Technical Support

Welcome to the Technical Support page for Code 3^® and PSE Amber^™ products.

Our in-house service center is available from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm central time to provide installation support, product repair (in or out of warranty) or assistance with a return.

For technical assistance, returning a product to our service center, checking on the status of a service order, or downloading product install guides, click the appropriate tab.

For information on our REFRESH/REFURBISH Lightbar program click here.

For information on our WARRANTY service repair program click here.

For information on our DEFENDER TRICORE WARRANTY service repair program click here.

Code 3, Inc.
Attn: Technical Support
10986 N. Warson Road
St. Louis, MO USA 63114 - 2029

Frequently Asked Questions

Product:

• Where do I find the serial number on a lightbar?
• When buying a new lightbar, can I add options to "Standard Bars"?
• What is the difference between a 21TR & 21TR Plus?
• How do I tell the difference between a Standard Speed (100FPM) and Fast Speed (200FPM) rotator?
• What is the difference between an "intersection light" and a "pursuit light"?
• Can Code 3^® lightbars be equipped with an emitter?
• What are Alley Lights?
• What is a lightbar Quick Disconnect?
• What is a Multi-Mode Flasher?
• What is Horn Ring Transfer?
• What is Horn Ring Scroll?
• What is HyperYelp?
• What is Instant On?
• What is InterClear^®?
• What is LightAlert^™?
• What is SirenLock?
• What is Output Short Circuit Protection?
• What is Park Kill?
• What is a Serial System?
• Why are the LED-X and Optix LEDs described as having directional, wide, or hybrid optics?

Distribution, delivery, quality:

• Can I buy direct from the factory?
• Will Code 3^® "drop-ship" products?
• What do I need to do for a warranty repair or return?
• Can I track status of my order with Code 3?

Product:

Where do I find the serial number on a lightbar?

The serial number is located on a bar-coded sticker inside the lightbar on driver's side. The only exception is our Defender Lightbar. The Defender serial number is on the bottom of the frame on the outside of the lightbar on the driver’s side.
Back to FAQs

When buying a new lightbar, can I add options to "Standard Bars"?

Our "Standard Bars" are sold with only a limited number of changes/upgrades, as shown in the price guide. These include motor speed, lamp wattage, and lens or filter colors. If you require a "standard bar" with additional features not listed in the Options/Upgrades section of the Standard Bars, then you are required to "Build-Your-Own" lightbar (restrictions apply). Every option needs to be requested and each item is priced differently (i.e. flashers).
Back to FAQs

What is the difference between a 21TR & 21TR Plus?

The 21TR lightbar is the economical version of the two. Both use the same LED technology, Torus. The 21TR have pre-determined configurations and limited features. This is a good choice when low cost is the benefit of choice. The 21TR Plus provides the same look as the 21TR but with additional features, such as flashing Takedown & Alley lights, arrowstik, and software choices. The 21TR Plus has standard configurations to choose from, but it also offers a customizable solution for the customer wanting to "design their own" configuration.
Back to FAQs

How do I tell the difference between a Standard Speed (100FPM) and Fast Speed (200FPM) rotator?

Fast and Standard speed rotators are identical in appearance, therefore the only way to tell the difference is by the part number of the motor located on the motor housing:

• T04943- Standard Speed
• T04944- Fast Speed

What is the difference between an "intersection light" and a "pursuit light"?

This option can be found in the MX7000 dual level lightbar. The intersection lights sweep in a 120 degree arc providing warning light forward and to the side of the lightbar. The pursuit lights sweep in a 90 degree arc concentrating the warning light to the front of the lightbar.
Back to FAQs

Can Code 3^® lightbars be equipped with an emitter?

Yes, lightbars can be ordered with an emitter installed at the factory. Code 3 has the ability to install the Opticom^™, Nova or Priority Green emitters in most lightbars. Check the lightbar options page in the price guide to determine which emitters are available in which lightbars.
Back to FAQs

What are Alley Lights?

A light or pair of lights mounted in a lightbar, aimed out the side for spot or scene illumination.
Back to FAQs

What is a lightbar Quick Disconnect?

It is a special electrical connection for the light bar which allows for easier vehicle installation and removal. (PN LBQD15)
Back to FAQs

What is a Multi-Mode Flasher?

A Multi-Mode Flasher is a flasher that has multiple flash patterns. It can be used in conjunction with "Interclear" for your headlights or other auxiliary lighting. It also may be used to flash steady burn lights within various lightbars.
Back to FAQs

What is Horn Ring Transfer?

It is a relay device that when activated, transfers the control of the siren tones to the steering wheel horn ring based on the progressive switch setting. (PN HORNTR)
Back to FAQs

What is Horn Ring Scroll?

It is the ability to scroll through siren tones using the steering wheel Horn Ring.
Back to FAQs

What is HyperYelp?

It is a Code 3^® siren tone - essentially, the rapid repeat of the yelp tone.
Back to FAQs

What is Instant On?

It is a siren feature that allows power up without an on/off switch; selecting any siren function or keying the microphone activates the siren.
Back to FAQs

What is InterClear^®?

It is a user actuated timed-circuit option that changes the tones of the siren and the pattern of the light signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection, then returns the siren to normal operation, after a pre-set interval.
Back to FAQs

What is LightAlert^™?

This is an optional device in light control sirens that produces a beeping noise when any of the light circuits are left on.
Back to FAQs

What is SirenLock?

This prevents the use of the siren unless the warning lights are on. Also effective for actuating the siren automatically when the lights are activated.
Back to FAQs

What is Output Short Circuit Protection?

This is a feature that shuts the siren down in the event of a speaker system short circuit. Once the short is repaired, the siren returns to normal operation.
Back to FAQs

What is Park Kill?

This automatically turns off the siren when the vehicle is shifted into Park, as well as drops down from Level 3 to Level 2 in the Light Control Section. The siren can be activated by a switch movement or keying the microphone.
Back to FAQs

What is a Serial System?

Serial Interface Option offers a simple to install and very flexible lighting system that can be integrated into RX2700CC^™ and Defender^™ Lightbars. Lightbars with this option can be operated with the Code 3^® RLS series of sirens/controllers when used with the Code 3^® RLS Modular Expansion Unit (RLSEXP purchased separately). They can also be operated with any traditional siren and controller system when used with the Code 3^® Lightbar Control Module (included). This option enables lightbars to be easily configured and operate all features such as; Takedowns, Alley Lights, Flashing Takedowns and more. It also provides easy cloning of multiple lightbars, so that the same features can be quickly configured for many lightbars.
Back to FAQs

Why are the LED-X and Optix LEDs described as having directional, wide, or hybrid optics?

A "directional" optic projects a LED beam signal over a minimum area of 20 degrees to the right and 20 degrees to the left on a horizontal plane and from 10 degrees up to 10 degrees down on a vertical plane.

A "wide" optic projects a signal in a defined horizontal arc substantially beyond 20 degrees to the right and 20 degrees to the left on a horizontal plane. The device must also project a beam signal over a minimum area of 5 degrees up to 5 degrees down in the vertical plane.

A ’hybrid’ optic combines the directional and wide optic. The LED signal incorporates some light in the ’directional’ spread and some in the ’wide’.
Back to FAQs

Distribution, delivery, quality:

Can I buy direct from the factory?

Code 3^® sells through a network of Manufacturer’s Representatives, Distributors, Dealers, and OEMs. If you are interested in becoming part of the Code 3 network, you should contact the Manufacturer’s Rep in your area. To find a representative in your area, please refer to the Representative Territory map.
Back to FAQs

Will Code 3^® "drop-ship" products?

Overall, Code 3’s^® policy is to only allow drop-shipments inside your state’s Manufacturer’s Sales territory. For specific scenario, you may contact customer service for clarification.
Back to FAQs

What do I need to do for a warranty repair or return?

Contact the Technical Service Department by clicking here.
Back to FAQs

Can I track status of my order with Code 3?

Yes, if you are an Authorized Distributor or OEM you may apply on line for access to our secure site by clicking the ’Secure Login’ button on the Home page of Code3pse.com.
Back to FAQs

Product Troubleshooting Guide

Review the tips below to help you troubleshoot some of the most common installation or operation problems that may occur.  If additional assistance is needed or we do not list a problem that you are encountering, please contact our Technical Service Department at (314) 996-2800.

• No Output from a Code 3 Siren Unit
• Problems Installing Horn Ring Transfer
• Use of Switch C for Light Control Sirens
• Code 3 420 Beacon Cigarette Plug Gets Hot
• Problems Installing a Code 3 Flasher

No Output from a Code 3 Siren Unit:

• Gnd Statement:  Checking that you have a good ground is one of the most important troubleshooting techniques a Tech can use when there is no output or a siren unit is intermittent.
• If siren can be heard inside the amplifier the problem may be an open coil in the speaker driver or poor wiring contact
• Ensure no ground at the park kill position by removing wire from park kill position on siren board (bottom circuit board)
• Ensure siren lock is not engaged by placing siren lock dip switch in the off position (up)
• Flow chart troubleshoot assist:

Problems Installing Horn Ring Transfer

(Note:  RLS horn ring transfer always occurs at level 2-3, MasterCom can be selected for level 2-3 or level 3 only using the dip switch at the back of the unit, V-Con does not have a built in relay, therefore an external relay must be used).

• You can verify remote is operating properly by placing gnd or 12v on the remote input of the siren board (gnd or 12 v is determined by the remote input configuration)

• Verify horn ring transfer relay is good by measuring continuity between horn ring position and the remote position on the relay board when in level 2 or 3 based on dip switch setting

Use of Switch C on Code 3 Light Control Sirens

• Unlike the other the Aux switches Switch C has 3 terminal positions and requires a common or power feed at Switch C Com
• With 12v at SW C Com measure voltage at SW C NC (normal close) terminal should be 12 v
• Depress Sw C, then measure voltage at SW C NO (normal open) terminal should be 12 v, if not unit is defective Call for RMA

Code 3/PSE Amber 420 Beacon Cigarette Plug Gets Hot

• Cigarette lighter plug power cords are intended for short duration, intermittent operation only! See manual for additional warnings and precautions
• Unit draws approx 9 amps some vehicle electrical systems are not design to handle this load because of vehicle wiring and cig plug surface area contact point
• Recommend hard wiring by connecting the ground wire power cord (smooth lead) to vehicle chassis (earth), or preferably the negative (earth) terminal of the battery.  Bring the positive wire power cord (ribbed lead) to the user supplied control switch, and then to the battery or to the stud on the battery side of the starter solenoid or alternator.  Install a fuse or circuit breaker of 10 Amp capacity in the supply line to protect the vehicle’s wiring system against short circuits

Problems Installing a Code 3/PSE Amber Flasher

• Code 3 standard flashers are not authorized for use on the following vehicles:
  • All Chrysler Vehicles
  • Ford Super Duty trucks
• Code 3 plug in flasher are vehicle specific so ensure vehicle has a police package before ordering
• Installer must know what type of headlight electrical system the vehicle has positive or negative switching
• Headlights need to be electrically separated for alternating pattern (refer to the Code 3 flasher manual for proper wire cutting, NOTE:  Refer to vehicle maker for wire location)
• Basic wiring pattern for Code 3 flasher:
  • Red- 12v
  • Black- ground
  • White- flash mode enabler 1 (12v)
  • Orange- flash mode enabler 2 (12v)
  • Blue- output to headlights
  • Yellow- output to headlights