Code Alarm CA 421 Installation Instructions Manual

CA 421 Installation Instructions

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Installation Precautions:

Roll down window to avoid locking
keys in vehicle during installation

Avoid mounting components or
routing wires near hot surfaces

Avoid mounting components or
routing wires near moving parts

Tape or loom wires under hood
for protection and appearance

Use grommets when routing wires
through metal surfaces

Use a voltmeter for testing and
verifying circuits

Note: Do not install this system on a vehicle

that is not equipped with the following:

Kit Contents

(1) - Control Module
(2) - 1 Button High Frequency Transmitters
(1) - Receiver with Pushbutton
(1) - Multi Pin Harness
(1) - Six Pin Harness
(1) - Four Pin Harness
(1) - Pin Switch
(1) - Remote Start Warning Label
(1) - Literature Package

• Automatic Transmission

• Fuel Injection

• Ignition / Shift Interlock

FCC COMPLIANCE

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. 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 any interference that may cause undesired operation.

Warning!

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Technical Support [phone]

or go to

http://techservices.codesystems.com

1

CA 421
SYSTEM LAYOUT

(-) PUL SE AFTE R S TART

(-) PUL SE DURING CR ANK

(-) PUL SE AFTE R S HUTDOWN

IGN ITION 1

PARKING LIGHT POLARITY

PARKING LIGHT OUTPUT

(-) PUL SE BE FOR E S TART

WHITE

WHITE/RE D

11

12

BLACK/WHITE

OPE N

BROWN/RED

9

8

10

HOOD PIN INPUT

(+) GLOW PLU G INP UT

ACTIVE OUTPUT

GRAY

GRAY/BLACK

BLUE/BLACK

7

6

5

CHASSIS GROUND

TACH INPUT

TO AL ARMS IGNITION INPUT

PURPLE/WHITE

BLACK

OPE N

4

YE LLOW/BLACK

2

3

1

(-) NE UTR AL S AFE TY INP UT

BRAKE INPUT

12V C ONS TANT

PINK

RED

6

5

HVAC OUTPUT

IGN ITION 2

12V C ONS TANT

STARTE R MOTOR

PINK/WHITE

ORANGE

RED

PURPLE

2

4

3

1

ANTE NNA POR T

PROGRAMMING PORT

BLUE

GREEN/BLACK

GREEN/WHITE

BLACK/YELLOW

ANTENNA PORT

PROGRAM BUTTON PORT

CA-421

2

INSTALLA TION OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS
Control Module:

Select a mounting location inside the passenger compartment (behind the dashboard). The mounting location
selected must be within 24" of the ignition switch wiring harness to allow connection of the 6-pin harness. Be
certain that the chosen location will not interfere with the proper operation of the vehicle. Avoid mounting the
module to or routing the wiring around the steering shaft/column, as the module or wiring may wrap around or
block the steering wheel preventing proper control of the vehicle. Secure the module in the chosen location
using cable ties or screws as necessary. Do not mount the module in the engine compartment, as it is not
waterproof.

HOOD PIN SWITCH:

The pin switch included in this package is required for the safety shut down of the Remote Start system. If the
vehicle is being serviced, this hood switch prevents the remote start activation even if the transmitter is
operated. This switch MUST be installed in all applications. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or
property damage. Mount the switch in an area under the hood that is away from water drain paths. If necessary,
the included brackets may be used to move the switch away from rain gutters or allow mounting to the firewall
behind the hood seal. In either case the switch must be set to allow the hood to depress the switch at least 1/
4" when the hood is closed and fully extended when the hood is opened. For direct mounting, a 1/4" hole must
be drilled. Carefully check behind the chosen location to insure the drill will not penetrate any existing factory
wiring or fluid lines. Drill a 1/4" hole in the desired location and thread the pin switch into it. If using the
mounting bracket, first secure the bracket to the desired location and secure the pin switch in the threaded
mounting bracket hole.

The CA-421 is to be used in vehicles with AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS only! Although this is a sophisticated
system with many advanced features, IT MUST NOT be installed into a vehicle with a manually operated
transmission. Doing so may result in serious personal injury and property damage.

IMPORTANT!

DO NOT PLUG THE SIX PIN OR THE MULTI PIN HARNESS INTO THE CONTROL MODULE UNTIL ALL
CONNECTIONS TO THE VEHICLE HA VE BEEN MADE. AFTER SELECTING YOUR TARGET WIRES
DISCONNECT THE NEGA TIVE BA TTERY CABLE FROM THE VEHICLE BA TTERY PRIOR T O MAKING ANY
CONNECTIONS.

WIRING THE 6 PIN HARNESS:

RED: +12 volts
RED: +12 Volts

Connect these wires to a +12 Volt constant source found at the vehicle's ignition switch using the 30 Amp
fuses and holders provided. Most vehicles have more than one battery source supplying power to the ignition
switch. Separate feed wires must be used for both of the RED wires. If your vehicle does not have two battery
feed wires at the ignition switch then it is possible to connect both wires to the vehicle's battery.

IMPORTANT!

It is the responsibility of the installing technician to determine the load factor of the vehicles electrical circuits
when the vehicle is running and to adequately fuse the two power wires based on that load.

3

PURPLE: S tarter Output
This wire will have +12 volts when the ignition switch is turned to the start (crank) position only. This wire will

have 0 volts in all other ignition switch positions.

PINK: Ignition 1 Output
Connect this wire to the ignition 1 wire from the ignition switch. This wire will show +12 volts when the ignition

key is turned to the to the ON, RUN and START positions, and will have 0 volts when the key is turned to the OFF
and ACCESSORY positions. For Diesel Applications, this wire must be connected to the ignition circuit that
powers the glow plugs if the vehicle requires glow plug pre-heating. (See programmable features #8)

PINK w/ WHITE: Ignition 2 Output*
Connect this wire to the ignition 2 wire from the ignition switch. This wire will show + 12 volts when the ignition

key is turned to the ON or RUN position and in some cases the START position. This wire will show 0 volts
when the key is turned to the OFF and ACCESSORY positions.

*NOTE: See programmable features #2 for programming this wire to function as an ACCESSORY wire.

ORANGE: Accessory Output
Connect this wire to the Accessory wire from the ignition switch. This wire will show + 12 volts when the ignition

switch is turned to the ACCESSORY, ON and RUN positions, and will show 0 volts when the key is turned to the
OFF and START positions.

ORANGE

PINK

RED

RED

PURPLE

PINK/WHITE

BLUE/BLACK
Active out *

+12 Volts in switch position indicated

May be +12 volts in switch position indicated

This circuit is not always required for installation

4

WIRING THE 12 PIN HARNESS:

BLACK: Chassis Ground Source

Connect the BLACK wire to a known vehicle ground source or to a solid clean metal part of the chassis. Be
certain to remove any paint or grease and secure this wire with a self taping screw and ring terminal.

BLACK w/WHITE: Neutral Safety Input (-)
The BLACK w/ WHITE neutral safety input is required for remote start operation. Connect the BLACK w/WHITE

wire to the vehicle wire at the shifter that will show ground when in park or neutral, and voltage in all other
positions.

GRAY: Hood Pin Input (-)
Connect the GRAY wire to the hood pin switch provided. This wire will be routed through the firewall into the

engine compartment. It is necessary to use an existing grommet when passing wires through the firewall to
prevent short circuiting. This is an important safety feature of CA 421, and failure to use this feature can result in
serious injury. Route the wire to the pin switch and connect it using the bullet connector provided.

BROWN w/ RED Wire: Positive Brake Input
Any time +12 Volts is applied to the BROWN w/RED wire, the Remote Start system will stop operating, even if

the signal is received from the transmitter. If the brake light switch in the vehicle switches +12 Volts to the brake
light circuit, connect the BROWN w/RED wire to the output of the brake light switch. If the brake light switch in
the vehicle switches ground, do not use the BROWN w/RED wire; see GRAY w/BLACK wire.

Note: The BROWN w/RED wire is used for programming, if the brake switch in the vehicle switches ground, a
normally open push-button switch must be added. During the program sequence, when the brake pedal is
pressed and released, this switch will be used in it's place. If the installation of this switch is necessary,
connect one end of the normally open push button switch to the BROWN w/RED wire, and connect the other
end of the switch to a fused +12 volt source.

Brake Switch Positive Shutdown Detail

5

YELLOW w/ BLACK: + 12 Volt Alarm By - Pass Output
This wire provides a 500mA +12 Volt transistorized output when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, and

0 Volts when the ignition key is OFF and when the vehicle is running under the control of the Remote Start. This
wire should be connected to the ignition input of the alarm system. The YELLOW w/BLACK wire output will allow
you to Remote Start the vehicle while leaving the alarm armed, and to lock/unlock the doors while running
under control of the remote start system.

WHITE/RED and WHITE Wires: Parking Light Output
These wires are the COMMON and NORMALLY OPEN contacts of the on-board parking light relay. If the

vehicle's parking lights are a +12 volt switched system, connect the WHITE/RED wire to a fused (15A max.) +12
volt battery source, and connect the WHITE wire to the vehicle's parking light wire. If the vehicle's parking lights
are a chassis ground switched system, connect the WHITE/RED wire to a chassis ground source, and connect
the WHITE wire to the vehicle's parking light wire.

Vehicle Parking

Vehicle Parking Lights

Light Switch

White Wire From
Remote Start Module

Parking Light
Polarity Input

White /Red Wire From
Remote Start Module

Max 15 Amp Fuse

BLUE w/BLACK: Active output (-) Ignition 3 / Shock Disable Output
This wire provides a 300mA ground output that becomes active 3 seconds before the Remote Start system

initializes, and remains grounded while running plus an additional 4 seconds after the Remote Start system
turns off. In all of the applications described below, a relay will be required. The BLUE w/BLACK wire can be
used to accommodate the following situations:

1. Shock Sensor Bypass:

If there is Shock Sensor used with an alarm system and it is not shunted during the Remote Start activation
period, then vibration from the running vehicle can cause the alarm to trigger. In this case, connect the Blue/
Black Wire to terminal #86 of a external relay. Connect terminal# 85 of the relay to a fused + 12 volt battery
source. Cut the shock sensor trigger wire and connect one end of the cut wire to terminal #30 and the other end
of the cut wire to terminal #87a. Just before the Remote Start system is activated, the relay contacts will open,
preventing the shock sensor's operation until the Remote Start system shuts off.

2. Ignition 3 Output:

Some newer vehicles use a third ignition wire which is required to start and keep the vehicle's engine running.
If this is the case, connect the BLUE w/BLACK wire to terminal #86 of an external relay. Connect terminal # 30 &
# 85 to a fused + 12 volt battery source rated for a minimum of 25 Amp. Connect terminal # 87 to the third
ignition wire in the vehicle.

6

3. Transponder Key Override:

To bypass the system while the vehicle is operating under the control of the Remote Start system. Connect the
BLUE w/BLACK wire to the NEG trigger input of the accessory bypass.

GRA Y w/BLACK: Diesel W ait To Start
For Diesel glow plug preheat circuits, this Wait To Start input will allow the ignition to keep the glow plugs active

for the vehicles automatic time out period before cranking the starter motor. If the GRAY w/BLACK is connected
to the glow plug wire, this will take precedence over the timing setting and the Gas/Diesel programming in the
feature programming chart. Use this wire if you do not want to set the timing of the glow plug preheat circuit as
shown in the programmable features chart #8.

PURPLE w/WHITE: T ach Sensor Input
This wire will continually monitor the engine tach rate while the unit is under power of the Remote Start system.

This wire will be routed to the vehicle ECM tach input or through the firewall into the engine compartment and
connect to the negative side of the ignition coil. This Remote Start system learns the tach rate of the vehicle and
in most cases will operate properly from one multi coil pack regardless of the number of cylinders. If the vehicle
has a single coil system for each cylinder, it may be necessary to connect this wire to more than one coil for
proper tach reference. Shown in the programmable features chart #4.

WIRING THE 4 PIN HARNESS:

This harness provides low current outputs to control various functions in the vehicle during different stages of the
Remote Start system's operation. Understanding these outputs and the time in which they occur will allow you to
determine if they are needed for the particular vehicle you are working on, as well as how to use them.

BLACK w/YELLOW: Ground Output During St art (Crank)
The BLACK w/YELLOW wire will provide a 300mA ground output while the starter output of the Remote Start

system is active. This output can be used to activate the Bulb Test wire found in some GM vehicles.

GREEN w/WHITE: Pulsed Ground Output After Shut down
The GREEN w/WHITE wire will provide a 1 second 300mA pulsed ground output after the Remote Start system

shuts down. This output will occur regardless of whether the circuit times out or is manually terminated.
Typically this output will be used to re-lock the vehicle doors if the doors unlock automatically when the ignition
circuit transitions to OFF.

BLUE: Pulsed Ground Output Af ter St art
The BLUE wire will provide a 1 second 300mA pulsed ground output after the vehicle is started under control of

the Remote Start system. Typically this wire will be used to re-lock the vehicle doors if the doors unlock
automatically when the factory anti-theft system is disarmed.

7

GREEN w/BLACK: Pulsed Ground Output Before Start
The GREEN w/BLACK wire will provide a 1 second 300mA pulsed ground output 1.5 second before the remote

start system activates. Typical use for this output would be to disarm a factory theft deterrent system to prevent
false triggering of the factory alarm when the Remote Start system engages.

This output can also be used to unlock the doors while the vehicle is remote started. To unlock, press and hold
the transmitter button for 3 seconds while the vehicle is remote started. This feature is designed for vehicles
that have the factory keyless transmitter that does not function with the ignition on. To prevent the system from
unlocking the vehicle when the remote start cycle begins, wire the factory disarm / unlock output with a relay as
illustrated below.

Vehicle's Factory
Disarm Wire

85

30

Ignition

Ground

Vehicle's
Unlock Wire

87

87a

86

GREEN/BLACK Factory
Disarm / Unlock Output (-)

2 Pin Blue Connector : Programming Button
Connect the 2 pin programming plug into the mating connector of the control module. Note the programming

button is built into the antenna.

3 Pin Antenna/Receiver Connector: (Black Connector)
Plug the previously routed three pin connector from the antenna receiver assemble into the mating connector of

the control module. This connector supplies 12 volts, ground and RF data from the antenna receiver to the
remote start module. Be certain this connector is firmly seated making good contact to the control system.

8

PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES:

Feature LtsFlash1X Lts Flash 2X Lts Flash 3X Lts Flash 4X Default

1. Run Time 5 Min. 10 Min. 15 Min. 20 Min. 10 Min.

2. Ign. 2 Off during Crank On during Crank On

3. Parking Lights ON Fla sh ON

4. Tach Mode Tachless Tach Tach

5. Voltage Level > 0.5V B4 Start < 0.5V B4 Start > 0.5V

6. Diagnostics Off On Off

7. Crank Time 0.8Sec 1.0 Sec 1.5 Sec 2.0 Sec 1.0

8. Gas/Diesel Gas Diesel 10 Diesel 15 Diesel 20 Gas

9. BTN Press 1 Press Start 2 Press Start 2 Press Start

10. Unlock Out Single Pulse Double Pulse Single Pulse

To Program Features:

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

2. Press and release the program button 3 times, the parking lights will turn ON.

3. Immediately turn the ignition key OFF, then back to ON. The parking lights will turn OFF.

4. Press and release the program button 2 times, the parking lights will flash once indicating you are in
programmable feature #1.

5. Press the vehicle's brake to change the selection of programmable feature #1 OR use the program button to
advance to the next feature. Each button press advances one feature, the parking lights will flash indicating
the feature number.

6. Programming will exit after 15 seconds of inactivity or if the ignition is turned OFF, the parking lights will give
one long flash to confirm exit.

NOTE: New feature #10, Door Unlock Output while remote start is active. This output is also the factory disarm
output. To unlock, press and hold the transmitter button for 3 seconds while the vehicle is remote started.

NOTE: Once you enter the programming mode, do not allow more that 15 seconds to pass between steps, or
the programming will be terminated.

9

T ACH PROGRAMMING:

The Remote Car Start will learn the tach rate of most vehicles single ignition coils, multiple coil packs, and or
single injector. To learn tach:

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. Press and release the program switch 3 times.

4. Immediately turn the ignition key OFF.

5. Hold the program switch ON, then start the vehicle

using the ignition key.

6. When the system senses the tach signal, the parking lights will begin to flash.

7. Release the program switch. The parking lights will turn on for 3 seconds to indicate that the tach signal is stored
and the system is now out of the program mode.

DIAGNOSTICS:

1. Be sure that programmable feature number #6 is set to the "Diagnostics On" mode.

2. Press and hold the program switch on, then turn the ignition key to the ON position.

3. The lights will flash and the number of flashes will indicate the reason for shutdown on the last remote start
attempt. The indications are as follows.

1 Flash 5, 10, 15, or 20, minute run timer expired.
2 Flashes Low or No tach signal received.
3 Flashes Positive or Negative input shut down.
4 Flashes Neutral safety input..
5 Flashes RF Shutdown command received.
6 Flashes High RPM signal over speed shut down.
7 Flashes Tach has NOT learned.

TRANSMITTER PROGRAMMING:

This transmitter is designed for use with your remote start system and is programmed by using the remote
start's program switch in combination with the transmitter button. To program this transmitter into the CA-421
system:

1. Turn the ignition to the on position.

2. Press and release the programming switch 3 times.

3. Press and hold, for 3 seconds, the button of the transmitter you wish to add until the parking light flashes
indicating the transmitter has been learned.

4. Repeat step 3 for each transmitter up to a total of 4.
Turn the ignition off to exit the program mode.

10

TESTING YOUR INSTALLA TION:

CAUTION!! The following procedure must be performed after the installation of a Remote Start

system. It is the responsibility of the installing technician to complete these tests. Failure to

test the system in the following manner may result in personal injury, property damage, or
both.

HOOD PIN SAFETY SHUT DOWN:

To test the integrity of this circuit:

1. With the drivers window in the down position, start the vehicle using the keychain transmitter.

2. Reach inside the car and pull the hood release.

3. Raise the hood and confirm that the Remote Start system shuts down.

If the system fails this test, recheck your hood pin switch connection to the Gray/Black wire of the Remote
Start system.

DO NOT RELEASE THIS VEHICLE TO THE CONSUMER UNTIL YOU CONFIRM THE

OPERA TION OF THE HOOD PIN SAFETY SHUT DOWN FEA TURE.

NEUTRAL ST ART SAFETY TEST :

The intent of the neutral start switch is to prevent the vehicle from starting while the gear selector is in any
position other than Park, or Neutral. When installing a Remote Start system, it is imperative that the Purple
Starter wire be connected to the ignition switch side of the Neutral safety switch. To test the integrity of the
Neutral Safety Circuit:

1. Set the vehicle parking brake.

2. Block the drive wheels to prevent vehicle movement.

3. Temporarily disconnect the Brown/Red positive shut down wire from the vehicle's brake switch.

4. Sitting in the vehicle, start the engine using the vehicle's ignition key.

5. Step on the brake pedal and shift the gear selector into reverse.

6. Do not move the gear selector just turn the ignition switch off. DO NOT attempt to remove the key.

7. Keeping the brake pedal depressed, activate the transmitter in an attempt to start the vehicle. The
car should not start.

8. Repeat the above test, but this time move the gear selector to the drive position. If the system
attempts to start, failing this test, check the Violet wire connection. This wire must be connected to
the ignition switch side of the Neutral safety switch. If the vehicle you are working on does not have
an electrical Neutral Safety switch, it will be necessary to reconfigure the Remote Start wiring to
accommodate this vehicle.

11

COMPLETING THE INST ALLATION:

1. If you have not done so already, place the red rubber handle cover over the handle of the control switch
for ease of identification. This will allow your customer to distinguish the Remote Start control switch from
the program switch.

2. Mount the control module up and behind the dash securing it in place with cable ties or screws. Be certain
that the mounting location will not inhibit any of the controls of the vehicle.

3. Securely tie all wiring up and away from all hot and moving parts that they may come in contact with under
the dash board or in the engine compartment areas.

CAUTION: Avoid the area around the steering shaft and column, as wires can wrap around these
mechanisms and inhibit the safe operation of the vehicle.

4. Apply the Caution labels supplied with this kit to a conspicuous area in the engine compartment. Make
sure to clean the surface before affixing the label.

5. To insure proper operation, check the vehicle's wipers, lights, horn, etc...

6. Replace all panels that were removed during installation, and retest the system.

7. Explain all activated features and safety systems associated with Remote Start system installed to the
customer.

12

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