InterMotive EcoStar III C-ECO3-704 Installation and Operation Manual

System Overview

Introduction

The EcoStar™ III (ESIII) is a configurable automatic engine stop/start system designed to provide improved fuel economy, lower vehicle emissions, enhanced engine life, and extended oil change intervals by automatically shutting off the engine when appropriate. Automatic engine restarts are triggered by multiple configurable parameters, including primary or auxiliary battery voltage, service brake application, thermistor temperature, and auxiliary restart input. Auto-restarts are preceded by a warning beeper. Battery charge protection prevents a dead battery when loads are left on. The system supports two separate battery system inputs for auto-restarts. ESIII can also 'fast' the engine based on configurable triggers such as battery voltage, park brake, AC, heater boost, an external input, and thermistor temperature. A hood switch interlock input disables the system when the hood is open.

The ECO3-704 operates in two main modes: fob in cabin (passive operation for greater fuel savings with no driver interaction) and fob out of cabin (provides enhanced security, locking the shifter in Park). The default vehicle safety and functional pre-conditions for Auto Stop and Auto Restart are outlined below. These parameters can be altered to suit specific needs via the InterMotive Download Manager or the InterMotive EcoStar™ III Mobile App.

Auto Stop Defaults

When all Auto Stop conditions are met, the ESIII will automatically stop the engine when a timer expires or an external discrete wire Ignition Off Request is activated. The default timer is set to 15 seconds.

ESIII Versions and Supported Vehicles

Ensure the correct version of EcoStar™ III is being installed for the specific vehicle. Check with InterMotive for updates on supported vehicles and model years.

Supported Vehicle: C-ECO3-704 2022-2023 Ram ProMaster

ESIII Add-On Options

• -T: Thermistor for temperature activated Auto Restart.
• -B2: 2022 ProMaster hood switch option
• -B3: 2023 ProMaster hood switch option (Requires C-ECO3-704-C)

Important Information

Read Before Installation

It is the installer's responsibility to route and secure all wiring harnesses to prevent damage from sharp objects, mechanical moving parts, and high heat sources. Failure to do so could result in system or vehicle damage and create safety concerns for the operator and passengers. Avoid placing the module where it could encounter strong magnetic fields from high current cabling, radio frequency energy from antennas or inverters. Always use diode-clamped relays and solenoids when installing upfitter circuits to avoid high voltage spikes.

Caution

All electronic products are susceptible to damage from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Ground yourself before handling or working with the module and harnessing by first touching chassis ground, such as the barrel of a cigarette lighter. ⚠️

Installation Instructions

General Precautions

• Disconnect the vehicle battery before proceeding with installation. ⚠️

ESIII Module Mounting

Remove the lower dash panel below the steering column and find a suitable location to mount the module. Choose an area away from excessive heat sources (engine, heater ducts, etc.). Ensure that when routing harnesses, the tilt steering column does not contact them in the full down position. Leave several inches of take-out on harnesses for module removal if necessary. Do not mount the module until all wire harnesses are routed and secure.

Data Link Harness - 6 pin connector

The Ram ProMaster has an OEM Gateway module located behind the glovebox. Follow these steps to access it:

1. Open the glovebox door.
2. Locate the two release tabs on the inside of the glovebox (one on the left and one on the right) and drop the door into the full down position.
3. Locate and remove the two fasteners securing the glovebox assembly to the vehicle.
4. Locate and remove the four fasteners on the outside of the glovebox assembly.
5. Remove the glove box assembly.

The Gateway module is located behind the glove box assembly. Remove the 12-pin and 8-pin connectors from the Gateway module and plug in the corresponding 12-pin and 8-pin connectors from the Intermotive C-ECO3-704 Data Link harness. Then, plug the OEM 12-pin and 8-pin connectors into the mating connectors on the C-ECO3-704 Data Link harness. Plug the free end of the 6-pin Data Link harness into the mating 6-pin connector on the 4-foot extension harness (Part #S-H94AX-04). Plug the other end of the extension harness into the mating 6-pin connector on the C-ECO3-704 module.

Shift Lock Solenoid T-Harness

1. Remove the four screws from the lower center panel below the shifter. The cup holder must be removed to access the lower 2 screws.
2. Remove the lower center panel by firmly grasping it and pulling toward the rear of the vehicle.
3. The C-ECO3-704 kit includes a “T” Shift Lock harness to be installed between the OEM harness and the shifter PCB. Locate the OEM 2-pin shift lock solenoid connector on the underside of the shifter. Reposition any foam and potentially cut an OEM zip tie to access the connector. Pinch the connector tab, unplug it, and insert it into the C-ECO3-704 mating connector. Plug the C-ECO3-704 male connector into the OEM shift lock solenoid connector on the PCB.
4. Route the shift lock harness connector to the module's installation location and plug it in.

Power Resistor Installation

1. Locate the piece of exposed metal above the Gateway module.
2. Install the power resistor to the exposed metal using the included screws. Pre-drill holes using a #39 drill bit.

Ignition Switch Installation

The ignition switch must be accessed to connect the C-ECO3-704 ignition harness.

1. Remove the lower steering column opening cover (trim panel below the steering wheel). Three screws need to be removed.
2. Remove the four screws attaching the lower shroud to the upper shroud.
3. Unclip the upper and lower shrouds by applying hand pressure along the seams where they connect on the sides. Drop the lower shroud down to access the back of the Push-to-Start button.
4. Remove the OEM connector from the rear of the Push-to-Start button and plug it into the mating connector on the Intermotive harness. Plug the male connector from the Intermotive harness into the mating connector at the rear of the Push-to-Start button.

Service Brake Installation

1. Locate the Service Brake switch above the Service Brake pedal.
2. Remove the OEM connector from the Service Brake switch and plug it into the mating connector on the Intermotive harness.
3. Plug the male connector from the Intermotive harness into the mating connector on the Service Brake switch.

Hood Switch Installation

The OEM hood latch will need to be replaced with the included hood latch.

1. Locate the hood latch under the hood.
2. Remove the 3 nuts attaching the latch to the body.
3. Remove the latch and disconnect the hood release cable, separating it from the latch.
4. Attach the hood release cable onto the included hood switch.
5. Install the hood switch and attach and tighten the 3 nuts.
6. Plug the mating connector of the Intermotive hood switch harness (Part #S-H83DX) onto the hood switch.
7. Locate the pass-through hole on the firewall on the driver's side of the vehicle.
8. Remove the plug and route the hood switch harness through the hole.
9. Plug the 2-pin Molex connector into the mating connector on the C-ECO3-704 main harness.

Fob Out Activation Button Installation

A push button with an integral LED is provided in the kit (Part #S-H84GX).

1. Drill a 16mm (0.630″) hole in the desired mounting location. A recommended location is in the recessed area to the left of the steering wheel.
2. Remove the lock nut from the LED button and route the harness through the hole. Mount the button in the hole.
3. Slide the button's lock nut onto the harness and snug it down onto the back of the LED.
4. Plug in the 4-pin (Black) connector of the button harness into the mating connector on the C-ECO3-704 main harness.

Key Fob Box

A spare key fob must be modified and inserted into the provided enclosure to enable the C-ECO3-704 system to work with the key fob outside of the vehicle.

1. Remove the physical key from the key fob.
2. Separate the key fob using a small flat head screwdriver.
3. Remove the battery from the key fob.
4. Remove the RAM sticker from the back of the key fob.
5. Place the bottom half of the key fob in the key fob jig (Part #432-00008).
6. Flip the key fob and jig upside down and drill a hole through the back of the key fob using a 0.5″ drill bit.
7. Place the battery PCB board in the key fob.
8. Snap both halves of the key fob back together, ensuring the connector on the opposite side of the battery board is centered in the hole.
9. Place the key fob in the bottom half of the key box provided with the C-ECO3-704.
10. Plug the 2-pin White connector into the battery board and route the harness toward the hole in the side of the box. Place the rubber grommet in the hole.
11. Place the top portion of the box on top and secure it with the 4 included screws. Plug the 3-pin connector into the mating connector on the main harness.

Module Mounting

Mount the module in the location shown (on the lower center panel) using double-sided tape. Ensure all harnesses are properly connected and routed and are not hanging below the dash area. Reconnect the vehicle battery.

I/O Features and Descriptions

(Solder and heat shrink all connections)

Key Fob Out Enable Input

Pin #2 (Gray wire) of the 8-pin J4 Connector is the Key Fob Out Enable input. This input connects to a momentary switch supplied in the ESIII kit. This enable input is high true (12V). When the momentary button is pressed and released, an integrated LED will flash rapidly. The user then has a pre-configured time (default 10 seconds) to remove the key fob from the cabin to activate key fob out mode. If successful, the LED will flash every two seconds; otherwise, it flashes rapidly and stops.

Ignition/Engine Off Request Input

Pin #4 (White wire) of the 8-pin J4 Connector is an Engine Off Request input. Grounding this wire with a switch allows remote engine shutoff capability. Keeping this input grounded will keep the ignition switch power off, except for remote Engine On Request, low battery conditions, or thermistor restart triggers, which will restore ignition power and restart the engine. Leaving the ignition off minimizes battery draw.

Engine On Request Input

Pin #6 (Green wire) of the 8-pin J4 Connector is the Engine On Request input. This input must provide a ground when restart is desired. This input also acts as a Shutdown Inhibit; as long as it is active (grounded), the anti-shutdown timer and the Request Engine/Ignition Off inputs will not turn the vehicle off. An optional thermistor can be attached for temperature-activated auto-restart, useful for preventing the engine from getting too cold or managing cabin temperatures in extreme environments. Mount the thermistor away from sharp objects and moving parts.

• Low Temperature Thermostat Engine Cycling: If the cabin heater is on and the cabin temperature does not increase 6 minutes after a low temperature restart, the thermostat function is disabled until the key is cycled.
• High Temperature Thermostat Engine Cycling: If the cabin air conditioner is on and the cabin temperature does not decrease 6 minutes after a high temperature restart, the thermostat function is disabled until the key is cycled.

Hood Open Disable Switch

This connection is mandatory for module operation and is a critical safety feature. The discrete hood switch input is a grounding input by default. If the –B2 option is ordered, the input will automatically detect the switch using analog voltage levels. To revert to ground input:

1. Enter diagnostic page 4.
2. Press and hold the test button for over 3 seconds until LEDs flash in unison, then release.
3. Cycle the hood input: ground -> open -> ground, 5 times.
4. If successful, LED1 will be off when the input is grounded and on when open.

Aux Battery Input (Up to 60 Volt)

Pin #8 (Gray wire) of the 8-pin J4 Connector monitors auxiliary battery voltage. It can trigger a low battery restart if the input falls below a user-defined level. This trigger is disabled by default but can be enabled via the ESIII mobile app.

Restart Beeper

Pin #2 (Orange wire) of the 4-pin J5 Connector drives a warning beeper that sounds for 2 seconds before most restarts. Find a suitable location for the beeper so it is audible to the driver. Connect the Orange lead to the beeper's Red post and the Black lead to the negative post. Rotate the beeper's bezel to control volume.

Configurable Low Current Outputs

Pins #3 of J5 (Yellow wire, 0.5 Amp Max), #4 of J5 (Pink wire, 1 Amp Max), #1 of J12 (Tan wire, 0.5 Amp Max), and #2 of J12 (Light Green wire, 0.5 Amp Max) are configurable outputs supporting 9 logic modes:

1. Lock Mode

When configured for lock mode, an output can control installer-supplied normally closed relays to secure equipment when fob out is active (e.g., trunk or weapon rack release buttons). When ESIII activates this output, relays open circuits, disabling these functions to minimize theft risk when the vehicle is unattended. This output becomes active after a configurable delay (default 10 seconds) and remains active until the key is returned to the run position. It also remains active if an attempted theft is detected and ESIII disables the system.

2. Key Fob Out Active

This output can control normally closed relays or auxiliary indicator LEDs. It enables/disables equipment while ESIII is cycling the engine in key fob out mode. When key fob out operation is enabled, this output becomes active and remains active until the key is back in the cabin. If an attempted theft is detected and ESIII disables, this output turns off.

3. Equipment Enable

This output forces the operator to depend on ESIII's stop/start capability to use their equipment. It is active only when the Request Engine Off input is active. While active, ESIII cycles the engine based on battery voltages and the Request Engine On input (including the optional thermostat function). This differs from the Un-Interrupted Load Output as it ensures Eco-Star is cycling the engine.

4. Un-Interrupted Load Control

ESIII shuts down the vehicle's engine by simulating key OFF or ACCESSORY conditions. All electrical loads that normally shut off will lose power. To avoid this for certain loads, wire an external relay to an ESIII output configured with this mode. The Ignition Power Signal normally activates only when the key is in the Run/Start position. However, when EcoStar commands Ignition Off, the Ignition Power Signal becomes 'Key In Ignition,' which can drain the battery faster. Using LED lights and higher capacity batteries is recommended.

5. Engine Run

This output turns on when the engine is running, allowing equipment to be disabled when the engine is not running.

6. Theft Alarm

The output pulses during a theft alarm sequence. Connect to auxiliary visual or audible alarm equipment.

7. AFIS Trigger

The output activates when AFIS conditions are met to trigger fast.

8. Door Lock

The output activates for 250 ms when the OEM doors are locked. It can connect to non-OEM locks for doors or storage containers.

9. Door Unlock

The output activates for 250 ms when the OEM doors are unlocked. It can connect to non-OEM locks for doors or storage containers.

Pins #3 of J5 (Yellow wire), #1 of J12 (Tan wire), and #2 of J12 (Light Green wire) can drive up to 0.5 Amp. Pin #4 of J5 (Pink Wire) can drive up to 1 Amp. When connecting to a relay, always use a diode-clamped relay (e.g., Digikey part number PB682-ND) or add a diode across the relay coil, observing polarity. Using a relay without suppression can cause high voltage spikes upon deactivation, potentially damaging control modules.

Relay Wiring Diagram: A schematic illustrates connecting a relay to an ESIII output, showing the diode, relay pins (85, 86, 87, 30), fused battery voltage source, and load connection.

Configurable Shift Lock/Fast Input

Pin #3 of J4 (Yellow Blue wire) (+12V) is a configurable input that can be used as a shift lock trigger, a fast trigger, or both. Configuration can be adjusted via the EcoStar III mobile app.

Automatic Door Lock & Unlock with AutoSense™ technology

During fob out operation, ESIII can automatically lock and unlock vehicle doors based on proximity of AutoSense™ fobs. The ESIII kit, when ordered with the –L option, includes two bonded AutoSense fobs. ESIII automatically locks doors when a nearby fob moves beyond the configurable lock range and unlocks them when an out-of-range fob moves within the configurable unlock range.

The configurable lock and unlock range can be adjusted using the EcoStar III mobile application on a scale from 0 (nearest) to 10 (furthest). The distance is estimated by the signal strength from the AutoSense fob to the ESIII module, which is installation dependent. These settings must be determined by observation after installation.

AutoSense™ Add Fob P&R

If the ESIII was not ordered with the –L option, AutoSense fobs can be added to the system for automatic door lock & unlock using the following programming sequence:

1. Turn the key to the run position with the engine off and the transmission in park.
2. Press the red test button on the module 9 times to enter diagnostic page 9. The status LED will blink 9 times.
3. Press and hold the red test button for approximately 3 seconds until the LEDs flash and then turn off.
4. Cycle the battery on an AutoSense fob and place it near the module.
5. The LEDs will flash during bonding and turn on solid for 2 seconds upon successful bonding.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to add additional fobs (ESIII stores the last three fobs).
7. Press the test button once more to exit diagnostic mode.

Post Installation Operational Test

Perform these tests to confirm proper installation and function:

1. With the engine running, transmission in Park or Neutral, and hood closed, activate the Engine Off Request switch input. The engine should shut off, and ignition should remain off.
2. Release the Engine Off Request. Ignition power should be restored, and loads powered with the key in Run should be restored. The engine should not start (unless low battery causes a restart).
3. Activate the Engine On Request input. The engine should automatically restart.
4. Release the Engine On Request and confirm the module shuts off the engine after approximately 15 seconds. Note: Applying the Service Brake may prevent the timer from counting down.
5. Start the engine and enable fob out operation by pressing the enable button and removing the key within approximately 3 seconds. If successful, the integral LED on the button will continue to flash.
6. Confirm the module shuts off the engine after approximately 2 seconds.
7. Repeat test 3 with the hood open. As a safety feature, the ESIII MUST NOT start or stop the engine when the hood is open. If it does, check the hood switch wiring.

NOTE: ESIII will not shut off the engine for 5 seconds after it has been started.

*These values are configurable and may differ from the stated defaults.

Do not put the vehicle into service unless the hood open function correctly disables auto-restarting.

If the system fails any of these tests, check the related wiring. Contact InterMotive Technical Support if necessary. Do NOT release the vehicle for service until all tests have passed.

Want to change default settings?

To modify the default EcoStar™ configuration, use the InterMotive EcoStar™ III Mobile App. The app allows viewing and modification of all ESIII configurable parameters. Record any configuration changes for future serviceability.

Operating Instructions

Leave in vehicle

EcoStar™ III (ESIII) provides enhanced fuel economy and lower vehicle emissions by limiting engine time, preventing unnecessary idling. Restarts can be triggered by low battery voltage, Service Brake, remote operator requests, or thermostat triggers (if enabled).

The system operates with the fob in the cabin (no driver interaction) or fob out of the cabin. To activate fob out mode, press the fob out enable button and remove the fob within 10 seconds (configurable). During fob out operation, the shifter is locked, and the timer is 2 seconds (configurable). The LED on the enable button flashes while fob out is active.

The Engine Off Request is a remote switch that turns off the engine by switching off ignition power. Ignition remains off until the Engine Off Request is removed, low battery causes a restart, a remote Engine Start Request is activated, or a thermostat trigger occurs. This keeps ignition off to reduce battery demand.

The engine will also auto-stop when a timeout period expires. The default timeout is 15 seconds of idling in Park or Neutral. The Service Brake and Engine On switch can prevent timer shutoff.

The Engine On Request switch, if installed, is a remote trigger to start the engine after an auto-stop. Activating Engine On Request while the vehicle is running prevents all auto-stops. If the vehicle has an optional thermistor, it may auto-restart and shut off based on temperature.

Once the engine is auto-stopped, ESIII monitors main battery voltage (and optionally auxiliary battery). If either falls below a minimum restart voltage (default 12.0V for main battery), an alarm sounds for 2 seconds, and the vehicle auto-restarts to recharge batteries. Once the main battery charges above 13.5 volts, a 900-second recharge timer begins, after which the engine will shut off again.

ESIII can 'fast' the engine based on configurable triggers: primary/secondary battery voltage, park brake, AC, heater boost, and an external input.

An ESIII mobile app is available for viewing reduction stats, modifying configurations, and performing system diagnostics.

Default requirements for engine auto-stop

Transmission in Park or Neutral (vehicle not moving), Hood Closed, Service Brake not applied, Battery Voltage greater than 12.0 Volts (may differ from default), no thermostat trigger, and Engine Restart switch not 'on' (this input overrides Engine Off Request and Timer).

Default requirements for engine auto-restart

Hood Closed, Engine must have been auto-stopped, Transmission in Park or Neutral, and fob in cab or fob out mode active. Once these conditions are met, the engine will restart when the Engine On Request is activated, low battery is detected, or a Thermostat restart trigger is activated.

The ESIII may be removed by unplugging the ESIII 6-pin harness (behind the lower driver's dash panel) and restoring the OEM ignition switch wiring (under the steering column trim cover).