Installation and correct configuration of automatic engine start on the Scher-Khan Magicar 9 alarm system is one of the most popular procedures among car owners seeking comfort. This security system, known for its reliability and wide functionality, allows you to start the power unit according to a timer, temperature or schedule, which is especially important in harsh climates. However, despite the well-thought-out logic of operation, the initial activation of the function can cause difficulties for a user who is not familiar with the intricacies of programming table No. 1.
The activation process does not require connecting to a computer or using complex diagnostic equipment, since all manipulations are performed directly from the key fob communicator. The owner must clearly understand the differences between operating modes and know the sequence of keystrokes to avoid blocking the system or incorrect starter behavior. In this material, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions necessary for successful setup, and will pay attention to the nuances that are often overlooked.
Before you begin programming, make sure that the immobilizer bypass module is installed correctly, and the connections to the ignition and starter circuits are made according to your vehicle's electrical diagram. Errors at the installation stage can lead to the fact that even correctly entered commands will not lead to the desired result, and the system will go into blocking mode. Therefore, the technical serviceability of the installation is the foundation without which software settings Scher-Khan Magicar 9 don't make sense.
Preparing the system and checking startup conditions
Before making changes to the security system software settings, you need to make sure that a number of prerequisites are met. The Scher-Khan Magicar 9 alarm is equipped with an intelligent control system that blocks the engine from starting in the presence of certain risk factors or malfunctions. Ignoring these requirements may result in the starter not turning over or the engine stalling immediately after starting.
First of all, check the position of the gear shift lever. For vehicles with automatic transmission, the selector lever must be in the park position. P or neutral N. A manual transmission requires a "soft neutral" procedure, which we will discuss in the following sections. This is a critical safety feature that prevents the vehicle from moving when the engine is started without driver intervention.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the door switches, hood and trunk. If the system “sees” an open door, autostart will be blocked. Make sure the open perimeter indicator on the key fob is not lit. In addition, for the correct operation of the tachometer control of engine speed (which is used by the system to determine the success of the start), it is necessary that the signal from the tachometer enters the input of the alarm module.
⚠️ Attention: If the key fob displays a flashing main battery low indicator, the autostart function may be temporarily unavailable or may be unstable. Replace the A23 battery before starting programming to avoid interrupting the setup process at a critical stage.
Check the current system status. If the car is in security mode, disarm it and turn on the ignition. To enter feature programming mode, you will need to access the user menu. Make sure that you are in an area with good radio reception, although the setup is carried out in close proximity to the car. Having a key in the ignition is also a prerequisite for some stages of preparation.
☑️ Check before setting up autorun
Entering function programming mode
To activate the necessary autorun options, the user must enter the function programming mode. There are several programming tables in Scher-Khan Magicar 9 alarms, but we are interested in Table No. 1, which contains basic settings for the logic of the system. This mode is entered using a combination of button presses on the key fob communicator.
The login procedure is standard for most Scher-Khan models. You need to quickly press the button five times M (or button 1 depending on the modification of the key fob, most often it is a button with a lock icon). After the fifth press, the system will confirm entry into the programming mode with a short siren sound and a flash of the side lights. The corresponding menu or indication of the selected function should appear on the key fob screen.
After entering programming mode, the system waits to select a specific function to change. The selection is made by successively pressing the button M. Each press moves the system to the next function. Function numbers are usually displayed on the key fob screen or signaled by a certain number of flashes. You need to find a function that is responsible for the type of gearbox or activation of the autostart mode.
If no action is taken within 10-15 seconds after the last button press, the system will automatically exit the setup mode, saving or canceling the changes depending on the stage. Therefore, act confidently, but without haste, controlling the car’s reaction to your commands.
What to do if the mode does not enter?
If after pressing the M button five times the system does not respond, check whether the alarm is in blocking or emergency stop mode. It is also possible that the interval between presses is too long - try to press the button in a rhythm, without making long pauses. In rare cases, it is necessary to reconnect the power supply to the module.
Setting the gearbox type and program neutral
One of the most important functions for implementing autostart on cars with a manual transmission is “Program Neutral” (PN). This procedure allows you to leave the car in a parking lot with the engine running, remove the key and close the doors, while the system will “know” that the gears are off. Without performing this procedure, autostart on a manual transmission is impossible for safety reasons.
For cars with an automatic transmission (automatic transmission), the setup is simpler. You need to set the function responsible for the transmission type to the “Automatic” position. In this case, the system will consider that to start it is enough to simply disarm the car and issue a command. However, even with an automatic transmission, it is recommended to check the position of the lever before starting, as the electronics can make mistakes.
The procedure for performing Program Neutral on mechanics is as follows. Stop the car, switch off the gear, but leave the engine running. Press and hold the button 2 (or the button combination specified in the instructions for your firmware version) for 2-3 seconds. In response, you will hear a short signal, and the engine operation indicator will light up on the key fob screen. After this, you can remove the key from the ignition switch, the engine will continue to run.
After leaving the car and closing the doors, arm the system. The engine should stop automatically after a set period of time (usually 30 seconds). Now the system is ready for autostart. If you simply turn off the engine with the key without performing this procedure, the system will disable remote start, assuming that the car is in gear.
| Parameter | Value for automatic transmission | Value for manual transmission | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission type | Automatic | Mechanics | Basic setup of the operating logic |
| Pedal control | Not required | Required (MON) | The need to perform special procedures |
| Exit mode | Disarming | Opening the door | How the system understands the presence of the driver |
| Lock | When opening the hood | In case of non-compliance with the PN | The main condition for prohibiting startup |
When performing program neutral in cold weather, try not to open the driver's door after removing the key so as not to freeze the interior. Close the door quickly and arm it.
Activation of autorun by temperature and timer
The Scher-Khan Magicar 9 alarm system allows you to start the engine not only on command from the key fob, but also automatically according to specified conditions. The most popular are starting by engine temperature and starting by timer (periodic starting). These functions allow you to maintain the optimal temperature of antifreeze and battery charge in winter without constant human intervention.
To enable automatic start based on temperature, you must select the appropriate function in the programming table and set the threshold value. The system can respond to interior temperature or engine temperature (if the appropriate sensor is connected). Typically available gradations: -15°C, -25°C, -35°C, etc. When the temperature drops below the set threshold, the system will automatically start the engine.
Periodic start by timer is carried out at certain time intervals: 2, 4, 8, 12 or 24 hours. This function is useful when the car is parked in an open parking lot for a long time. It is important to consider that each start consumes fuel, so you should not set the interval too small unless absolutely necessary.
These modes are activated through the key fob menu. Usually you need to hold down a certain button (often this is the 2 or 3) for a few seconds until a beep appears, and then select a mode (snowflake for temperature, clock for timer). The corresponding indicators should appear on the display confirming that the function has been activated.
Control commands from the key fob and their meaning
Autostart functions are controlled using the key fob communicator buttons. Understanding the logic of each button in the context of starting the engine will allow you to effectively monitor the condition of the car. The Scher-Khan Magicar 9 interface is designed to minimize accidental clicks.
To remotely start the engine, a long press (more than 2 seconds) on the button is usually used. 2. A short press can perform other functions, such as turning on an additional channel or confirming a command. Double tapping is often used to stop a running motor or extend operating time.
If the engine starts but stalls after a few seconds, the system will try to restart several more times (usually up to 3-5 attempts). The number of attempts and starter operating time are also programmed in the function table. This protects the battery from being completely discharged in the event of a malfunction in the vehicle's starting system.
- 🔑 Long press button 2: Remote start or stop of the engine.
- ⏱️ Double press button 2: Extending engine operating time (usually adds 5-10 minutes).
- 🌡️ Button combination 1+3: Entering the autorun mode selection menu (temperature/timer) in some firmware versions.
- 🔇 Button 3: Often used to check system status and turn off startup beeps.
Pay attention to the indication on the key fob screen. The icon of the running engine, the time until it cools down or the remaining operating time - all these parameters are displayed in real time. If you see a flashing icon, this may mean that the system is preparing to start or, conversely, is blocking it.
Diagnosing errors and solving problems
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise when autorun does not work. The Scher-Khan Magicar 9 alarm system has a developed self-diagnosis system, which reports the causes of failure via a key fob or siren. Understanding error codes will help you quickly resolve the problem.
One of the common causes is “over-twisting” of the starter. If the engine does not start within the allotted time, the system turns off the starter and reports an error. In this case, you can increase the starter cranking time in the settings (function 1-4 or similar in table No. 1). The time is usually adjustable in the range from 0.8 to 4.0 seconds.
Another common problem is lack of engine control. If the system does not “see” that the engine has started (using the tachometer, on-board voltage or gas), it will regard this as an unsuccessful attempt and turn off the ignition. For diesel engines, it is often necessary to switch the control type to “generator” or “voltage”, since a diesel engine can idle at very low speeds, which a gasoline tachometer does not record.
⚠️ Attention: If the system reports “Emergency Stop” or flashes the malfunction indicator, check the hood switch immediately. An open hood is a direct ban on auto-start in most security systems, as this is a potential thief's access area to the battery and engine.
It is also worth checking the charge of the car's main battery. If the voltage drops below a certain threshold (usually around 11.5V) during a startup attempt, the system may abort the process to avoid permanently killing the battery. In winter, with severe frosts, the battery capacity decreases, and this must be taken into account when setting threshold values.
90% of autostart problems are solved by correctly setting the type of engine control (tachometer/voltage) and increasing the starter operating time in the cold season.
Table of main functions for autorun
For ease of setup, we provide a summary table of the main functions that need to be checked and possibly changed for autorun to work correctly on the Scher-Khan Magicar 9. Default values may differ depending on the year the system was manufactured, so checking with this table will be useful.
| Function | Description | Factory value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox type | Choosing between automatic and manual transmission | Automatic transmission | In fact the car |
| Starter operating time | Scroll Duration | 0.8 sec | 2.0 - 3.0 sec (winter) |
| Engine control | Launch check method | Tachometer | In fact (Generator/Tach) |
| Launch attempts | Number of attempts | 3 times | 3-5 times |
| Output to automatic transmission | Algorithm for the machine | Active | Active |
Function values can be changed in programming mode. After selecting the function number (e.g. 1-1) by briefly pressing the button M, you must press and hold the button M until a sound signal confirms the change in value. The number of signals corresponds to the selected value.
After completing all settings, be sure to exit programming mode. To do this, simply do not press the buttons for 10 seconds or press the button M once if the system requires exit. Settings are saved automatically when you exit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the alarm start but immediately go off?
Most likely, the system does not see that the engine is running. Check the engine operation control setting (function in table No. 1). If you have a diesel or a car with a CVT, try switching the control from “Tachometer” to “By voltage” or “By generator”. It is also possible that the starter operating time is too short to warm up the spark plugs.
How to increase engine operating time during autostart?
The motor running time is set in the function table (usually function 1-2 or 1-3). Options available: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 minutes or “unlimited” (up to command from the key fob). To increase the time of an engine that is already running, press the extend button (usually pressing button 2 twice).
Is it possible to set up autostart without software neutral on the mechanics?
Technically, it is possible to program the system to work without PN, but this absolutely not recommended and dangerous. In this case, the car may be left in gear, and when autostarting it will jerk away, which will lead to an accident. Always use software neutral.
The key fob shows the start, but the car does not start - what's the matter?
This may indicate that the start is blocked by the alarm itself (for example, the hood is open, the PN has not been performed, low voltage) or a malfunction in the connection circuit (break in the starter wire, blocking by the immobilizer). Check the indicators on the key fob - often the reason for the start prohibition is displayed there (an icon of the hood, lock or low battery).