Firstech CM600-AS Installation Manual

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions;

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
(2) This device may accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate this device.

WWW.COMPUSTAR.COM

Installation Manual

By Firstech LLC, Version: 1.4

Applicable to the following alarm and remote
start system:

CM600-AS – Auto Only Starter Control
Module – F/W 3.10

2

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Kit(s) Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 3

Remote Code Routine(s) ....................................................................................................................... 5

Programming Remotes to CM-600AS .................................................................................................. 5

Placement and Use of Components ..................................................................................................... 5

Antenna and Cable .............................................................................................................................. 5

Hood Pin .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Shock Sensor ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Siren .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Common Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 6

Valet Mode ........................................................................................................................................... 6

Jumper Settings ................................................................................................................................... 6

Diesel Timer ......................................................................................................................................... 8

CM-600AS Wiring Schematic ................................................................................................................ 9

Connector 1 (CN1), 8-Pin Ignition Harness ........................................................................................ 10

Connector 2 (CN2), 12-Pin Harness ................................................................................................... 11

Connector 3 (CN3), 8-Pin Harness ..................................................................................................... 11

Connector 4 (CN4), 6-Pin Lock Harness ............................................................................................ 12

Connector 5 (CN5), 4-Pin (RS232 Port - 2 Way Data) ........................................................................ 13

Connector 6 (CN6), 4-Pin (Antenna Cable) ........................................................................................ 13

Connector 7 (CN7), 2-Pin (Pre-wired LED) ........................................................................................ 13

Connector 8 (CN8), 4-Pin (Shock Sensor Port) .................................................................................. 13

Option Programming Tables ............................................................................................................... 14

Option Menu Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 16

Option Programming ........................................................................................................................... 19

Option Programming Using the FT-OP500-KIT (programmer) ........................................................... 19

Option Programming Using a Remote ................................................................................................ 19

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 21

Remote Start Error Codes .................................................................................................................. 21

Alarm LED Diagnostics ...................................................................................................................... 21

Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................................................................. 22

Technical Support Contacts ................................................................................................................ 24

3

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Firstech alarm and remote start system for your vehicle. The following
installation manual is intended for experienced and authorized mobile and alarm technicians. This is not
a tutorial on how to install. We highly recommend that you contact your local Firstech dealer and seek
professional installation.

Call 888-820-3690 or visit our website at www.compustar.com to locate your nearest dealer.
Caution: The Manufacturer’s warranty will be void if this product is installed by anyone other than an

authorized dealer. Firstech reserves installation support services to authorized dealers only.

Kit(s) Contents

The CS-700AS, CS-600AS, and CS-6102AS includes all your basic components for basic install.

- 2 x Remotes

- 1 x Antenna

- Alarm and Starter Control Module CM600-AS

- 1 x Bright Blue LED

- 1 x Hood Pin

- 1 x Shock Sensor

- 1 x Siren

- Pack of Wiring Harnesses

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- Installation Basics

If you are new to installing Compustar by Firstech alarm and starter units, we highly recommend that you
review this manual in its entirety prior to installing your first unit.

Key Points to Consider Before Installation:

The two included remotes are preprogrammed to the unit Page 5
This system is designed for ease of installation and the two included remotes are preprogrammed. In the

event you may need to program new remotes cycle the ignition ON / OFF five times within seven
seconds and tap the Lock button (half second) on the first remote, and then tap the Lock button (half
second) on the second remote.

New Valet Procedure Page 6
There are two amendments to Valet Mode. To place the system into Valet, you must hold the foot brake

and cycle the ignition 5 times. To place the system into Valet using the remote you must turn the ignition
on and then tap the Lock and Trunk buttons.

New Tach learning procedure Page 7
To Learn Tach:

STEP 1. Start the vehicle with the key and allow it to idle down
STEP 2. Press and hold the foot brake
STEP 3. While holding the foot brake, hold the remote start button on the remote for 2.5 seconds

One parking light flash indicates that the vehicle tachometer signal has been successfully learned. Three
parking light flashes indicate that the control module failed to learn the tachometer signal

New Option Menus Page 14
The new option menu differs completely from other Firstech systems. It is important to familiarize

yourself with these as it will save time in most applications.
Option Programmer (FT-OP500-KIT) Page 19

Most options on this unit can be programmed with the remote(s) as well as the Option Programmer
(OP500). Please note the system must be disarmed before connecting the OP500. Otherwise, an
“ERROR” message will show on the display of your OP500. Connect the OP500 by unplugging the
antenna and plugging into the blue 4 pin port at the top of the programmer.

Updatable Firmware
The firmware on the CM-600AS can be updated through the RS232 port. Sign up on

www.firstechonline.com for instructions and exclusive dealer access

5

Remote Code Routine(s)

Antenna

IMPORTANT: The included remotes are preprogrammed to the control module. In the event that you

need to program the remotes follow the instructions below.

Programming Remotes to CM600-AS

STEP 1: Activate Programming mode by turning the ignition key on and off (between the Acc & On

positions) five times within 7 seconds. The vehicles parking lights will flash once with the successful
completion of this step.

STEP 2: Within a second after cycling the ignition the 5th time, tap the Lock button on the remote for a
half second. The parking lights will flash once to confirm the transmitter has been coded.

Programming Multiple Remotes: After the confirmation flash given
in STEP 2, you can code additional remotes by tapping the Lock
button on the remote(s). The parking lights will flash once confirming
each additional remote. The CM600-AS can store up to three
remotes.

Exiting Programming: Programming is a timed sequence. If you can
not get the remote(s) to program then the system enters Valet Mode.
The parking lights will flash twice signaling the end of programming
mode.

Placement and Use of Components

IMPORTANT: The placement and use of components are

critical to the performance of this system.

Antenna and Cable

Firstech antennas are calibrated for horizontal installation
at the top of the windshield. It does not have to be
mounted in the top left corner as shown to the left. The
cable that connects the antenna to the brain must be free
from any pinches or kinks. Installing the antenna in areas
other than the windshield may adversely affect the
effective transmitting distance of the remotes.

Hood Pin

The hood pin is an important safety feature that prevents the remote start from engaging while the hood
is open. This is also to prevent accidental injury in the event that the vehicle is in service.

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Shock Sensor

For best results mount the shock sensor by zip tying it to the vehicle’s main ignition harness. There is a
small dial on the sensor that ranges from Off to 10. The higher the number on the dial, the greater
sensitivity of impact. A small adjustment to the dial can make a significant difference in sensitivity for both
1st and 2nd stages. Recommended dial settings for most vehicles is somewhere between 2 & 4. The
system begins monitoring the shock sensor 30 seconds after the alarm is armed.

Siren

The siren should be mounted securely in the engine bay. To adjust duration time when the alarm has
been triggered, change Option 2-08 – the system default is 30 seconds.

Common Procedures

Valet Mode

When servicing or loaning your vehicle to others, your alarm system should be placed in Valet mode.
Valet mode disables all alarm functions as well as parking lights.

IMPORTANT: While in Valet mode your remotes will still lock and unlock the doors.
The system can be put into valet one of two ways:

1. Turn the vehicle’s key to the ignition “on” position and tap the Lock and Trunk buttons
simultaneously for a half second. The parking lights will flash once to confirm the system is in
Valet Mode. Repeat this process to take the system out of Valet Mode. Ignition does not have to
be on. Upon holding the same buttons again the parking lights will flash twice to confirm the
system is out of Valet Mode.

2. You can put the system into Valet by holding the foot brake and then turning the

ignition key “on” and then “off” five times within 7 seconds. The parking lights will flash

once to confirm the system is in valet mode. Shortly after the first flash, the parking
lights will flash twice.

Jumper Settings

Caution: Jumper settings affect the polarity and use of certain outputs. If these jumpers are used

incorrectly, damage to the vehicle and control module may occur. The jumpers can be found by opening
the small door on the front of the CM600-AS.

Jumper 1 (Door Trigger Polarity)

Determines the polarity of the door trigger input wire (red/white). In the default position the door trigger
registers negative (-) triggers. To change to a positive (+) trigger, move the jumper.

Jumper 2 (2nd Ignition / 2nd Starter / 2nd Accessory Relay)

This jumper determines the behavior of the large blue wire on Connector 1. This wire is powered by an
internal relay in the control module. In the default position the jumper is set to 2nd Ignition. 2nd Ignition is
common on GM and Toyota vehicles and will need powering. You can change the behavior of the wire to
act as a 2nd Starter or 2nd Accessory to power up those wires common on newer Toyotas and Nissans.

Tachless Sensing – Default Setting on Option 2-04

Tachless sensing is an alternative engine sensing mode. Tachless sensing does not require a
connection to the vehicle other than the main ignition harness. IMPORTANT: All wiring connections must
be made before attempting remote starting.

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Number of Parking Light

Flashes

Tach Error

1

Option 2-04 is not on setting 2

2

Key is in the off position

3

Bad tach signal. Find a different wire.

STEP 1: Connect all necessary wires.
STEP 2: Process complete – there is no further programming required other than adjusting crank time

when necessary (see below).
Adjusting Crank Time: To adjust the crank times, refer to Options 1-03 and 2-05. To help ensure

successful starting, the system will automatically add additional crank time to the 2nd and 3rd start
attempts. In addition, there is a built in “Smart Resting Mode”. Traditional tach sensing is highly
recommended for colder climates.

Tach Sensing – Option 2-04 Setting 2

Tach sensing mode requires a connection made with the yellow/black wire on Connector 2. Firstech
recommends using an injector, coil or other tach source for tachometer sense. IMPORTANT: The tach
must be programmed before remote starting.

STEP 1: Start the vehicle with the key. Allow time for the engine to idle down.
STEP 2: Test wire and make connection. With the vehicle off the wire should test 0 Volts AC. At idle the

tach wire should test between 1 to 5 Volts AC. As the vehicle RPM’s increase the voltage on the meter

will also increase. Always solder tach connections.
STEP 3: Learn tach. While the vehicle is at idle, hold the foot brake and press and hold the remote start

button on the remote control for 2.5 seconds.
The parking lights will flash once to confirm a good tach signal. The parking lights will flash three times to

indicate the tach did not learn. Two seconds following the three flashes, the number of parking light
flashes will indicate the cause of the error;

Advanced Tachless – Option 2-04 Setting 3

Advanced Tachless is an alternative method the Firstech remote start system can utilize to determine if
the engine is running. This is different than no tach sensing so the yellow/black wire connection must be
made. IMPORTANT: No programming other than option changing is required for Advanced Tachless.

STEP 1: Change Option 2-04 to setting 3 - Advanced Tachless.
STEP 2: Test wire and make connection. The stator wire is found at the vehicles’ alternator. Change

your meter to DC before testing for this wire.
A. At rest, with the ignition off, the stator wire should test 0V DC.
B. Turn the ignition to the run position. The stator wire should now test between 1 – 6V DC.
C. Start the vehicle with the key. The stator wire should now test between 12 – 14V DC at idle.

STEP 3: Process complete – no further programming is required.

Assumed Timed Crank – Option 2-04 Setting 4

Assumed Time Crank is the last feature of Option 2-04 for remote starting. This is intended for vehicles

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with built-in anti-grind feature or vehicles that do not have a 12V Positive starter wire at the ignition
harness. This option will send a 1.5 second crank signal to the vehicle. This option can be used on
vehicles with built in anti-grind systems.

Automatic Transmission Remote Start Function

Hold the button for 2.5 seconds to remote start an automatic transmission vehicle. If you are in
range and if the vehicle is ready to remote start, the vehicle parking lights will flash once.

If you are in range, the parking lights on the vehicle will flash three times followed by a certain number
after that, there is a remote start error. Refer to the “remote start error diagnostic” table under the
Troubleshooting section of this manual for details.

Upon receiving confirmation that your vehicle is running, the parking lights will light solid. The remote
start run time can be set for 3, 15, 25, or 45 minutes. The option is 1-08 to adjust the remote start run
time. This should be set at the time of installation.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle’s key must be inserted into the ignition and turned to the “on” position prior to

driving your vehicle. If the foot brake is depressed prior to the key inserted and in the “on” position, the
vehicle will shut off.

Diesel Timer

The CM600-AS module has a built in Diesel Timer to allow the vehicle’s glow plug wire to heat up. There
are two time settings on this unit, 7 or 18 seconds. This will allow the ignition to power up and then crank
once the time has expired and glow plugs have properly heated up. There is also a 3rd setting that will
delay the ignition for remote starting GM vehicles.