Q&A for How to Reset Aftermarket (Checkmate) Car Alarm

Your car alarm may have a delay before it actually arms. It a safety feature to prevent tripping if one or more doors are not closed properly upon pressing the remote to arm.

Turn the ignition key to the on position. It is not necessary to start the car.

Perhaps the system is old, or maybe you broke the remote.

Your remote starter isn't engaging the accessories that are normally engaged while the key switch is turned to the "on/run" position. It sounds like someone didn't use a relay somewhere and it only engages the starter motor. If it recently stopped working, your hood pin switch could be broken/moved, or a relay has gone bad.

It will tell you if there is a valet mode or not in your owner's manual. You can also search the car model online.