Your new TSP-550 Automotive Security System has been designed with many state of the art, advanced features that will help to ensure the safety of the vehicle, as well as provide both comfort and convenience to the operator. Taking a few moments to review the contents of this manual will provide the information required to take advantage of the system's full potential and enhance its operation.
The following products are made available to your retailer, by Audiovox to take full advantage of the many features of the TSP-550.
The system can be programmed to arm actively or passively. Insurance discounts are typically larger for passive systems. Active arming means that the system will only arm when the transmitter button is pressed. To select the active feature, plug the 2 terminals on the Black wire loop together if they are not already. Passive arming means that the system will automatically arm 60 seconds after the vehicle is turned off. You still have the option of arming the system immediately by pressing the transmitter button, but if you should forget to do this, the system will automatically arm and provide full protection to the vehicle. To select the passive arming feature, be sure that the 2 terminals on the Black wire loop are unplugged.
The system can be programmed to bypass the voltage sensing feature (this is the circuit that triggers the alarm when a door that illuminates an interior light is opened). When this feature is bypassed, a change of voltage, such as the dome light turning on, will not set the alarm off. To bypass voltage sensing, cut the Green wire loop on the module.
The system can be programmed for either instant activation or delayed activation of the voltage sensing feature. If the vehicle has an electronic cooling fan, which continues to run after the ignition key has been turned off, it is recommended to leave the three minute timer activated. This means that a light activated entry point or the electric cooling fan will not trigger the alarm until 3 minutes after the arming chirp has sounded. There are not modifications required to activate the 3 minute time delay.
If the vehicle does not have an electronic cooling fan, the system can be programmed to activate the voltage sensing feature 5 seconds after the arming chirp has sounded. To by-pass the 3 minute delay, cut the white wire loop from the control module, and individually insulate both sides.
One relay with wiring harness is provided in the Alarm System Package. This relay can be used to either flash the vehicle parking lamps, or to disable the vehicles starter whenever the alarm is armed. Optional relays are available, if you should choose to take advantage of both of these valuable features.
Select a flat, metal surface in the engine compartment for mounting the siren. Keep in mind that the horn end of the siren control module must be facing down to prevent water collection. A location on the firewall, that is not accessible from below the vehicle is preferred. This location will provide optimum shock sensitivity, and prevent the potential thief from unplugging the siren control module from below the vehicle. Additional care should be used to keep the siren control module, as far away from hot or moving components within the engine compartment as possible. You should also avoid mounting or routing these components under or near seams (i.e. between fender and hood) where water is likely to run off or collect during heavy rains.
Select a flat area on the lower dash lip, where the switch is readily accessible to the driver, but will not be accidentally bumped. Other alternate locations are on the driver's side kick panel or the side of the tower steering column cover. Since this is a "protected" (will only operate when the key is in the ignition) bypass switch, it does not have to be concealed, however concealing the switch is always recommended, as this provides an even higher level of security to the vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Before drilling, make sure there is adequate room behind the panel for the body of the switch. Also, be sure that the drill will not pierce any wires or other components after passing through the panel. It is recommended to remove the panel from the vehicle before drilling.
Select an area on the dashboard or center console that is visible from outside the vehicle Try to select an area with the most visibility from all angles of the vehicle (driver's and passenger's side windows, rear windows etc.).
IMPORTANT: Before drilling, make sure there is adequate room behind the panel for the body of the LED. Also, be sure that the drill will not pierce any wires or other components after passing through the panel. It is recommended to remove the panel from the vehicle before drilling.
The relay can be mounted in the engine compartment, but it is best to mount it in the passenger's compartment, where it will not be exposed to the environment. If the relay will be used to cut the vehicle's starter, mount the relay close to the wires from the ignition to simplify wiring later in this procedure. If the relay will be used to flash the vehicle's parking lamps, mount the relay near the front park light cluster to simplify wiring later in this procedure.
Two pin switches are provided to protect the hood and trunk lids of the vehicle and should be used on any hood or trunk lid that does not turn a courtesy light on. The switches must always be mounted into a grounded, metal part of the vehicle. They will not operate when mounted into plastic or fiberglass.
The mounting surface must be at a height that will cause the plunger to depress 1/4" when the hood/trunk is closed.
IMPORTANT: Since the pin switch is designed to be depressed when the hood/trunk is closed onto it, a dimple can occur on the exterior paint finish if the contact area is a single metal thickness. Always mount the pin switch so it will contact a double wall metal part of the hood/trunk.
It is important, when choosing the pin switch mounting location, to position the switch and/or bracket where water cannot collect or flow. Avoid all drip 'gutters' on hood/trunk fenders. Look for locations that are sealed with rubber gaskets when the hood/trunk lid is closed. Excessive water on these parts will cause corrosion, resulting in a loss of protection to the hood/trunk lids. Also, any holes made to mount brackets will rust when water is allowed to penetrate. There are three different mounting methods available below. They are:
A. Direct mounting into a trunk lip, radiator cross brace, etc.
B. Mounting using right angle bracket:
C. Mounting using the flat bracket:
Select a mounting area on the firewall or radiator cross-brace that will allow the motion detector to be mounted as level as possible. If mounted on the firewall, the detector must face the radiator, and if mounted on the radiator brace, it must face toward the firewall. Do not mount upside-down or sideways.
CAUTION: if the mounting surface is not grounded metal, you must connect a ground wire under the mounting screw and ground the other end of the wire.
Making the connections to the vehicle, as described in the wiring section of this manual, may be beyond the technical abilities of the average consumer. If you have any questions with wiring procedures, please consult a qualified automotive technician, or call the Audiovox installation hot line at 1-800-225-6074.
In the following wiring instructions, references will be made to a 12 volt test light probe.
In all cases mentioned, the test light should be connected to the vehicle as shown in the diagram.
The dip end or source for the test light should be connected to chassis ground. This can be the negative battery terminal, or any solid, non-painted, metal nut or bolt in the vehicle. When the pointed end or probe of the test light touches +12 volts, the bulb will illuminate.
Caution should be used when routing wires. Keep them away from all hot surfaces, and any moving parts of the vehicle, (radiator fans, brake pedals, etc.).
There are (2) Black ground wires in the system, one is from the glass break detector and the second Black wire is in the siren module harness, (not the thin black wire that exits the module independently). If the siren mounting bracket is mounted to a solid metal surface in the engine compartment, connect the Black wire to the siren mounting bracket, otherwise, attach the Black wire to the negative post of the battery.
This is the wire that exits the siren module independently, and does not terminate in a plug.
For best transmitter range, fully extend this wire as high and as long as possible. Avoid wrapping the antenna wire around power cables and existing wire looms.
There are (2) Red wires in the system, that must be connected to a positive 12 volt battery source . Route the Red wire from the glass break detector to the courtesy light fuse. Route the Red fused wire from the siren control module to the courtesy light fuse. When routing wires within the vehicle, avoid all moving parts (brake and gas pedal linkage, fan belts, etc.). Also avoid all hot surfaces in engine compartments. Securely tape or tie wires away from hot or moving parts. Also, when passing wires through the firewall, be sure they are passed through a protective rubber grommet.
NOTE: Immediately after connecting the Red wire, you must program the transmitters to the siren control module. Press and hold the arming button of one transmitter until a long chirp is emitted from the siren. Next, immediately press and hold the arming button of the second transmitter until a long chirp is emitted from the siren. Both transmitters are now programmed.
The programming of the transmitters must be completed within 15 seconds of connecting the Red wire.
Red Wire (from the module harness)
Locate the courtesy lamp fuse in the vehicle's fusebox. Both sides of the fuse will illuminate the test light. Remove the fuse, and probe the contacts that the fuse plugs into. One of the contacts will not illuminate the test light. This is where the Red wire will be connected.
Connection Method A:
Locate the wire coming off this terminal at the back of the fusebox. When the correct wire is probed, the test light will illuminate whenever the fuse is plugged in, and turn off when the fuse is removed. Splice the Red wire from the siren harness into this wire and insulate with electrical tape.
Alternate Connection Method B:
"Fuse dip" terminals are available at electronics stores that will plug in with the contacts of the fuse. Refer to specific instructions included with the fuse dip terminals. This method of connecting may be easier in some vehicles.
Locate a fuse in the vehicle's fusebox that illuminates the test light when the ignition key is in the "ON" position, and does not illuminate the test light when the ignition key is turned to the "OFF" position (wipers, radio, etc.).
Once you have located a suitable fuse, turn the ignition key on, and remove the fuse. Probe the contacts where the fuse plugs into. One of the contacts will not illuminate the test light; this is where the White wire will connect.
Connection Method A:
Locate the wire coming off this terminal at the back of the fusebox. With the ignition key "ON" when the correct wire is probed, the test light will illuminate whenever the fuse is plugged in, and the light will turn "OFF" whenever the fuse is removed. Splice the White wire into this wire and wrap with electrical tape.
Alternate Connection Method B:
"Fuse Clip" terminals are available at electronics stores that will plug in with the contacts of the fuse. Refer to specific instructions included with the fuse clip terminals. This method of connecting may be easier in some vehicles.
Route the Green wire to the optional pin switches that have been previously installed. Trim the Green wire to length, strip insulation from wire, and crimp the male bullet terminal (supplied in the hardware bag) onto the end of the Green wire.
Plug the bullet terminal into the bottom of the pin switch. If two pin switches are required, load two Green wires into one of the male bullet terminals, and extend the second Green wire to the other pin switch.
Additionally, splice the White wire from the glass break detector to the Green wire from the siren control harness. Locate the terminal on top of the motion detector with the 2 hex nuts on it. Loosen the top nut and secure the Green wire to it.
IMPORTANT: The relay has been shipped with (1) Black wire loose.
To use the relay to cut the starter, load the Black wire into the slot in the relay plug as shown in the diagram.
Orange Wire
Connect this wire to the Orange wire from the siren control module harness. Gain access to the wires coming from the back of the ignition switch, and locate and connect the following wires:
Ignition
When the correct wire is probed, the test light will illuminate when the key is turned to the 'ON" and "START" position. The test light will be off when the key is turned off. Splice the Red wire from the relay to this ignition source.
Starter Wire
When the correct wire is probed, the test light will illuminate only when the starter motor is cranking. The test light will be off when the vehicle is running, and when the vehicle is turned off.
Cut the starter wire, and connect the side that runs towards the starter motor (engine compartment) to the Black wire from the relay, and the side that runs towards the ignition switch, to the White w/ Black stripe wire from the relay.
CAUTION: Be sure these wires are securely connected. If this connection should separate, the vehicle will not start.
IMPORTANT: When using the relay to flash the parking lamps, the Black wire must be loaded into the upper vacant slot of the connector as shown in the diagram.
Orange Wire
Connect the Orange wire from the relay to the Yellow wire from the siren control module harness.
Parking Light Wire
The easiest way to gain access to this circuit is at the back of (1) of the front parking light sockets. When the correct wire is probed, the test light will illuminate when the parking lights are switched to the "ON" position, and the test light will turn off when the parking lights are switched to the "OFF" position. Splice the Black wire from the relay to this wire, and insulate the connection fully.
White/Black Wire and Red Wire (from relay)
Connect both of these wires to a +12 volt constant fused wire in the vehicle. These wires can be connected to the positive battery terminal, however, when connecting to the positive terminal of the battery, you must add an in-line fuse of at least 15A for added protection. Connect one side of the fuse to the positive battery terminal, and the other side to the Red and Black/White wires.
IMPORTANT: When wiring the L.E.D., it is always best to connect the Blue wire side of the L.E.O. first. If this procedure is not followed, the L.E.D. can be permanently damaged. Connect the Blue wire from the dash mounted L.E.D. to the Blue wire from the siren module harness. Splice the Red wire from the L.E.D. into the Red wire from the siren module harness.
Connect the Gray wire from the switch to the Gray wire from the siren control harness. Connect the Black wire from the switch to a known chassis ground source.
The 2 pin connector, with a Red and Black wire, is provided to control the optional door lock interface. If this device is not being used, there should be no connection to these wires.
The Brown wire is provided as a control wire for optional accessories, such as the paging unit. This wire provides a low current switched ground trigger for a short period of time when the siren turns on. There should be no connection to this Brown wire if no options are added to the system.
The purpose of a shock detector is to "sense" a sharp impact to the vehicle's glass and body panels.
This alarm is programmed to report these impacts in two ways. A light impact will cause the alarm to sound a series of short "chirps", warning anyone tampering with the vehicle to stop immediately.
A more forceful impact will cause the alarm to sound for its full 60 second cycle, informing you that a serious violation attempt has occurred. Setting the sensitivity too high can cause false alarms.
Before adjusting, be sure all screws securing the alarm module are tightened securely. Also for optimum performance, the siren control module should be mounted to the firewall, or one of the vehicle's strut housings.
Locate and remove the rubber plug on the back of the siren. Using a small screwdriver, gently turn the adjustment screw fully counterclockwise then clockwise 1/8 turn. (Do not over turn this screw. Maximum rotation for this adjustment is 270°). Close the hood, arm the alarm, and allow six seconds for the shock sensor to stabilize. Firmly strike the front bumper with the side of a closed fist considering the amount of force required to break a window.
CAUTION: Never perform this test on the vehicle's glass, as you may break the window!
If the alarm did not sound, or if only the warning chirps were activated, then the sensitivity will need to be increased. Turn the adjustment screw approximately 1/8 turn clockwise (increasing sensitivity), and repeat the test. Repeat this procedure until a firm strike causes the full 60 second cycle to sound, and any less forceful impacts around the vehicle's perimeter cause the alarm to activate the series of warning chirps. When adjustment is set, replace the rubber plug on the back of the siren module.
The purpose of the motion detector is to instantly detect any attempt to jack or tow the vehicle. The motion detector has a full range sensitivity adjustment that must be adjusted properly.
To do this:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT make the adjustment too sensitive or windy days may cause false alarms.
The alarm does not have to be armed to adjust the sensitivity of this unit. Simply observe the RED LED on the microphone while making the adjustment.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT set the sensitivity too high or the system will cause false alarms, due to outside noises or passing vehicles when your vehicle is parked and alarm is armed. If sensitivity is set too high, turn adjustment counterclockwise.
WARNING: Excessive pressure on the transmitter button can damage the internal circuitry of the transmitter.
User Selection Note: If the relay (included) was to operate the parking lamps, then the lights will flash once to provide a visual indication that the system is armed. If the relay (included) was installed to cut the starter, then the vehicle cannot be started until the system is disarmed.
User Selection Note: If the system has been installed using the backup passive arming feature, then 60 seconds after dosing the hood and trunk, the system will automatically arm. If the OPTIONAL DOOR LOCK INTERFACE is installed, the doors will not automatically lock in the passive mode. Pressing the transmitter button within a 60 second period will cause the system to immediately arm, and if applicable, the doors will lock.
Operation Note: If the voltage sensing delay loop has not been cut, the "Voltage Sensing" circuitry of the alarm system will not be energized until 3 minutes after the arming chirp. This means that any entry point that illuminates a courtesy light WILL NOT trigger the alarm until this 3 minute delay has expired. The shock sensor and optional pin switch protection points will always be energized 5 seconds after the arming "chirp" is emitted.
WARNING: Do not strike the vehicle glass when testing the shock sensor.
User Selection Note: If the relay (included) was installed to operate the parking lamps, then the lights will flash two times to provide a visual indication that the system has been disarmed. If the relay (included) was installed to cut the starter, then the vehicle can now be started.
Operation Note: If the siren "chirps" four times when disarming, then an intrusion attempt has occurred. This will be confirmed by the dash mounted L.E.D. flashing three times., .pause...three limes...etc. These intrusion indicators will stay in the system's memory until the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position.
In an emergency situation, the alarm can be activated via the keychain transmitter, to draw attention to your vehicle. To activate the panic switch:
WARNING: Excessive pressure on the transmitter button can damage the internal circuitry of the transmitter.
In some circumstances, it may be inconvenient to leave the shock sensor active, (parking on or near a heavy construction site; parking on a street with heavy truck activity; severe thunderstorms etc.). In these situations, the sensitivity of the shock sensor can be decreased via the keychain transmitter, or the sensor can be turned off temporarily via the keychain transmitter. The vehicle will remain fully protected at all other points of entry. To do this:
IMPORTANT: Any time that power to the siren control module is interrupted (i.e. vehicle's battery has been disconnected for servicing), the system will require reprogramming of the transmitters. To do this:
The system will not arm or disarm via the keychain transmitter.
Alarm will not sound when opening a door that turns a courtesy light on.
The alarm will not sound when opening a hood/trunk lid that you added a pin switch to.
The bypass switch will not disarm the alarm.
The system experiences "false" alarms because the automatic electric cooling fan turns on after the three minute voltage sensing delay, (explained under "Arming The System").
Before proceeding, it is important to verify that the false alarms are occurring only after the cooling fan switches on. The symptom described above is a very rare occurrence, typically isolated in areas where the climate is excessively hot.
Once verified, it will be necessary to bypass the voltage sensing circuitry of the system. To do this, simply cut the green wire loop located where the wires exit the module, and insulate the ends of the wire with electrical tape. This procedure bypasses all voltage sensing functions of the system, and opening a door that illuminates a courtesy light will no longer trigger the alarm.
When this procedure is unavoidable, it is strongly recommended that you protect all doors, hood and trunk with additional pin switches, similar to those included in the alarm package. Pin switches are typically available at automotive parts stores, or local alarm installation shops.
The guidelines for mounting optional pin switches in this manual should be considered, however the mounting hole size may vary depending on the switch manufacturer.
Any additional switches added to the vehicle should be wired to the green wire as described in this manual.
