Programming your Prostart remote car starter can seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process you can often do yourself. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your Prostart remote, focusing on the common method using the hood pin switch. Many professional installers utilize the hood pin switch for programming, though some might skip installing the physical pin itself due to potential corrosion issues down the line. However, the wiring and functionality are still crucial for programming.
To begin, you’ll need to locate the hood pin wire of your Prostart unit. This wire is typically GRAY and is found within the harness alongside your main ignition harness. If you can access your Prostart unit, usually located under the dashboard, look for this gray wire. Some installations might include the hood pin switch still attached to this wire. If the switch isn’t present, you’ll need to ground this wire manually to enter programming mode. You might need to use an extension wire or a test light probe to establish a ground connection.
Once you’ve identified the hood pin wire and are ready to ground it, follow these steps to enter programming mode:
- Ground and Release: Briefly ground the gray hood pin wire for about one second and then release. You should see the lights on your vehicle flash, indicating the first step is complete.
- Ground and Hold: Immediately after releasing, ground the hood pin wire again and hold it. The lights should flash again and then remain on, signaling that you have successfully entered programming mode. You now have approximately 30 seconds to program your remote(s).
With your system now in programming mode, proceed with these steps to program your Prostart remote:
- Ignition Key Cycle: Insert your key into the ignition switch. Turn the key from the “ACC” (accessory) position to the “IGN” (ignition) position and then immediately remove the key.
- Press and Hold Lock: Press and hold the “Lock” button on your Prostart remote. You will first hear a single click sound. Continue holding the “Lock” button until you hear an additional five click sounds. This sequence confirms that your remote has been successfully programmed.
- Additional Remotes: If you have additional Prostart remotes to program, repeat step 2 for each remote within the 30-second programming window.
If you follow these steps and your remote starter doesn’t enter programming mode, or if the remotes are not programmed, there are a couple of troubleshooting steps to consider. First, always check your vehicle’s fuses related to the remote starter system to ensure none are blown. If the fuses are good and the system still doesn’t respond to the hood pin grounding process, it’s possible that the Prostart unit itself may be faulty or no longer functional. In this case, professional diagnosis and potential unit replacement might be necessary.
By following these instructions, you should be able to program your Prostart remote car starter effectively and regain convenient remote start functionality. Remember to work carefully and consult a professional installer if you are uncomfortable with any part of this process.
