EFHIPS - Frequently Asked Questions | Push Button Start & Remote Start Help

General Installation

Q1. Why won't my vehicle start after installation?

There are several possible causes:

The brake input wire is not connected correctly.
The starter wire is connected incorrectly.
The vehicle has a factory immobilizer (transponder) that requires a bypass solution.
The ignition wires (IGN1 / IGN2) are connected incorrectly.

Always verify the power, ground, brake input, and ignition wiring before troubleshooting other functions.

Q2. The START button only cycles through ACC → IGN1 → IGN2. Why won't it crank the engine?

This almost always indicates that the brake input wire is not receiving the correct signal. Without a valid brake signal, the module will never enter the START mode.

Check:

Brake input wire
Brake switch voltage
Positive or negative brake signal
Relay conversion (if required)

Q3. My engine cranks but will not start.

The starter motor is working correctly. Possible causes include:

Factory immobilizer/transponder not bypassed
Transponder chip installed in the wrong position
Incorrect bypass module
Engine start time too short (hold the START button until the engine starts)

Q4. My starter motor does not crank.

Possible causes:

Starter output wire connected incorrectly
Vehicle has two starter wires
Incorrect starter wire identification

Verify the factory starter wire before reconnecting.

Brake Input

Q5. Why is the brake input wire so important?

The brake input tells the module when it is allowed to start the engine. Without this signal, the module only switches: ACC → IGN1 → IGN2. It will never crank the engine.

Q6. Where do I connect the brake input wire?

Connect it to the vehicle's brake switch output. Most vehicles output +12V when the brake pedal is pressed. If your vehicle uses a negative brake signal, a relay is required.

Q7. My vehicle requires multiple presses of the START button before starting.

Some vehicles only provide brake switch voltage after the ignition enters ACC mode. Solutions:

Modify the brake switch power supply.
If your vehicle requires two presses of the START button to start, it may be because the brake switch only receives power after the ignition is turned to ACC or ON. The module needs to detect a brake signal before it will crank the engine. If you're comfortable with automotive wiring, you can modify the brake switch's power source: connect it directly to a constant 12V supply from the ignition switch, so the brake switch is always powered.

Parking Brake

Q8. Why doesn't Remote Start work?

Remote Start requires:

Parking brake input
Fuel pump detection
Vehicle locked
Security mode armed

Missing any one of these conditions will prevent Remote Start.

Q9. The horn beeps three times when I try Remote Start.

Three horn beeps indicate a parking brake input problem. Check:

Parking brake wiring
Ground connection
Trigger polarity

Ignition Wires

Q10. What does the Blue ACC wire do?

The ACC wire powers: Radio, Navigation, Accessories. If connected incorrectly, the vehicle may still start, but accessories will not operate correctly.

Q11. What does the White IGN1 wire do?

The White wire powers: Dashboard, ECU, Engine management. IGN1 must remain powered during engine cranking. Incorrect connection may cause: Dashboard not illuminating, Engine not starting.

Q12. What does the Brown IGN2 wire do?

IGN2 powers: HVAC, Headlights, Other accessories. Normally IGN2 turns off while cranking. Some vehicles require IGN2 to remain powered. In those vehicles, connect IGN2 together with IGN1.

Q13. What if my vehicle has three ignition wires?

Identify which wires remain powered during engine cranking. All ignition wires that remain powered during cranking should be connected together with the White IGN1 output.

Q14. My vehicle has two starter wires.

If both starter wires receive voltage during engine cranking, connect both to the Yellow starter output.

Factory Immobilizer

Q15. How do I know if my vehicle has an immobilizer?

You can verify this by:

Checking the owner's manual.
Contacting your dealership.
Inspecting the key for a transponder chip.
Testing with a copied key.

Q16. My engine cranks but immediately stalls.

Most likely causes:

Factory transponder chip not detected.
Incorrect chip position.
Bypass module not installed.

Q17. Where should I place the factory transponder chip?

Place the chip close enough for the factory antenna ring to detect it. Avoid mounting it directly against metal surfaces.

Remote Start

Q18. Why does the system attempt to start three times?

The fuel pump detection wire is not detecting a successful engine start. Check:

Fuel pump detection wire
Fuel pump voltage
Oil pump detection location (if applicable)

Q19. Why does Remote Start shut off after 15 minutes?

This is normal operation. The system automatically turns off the engine after approximately 15 minutes if no one enters the vehicle.

Q20. Why does the engine stop when I open the door?

If the vehicle is entered without unlocking it first, the system treats this as an unauthorized entry and shuts down the engine while activating the alarm.

Security System

Q21. The small blue LED never lights up.

This is normal. The blue LED is not a power indicator. It only flashes when the system is armed or during alarm activation.

Q22. My remote does not lock or unlock the doors.

Check:

Door lock wiring.
Remote programming.
Wireless receiver.
Vehicle lock polarity.

Q23. The doors lock, but the alarm does not arm.

Verify:

Door trigger wiring.
Door status detection.
Security programming.

Bench Testing

Q24. Can I bench-test the system before installation?

Yes. A bench test is recommended before installing the system into the vehicle.

Q25. How do I know if the control module is working during a bench test?

With a stable 12V power supply and ground connected, press the START button. If you hear the internal relays clicking, it indicates the control module is operating normally.

Special Vehicle Wiring

Q26. My vehicle only has four ignition wires.

Use: ACC, IGN1, START, Battery. Brown IGN2 may be left unused or connected together with IGN1 if required.

Q27. My vehicle has six ignition wires.

Identify the function of the additional ignition wire before making any connections. Never connect unknown ignition wires without testing their function.