programming an autostart as 1515sh remote

Just had a quick question about programming a new remote for my existing Autostart AS-1515SH remote starter.

This unit was not installed correctly by the original owner and I'd like to make sure of something. The way it's wired now is that the wire that is supposed to go to the hood pin is not going to the hood pin. Unfortunately for me, in order to program a new remote to the unit, I need to use the hood pin. The programming instructions are like so:

1. Ensure the ignition is OFF• Hold hood switch down for 4 seconds.• Release pin-switch (parking lights should come ON)• With parking lights ON, immediately push and release pin-switch again. Parking lights willstay on for up to 20 seconds2. Turn the ignition key ON, OFF, ON, OFF (Parking lights should go OFF when key is turned ONthe first time) (NOTE: L.E.D should be flashing for the next step)3. Press transmitter LOCK TWICE, within 5 seconds of step 2. (NOTE: Parking lights will flash 5times quick and then stay ON and system returns to programming mode.)4. To exit, close the hood.

The wiring diagram is at the link below. Can I simply strip a bit of the grey "Hood switch" wire (which I am not sure where is going), and put an alligator clip to the body of the car and do that whenever they call for pushing the hood pin switch? The other unfortunate thing is that the original installer didn't wire any of the parking lights (or install a LED) to the unit either so I don't have any visual aids either. Just not sure if the hood switch sends a ground or not.

https://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pagesfromas1515shigenh1oz5.jpg

Thanks!

as far as the hood switch goes you are correct in your thinking. all you need to do is to tap ground once, remove it and then hold the wire to ground in order to program. now the only issue with this is that you have no indicator to tell you if you are in programming mode other then the clicking of the relays inside the brain. my advice is to either a)hook up the p lights or b)at least plug a LED into the brain so you can know when you are in programming mode. or c) have some patience and try to do it by luck/chance/listening to the relays in the brain.