Compustar Firstech FT-7200S Failed Reservation

The car is a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX manual transmission with no immobilizer (a regular full metal skinny key will start the car). Ignore the ADS module in the pictures below as it came with the unit for free.







I have installed a few of these and never really had an issue that I couldn’t sort out in 5 minutes of troubleshooting. This one has me stumped. I connected all of the wires and when I went to test the unit it just won’t go into reservation mode. Lock, unlock and all trigger wires (door, hood, e-brake, foot brake) function as expected.

When I pull the e-brake, take the key out, then open and close the door it shuts the car down but doesn’t lock the doors or go into reservation mode. See video below, at the end I try starting it (turn down volume as the chirps are ear-piercing):

https://youtu.be/iIfkb7_vrJU

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iIfkb7_vrJU" frameallowfullscreen></iframe>

Furthermore, I think it may be an issue with the door locks. When I set the e-brake, take the key out and then hit lock or unlock, the unit also shuts down and doesn’t enter reservation mode. But you don’t need door locks for it to start; you only need the door trigger wire which it sees correctly.

https://youtu.be/Tc9H6peJlK4

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tc9H6peJlK4" frameallowfullscreen></iframe>

I googled a little bit and people say that it’s either the e-brake wire, hood pin, valet mode or door trigger issue however, all of those wires work since it shows correctly on the 2-way screen, ie. if I leave a door open it will show me on screen; same with the hood, etc. I also verified the tach wire works as when I start the car with the key and hit “query” on the remote, the 2-way remote indicates “car running”.

https://youtu.be/TsZEpqsezdY

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TsZEpqsezdY" frameallowfullscreen></iframe>

Has anyone ever had this issue? Should I just throw a new brain unit at it?

Two things come to mind.  Your issue is probably the second as they don't stress this point in the install guide.

First, you must be set to Tach Mode and do a Tach Learn.

Second, you must connect and use a FT-DAS sensor.  This is not included in the FT-7200S kit but is mandatory on manual transmission installs. 
Here is the note :
The following sensors are available but not included with every system:
• FT-DAS Firstech Digital Adjustable Sensor (Required for Manual Transmissions)

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Soldering is fun!

kreg357, you are spot on 100% correct.

…so I guess that’s what happens when I assume things. I read that the FT-DAS sensor was required but immediately assumed it was for coupling with an alarm system. Looking more closely now at the instructions it says for ANY manual transmission car you need the sensor. That's right, you need a shock and tilt sensor on your remote starter. I bought one today, plugged it in and everything worked first time.





https://youtu.be/-L0fZPpPsVQ

It appears that Compustar wanted the extra liability protection and consumer safety afforded by the FT-DAS sensor.  It's main purpose in the non-alarm FT-7200S application is to detect car movement during a remote start-up ( in gear ) and shut-down the engine immediately.

Nice videos!  Glad it's working 100% for you.  Compustar systems are always great performers.

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Soldering is fun!