Bulldog Security RS85, RS82 User Manual

INSTALLATION GUIDE

•

OWNER’S GUIDE

REMOTE STARTER MODELS RS82 AND RS85

CONTENTS

System Features ..................................... 1

System Components ................................... 1

Required Tools ...................................... 1

T echnical Assistance................................. 1

Before You Begin .................................. 1-2

Precautions......................................... 2

Using your T est Probe................................ 2

Making Wiring Connections .......................... 2-4

Locating & Making Connections ...................... 4-5

Connecting the 11-Pin Harness and the 4-Relay Harness ..6

Neutral Safety Switch ............................... 6

Operator Programming Instructions (RS82/85) ........... 6

Operator Programming Instructions (RS85 ............... 7

How to use Y our Remote Transmitter.................... 7

Technical Assistance

All tech personnel are expertly qualified to answer any technical questions.

Technicians are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Address

288 Canton Avenue • Wintersville, Ohio 43953

Telephone

Phone: [phone] • 800-878-8007 • Fax: [phone]

SYSTEM FEATURES

Tw o-Button Extended Range Remotely start your car to run the heater or air conditioning from an extended distance.
Remote Control

Tw o- Way Capability Works with your factory keyless remote transmitter (RS85 only) or the transmitter included with

Parking Light Confirmation Confirms that your vehicle has received a remote signal and will remain on if the engine is

Code Learning Allows your remote starter to learn new remotes, should you want to add remotes, or if remotes

Pre Programmed Run Time Unit is programmed to run for 15 minutes or stop at any time with the remote, by pressing the

Pit Stop Mode Allows you to exit the vehicle while the engine remains running.
Tach/T achless Option A programmable feature that lets you decide to choose the easy to install tachless operation

Limited Lifetime Warranty Guarantees life-long protection.

this kit.

remotely started. (Optional part #775 required.)

are lost.

brake or by opening the hood.

or the wire-in, tach operation.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Y our system includes:
1- Main Control Module
1- Two Button Remote Transmitter
1- 11-Pin Wire Harness
1- 3-Pin 4-Relay Harness
1- Hood Pin Switch

1- Warranty
1- Warning Sticker for Under the Hood
1- Installation & Operation Guide
1- Bonus Installation Kit (with selected models including)

•Installation Video •Computer-friendly Test Light

•Electrical Tape •Wire Ties

•Razor Knife

REQUIRED TOOLS

Unless your remote starter includes a Bonus Installation Kit you will need the following items: a sharp
knife, electrical tape and a computer-friendly test light. A 5/16 inch drill bit may be needed to install
the hood pin switch. If the bottom of your dash on the driver’s side will come off, you must remove it.
If this is the case a screwdriver or a wrench may be needed,

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Should you need help. First check our website at www.bulldogsecurity.com or call our toll-free Tech Support
Hotline Monday through Friday 9AM-8PM and Saturday 10AM-4PM EST at 800-878-8007.
You must give the following information:

•Name

•Telephone Number with Area Code (Fax number if applicable)

•Year, Make, and Model of the vehicle

•The model you are installing

•The type of assistance you are requesting
If you give the above information you will be called back as soon as possible.

Please do not skip any steps.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

If your vehicle has an anti-theft system, you will need an additional module, Part #78 1 or #791 .
Congratulations, you have purchased one of the most advanced remote starter systems ever made. Your new
remote starter is a technological breakthrough utilizing the most advanced, state of the art technology
and components. It is computer controlled and manufactured in the U.S.A. The dependability and variety of
features make Bulldog Security the leader in the industry. Enjoy your new remote starter for years to
come!

This remote system is designed to start your vehicle by sending a command signal from the remote transmitter.
It is important that your installation be done in a well-ventilated area. It is the responsibility of
the owner to ensure that the remote system is not used to start the vehicle in an undesired location.

It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed in the living area near a location where
the vehicle may be garaged.

1

Since there are many different makes and models of vehicles, look at the wiring chart on page 17 in this
manual and our website, www.bulldogsecurity.com.

Read this manual thoroughly before starting the installation. You must decide if the parking light option
is desired. If so, an optional Part #775 will be needed.

TA CH/T ACHLESS OPERATION
In most cases the decision to go with tachless mode will save time during the installation. If your vehicle
is hard-starting then you should use tach mode.

MAKE SURE YOU PLACE THE WARNING STICKER UNDER YOUR HOOD.
For Model RS82 or RS85 follow the instructions until you reach page 1 3. For RS85 only, continue.

PRECAUTIONS

This system is designed for use with vehicles equipped with fuel-injected,

SAFETY FIRST!
Never start your vehicle if it is indoors, if the keys are in the ignition and unless you’re sure the car
is in park. A periodic safety check is recommended to ensure that your system is in proper working order.

DO NOT use mechanical wiring connections, such as crimp or snap together taps. Follow instructions on
below.

DO NOT disconnect the battery if the vehicle has an anti-theft-coded radio or is equipped with an airbag.
Doing so may cause a warning light to be displayed and may require a trip to the dealer to be corrected.

DO NOT leave the interior or exterior lights on for an extended period of time as it may cause battery drain.
Remove the dome light fuse from the fuse box. NOTE: Starter systems do not work well with a partially
discharged battery.

DO NOT mount the control module until all connections have been made and tested. Using wire ties or
double sided tape, MOUNT THE MODULE UNDER THE DASH.

gasoline engines with automatic transmissions only.

All General Motors rear wheel drive vehicles and Dodge Dakotas built prior to 1996 do not have an
electrical Neutral Safety switch. They have a mechanical neutral safety switch. The mechanical neutral
safety switch oper ates as follows.

a)The key will only turn to start position when the gear selector is in park or neutral.
b)The key can only be removed from the ignition switch when the gear selector is in the park position.

You must use special precautions with t his sy s tem.

GENERAL MOTORS REAR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES AND DODGE DAKOTAS

USING YOUR TEST PROBE

W ARNIN G!

To operate your test probe, connect the black clip to a good chassis ground. Connect the red clip to a good
12V positive source. If the test probe is connected correctly, both the green and the red lights will be dimly
illuminated. If a positive source is probed, the red light will glow bright and the green light will go out.
If a negative source is probed, the green light will glow bright and the red light will go out.

MAKING WIRING CONNECTIONS

NOTE: In most cases you should not cut your vehicle wire in two.

1. Strip back two inches of insulation on the wire from the remote starter.

T wo Inches of Bare Wire

2. Strip back one inch of insulation on the wire you need to connect to.

One Inch of Bare Wire

3. Separate the vehicle wire as shown. Make the separation large enough to fit the other
wire through.

2

4. Insert the wire(s) from the starter through the hole as shown. If two or more wires

are inserted, wrap them in opposite directions.

5. Wrap the wire around one side then the other and finally around itself as shown.

1

2

3

6. Use electrical tape to wrap. Be sure to cover the wire about two inches on either side

of the connection. First pull the wire that you ha ve just connected along side the wire
you connected to, tape and wire tie them together. Use this method for all connections.

Wire Tie

CAUTION: All wires must be wrapped with tape and wire tied.

Electrical Tape

MAKING END TO END CONNECTIONS

Use this method ONLY when connecting two separate wires end to end.

1. When tying two separate wires together at their ends, strip back one inch of insulation on
both wires and separate the strands of wire as shown below .

2. T wist upper wires together, twist lower
wires together as shown.

3. Lay upper twisted pair of wires over right
wire as shown. Bring lower twisted pair
of wires up to meet the left wire as
shown.

3

4. Use electrical tape to wrap, be sure to cover about 2 inches on either side of connection.
Secure with wire ties as shown.

Electrical Tape

Wire Tie

Wire Tie

Use this method ONLY when connecting two separate wires end to end.

LOCA TING & MAKING CONNECTIONS

Please see the wiring chart on this website, www.bulldogsecurity.com/wires.htm.

CONSTANT PO WER (+12V, key in any position including off)

These wire(s) are in your vehicle’s main ignition harness,
usually located on the steering column coming from the ignition
switch. Probe each wire with your test light. The correct
wire(s) will show +12V when the ignition switch is in these
5 positions (ACC-LOCK -OFF-RUN-CRANK).

1. If your vehicle has only (1) constant po wer wire, attach
the RED wire from the 11-pin harness and both large RED wires
from the 4-relay harness to the constant power wire in
the vehicle.

2. If your vehicle has (2) constant power wires, attach the RED wire from the 11-pin harness and (1)
large RED wire from the 4-relay harness to one of these constant power wires. Then connect the other
large RED wire from the 4-relay harness to the second constant power wire in the vehicle.

IGNITION WIRE(S) (+12V in run and crank position only)

The ignition wire(s) are also located in the main harness coming from the ignition switch. Probe each
wire with your test light, the correct wire(s) will show +12V only when the ignition switch is in the
RUN AND CRANK positions. The correct wires will not show +12V when in the OFF or ACCESSORY position.
Most Ford, GM, and Chrysler vehicles 1994 and up have at least (2) ignition wires. Most foreign vehicles
have only (1).

1.Strip back the YELLOW WITH BLACK STRIPE wire from the 11-pin harness and then strip back 1 inch of

the WHITE wire from the 4-relay harness and twist both of these wires together.

2.Connect the YELLOW WITH BLACK STRIPE wire and the WHITE wire from step (1) to the ignition wire in the main

harness.

3.If your vehicle has (2) ignition wires, connect the second WHITE wire from the 4-relay harness to it.

4.If your vehicle has (3) ignition wires (some GMs) connect the second WHITE wire from the 4-relay harness to both

the second and third ignition wires in the vehicle.
SPECIAL NOTE: All 96 and newer GM trucks and SUVs have a second ignition wire (WHITE or PINK WITH WHITE STRIPE
wire). This second ignition wire must be connected.

IGNITION HARNESS

UNDER DASH

ACCESSOR Y WIRE(S) THA T POWER THE HEATER/BLOWER MOTOR
(+12V in run or on positions) This wire is also in the main ignition switch harness usually located in the steering
column. Make all connections as close to the ignition switch harness as possible.

Most vehicles will have (1) accessory wire; however some Fords, newer GM vehicles and Chrysler 94 and up will have
(2) or more accessory wires. To locate these wire(s) probe for wire(s) that only show +12V when the ignition switch
is in the RUN or ON positions. This wire(s) will not show +12V when the ignition switch is in any other position.

1.If your vehicle has only (1) accessory wire connect the WHITE WITH BLACK STRIPE wire from the 4-relay harness
to this wire.

2.If your vehicle has (2) accessory wires, connect the WHITE WITH BLACK STRIPE wire to both.

STARTER/CRANK WIRE (+12V only in the start position)

The starter/crank wire is also in the main harness. Locate the wire that shows +12V on your test light only in the
cranking position. This wire will not show +12V in any other position. Attach the YELLOW WITH BLACK STRIPE wire
from the 4-relay harness to this wire. SPECIAL NOTE: Most Nissan’s have two crank wires. Connect both crank wires
in the vehicle to the YELLOW WITH BLACK STRIPE wire from the relay harness.

CHASSIS GROUND

Locate an easy to get to bolt or screw located under the driver’s side of the dash and attach the BLACK ground
wire from the 11-pin harness securely as pictured. A good ground is required for your system in order for it to
work properly.

Factory Bolt

Black Ground Wire

Note: Remove any paint below

Spade Connector

the spade connector.

4

Parking Light Output (-) (Optional Part #775 required)

Probe the wire(s) coming from your head­lamp switch. Find the wire that will show
+12V when the parking lights are ON and
ground when the lights are OFF. Connect
the YELLOW wire from Part #775 to this wire.
Connect the BROWN wire from the 11-pin
harness to the WHITE wire on Part #775.
Connect the BLACK and the BLUE wires from
part #775 to +12V constant fused at 20
amps. See “positive” diagram.

If your vehicle has a negative (-)
parking output. When probing the wire(s)

Positive Parking Lights

YELLOW

WHITE

Brown(-)
from
module

RED

Do not use,

tape off.

87a

BLUE

To parking
light
circuit

BLACK

+12V Fused
at 20 amps

Negative P arking Lights

YELLOW

WHITE

Brown(-)
from
module

RED

Do not use,

tape off.

87a

GROUND

To parking
light wire
in vehicle

BLACK

+12V
Constant

+12V Fused
at 20 amps

coming from your headlight switch, find
a wire that shows (-) negative or ground when the parking lights are on and positive or neutral when
the parking lights are off. Connect the YELLOW wire from Part #775 to this wire. Connect the BROWN wire
from the 4-pin harness to the WHITE wire on Part #775 connect the BLACK wire to 12V constant fused at
20 amps and connect the BLUE wire from Part #775 to ground. See “negative” diagram.

BRAKE INPUT - Some vehicles require “key on”.

The brake wire is located on the switch near and above the brake pedal. The correct wire will show
(+12V) on the test light only when the brake is pressed. Connect the BLUE WITH BLACK STRIPE from the
11-pin harness to this wire.

ANTENNA

For best results, run the antenna (YELLOW WITH BLACK TIP in the 11-pin harness) as straight as possible.
Do not place the antenna next to any metal parts or the vehicle’s main computer control.

FA CTOR Y ALARM SHUT DO WN WIRE (FASD)

If your vehicle is equipped with a factory alarm system (as most vehicles with a factory keyless entry
are) and you can disarm your factory alarm by using the key in the door you will need to use the FASD
wire. Probe for a small gauge wire (usually found in the driver’s side kick panel) that shows ground
when the door lock cylinder is turned to the unlock position using the door key. This wire will usually
show a positive voltage before turning the key. NOTE: Some f actory disarm wires remain neutral (shows
no voltage) before you turn the key to unlock instead of +12v positive. Connect the RED WITH BLACK STRIPE
wire from the 11-pin harness to this wire.

HOOD PIN SWITCH (Mandatory Hookup)

This feature will keep the engine from starting or shut off the engine when the hood is opened when
remote started. Locate a good chassis ground, if at all possible do not install the pin switch in the
rain gutter. Drill a 5/16 hole, insert the pin switch into the hole and tighten. Check for the hood
adjustment, there is approximately 1/4” adjustment in the pin switch. Close the hood easy, making sure
that the pin switch is not keeping the hood from closing all the way . If it does, cut off appro ximately
1/8” of the black plastic off of the top of the hoodpin switch and try closing the hood again. Check
to make sure that the hoodpin switch remains neutral when the hood is closed and shows ground when the
hood is open. Plug the BLACK WITH BLUE STRIPE wire from the 11-pin harness into the bottom of the hood
pin switch.

TA CH INPUT (Optional)

By this time, you should have determined the way you want your vehicle to start (tach or tachless).
Tachless uses voltag e electronic signals and timing to w ork. Tach types use a signal directly from the
ignition coil. If you have chosen the TA CHLESS st art option, simply proceed to the next step and skip
the following instructions. Make sure you tape this wire up if not used. For TACH mode connect the BLACK
WITH WHITE STRIPE wire from the 11-pin harness to the negative side of the coil or the tach wire at
the coil pack under the hood. To find the coil pack follow the spark plug wires back to their beginning
point. T o operate in tach mode, make sure to program tach option. See programming tach option page 14.

AUXILIAR Y INPUT (F or Aftermarket Alarms)

If you use this starter with an aftermarket alarm, connect the BLUE wire from the 11-pin harness to
the second or third channel output of your existing alarm. When the output is activated, a signal will
activate the remote starter.

AUXILIAR Y INPUT (F or Model RS85 Onl y)
(For your f actory keyless or aftermarket alarm)

When connecting this unit to a factory keyless entry system, you must locate the door lock wire that
tests as a positive when you press the lock button on the factory remote. A relay P art #775 will be
needed to convert the positive output from the door lock to a negative for the RS85. If the wire negative
when you press the lock button on the factory remote, you can tie directly into the BLUE wire.

5

CONNECTING THE 11-PIN

NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH

HARNESS & 4-RELAY HARNESS

RED
BLACK
BROWN

BLUE/BLACK
YELLOW/BLACK
BLUE
BLACK/BLUE
BLACK/WHITE
RED/BLACK
GRAY

WHT/BLK 16 ga.

WHITE 16 ga.

YEL/BLK 16 ga.

WHITE
WHITE

WHT/BLK 16 ga

WHITE 16 ga

YEL/BLK 16 ga

Tap here when

installing bypass

module 781 or 791.

RED
RED

YELLOW/BLACK

WHITE/BLACK

CAUTION: Before connecting the 11-pin harness to the

module, double check all connections to be sure
they are secure and properly wrapped with electrical
tape. Plug the 11-pin harness into the main control
module. Connect the 3-pin harness from the 4-relay
harness to the module. NOTE: The GRAY wire in the
11-pin harness will not be used. Wires that are not
used are to be taped up, not clipped or removed.

To +12V constant
Ground
(-) Parking Light Output

(Requires optional part #775)
(+) Brake Switch
Ignition Input
(-) Aux. Alarm Channel Input
(-) To Hood Pin Switch
Tach to (-) Neg. Side of Coil
(-) Factory Alarm Shutdown
(Not Used)

YELLOW ANTENNA
Keep as straight as
possible, tape end
to hold straight.

Either white wire to
Ignition 1. If your
car has 2 ignitions
use both.

FUSE

ALL RED wires need
+12V constant.

FUSE

To Starter/Crank Wire

To Accessory Wire(s)
that run the
Heater/Blower Motor.
Attach at the ignition
switch wire harness
only.

MECHANICAL NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH
When installing a Bulldog remote starter on GM
vehicles or Dodge Dakotas built prior to 1996,
you must:

Use the diagram below to create a circuit that
will prevent the remote starter from starting the
vehicle unless the key is removed from the ignition
switch.

PRE-1996 GM REAR-WHEEL DRIVES WITH PURPLE CRANK WIRE

Key

Cylinder

BLACK/L T.BLUE

Key

Cylinder

LT.BLUE/GREEN

Optional part #775 required.

Driver’s Door Switch

TAN

Ground

Tie into

heavy white

wire on
4-relay
harness

GREEN

Message

center or

key buzzer

Optional part #775 required.

Driver’s Door Switch

Ground

Message

center or

key buzzer

DO NOT USE RED WIRE, TAPE OFF

PRE-1996 DODGE DAKOTAS

Tie into

heavy white

wire on
4-relay
harness

DO NOT USE RED WIRE, TAPE OFF

WHITE

FUSE

5 Amp

fuse

(-) Negative
hood pin wire

WHITE

FUSE

5 Amp

fuse

(-) Negative
hood pin wire

86

BLUE

86

BLUE

YELLOW

87

87a

30

YELLOW

87

87a

30

Ground

85

BLACK

RED

Ground

85

BLACK

RED

Press the start button, if the unit receives a signal
and your vehicle does not start and run you may ha ve
a factory anti-theft system.

MODEL RS82 OPERA TOR PROGRAMMING INSTR UCTIONS

Adding Additional Remotes

The hood must be open. Then, press and hold Button #1 on the working transmitter for six (6) seconds or until the ignition
relay clicks or the “check engine light” flashes once, release Button #1. Press and release any button on the new remote
control. The ignition relay will click or the check engine light will flash three (3) times, close the hood, the new
remote will now work.

Tach/T achless Option
Press and hold the brake.

Press and hold Button #1 on the remote for approximately six (6) seconds or until the relay clicks or the
check engine light on the dash flashes once. Release Button #1, press and release Button #1 again. The
relay or check engine light on the dash flashes twice. The unit is now programmed for TACH option. Press
and release Button #1 again, the relay clicks or the check engine light on the dash flashes once. The unit
is programmed for back to TACHLESS option. NOTE: The factory setting is Tachless option.

6

MODEL RS85 OPERA TOR PROGRAMMING INSTR UCTIONS

ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS AND PROGRAMMING OF THE RS82, PL US:
Programming to Start your Vehicle with your F actory Keyless Entry

Press and hold the brake, press and hold Button #1 on the Bulldog Security remote until the parking lights
flash once (if connected) or for approximately six (6) seconds or until the unit clicks or flashes. Release.
Press Button #2. The parking lights will flash once (if connected). NOTE: A relay Part #775 is required to
make this operate using the factory keyless transmitter. The relay is required to convert the positive door
lock signal to a negative output for the RS85.

Programming for Aftermarket Alarm Starting

Press and hold the brake, press and hold Button #1 on the Bulldog Security remote until the parking lights
flash once (if connected) or press and hold this button for approximately six (6) seconds. Release. Press
Button #2 the parking lights will flash twice (if connected). The unit is now programmed for starting from
your aftermarket alarm.

AUXILIAR Y INPUT (F or Model RS85 Onl y)
(For your f actory keyless or aftermarket alarm)

When connecting this unit to a factory keyless entry system, you must locate the door lock wire that
tests as a positive when you press the lock button on the factory remote. A relay P art #775 will be
needed to convert the positive output from the door lock to a negative for the RS85. If the wire negative
when you press the lock button on the factory remote, you can tie directly into the BLUE wire.

This wire is usually located in the driver’s kick panel in the harness that is coming from the driver’s
door.

HOW TO USE YOUR REMOTE TRANSMITTER

Start

BUTTON #1

1

BULLDOG

(Model RS85 Only)
Start

Using the remote included in this kit: Press and release Button #1.
Using your factory keyless entry remote: Press the Lock button three times.
Using Aftermarket Alarm: Press the second channel button on your remote transmitter.

Stop

Using the remote included in this kit: Press Button #2.
Using your factory keyless entry remote: Press Lock button.
Using Aftermarket Alarm: Press and release the second channel button on your remote transmitter.

Pit Stop (Exiting the Car with the Engine Running)

With your factory keyless remote:
If the vehicle is running with the ignition key, a press to Lock button on the factory keyless will cause the parking
lights to flash once (if connected). You can now turn off your ignition key, remove the key and exit the vehicle. The
vehicle will remain running for 15 minutes. NOTE: Some vehicle’s factory keyless won’t work if the engine is running.
If your vehicle operates in this fashion, pit stop will not function.

Remote starts your

2

vehicle from up to 400
feet away.

BUTTON #2
Turns off your remot e
starter.

Press and release Button #1 the vehicle will remote start.

Stop

Press and release Button #2 the vehicle will shut down.

Pit Stop: Exiting the Car with the Engine Running

Make sure the transmission is in park and the brake is not
pressed then press and release Button #1 (start) before turning
the ignition switch off. (The engine will remain running for
15 minutes or until the brake is pressed.)

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