Sigma M30 Alarm – Subaru UK – Forester, Impreza

The Sigma M30 alarm system has many more features than you may be aware of. The standard Subaru fitted system has the majority of these features switched off for simplicity and to conform to European legislation. Just to let you know what can be done.

Also available to download as a PDF

User Features

The following features are switchable by the end user, using the keypad, and are detailed in the back of your operating instructions.

To access this mode – turn on the vehicle ignition, press the remote button once, type one of the numbers listed in the chart below, immediately turn off the ignition. The numbers will have the following effect:

Number  Function
0 Last trigger isolation – allows the system to be set excluding any circuit giving a trigger signal at the end of the settle time (i.e. allows the system to be set with a defective bonnet switch, without “false alarming” until  the switch can be replaced)
1 Turns off the bleeps only for the next time the system is armed (If bleeps turned on!)
2 Turn off ultrasonics only for the next time the system  is armed (also possible by pressing the Remote Key with the ignition on before arming)
3 Puts the system into valet mode (effectively freezing the passive immobilisation and any other features such as auto arm when the vehicle goes in for service. System re-activated by arming with the remote key).
4 Turn on auto-lock (an anti-hijack feature that locks the doors and boot when the ignition is turned on)
5 Turn off auto-lock
6 Turn off  bleeps every time system is armed or disarmed

(Turned off at manufacture to comply with legislation)

7 Turn on bleeps every time system is armed or disarmed

( Note: This will contravene current legislation)

8 Displays vehicle’s battery voltage – 10 flashes on dashboard LED = approximately 10 volts
9 Turn on super-lock for next set period (allows the alarm to arm, but then shuts down the receiver. This reduces the systems current consumption if the vehicle is left for a number of weeks. The system then can only be disarmed using your PIN number , this gives protection even if your keys are stolen, whilst you are away on holiday.
* Toggles between loud and soft arming/disarming bleeps if selected ( See above note in 7)

Programming a New PIN Code:

The standard PIN code can be changed following the sequence below:

  1. i) Type in to the keypad **
  2. ii) Type in to the keypad the “existing PIN code”  then  *
  3. iii) Type in to the keypad 92 *  “new PIN code” * “new PIN code” #

Programming Remote Keys to the System:

Remote keys can be added or removed to/from the system following the sequence below:

  1. i) Type in to the keypad **
  2. ii) Type in to the keypad the “existing PIN code”  then *
  3. iii) Type in to the keypad 91 *  “ the number of keys to be used” #
  4. iv) Press the first remote key button until bleep sounds, release and press next key. Continue until all keys have been taught to the system. Note the maximum number of keys is 4 and all keys required to operate the system must be taught during this operation – any key not included will no longer operate the system.

Accessory Outputs

The following wires can be found in the loom by the alarm ECU, and these can be used to drive certain accessories. The alarm system may have to be re-programmed to select some of these features using the keypad or a CP1 dealer programmer.

It must be remembered that the maximum current output of these wires is 200 mA – 0.20 amps and so a relay is usually required to prevent damaging the output circuit.

WIRE 3 (GREEN/BLACK – Programmable Accessory Output 1)

This wire can be connected to any accessories that need to know when the alarm unit is “armed” such as additional LEDs and accessories such as tilt sensors.

With the alarm in it’s standard form this wire supplies a ground (-ve output) only when the alarm unit is “armed” OR can be programmed (see programming instructions) to be a negative output only whilst the remote key button remains pressed on disarming i.e. to operate boot release.

(Maximum current 200 mA – 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)

WIRE 4 (GREEN/RED – Programmable Accessory Output 2)

This output is turned off if the alarm is in it’s standard form but can be programmed (see programming instructions) to be supply a ground (-ve output) only whilst the remote key button remains pressed on arming i.e. for window closing etc. OR a negative output only for a set time, on every occasion the system is disarmed i.e. door courtesy light illumination etc.

(Maximum current 200 mA – 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)

WIRE 18 (GREEN/ORANGE – Accessory Output 3)

Connect this wire to any accessories that need to know when the alarm unit is sounding off (e.g. additional 12v siren, internal siren, strobes, pager etc.). This wire in the alarm systems standard form supplies a ground (-ve) only when the alarm unit is sounding off.

(Maximum current 200 mA – 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)

Full Programming, Diagnostics and Features

This section contains all the the information that the dealers use for programming and diagnosis of the Sigma M30 alarm system, using the MK1 keypad programmer.. Programming can also be carried out using a dealers CP1 programmer.

MK1 Keypad Programming Introduction

It is important the keypad buttons are not pressed too quickly

Each time a button is pressed the LED on the keypad will flash once as confirmation. The next button should not be pressed before this confirmation. 

It is important the keypad buttons are not pressed too slowly

When in programming mode, if a button is not pressed for a period of 10 seconds or more, the alarm will automatically exit programming mode. This will be confirmed by repeated flashes from LED on the keypad. You must wait until the LED stops flashing and then start again.

All programming functions are entered after typing * and then the programming PIN code. The programming PIN code is 17856.

To enter the programming PIN code, the alarm system must first be armed and then disarmed using a valid remote key. (or keypad using the PIN code)

* 17856 * must then be entered within 30 seconds of disarming the system. This is then followed by a 2 digit function code, then another * and then sometimes optional parameters as shown in the following tables.  It is important to remember the * key is used to separate the various parts of the code like this:

*  programming PIN code  *  function code  *  parameter  #.  The # key is pressed at the end of all sequences and is used like the “enter” key on a computer keyboard .

Programming Features On or Off:

PIN  Function Code  Switch Code

(where 0=off and 1=on)

 Function  Default
* 17856 * 00 * 0 or * 1 then # arm/disarm bleeps * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 01 * 0 or * 1 then # door open warning bleeps * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 02 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-lock * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 03 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-arm * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 04 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-arm to include door locking * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 05 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-rearm * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 06 * 0 or * 1 then # engineer mode * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 07 * 0 or * 1 then # hold-down remote key button = -ve output on wire 4 * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 08 * 0 or * 1 then # hold-down remote key button = extends lock pulse * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 09 * 0 or * 1 then # after disarm  -ve output on wire 4 * 0 (off)

Programming Sensitivity Settings:      

PIN  Function Code  Parameter(s)  Function  Default
* 17856 * 20 * 0 to * 99 then # ultrasonic threshold 15
* 17856 * 21 * 0 to * 99 then # ultrasonic count (number of times threshold is exceeded in one seconds to cause alarm) 10
* 17856 * 23 * 0 to * 99 then # shut-down count (number of times an individual trigger circuit can be activated during a single set period) 10

Note regarding ultrasonic operation and adjustment: 

The ultrasonic system in the Sigma M30 employs a sophisticated micro processor controlled method of detection. Unlike conventional ultrasonic detectors this method ensures that an actual entry has occurred rather than just air movement, air pressure fluctuation, seat belt movement etc.

The detection system also employs a movement/time method where a certain amount of movement in a given time is required to cause a trigger.

This method of detection offers a high level of protection against false alarms commonly associated with other systems employing inferior methods of detection

In order to test the operation of the ultrasonics it is important to understand how they works when the system is initially armed:

  • For the first 16 seconds (settle time) the system allows the air movement inside the vehicle to stabilise. (During this period the LED flashes dimly)
  • During the next 16 seconds (threshold settle time) the microprocessor monitors the interior of the vehicle – reducing the sensitivity (from the maximum sensitivity programmed by the installer, if necessary to suit the interior and climate. (During this period the LED flashes brightly – latching on for a second only if movement is detected and the sensitivity has been reduced)
  • After the first 32 seconds the system is now fully armed and the ultrasonic sensitivity is set to the programmed maximum or the reduced level if some movement was detected during the “threshold settle time”.(LED now flashing dimly)

Because of the way the ultrasonics operate, if there is a disturbance within the “threshold settle time” the ultrasonics will re-adjust to compensate for this disturbance, if the movement is excessive the ultrasonics may turn themselves off. This re-adjustment can be detected by the dash mounted LED changing from flashing, to a static state for a second. This may happen if the ultrasonics are tested in windy conditions with a window open. If this is the case then the folowing test method can be performed:

Close all doors, bonnet and windows sitting yourself in the rear of the vehicle. Arm the alarm system keeping very still, and observe the dash LED during the “settle time” and then the “theshold settle time”. The LED must remain flashing and should not latch on. After these 2 periods the LED will then flash dimmly again, moving your head forward now should trigger the alarm.

Programming Timing Settings:

PIN  Function Code  Variable(s)  Function  Default
* 17856 * 10 * 1 to * 30 then # stall to ignition on time in seconds 30 sec
* 17856 * 11 * 1 to * 99 then # unset to ignition on time in seconds 30 sec
* 17856 * 12 * 1 to * 99 then # panic time in seconds 05 sec
* 17856 * 13 * 1 to * 51 then # lock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses) 01 sec
* 17856 * 14 * 1 to * 51 then # unlock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses) 01 sec
* 17856 * 15 * 1 to * 99 then # settle time in seconds 15 sec
* 17856 * 16 * 1 to * 99 then # threshold setting time in seconds 15 sec
* 17856 * 17 * 1 to * 99 then # auto arm time in seconds 60 sec
* 17856 * 18 * 1 to * 99 then # auto re-arm time and also -ve output time after disarm , on wire 4 (green/red) in seconds 60 sec

Displaying System Diagnostics:

The dashboard LED displays the value of settings as a number of flashes.

PIN  Function Code  Function
* 17856 * 30 then # time elapsed since last trigger (in minutes)
* 17856 * 31 then # as * 30 above – but each flash = 256 minutes
* 17856 * 33 then # wire 7 (orange) ignition trigger count
* 17856 * 34 then # wire 1 (blue) -ve door trigger count
* 17856 * 35 then # wire 2 (blue/red) –ve boot trigger count
* 17856 * 36 then # –ve bonnet switch trigger count (black single wire on siren plug)
* 17856 * 37 then # ultrasonics trigger count
* 17856 * 38 then # last trigger register (see table below)
* 17856 * 39 then # reset all above trigger counts to 0 (zero)

Displaying the Last Trigger:

Last trigger displayed by dashboard LED. (following pressing *38 – see previous table)

Number of flashes = circuit shown below.

Number of Flashes  Trigger Circuit Number of Flashes  Trigger Circuit
1 Ignition Trigger 8 Bonnet Trigger
2 Door Trigger 16 Ultrasonic Trigger
4 Boot Trigger

Displaying the Current Feature Status – On or Off:

The dashboard LED displays status – 2 flashes = feature on, and 1 flash = feature off.

PIN  Function Code  Function
* 17856 * 40 then # arm/disarm bleeps
* 17856 * 41 then # door open warning bleeps
* 17856 * 42 then # auto lock
* 17856 * 43 then # auto arm
* 17856 * 44 then # auto arm and lock
* 17856 * 45 then # auto re-arm
* 17856 * 46 then # engineer mode (reduced siren sounding time only)
* 17856 * 47 then # hold-down remote key button = -ve output on wire 4 (green/red)
* 17856 * 48 then # hold-down remote key button = extends lock pulse
* 17856 * 49 then # after disarm  -ve output on wire 4 (green/red)

 Displaying the Current Timing Settings

Time displayed by dashboard LED. Number of flashes = time in seconds.

PIN  Function Code  Function
* 17856 * 50 then # stall to ignition on time in seconds
* 17856 * 51 then # disarm to ignition on time in seconds
* 17856 * 52 then # panic time in seconds
* 17856 * 53 then # lock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses)
* 17856 * 54 then # unlock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses)
* 17856 * 55 then # settle time in seconds
* 17856 * 56 then # threshold time in seconds
* 17856 * 57 then # auto arm time in seconds
* 17856 * 58 then # auto re-arm time and also -ve output time after disarm – on wire 4 (green/red) in seconds

Displaying the Current Sensitivity Settings:

Value displayed by the dashboard LED. Number of flashes = value.

PIN  Function Code  Function
* 17856 * 60 then # ultrasonic threshold
* 17856 * 61 then # ultrasonic count (number of times threshold is exceeded in one seconds to cause alarm)
* 17856 * 62 then # spikes (upper ultrasonic threshold)
* 17856 * 63 then # cut off count (number of times a trigger channel can be activated during a single set period)

Setting Up Pre-set Programmes:

Keying in the following sequences on the keypad sets up a fixed set of features, which can be used as a starting point for further tailoring:

* 17856 * 80 #               everything off, lock and unlock pulses 1 second.

* 17856 * 81 #               as for * 80 above, with auto-rearm on.

* 17856 * 82 #               as for * 80 above, with auto-arm on.

* 17856 * 83 #               as for * 80 above, with auto-rearm and auto-arm on.

* 17856 * 80 # Default setting configures the values shown in the previous tables 1, 2 and 3 

Resetting PIN code:

If you do not have the current PIN, then follow option A. However if you do not have a working Radio Key, then you will have to use option B and obtain the systems PIN code from Subaru (UK). Your dealer can obtain this for you if you can provide proof of ownership and the alarm systems 16-digit serial number.

A.Using a working Radio Key:
– Arm and then Disarm the system using a working Radio Key.
– Then put the key in the ignition and turn to Acc
– Within 30 seconds of disarming, type into the keypad- *17856*92*wxyz*wxyz# (where wxyz is your new PIN code)
– Immediately remove the key from the ignition and then arm the system with the Radio Key
– You should now be able to disarm the system using the new PIN code, just enter the new pin with no *’s or #’s.

B. Using the current PIN Code (if a working Radio Key is not available):
– Arm and then Disarm the system using the current PIN
– Within 30 seconds of disarming, type into the keypad- **abcd*92*wxyz*wxyz# (where abcd is your current PIN code and wxyz your new PIN code)
– You should now be able to arm and disarm the system using the new PIN code

When using the keypad always observe the following points:

– The PIN number should not be entered too quickly or too slowly – when a digit has been pressed the small LED built into the keypad will illuminate briefly as confirmation and only then should the next digit be entered.
– If an incorrect digit is pressed or the delay between entering digits exceeds10 seconds, then the LED above the keypad will flash rapidly and the PIN attempt should be abborted and started again after 30 seconds.
– Due to the small size of the keypad some users may find a rubber tipped pencil easier to use. DO NOT use the sharp tip of a ball point pen etc, or press excessively hard on the keypad as this will only damage the membrane and cause a digit to remain pressed, causing a continual incorrect PIN.
– The keypad allows only THREE PIN attempts and then will “Lock Up” if an incorrect number is entered a third time. This is a security feature to prevent random PIN attempts disarming the system.

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