MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 21, 2008) - Autostart announced today that it is voluntarily initiating a mandatory recall in the United States and Canada of certain AUTOSTART, POLAR START, EXTREME, ORBIT, NORDIC START AND COMMAND START BRANDED VEHICLE REMOTE START PRODUCTS. There are approximately 21,000 affected units.

PRODUCT MODEL # AS-2450vTW-FM / AS-2451TW-FM / AS-2452TW-v / CS-495iTW-FM / EX-2451TW-FM / MDL-2450v / NS-2250TW-FM / OB-3670v / PS-4451TW-FM, software versions set out in the table below, which were manufactured between August 2007 and March 2008. The modules and software versions affected by this recall are listed in the table below:

Module                         Version
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AS-2450vTW-FM       2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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AS-2451TW-FM        2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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AS-2452TW-v         2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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CS-495iTW-FM                  2.0, 2.1
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EX-2451TW-FM        2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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MDL-2250V                     2.0, 2.1
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MDL-2450V                2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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NS-2250TW-FM                  2.0, 2.1
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OB-3670v                      2.0, 2.1
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PS-4451TW-FM        2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
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HAZARD: Autostart is recalling these products because it has received consumer reports that under certain conditions, the affected units could unintentionally start the vehicle's engine without the driver's awareness. If an affected unit is installed in a vehicle with a manual transmission and the transmission is left in gear with the handbrake engaged, the vehicle could lunge forward while attempting to start. While substantially less of a risk(1), unintended starting of the vehicle engine in a confined space could lead to exhaust build up and pose a risk of CO asphyxiation. These situations have the potential to cause damage to the vehicle and surrounding property or cause serious personal injury.

(1) Linsey C. Marr, Glenn C. Morrison, William W. Nazaroff, and Robert A. Harley "Reducing the Risk of Accidental Death Due to Vehicle-Related Carbon Monoxide Poisoning", J. Air & Waste Manage. Assoc, 48:899-906 (1998).

We have determined that the root cause of the unintentional start issue is a software problem. Specifically, the main module can unintentionally enter the programming mode and if, while in programming mode, the unit receives an arrant RF signal, the vehicle could start. This problem has been corrected and does not affect units sold after the date of this notice.

SALES CHANNELS: These products are sold through independent and regional retailers and mass merchandisers. Professional installation is generally performed by the selling retailer. Autostart is notifying its customers, including distributors and retailers, about this recall, and is arranging for immediate replacement of all recalled products.

REMEDY: It is imperative that you contact your installing dealer as soon as possible to make arrangements for you to come in for an inspection, verify that you have an affected system and replace the unit if necessary. The replacement of the main unit is a simple and quick operation that will remedy the issue. You must bring all unit transmitters as they must be programmed with your replacement unit. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PARK IN NEUTRAL WITH THE HANDBRAKE FIRMLY ON TO PREVENT ANY MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Until the module is replaced, disconnect the antenna to prevent RF signals. The antenna can be found mounted on the windshield, often behind the mirror, and can be disconnected by disengaging the antenna cable plugged into the antenna:

Image 1 is available at the following address: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Image1_0721.jpg

Image 2 is available at the following address: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Image2_0721.jpg

CONSUMER CONTACTS: If you have any questions regarding this recall or if you are unable to have the remote start service performed without charge and within a reasonable time, you may call AUTOSTART at the following number: 1-866-738-9750. US residents may also submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call toll-free 1-800-424-9393. Washington, DC residents may call 1-202-366-0123.

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