that many motorists, who previously installed a car alarm without autostart, do not want to change the security system to analogues with the function of remote start of the internal combustion engine. There are also a number of car models, which are equipped with a powerful anti-theft complex staff from the factory, that is, the installation of a third-party alarm with a remote motor start function is simply impractical. In such cases, the appropriate solution is to install a separate engine start module, which we will discuss below.
How the remote engine start unit works
Let's start with that, that an additional autostart module can be installed on almost any car alarm. The only condition is the presence of a free additional channel in the block of the existing alarm system.
The device itself is a small unit / module for remote automatic starting of the motor, which is placed in a plastic case. The basis is an electronic board, which controls the group of ECM sensors, voltage control unit and other elements, depending on the complexity of the solution and design features. Let's consider the principle of operation of this device in more detail on the example of the popular model of the manufacturer Spider and other solutions.
The autostart unit receives a command to start the engine, then initiates the supply of power to the ignition circuit. In other words, simulates the presence of a key in the ignition. The module can withstand a short pause, that allows the electric petrol pump to create necessary pressure of fuel in a fuel ramp. Then power is supplied to the starter, similar to turning the key in the "start" mode. The unit then monitors until the engine starts, then the starter is turned off.
Note, that in some solutions from different manufacturers, which are on sale, the operation of the starter is not limited to the moment of starting the engine, and sometimes (0.8, 1.0, 1.2 seconds). In other words, the starter does not turn off after starting the internal combustion engine, and after the period of time specified in the block. In the case of a confident and quick start (example, the engine started for 0.6 sec, and the autostart unit supplies power to the starter 1 sec) there is a "solarization" of the running starter.
As for diesel engines, the remote autostart module connects the glow plugs in parallel, then receives the appropriate signal about sufficient heating of the cylinders, and only then begins to supply power to the starter.
The very moment of starting the engine will be determined:
- behind the tachometer signal;
- on voltage change in the onboard network;
- according to the oil pressure sensor in the engine lubrication system;
Another way is to read the signal in the ignition coil circuit and control the injector nozzles. Each method of control has its advantages and disadvantages. For this reason, manufacturers of engine start modules are trying to implement parallel control of the oil pressure sensor, by tachometer and other available methods. This significantly increases the reliability of the system. Example, if the pressure after start is low, the engine will automatically shut down. The same thing will happen in that case, if the speed is much lower or higher than the working speed of the twentieth. Also note, that the modules have a programmable number of attempts to start the engine (2, 3, 5) from the starter. You can also program the start time of the starter, taking into account the average start time of an engine (from 0.5 to 10 seconds). There is also a function of gradually increasing the operating time of the starter (from 0.2 to 0.5 sec) after each unsuccessful attempt to start the internal combustion engine.
Security during autostart: Manual transmission and immobilizer
Now let's talk about startup security, that is, when the unit starts the motor remotely in the absence of the owner. The main task is to minimize the possible consequences for vehicles. The module will start the power unit and allow the engine to run only then, when such conditions are met:
- there is no opening signal from the hood / door / trunk end;
- the parking brake must be activated;
- no signal from the car speed sensor;
Let's add, that such conditions are general, additional restrictions may be missing or present in different models of autorun units. In any case, non-compliance with one of the conditions will lead to that, that the motor will be stopped immediately. Some solutions may also be equipped with an additional accelerometer, which eliminates the possibility of moving the car with the engine running.
To rule out possible problems with "mechanics" (manual transmission, MKPP), which usually does not have a sensor to determine the position of the selector (neutral or transmission enabled), there is a function of the so-called "check". If we briefly consider this feature, then it looks like a turbocharger for a turbocharged car.
In other words, the unit will allow the engine to run for some time after that, as the driver removed the key from the ignition and put the car in security mode. So the system understands, that the transmission was not accidentally engaged before the car was closed. As for automatic transmissions, in this case, in a car with an "automatic" it is first possible to determine the position of the selector automatic transmission.
Now a little about the interaction of autostart with security systems. The presence of an immobilizer means, that the engine will not start without a special "label", by which the anti-theft system recognizes the owner. The label can be separate, built into the ignition key, etc.. d. To solve the engine start-up unit is specially equipped with a separate complete group of relays, which allows you to start the engine remotely, as well as bypassing the immobilizer. It also becomes possible to implement the shutdown of the shock sensor at that time, when the engine is running after remote start.
We also recommend reading the article about it, What shall I do, if the alarm blocks the engine start. In this article, you will learn about available solutions to this problem.
Let's add, that some models of remote engine start units are equipped with additional transistor outputs, that allows to block the engine on the command of the block of the established alarm system. Such locking can be performed by interacting with ECM sensors, example, DPKV. Also, the auto-start module of the internal combustion engine may be able to control the light alarm. This option allows you to flash turn signals, these turn signals can be made to burn constantly, as well as independently program different modes of operation.
Let's summarize
Among the advantages of remote engine start should be noted not only the implementation of heating the car in the cold season., but also the ability to cool the interior space in the heat in the presence of climate control or conventional air conditioning.
Also note, that during remote engine start the car remains under protection of the car alarm system. If a door or hood opens, the brake pedal will be depressed or the towel lowered, then the system will shut down the engine and the security sound and light alarm will work.
The only drawback is the need to leave the car with manual transmission in neutral in winter and constantly use the parking brake. In some cases, there is a risk of the brake pads freezing.