© 1998 Directed Electronics, Inc. Vista, CA
5
N438 7/98
Starter kill relay
If the starter kill relay or its connections are immediately visible upon removal of the underdash panel, they can eas-
ily be bypassed. Always make the relay and its connections difficult to discern from the factory wiring! Exposed yel-
low butt connectors do not look like factory parts, and will not fool anyone! For this reason, routing the starter kill
wires away from the steering column is recommended.
Step 2:
Finding the wires you need
Now that you have decided where each component will be located, you’re going to find the wires in the car that the
security system will be connected to.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a 12V test light to find these wires! All testing described in this manual is
described using a digital multimeter.
Obtaining constant 12V
We recommend two possible sources for 12V constant: the (+) terminal of the battery, or the constant supply to the
ignition switch. Always install a fuse within 12 inches of this connection. If the fuse also will be powering other
circuits, such as door locks, a power window module, a Nite-Lite
®
headlight control system, etc.; fuse accordingly.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove the fuse holder on the red wire. It ensures that the control module has its own
fuse, of the proper value, regardless of how many accessories are added to the main power feed.
Finding the 12V switched ignition wire
The ignition wire is powered when the key is in the run or start position. This is because the ignition wire powers
the ignition system (spark plugs, coil) as well as the fuel delivery system (fuel pump, fuel injection computer).
Accessory wires, on the other hand, lose power when the key is in the start position to make more current avail-
able to the starter motor.
How to find (+)12V ignition with your multimeter:
1.
Set to DCV or DC voltage (12V or 20V is fine).
2.
Attach the (-) probe of the meter to chassis ground.
3.
Probe the wire you suspect of being the ignition wire. The
steering column harness or ignition switch harness is an
excellent place to find this wire.
4.
Turn the ignition key switch to the run position. If your
meter reads (+)12V, go to the next step. If it doesn’t,
probe another wire.
5.
Now turn the key to the start position. The meter display
should stay steady, not dropping by more than a few
tenths of a volt. If it drops close to or all the way to zero,
go back to step 3. If it stays steady at (+)12V, you have
found an ignition wire.
