System Sherkhan Magicar 9 is one of the most popular car alarms on the Russian market, but even experienced car owners often encounter problems when setting up remote engine start. Unlike budget analogues, Sherkhan 9 supports autostart both by timer and from the key fob, but for correct operation it requires correct firmware, correct connection to the CAN bus and taking into account the specifics of a particular vehicle. In this article we will look at not only the basic setup, but also hidden functions of the key fob that the manufacturer does not advertise in the official instructions.

The main difficulty when working with Sherkhan 9 is a variety of data exchange protocols with the car. For example, for cars VAZ with CAN 2.0B setting up autorun will take 10 minutes, and for Toyota with K-Line An additional adapter and manual adjustment of parameters may be required. We will analyze each stage in detail: from preparing the car to diagnosing errors when the engine starts but immediately stalls.

Preparing the car for setting up autostart

Before you start programming the key fob, you need to make sure that the car is technically ready for auto start. The main requirement is a working battery with voltage not lower 12.4 V (with the engine off). If the battery is discharged, the alarm may prevent starting due to the risk of deep discharge.

The second critical point is gearbox type. For vehicles with manual transmission installation of an additional neutral module is required (if it is not included in the kit) Sherkhan 9). On machines with automatic transmission be sure to check:

  • 🔧 Status of limit switches (selector lever position sensors). If they are faulty, the alarm will not be able to detect that the lever is in the P or N.
  • 🔋 Availability of an immobilizer bypass (if the car is equipped with standard anti-theft protection). For Sherkhan 9 suitable modules Fortin or Pandora.
  • 📡 Quality of communication between the key fob and the alarm unit. If there is interference in the installation area (for example, near power lines or cell phone bases), the remote start may be delayed.

Also make sure that in the car all energy consumers are turned off: headlights, radio, heated windows. Even a small current leak (more than 50 mA) may cause autorun to fail.

📊 What type of gearbox does your car have?
Mechanical
Automatic
Robotic
CVT

Step-by-step setup of autostart from the key fob

To activate the remote engine start feature, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine). On a keychain Sherkhan 9 press and hold the button III (with a picture of a padlock) for 3 secondsuntil a double beep sounds.
  2. Go to key fob settings menuwhile holding the button I (with a picture of a car). A gear icon will appear on the screen.
  3. Using buttons ↑ and ↓ find the item AUTO START (icon with a key and an arrow). Click II (button with a checkmark) to login.
  4. From the submenu select FROM KEY RING and activate the function by pressing II. The alarm will confirm the saving of the settings with a triple signal.

After setting, check the functionality of the function:

  • 🚗 Turn off the engine, get out of the car and close all doors.
  • 🔑 On the key fob, press and hold the button I (car with up arrow) for 2 seconds. The engine should start.
  • ⏱ If autostart does not work, check whether the indicator is blinking IMMO on the key fob (this indicates a problem with the immobilizer).

Make sure the gearshift lever is in position P/N|

Close all doors and hood|

Disable the security alarm (button II)|

Check fuel level (at least 1/4 tank)|

Make sure that the key fob is within range (up to 20 m) -->

Important! If the vehicle is equipped turbocharged engine, after autostart, let it idle at least 3-5 minutesto avoid turbine overheating.

Typical errors and their elimination

Even if configured correctly, autorun may not work due to hidden problems. Let's look at the most common cases:

Symptom Possible reason Solution
The engine starts and immediately stalls The immobilizer bypass does not work Check the module connection to K-Line or CAN-tire. Reprogram the key.
Autostart only works when the door is open The door end sensor (limit switch) is faulty Replace the sensor or disable its testing in the alarm settings (Menu → Sensors → Limit switches).
Key fob shows error E03 Low voltage in the on-board network Charge the battery or check the generator. Minimum voltage for autostart - 12.2 V.
The engine does not start the first time The starter crank timer is incorrectly set Increase menu scroll time Settings → Starter up to 1.5-2 sec.

If an error appears on the key fob E05, this indicates problem with the CAN module. In this case:

  1. Check your connection CAN-H and CAN-L to the vehicle diagnostic connector (usually pins 6 and 14).
  2. Update the alarm firmware via Sherkhan Configurator (available on the official website).
  3. If the problem persists, try resetting to factory settings (Menu → Reset).
What to do if autostart only works in warm weather?

If the engine starts normally at temperatures above +5°Cbut fails in cold weather, the problem may be related to:

1. Oil viscosity - use synthetic oil with index 0W-20 or 5W-30.

2. Discharged battery — in cold weather, the battery capacity drops by 30-40%. Check voltage under load.

3. Faulty glow plugs (for diesel engines). When autostarting, they may not have time to warm up.

4. Alarm settings - in the menu Autostart → Climate increase the preheating time to 10-15 seconds.

Additional functions of the key fob for autostart

Keychain Sherkhan 9 supports multiple hidden functions, which simplify the use of autorun:

  • ⏰ Delayed launch: You can program the engine to start via 1, 2, 4, 8 or 24 hours. Hold to activate I + III simultaneously, then select an interval.
  • 🌡 Autostart based on temperature: The engine will automatically start when the temperature drops below the set threshold (configurable in the menu Climate).
  • 🔄 Anti-robbery mode: if after autostart someone tries to open the door without a key fob, the alarm will block the engine through 30 seconds.
  • 📱 Control via SMS: When connecting a GSM module, you can start the engine by command from your phone (separate setup required).

To activate turbo timer mode (useful for turbocharged engines):

  1. Go to Menu → Engine → Turbo timer.
  2. Set the operating time after turning off the ignition (1-5 minutes).
  3. Activate the function by pressing II.

If you are using Sherkhan 9 by car with hybrid power plant (for example, Toyota Prius), please note that standard autorun may not work. In this case you need:

  • Install additional module Sherkhan Hybrid.
  • Configure launch only in mode READY (without cranking the starter).
  • Disable engine speed check in alarm settings.
💡

If autorun occurs too often (for example, every 2 hours), check the timer settings in the menu Autorun → Interval. The optimal mode for most cars is every 4 hours at temperatures below -10°C.

Diagnosis of faults via key fob

Keychain Sherkhan 9 displays error codes, which help to quickly determine the cause of the malfunction. Here is a breakdown of the most common ones:

Error code Meaning Actions
E01 No connection with alarm unit Check antenna module and fuse F3 (10A).
E02 Door or hood is open Close all doors, check limit switches. If necessary, disable sensors in the settings.
E04 No signal from tachometer Check connection to CAN-tire or K-Line. Diesel engines may require an additional speed sensor.
E06 Immobilizer lock Reprogram the key or install a crawler (for example, Fortin EVO-ALL).

If it appears on the key fob E08, this indicates handbrake problem. The alarm blocks auto start if:

  • The handbrake is not raised (for manual transmission).
  • The handbrake sensor is faulty or not connected correctly.
  • The option is enabled in the alarm settings Checking the handbrake (can be disabled in the menu Security).

To reset errors:

  1. Stop the engine (if it is running).
  2. On the key fob, press sequentially: I → III → II.
  3. Hold II within 5 secondsuntil a double beep sounds.
💡

If, after resetting the errors, autostart still does not work, the problem lies in the hardware: check the connection of the CAN module, the alarm power circuit and the serviceability of the fuses.

Firmware update for stable autorun operation

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for Sherkhan 9, which fix autorun errors and add support for new cars. To update the firmware:

  1. Download the latest software from official website (section Support → Magicar 9).
  2. Connect the laptop to the car's diagnostic connector via USB-CAN adapter (for example, KVASER Leaf).
  3. Run the program Sherkhan Configurator and select your alarm model.
  4. Follow the instructions in the update wizard. Do not turn off the power during the process!

After update:

  • Reset alarm settings to factory defaults (Menu → Reset).
  • Configure autorun again (the settings may be reset).
  • Check the operation of all functions, including the remote control.

If autorun stops working after the update, possible reasons:

  • 🔌 Incompatibility of the new firmware with your car model (check the list of supported brands on the website Sherkhan).
  • 📡 Settings crash CAN-buses (re-configuration required).
  • 🔋 Insufficient voltage in the on-board network during flashing (can lead to damage to the unit).
How to roll back the firmware to the previous version?

If the new firmware caused problems, you can return the old version:

1. Download archived firmware from the forum Sherkhan Club (section Software archive).

2. Connect to the alarm via Configurator and select the option Downgrade.

3. After the rollback, perform a factory reset.

⚠️ Rolling back the firmware may void the warranty!

Security: how to protect your car from theft through autostart

Auto start is a convenient feature, but it increases the risk of theft if the alarm is not configured correctly. To minimize risks:

  • 🔐 Activate two-step protection: in the menu Security enable the option Launch confirmation. After autostart, the engine will only run 2 minutes, if you do not confirm the action by pressing the key fob again.
  • 🚨 Set up the key fob's range: Limit the radius of autostart to 10-15 meters (in the menu Range). This will prevent unauthorized persons from starting the engine.
  • 📵 Disable autostart when battery is low: in the menu Battery set threshold voltage 12.0 V. If the charge drops below, the alarm will block the start.
  • 🔧 Use a hidden block installation: Place the main alarm module in a hard-to-reach location (for example, behind the dashboard). This will make it more difficult for hijackers.

If your car is equipped standard immobilizer, required:

  1. Install dynamic code crawler (for example, Fortin EVO-ALL V3). Static crawlers (with fixed code) are easy to hack.
  2. Set the alarm to launch blocking in the absence of a tag (in the menu Immobilizer).
  3. Regularly (once every 3-6 months) change crawler codes via Sherkhan Configurator.
⚠️ Attention: If you are selling your car, be sure to reset all alarm settings and remove any associated key fobs. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to start the engine with your key fob!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about autorun on Sherkhan 9

Is it possible to configure autostart on a diesel car?

Yes, but additional configuration is required:

  • Install the coolant temperature sensor (if it is not included).
  • On the menu Engine select type Diesel.
  • Increase the starter cranking time to 3-5 seconds (due to high compression).
  • Activate the spark plug pre-heating (if installed).

For diesel engines with Common Rail may require module Sherkhan Diesel.

Why does autostart only work when the ignition is on?

This indicates one of the problems:

  1. Incorrectly connected CAN-module for the vehicle data bus.
  2. In the alarm settings the mode is enabled Test run (disable it in the menu Autostart).
  3. The key position sensor in the ignition switch is faulty.

Check the connection diagram for your car model (available on the website Sherkhan in section Connection diagrams).

How to turn off beeps during autostart?

To prevent the alarm from beeping when starting:

  1. Go to menu Settings → Sound.
  2. Select an item Autostart signals.
  3. Set value No sound or Quiet mode.

You can also disable light indication (headlights flashing) in the same menu.

How many times can you start the engine from the key fob in a row?

Default Sherkhan 9 allows you to do up to 3 starts in a row with an interval of at least 5 minutes. If the limit is exceeded, the alarm will block the function for 30 minutes (starter overheat protection).

To change this restriction:

  1. Go to Menu → Autorun → Restrictions.
  2. Set the required number of starts (1-5) and the interval between them.
Is it possible to control autorun via a smartphone?

Yes, but this requires:

  • Install Sherkhan GSM GSM module (sold separately).
  • Activate the service Sherkhan Online (cost - from 1200 rub/year).
  • Download the application Sherkhan Mobile (available for Android and iOS).

Through the application you can:

  • Start/stop the engine.
  • View vehicle status (temperature, battery voltage).
  • Receive notifications when an alarm is triggered.

⚠️ For online functions to work, the car must be within the network coverage area 2G/3G.