A modern car alarm is a high-tech car security system with a huge number of functions. And this is not only protection, but also an increase in the level of comfort from using a car. Most car owners in our country, due to climatic conditions, actively use the Tomahawk autostart function, unaware of all the capabilities of this security system.
The main function of any alarm is, of course, protection. Almost all Tomahawk brand alarm models have the following options:
- two-level shock sensors
- door lock control relay
- engine and ignition blocking
- opening the trunk and operating windows remotely
- “Anti-scanner” and “Anti-grabber” functions (protection against physical and electronic car hacking)
But when buying an alarm system in the age of technology, we are interested in additional functions that can significantly increase the level of comfort from using a car. First of all, this is an autostart option in order to maintain a given engine temperature or warm up the car interior before leaving in winter.
The various models of Tomahawk security systems have much in common, but there are significant differences in the programming sequence and in the process of monitoring modes. In the article, we will look at the main models of car alarms produced by the Tomahawk company, describe the algorithm for setting up the key fob and the operating principle of the auto engine start function.
Description of the Tomahawk alarm
The Tomahawk car alarm is an anti-theft device in the form of a small unit that is installed inside the car. The system has a feedback function with the owner. The machine is monitored and controlled by issuing commands through a pocket key fob pager. Signals can be sent from a distance of up to 800 meters in open space and 400 meters within the city.
Equipment
The standard car alarm package includes:
- 2 key fobs - with LCD display and one-sided;
- main block;
- 2 level shock sensor;
- built-in temperature sensor;
- transmit/receive module;
- relay;
- Valet switch button;
- Anti-hi-Jack switch button;
- red LED indicator;
- 1 limit switch;
- minimum installation kit;
- 10 bundles.
Specifications
Security system characteristics:
- dual-zone shock sensor;
- 5 security zones;
- passive immobilizer programming;
- PIN code for emergency disarming;
- “Car service” mode;
- activation of the siren from the key fob;
- separate door opening;
- protection when the engine is running;
- remote activation and blocking of the engine;
- system self-diagnosis;
- silent security mode;
- protection against false positives;
- audio confirmation of task completion;
- security of doors, hood and trunk;
- alarm clock built into the keychain;
- battery saving mode on the key fob;
- driver protection function from attack;
- Anti-grabber function;
- two-step opening of the central lock and disarming.
Below is a video review of the Tomahawk car alarm. Filmed by Ivan Vasilyevich channel.
Advantages
Reviews from car owners who have installed a Tomahawk alarm are mostly positive. Among the main advantages are remote engine starting. This is especially true in areas with harsh climates or in winter. An additional plus is the ability to keep the engine running for up to 2 hours after turning off the ignition. Or its activation every two hours. Owners of cars with a turbocharged engine appreciated the option of gradual cooling of the turbine, which increases the service life of the bearings.
Even basic Tomahawk models with a minimum number of functions have an undoubted advantage over other security systems. It consists in immobilizing the engine relay and the range.
Flaws
Based on reviews from car owners, the following disadvantages can be identified:
- within the city there may be a delay when activating the security mode;
- an unpleasant squeak when pressing the start button;
- After a year of operation, the key fob begins to freeze.
Monitoring engine operation via generator
In most configurations of Tomahawk security systems, there is the ability to control the start of the start using the generator operation sensor. The principle of the method is based on the fact that when the power plant is started, a voltage drop occurs. When the internal combustion engine is fully started, the generator begins to generate electricity and the circuit indicators are equalized. At the same time, the automation is activated and the starter is de-energized.
The technique is one of the most reliable and simple to implement. The standard sensor cuts in parallel into the on-board circuit line and reads its condition.
Basic principles of installing a signaling system
Before installing a car alarm yourself, you need to read the instructions. The location must be chosen so that the module is not easily detected by a potential burglar or hijacker. It is important to avoid sources of heat and moisture. The antenna should be placed at the maximum possible distance from the vehicle electronics and alarm units.
Step-by-step installation of an alarm system with Tomahawk auto start looks like this:
- Turn off the onboard power.
- The electronic control unit is placed in the cabin. The RF antenna must be high enough. Avoid contact with electrical wiring harnesses and metal objects.
- We install the siren in the engine compartment with the horn facing down.
- We protect high-current networks (dimensions, central locking, etc.) with fuse links.
- We install the hood and trunk triggers in hard-to-reach places away from moisture.
- The impact sensor should be located in the center of the vehicle.
- It is advisable to solder the contacts in places where the ignition circuits are broken.
Car alarm connection diagram
Detailed connection diagram for the Tomahawk alarm system
Preparation and features of firmware for key fobs from different companies
Before you begin the reprogramming process, you should know some features:
- Buy a key fob of a specific model designed to work with your alarm system. You can find out its name either from the information on the control unit housing or from the instructions.
Reference! Some alarm systems can work with different models of key fobs. In this case, you will find the entire list in the documentation that comes with the system.
- Register all available key fobs at the same time. Otherwise, the rest will be erased from system memory.
Find out in advance the location of the VALET button in your car. It allows you to switch to reprogramming mode. Since this key can disable the security system, it is installed in a secret place that only the owner knows about. Common locations are:
- in the fuse box;
- on the steering column;
- next to the pedal assembly;
- in the glove box;
- behind the dashboard;
- under the decorative elements of the interior.
Reference! In some systems, the role of the Valet button is performed by the ignition switch.
Alarms from different companies have different features and programming algorithms.
Delivery to other cities of the Russian Federation is carried out on the terms of full prepayment of the order in a convenient way for you:
- by bank card (Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro)
- by bank transfer (at any bank, as well as at a branch of the Russian Post) - in this case, a commission is paid in accordance with the bank’s tariff
- using Internet banking
Please note that Maestro and Visa Electron cards must be allowed for online purchases by the issuing bank.
Prepayment by bank transfer or electronic wallet is made only after telephone confirmation of the order by the manager of the online store and reservation of the goods in the warehouse.
Entering programming mode for remote start functions
To enter the Tomahawk auto-start alarm programming menu, the following algorithm is performed:
- The ignition system in the car is turned on; for this, the key is set to the “ACC” position. The power unit does not start.
- The emergency service mode entry button is pressed six times in a row. If you did not install the anti-theft system yourself, the location of the key should be checked with the installer.
- Then the ignition is turned off by setting the key to “Off” mode.
- Using the button to enter the emergency service mode, you select the line with the required option in accordance with the programming table. Each time you press a key, the system moves to the next function.
- Using the communicator and its buttons, the desired parameter is selected in accordance with the table.
- To exit the settings menu, the user must take no action for ten seconds.
Table: startup programming
General settings | |||||
| Number of presses on the emergency button | Option Description | Key fob buttons | |||
| 1 time | Turbo timer | 1 min | 2 minutes | 3 min | 6 min |
| 2 times | Operating time of the power unit after remote start | 5 minutes | 10 min | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 3 times | Interval for hourly car engine start | 1 hour | 2 hours | 4 hours | 24 hours |
| 4 times | Air temperature at which the engine will start | -5 degrees | -10 degrees | -20 degrees | -30 degrees |
| 5 times | Enabling the security mode with closing the door locks when the engine is started remotely | Disabled | Included | ||
| 6 times | Activation of external lighting devices when starting the engine remotely | Flashing | Works continuously without blinking | Disabled | |
| 7 times | Closing door locks when the protection is turned on after a remote stop of the power unit | Disabled | Included | ||
| 8 times | Mode for preparing the vehicle for remote start | Auto | Safe | ||
| 9 times | Turning on the ACC ignition conductor when starting the engine remotely | ACC. Activated simultaneously with the IGN1 contact and turns off when the starter mechanism is turned on | IGN. Activated simultaneously with the IGN1 contact and does not turn off when the starter is cranked | Starter 2, turns on when the mechanism is cranked | Starter 3, turns on before the starter device is activated |
| 10 times | Monitoring the functioning of the power unit by impulse / operating time of the starter mechanism at startup | Engine fluid pressure controller/0.8s | Engine Oil Pressure Controller/1.2s | Engine fluid pressure controller/2s | Tachometer, starter operating time - less than 3.6 s |
| 11 times | Power unit type | Petrol | Diesel | ||
| 12 times | Temperature units for autostarting the engine | Celsius | Fahrenheit | ||
Difference in programming TW-9010 | |||||
| Number of presses on the emergency button | Option Description | Key fob buttons | |||
| 4 times | Monitoring the operation of the power unit according to indications | Voltage in the vehicle's on-board network | Based on signals from the engine fluid pressure controller | By tachometer | — |
| 7 times | Locking the door locks when starting the engine remotely | IGN2 contact is activated, but door locks do not lock when autostarting | IGN2 contact is disabled, but door locks do not lock during remote start | IGN2 contact is activated and door locks are locked during auto start | IGN2 contact is disabled and door locks are locked during remote start |
| 8 times | Delay in activation of the starter mechanism before remote start of the power unit for diesel and gasoline engines | 2 seconds - recommended for gasoline engine | 10 seconds – recommended for diesel power units | ||
| 15 times | Units for measuring the temperature level in the car interior for auto start/engine blocking type | Celsius, additional interlock normally open | Fahrenheit, additional interlock normally closed | Celsius, additional blocking normally closed | Fahrenheit, additional interlock normally open |
| 16 times | Turbo timer | Disabled | 1 minute | 3 minutes | 6 minutes |
Differences in programming TW-9020/9030 | |||||
| Number of presses on the emergency button | Option Description | Key fob buttons | |||
| 1 time | Activation of contact IGN3 during remote start of the power unit | ACC. Turns off when activated and cranked by the starter mechanism of the crankshaft | IGN. The contact element does not turn off when the starter device is turned on. | Starter 2. Activated when the starter mechanism is activated. | Starter 3. Turns on until the starter cranks the crankshaft. |
| 3 times | Selecting the transmission type/preparing mode for remote engine start | Automatic transmission | Mechanical transmission with automatic preparation for remote start | Manual transmission with safe preparation for remote engine start | |
Warm up every day
The Tomahawk autorun function is installed and configured by the user forcibly. To do this, you need to enter the programming menu, where you select the appropriate item. If there is a need for more frequent warm-up (in severe frosts, so that the engine does not have time to freeze), after activating the function, enter the corresponding combination on the key fob and select an interval of 1, 2, 4 or 12 hours.
Note! The presence of gaps and their duration may vary in different models.
Next, you need to figure out how to make the engine start on its own:
- perform pre-launch preparations;
- On the key fob, simultaneously hold down the key and the crossed out speaker.
If everything is done correctly, the dial will appear on the remote control display and a characteristic signal will sound – the command has been accepted. After which, the car will start on its own at the specified time every day.
Setting up autorun
Using the autorun option is not possible under the following conditions:
- The ignition system is turned on in the car;
- the engine compartment of the vehicle is open;
- the vehicle service mode is turned on;
- on a car with a manual transmission, preparations for remote starting of the power unit were not made.
Each alarm model corresponds to a specific key combination that is pressed on the key fob. Before turning on autostart, you must put the car on the handbrake and move the gearbox to neutral. Then press the appropriate buttons on the remote control. After which you can additionally program engine starting options.
If the car owner tried to activate the autostart mode, but 4 beeps were heard, this means that one of the above conditions was not met.
Performing "Software Neutral"
The car engine will be able to start automatically after the user has correctly configured the installed option:
- The parking brake lever in the car is raised. The vehicle's powertrain must be turned on when performing this task.
- On the communicator, press a button with an indicator in the form of a key. If the alarm “allows” the car owner to use the autostart function, a melody should be played on the key fob. An icon in the form of smoke from a muffler will appear on the communicator screen.
- Within the next 30 seconds, the car owner must remove the key from the ignition switch. If all conditions are met correctly, the power unit will continue to operate.
- Then the owner needs to leave the vehicle and lock all doors.
Autorun operating principle
To install and use remote engine starting, it is recommended to understand the operating principle of this function:
- At the first stage, the user sends a signal from the communicator to the anti-theft system control unit. The pulse is processed by the microprocessor module and sent to the autostart relay. If the remote start is carried out not by command, but by a certain algorithm (based on temperature or time), then the control unit immediately sends a signal to the relay.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer, then before transmitting the pulse to the relay, it is processed by the bypass module. The crawler must allow the signal to be sent, otherwise the launch will not be possible.
- The relay closes the contacts to remotely start the motor. The alarm control unit checks for the presence of fuel in the gas tank. If there is enough fuel and the fuel pump relay is working, the relay sends a signal to the starter mechanism.
- The starter starts cranking the engine crankshaft. If the battery is charged and all elements of the power unit are in working order, the engine will start and run for a certain time.
Table: remote engine start
| Team | Car reaction | Communicator's reaction |
| You can start the car using the key fob by clicking on the “Key” icon. | At the same time, the parking lights will turn on three times and the siren will beep. | The display will show the letters St (attempt to start the engine) |
| If the unit fails to start, “SP” appears | ||
| An icon with a picture of a car and a sound signal means that the engine is running. |
Trigger by temperature
We select and program the desired temperature.
The use of daily auto-warming is possible at temperatures:
- -5°C;
- -10°C;
- -20°C;
- -30°C.
When the sensor records the set temperature in the car interior or under the hood, the car engine will be activated. Warming up 6 times for 120 minutes is allowed.
Table: setting autostart based on temperature
| Team | Machine reaction | Communicator's reaction |
| Autostart is configured based on temperature by simultaneously pressing the “Key” and “Trunk Open” icons. | The parking lights will flash and a horn will sound. | The temperature at which the engine will start will appear on the key fob screen, and the indicator in the form of a fan will also light up |
Trigger by time
To do this, according to the instructions, you should program the time during which the engine will start and run. The clock can be adjusted by clicking on the “Key” and “Lock” icons. As well as keys with the symbols of “Crossed out speaker” and “Open trunk”. In this case, the display will display information before automatic muting.
Autostart can be performed every:
- 1 hour;
- 2 hours;
- 4 hours;
- 12 hours.
Table: time trigger settings
| Team | Auto reaction | Key fob reaction |
| The automatic start of the engine by timer is activated by simultaneously pressing the buttons with the key and the crossed out horn | The anti-theft siren will sound once | The communicator will emit a short melodic signal, and a clock-shaped indicator will light up on its display |
Table: setting time interval
| Button | Time interval |
| 1 hour | |
| 2 hours | |
| 4 hours | |
| 12 hours |
Table: disabling functions
You can disable autorun using the following key combination:
| Team | Car reaction | Communicator's reaction |
| In order to turn off the engine remotely, you need to press the “Key” button | The external lights will blink twice. 2 beeps will sound and the engine will stall. | The communicator will play a short-term melodic signal, and the indicator in the form of smoke from the muffler will disappear from its display |
| By clicking the icons with the image of “Key” and “Trunk”, you can deactivate heating of the car interior at a given temperature | The external lights will blink twice and the alarm siren will beep twice. | The communicator will play a melodic pulse, and the fan icon will disappear from its display |
| Timed triggering is disabled by pressing the “Key” and “Strikeout Screen” keys. | The side lights or hazard warning lights will blink twice | The key fob will sound a short-term melodic signal, and the clock icon will disappear from its display |
How to leave a car with the engine running
The factory instructions have clear recommendations on how to properly program the Tomahawk alarm so that the car can be armed with the engine running. In most varieties, the sequence of actions is similar:
- calibrate the option in the programming menu in advance;
- get out of the car while the engine is running;
- On the key fob, press the Zz button until you receive a siren chirp;
- After that, click the specified element again.
If everything is done correctly, the alarm will automatically close the doors and activate the security mode. In this case, the motor will continue to run.
Basic autostart malfunctions, causes and solutions
When autostart stops working after normal operation, you can do the following:
- Change the batteries in the key fob, most likely this is the cause.
- Then the communicator is disassembled and repaired if necessary. Damaged buttons are replaced, swollen capacitors are resoldered. If the remote control has been dropped into water, you need to remove the board from it and dry it in a warm and dry place.
- The vehicle may be located in an area with significant radio interference.
- Sometimes the security system malfunctions and you need to configure autostart again.
- The remote control is faulty or the batteries in the key fob are low. First of all, you need to make sure that the batteries are working and replace them if they fail.
- Damage to conductors or oxidation of contact elements on one of the car alarm structural devices. It is necessary to check all components of the anti-theft system, in particular their conductors. If the insulation on the cable has worn off, it must be replaced; oxidized contacts must be cleaned or resoldered. When replacing, use wires with the same cross-section. To prevent rapid wear of electrical circuits, it is recommended to additionally wrap them with electrical tape.
- Temperature controller failure. With this problem, the engine will not be able to start based only on air temperature; in other cases, the start will be successful. It is necessary to check the sensor and its wires; if the cable is damaged, the electrical circuit is replaced with a new one. A possible reason may be drops of moisture getting on the connector, then drying the pad will resolve the problem.
- If the above steps do not help, you should contact a specialist to reprogram the system.
If Tomahawk autostart does not work initially, the following reasons may exist:
- In the X5 model, the settings for the key fob pager were made incorrectly. You can reconfigure them yourself.
- An error was made during the installation process. Incorrect installation of the control unit or other structural elements of the anti-theft system. In addition to the microprocessor module, the temperature sensor and the autostart relay could have been installed incorrectly. If one of the components is incorrectly connected, autorun will not work at all or will begin to function incorrectly. It is necessary to diagnose the correct installation of all parts and reconnect them if necessary.
- Conflict between the standard immobilizer and the anti-theft system blocker. To solve the problem, you will need to additionally install an immo bypass module.
Solutions
Knowing the potential causes is only half the battle, because it is necessary to identify the malfunction and figure out what to do if a car with a Tomahawk 9010 alarm system does not start from autostart. Below we will look at the main steps that can restore the functionality of the function.
Check that the basic conditions are met
One of the reasons why the function does not work is failure to comply with the requirements required for automatic engine start to work on vehicles with Tomahawk 9010, 9020, 9030 and other models. Check the following conditions:
- The vehicle ignition is turned off.
- The hood is closed.
- The gearshift knob is in neutral (on manual transmission) or on P (on automatic transmission). In addition, in the case of mechanics, Manual Gear should be lit on the key fob.
- The car is on the handbrake.
- Valet mode is disabled.
- The function is enabled.
In any of the cases discussed above, the auto start does not work in the Tomahawk alarm, and the security system itself emits four beeps.
Connection in vehicles with "ST2"
Let’s say that voltage appears simultaneously at the starter contacts “ST1” and “ST2”. Then the alarm installation diagram can be modified.
The break in the “ST2” wire coming from the lock contains normally closed relay contacts. In theory, the standard wiring of the “ST2” circuit is not broken here. But when a positive potential appears on contact “ST1”, such potential will also appear on “ST2”.
If the voltage should appear at contact “ST2” later than at “ST1”, you need to install a relay with a delay. But this option is not recommended. But the IGN3 output, provided in the TZ-9030 car alarm, can “emulate” the “ST2” contact in any car. You need to be able to configure the option correctly, and then the following connection option will become possible:
- IGN1 signaling –> IGN1 auto;
- IGN2 –> ACC (if IGN2 is not present in the car itself);
- IGN3 –> relay winding connected to the ST2 gap.
We hope everything is clear here.
There are models of devices with auto-start, where connection to two starter lines is provided initially. However, it turns out that there is no such alarm in the Tomahawk equipment line.
Additional information for TW-9010
It was said that the TW-9010 car alarm can turn on the engine based on temperature. To set the required value, enter the programming mode: turn on the ignition (engine off), press the Override button 6 times, turn off the ignition. Select the option with the required number (in this case “2”) by pressing the button the appropriate number of times.
Based on the data given here, the starter operating time is also determined.
Note that the value "3000" is only used when tach control is active.
You can activate the daily start: press the Override button 4 times. Before doing this, you need to turn off the ignition, and after setting the mode, turn it on. You can also enable temperature triggering: instead of pressing 4 times, use 5 times. The trigger value (on/off) can be changed by pressing once. One “beep” corresponds to the “on” value, two – to the “off” value.
Ignition switch wire designations
Look at the diagram shown in the figure.
The above does not mean that both cords can be connected together and connected using the circuits discussed here. The diagrams indicate one wire (ST1) that makes up the starter power circuit. This option is suitable:
- For all domestic cars without exception;
- For new foreign cars;
- For foreign cars up to 90-91 years of manufacture.
This is the paradox - the “ST2” cord is not provided in the new, as well as in the oldest models.
Diagram for TZ-9030
Here's how to connect the Tomahawk TZ-9030 main unit to the ignition switch to use autostart. Of course, after installation, you need to do programming, which is discussed below. If the use of a lineman is required, connect it to the terminal of the main alarm connector (black and red cord). The power connector, in turn, has the following wiring.
If we talk about the Tomahawk TW-9010 model, the purpose of the IGN3 pin will be different from what is being considered here.
In "Chapter 1" the designations were listed: IGN1, IGN2, ACC, starter wire (ST). The “IGN3” cord has been added here, but it replaces the ACC wire. The “blue” cord coming out of the alarm terminal block must be connected to the ACC contact, otherwise the autostart will not work. At the same time, if you make changes to the settings, the IGN3 pin can be connected to the ST2 pin. True, it is not clear how to “emulate” the ACC wire then.
A “T” connection is used when connecting to all wires except the starter. And the “ST” cord needs to be cut to connect the resulting ends with the black and yellow wires. The cable that goes to the alarm from the lock is a signal cable (thin).
Diagram for TW-9010
A non-standard method of switching starter current is typical for the following alarm model: Tomahawk TW-9010. Voltage is supplied here from the 6-pin power terminal block when autostart is performed. The rest of the time, the starter wire conducts current, even if the car alarm does not work or does not work correctly. A blocking relay is included in the gap in the standard wiring. Whether it can be removed from the scheme is unknown. It is better, therefore, to stick to the recommended option.
The conclusion follows from the previous paragraph: autostart is needed - do not remove the blocking relay from the circuit. You can install a “bug” in the socket, but then the appearance of a “current loop” cannot be ruled out. It turns out that the blocking option is “loaded” with autostart.
Note that the Tomahawk TW-9010 and TZ-9030 alarms can control the immobilizer bypass. The lineman’s “negative” cord is connected to the black-red cable (figure at the beginning of the chapter). The latter is designed to be connected to the “IGN3” pin, but in most cars this option is not used.
The ground potential on the black-red cord appears before the starter starts, which is exactly what is required for the lineman to work. In general, everything looks strange: in alarms with auto-start, they often provide a separate output intended only for connecting a lineman.
How much does a temperature sensor cost?
During operation of the alarm system, damage or failure of the antenna module may occur. The price of a standard sensor is determined by this block. Due to the fact that the sensor is located inside the block and is a single unit with the body panels.
The approximate spread of price tags in different cities of Russia differs. This is due to local characteristics and the complexity of delivery.
| Where? | Price, r |
| Moscow | 950 |
| Saint Petersburg | 1050 |
| Rostov | 950 |
| Samara | 920 |
| Yaroslavl | 900 |
| Ekaterinburg | 830 |
| Chelyabinsk | 980 |
The cost of the additional Tomahawk TV 9010 sensor is difficult to present in one table. The final price depends on the design and type of part.
