Installation Manual
By Firstech LLC, Version: 1.0
Applicable to the following remote start system:
CM-900 – Auto Only Starter Control Module
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.FIRSTECHDATA.COM
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Kit Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Installation Basics ................................................................................................................................. 4
Key Points to Consider Before Installation: .......................................................................................... 4
Remote Code Routine(s) ....................................................................................................................... 5
Placement and Use of Components ..................................................................................................... 5
Common Procedures ............................................................................................................................. 6
Valet Mode ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Jumper Settings ................................................................................................................................... 6
Tachless Sensing – Default Setting on Option 2-10 ............................................................................. 6
Alternator Sensing – Option 2-10 Setting 3 .......................................................................................... 7
Assumed Timed Crank – Option 2-10 Setting 4 ................................................................................... 7
Diesel Timer ......................................................................................................................................... 8
CM-900 Wiring Schematic (Remote Start) ............................................................................................ 9
Option Programming Tables ............................................................................................................... 14
Option Menu Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 16
Option Programming ........................................................................................................................... 28
Option Programming Using the FT-OP500 ......................................................................................... 28
Option Programming Using Compatible Remotes .............................................................................. 28
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 30
Remote Start Error Codes .................................................................................................................. 30
Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................................................................. 30
Technical Support Contacts ................................................................................................................ 32
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Firstech remote start system for your vehicle. The following installation
manual is intended for experienced and authorized remote start 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 Contents
The CM-900 Series Kits include all your basic components for basic install.
- Starter Only Control Module CM-900
- 1 x Hood Pin
- Pack of Wiring Harnesses
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Installation Basics
If you are new to installing Firstech remote start units, we highly recommended that you review this
manual in its entirety prior to installing your first unit.
Key Points to Consider Before Installation:
The two 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.
This system is only compatible with Automatic transmission vehicles
Unlike other Firstech remote start systems the CM-900 is only compatible with Automatic transmission
vehicles. Manual transmissions are not supported by this unit.
New Valet Procedure Page 6
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.
System comes in Tachless Sensing Mode
The CM-900 comes preprogrammed in Tachless Sensing Mode. You do not need to connect the
Yellow/Black Tach/Alternator sensing wire to remote start the vehicle.
Tach learning procedure Page 6
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 3 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 13
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 (OP500) Page 16
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.
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Remote Code Routine(s)
IMPORTANT: The remotes are preprogrammed to the control module. If you need to program the
remotes, follow the instructions below.
Programming the Remote
STEP 1: Activate Programming mode by turning the ignition key on and off (between the Acc & On
positions) five times within 10 seconds. The vehicle’s 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 CM-900 can store up to three remotes.
Exiting Programming: Programming is a timed sequence. 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.
Antenna
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Common Procedures
Valet Mode
When servicing or loaning your vehicle to others, your remote start system should be placed in Valet
Mode. Valet Mode prevents the system from remote starting and disables all alarm functions.
IMPORTANT: While in Valet mode the remote start will still lock and unlock power lock systems.
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 tapping 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 10 seconds. The parking lights will
flash once to confirm the system is in Valet Mode.
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.
Jumper 1 (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 2-10
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.
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 Option 2-12. To ensure successful start, 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 2-10 Setting 2
Tach sensing mode requires a connection made with the yellow/black wire on Connector 3. 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.
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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 3 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;
Alternator Sensing – Option 2-10 Setting 3
Alternator sense is an optional method the control module can use to verify if the engine is running. This
is different than tachless sensing so the yellow/black wire connection must be made. IMPORTANT: No
other option programming is required.
STEP 1: Change Option 2-10 to setting 3 - Alternator Sensing.
STEP 2: Test wire and make connection. The stator wire is found at the vehicle’s 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 required.
Assumed Timed Crank – Option 2-10 Setting 4
Assumed Time Crank is the last feature of Option 2-10 for remote starting. This is intended for vehicles
with built-in anti-grind feature or that do not have a +12V Positive starter wire at the ignition harness. This
option will send a 3 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 3 seconds to remote start an automatic transmission vehicle. If you are in range
and the vehicle is ready to remote start, the parking lights will flash once.
If you are in range and the parking lights 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 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. Option 3-01 will adjust the remote start run time. This should be
Number of Parking Light
Flashes
Tach Error
1
Option 2-10 is not on setting 2
2
Key is in the off position
3
Bad tach signal. Find a different wire.
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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 inserting the key and turning to the “on”
position, the vehicle will shut off.
Diesel Timer
The CM-900 module has a built in Diesel Timer to allow the vehicle’s glow plug wire to heat up. There
are multiple time settings on this unit, 3 to 99 seconds. This will allow the ignition to power up and then
crank once the time has expired and glow plugs have properly heated up.
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CM-900 Wiring Schematic (Remote Start)
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Connector 1 (CN1), 8-Pin Ignition Harness
Pin 1 Red - Constant 12V positive (+) power input. This wire must be connected. The proper vehicle
wire will test (+) 12V at all times - while the key is in the off position, the on position and during
crank.
Pin 2 Green/White – This is the positive (+) parking light wire that triggers when you lock and unlock
the doors and remote start the vehicle.
Pin 3 Red/White - Constant 12V positive (+) power input. This wire must be connected. The proper
vehicle wire will test (+) 12V at all times - while the key is in the off position, the on position and
during crank.
Pin 4 White - Accessory 12V positive (+) output. This wire must be connected to the vehicle accessory
/ HVAC blower motor wire. The proper wire will test 0V with the key in the off position, (+) 12V
while key is in the on position, 0V while cranking and back to (+) 12V when the key is returned to
the on position.
.
Pin 5 Blue - Positive 12V (+) output that powers up during remote start. The behavior of this wire is
selectable by a jumper inside the control module. By default this wire powers up as a 2nd Ignition
trigger. It is changeable to a 2nd Starter or 2nd Accessory.
Pin 6 Yellow - Starter 12V positive (+) output. This wire must be connected for remote start. The proper
wire will test 0V with the key in the off position, 0V while the key is in the on position and (+) 12V
during crank.
Pin 7 Green – Ignition 12V positive (+) output and input. This wire must be connected to the vehicles’
ignition for remote start and valet / remote programming. The proper wire will test 0V with the key
in the off position, 12 V (+) while the key is in the on position and 12V (+) during crank.
Pin 8 Black - Ground negative (-) input. This wire must be connected to the vehicle’s ground.
Connector 2 (CN2) Blade Connector and Cartridge
The CM-900 slot gives you the ability to use the Blade-AL and Blade-TB modules from Firstech
and ADS. With these modules you can virtually eliminate all wire connections between your
control module and bypass module. You only need to connect the main ignition harness and
needed from the Black 20 pin Blade connector that may be required according to the vehicle
specific Blade installation guide. For more information on how to program and wire the Blade,
please visit compustar.idatalink.com for the specific wiring diagram for that vehicle.
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