ACTIVE: To activate a specific function or feature manually.

AFTERMARKET: Any parts or accessories installed on a vehicle that were not provided by the vehicles manufacturer during manufacturing.

ANTI-GRIND: A safety feature found on higher-end remote starter systems that prevents the vehicles starter motor from engaging while the vehicle is running via the remote starting system; i.e. preventing the starter motor from "grinding" against the vehicles flywheel.

ANTI-THEFT (a.k.a: Starter-Kill, Starter-Disable or Starter Defeat): An inherent circuit found in a vehicle security system that prevents the vehicle from being started under conventional & unconventional means.

ARM: To "set" or "turn-on" a vehicle security system. i.e. with most car security systems, the vehicles doors will lock at the same time.

AUXILIARY OUTPUT: A feature found on car alarms or remote starter systems that supplies an extra output that can be used to trigger add-on features like window roll-up modules, rear window defroster etc. These outputs are usually a low-current negative polarity (200-250ma) which may require the use of a relay in many applications.

AWG: American Wire Gage. A number representing the thickness of a specific wire; i.e. the higher the number the thinner the wire.

BYPASS KIT: An electronic device used in remote starter installations that integrates with a vehicles OEM anti-theft system to allow remote starting i.e. without compromising the integrity of the vehicles OEM anti-theft system.

CAR FINDER: A feature that helps you locate your vehicle in crowded parking lots by pressing a button on the remote that will flash the vehicles parking lights and pulse the vehicles horn (or system siren) a pre-set number of times.

HARD-WIRE: Term used in car alarm & remote starter installations that indicates that no connectors were used to install the system. i.e. a direct wire-to-wire splice-in method that usually requires soldering.

ILLUMINATED ENTRY (a.k.a: Dome Light Supervision): A feature found on some systems with remote keyless entry that automatically turns on the vehicles interior lights when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.

INTERFACE KIT: Similar to, or used as a synonym for a "bypass" kit, but refers more towards a device that changes the conventional outputs from a system to "data" type signals that interfaces or "talks" directly with the vehicles BCM (Body Control Module). These devices allow factory door lock integration, OEM alarm arm/disarm etc. that couldn't be controlled by just the standard connections made from a system. These kits can be found also as "Combo" kits where the interface kit also includes a built-in bypass that overrides the vehicles anti-theft system to allow remote starting of a vehicle. 

LOW TEMPERATURE MODE: A feature found on remote starter systems that monitors the interior temperature of the vehicle. When the temperature drops below a pre-set degree the system will automatically start the vehicle and allow it to run for the pre-set remote start run time.

OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer. i.e. Parts, features or functions on a vehicle that were installed during manufacturing.

PANIC MODE: A feature found on any combination of system that provides a way, via the remote, to cause the vehicles horn or systems siren to sound and flash the parking lights in an attempt to create attention to the vehicle in case of an emergency.

PASSIVE: A programmable setting in vehicle security systems that causes certain functions of a system to automatically engage or turn on, usually within a specified amount of time. Example: "passive arming".

PATS SYSTEM: Fords' name for their anti-theft system. i.e. "Passive Anti-Theft System". Indicates that the vehicles keys have a transponder "chip" in the head of the keys which the vehicle detects during the starting of the vehicle.

QUICK STOP MODE (a.k.a: Pit Stop mode): A feature found on remote starter systems that will allow the engine to keep running after the key has been removed from the ignition. This will keep the vehicle warm or cool when exiting the vehicle for a short time. Also allows locking & unlocking of the vehicles doors via the remote during this time. i.e. The vehicle will run for the full pre-set remote start run time and will automatically shut down after this time elapsed if you haven't returned to the vehicle within this time.

RKE: Remote Keyless Entry. i.e. lock or unlocking of a vehicles doors by remote control.

TACHLESS MODE: A feature found on remote starter systems that monitors the vehicles voltage levels, current levels and crank time during starting of the vehicle. Eliminates the need to "hard-wire" a connection from the remote starter system to the vehicles tachometer wire.

TELEMATICS: Usually an add-on system that is used to control a function or feature of another system via a touch-tone phone.

TRANSPONDER KEY: OEM anti-theft system that requires a pre-programmed key to be used to start the vehicle. Found on most Ford & Chrysler/Dodge vehicles made in the last 5 years and on a few GM vehicles with PKIII ingraved on the blade of the key.

VALET MODE: Temporarily deactivates, or turns off, the alarm system so the vehicle can be serviced without triggering the alarm system.