FLEX Ignition Interlock FAQs

You can always ask our service technicians for instructions at your installation appointment. You can also find online training videos with step-by-step instructions for using your IID.

You can access the Menu by selecting the middle button. Select the top button to move up and the bottom button to move down. Click here to watch the instructional video.

“Blow harder” means that your breath sample did not last long enough for your test to register. “Hum stronger” means that you began humming either too late or too soon. It might also mean that your hum was not strong enough to register. “Blow softer” means that your breath sample was too strong. “Don’t inhale” means that you might have inhaled while your lips were still around the mouthpiece, therefore sucking air into the unit. “Abort tamper” means that you covered the vent on the back of your IID while blowing. “Mouth closer” means that you’ll need to hold the Ignition Interlock Device more firmly against your mouth to avoid letting the device pull away as you blow. To complete your test successfully, you will need to blow steadily for the full time of your test. Keep both your breath volume and your hum even during testing.

“Abort lock” means that you have exceeded the allowed number of aborts during a 15-minute period and will need to wait until the countdown completes before you attempt another test.

“Initial BAC” means that the device has detected alcohol during your initial test. “RRTEST” means that the device detected alcohol during your rolling re-test. “CIRC” means that circumvention has occurred in the form of you disconnecting your handheld while driving. “Templock” means that your test detected a low level of alcohol and your device has been temporarily locked based on your state’s limits. “RRSkip” means that a rolling re-test skip has occurred because you did not take a test when prompted after your initial test. Even if you are at your destination, you must test again if your device prompts you to do so.

Yes, you can provide a breath sample without a mouthpiece.

Yes, you can wash your mouthpiece and place it back on for reuse. However, only use a mild soap-and-water solution to clean your mouthpiece, then rinse it thoroughly. Give it a few minutes to dry before putting it back on the device. It is important not to use an alcohol-based or chemical-based cleaning solution.

The laws vary from state to state, so it’s very important to check with your state authority or with Smart Start before you disconnect your handset.

If your state allows, your handset can be quickly disconnected at the silver push-pull connector. Just squeeze the connector body and pull back on the outer sleeve to unlatch. To reconnect and lock the handset, simply push the plug into the receptacle.

Watch how to disconnect your handset here.

Your FLEX is built to withstand extreme temperatures. However, if your state allows it, you can disconnect the handset so you can take it inside. Doing this will speed up the warmup times in cold weather and also keeps your device safely with you.

When the device displays “PAYMENT DUE,” this means a payment must be made to bring your balance up to date. You will be required to bring the vehicle to a service center for service where your payment can be collected. Payment can be made on the Client Portal App. However, you will be required to return to the service center for service if you do not have a modem installed.

You can check by accessing the menu through the FLEX handset, or by checking the Client Portal app.

Here’s a short video on how to navigate the menu on the FLEX handset.

Payments can be made on the Smart Start Client Portal app. If you have not received the registration link from our Customer Care Center, please contact (800) 831-3299 where an invitation will be forwarded to your email on file. Payments can also be made by visiting the service center where a technician will run your required service and take your payment.

You can check by accessing the menu through the FLEX handset, or by checking the Client Portal app.

By accessing the menu, scroll down to Appointments, then select the middle button. Your next appointment date will be displayed.

When the FLEX displays “INSPECTION DUE,” you’re required to visit a service center for this inspection.

“INSERT CARTRIDGE” is displayed when the cartridge is not in the locked position. Make sure that the cartridge is properly inserted, and the locking screw is in the locked position.

“Cartridge Expired” is displayed when the cartridge is past the allotted time in the device. When this message is displayed, service is needed.

This means you are in service grace period countdown and you have x amount of remaining days before you go into lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest Service Center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. To find your nearest service center, click here.

This means you have missed your monthly service and have exceeded the service grace period. You must now obtain a one-time unlock code to take the vehicle to a Smart Start service center. Call the Smart Start corporate office at (800) 831-3299 to obtain this code.

This means you are in your violation grace period countdown and you have x amount of remaining hours before you go into lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. To find your nearest service center, click here.

This means you have lost all your points and have exceeded the violation grace period. You must now call (800) 831-3299 to obtain a one-time unlock code in order to take the vehicle to a Smart Start service center. You can also click here to obtain a one-time, six-hour unlock code. You must take your vehicle to a service center within 6 hours of entering the code to regain the use of your device. If you fail to take your vehicle to the nearest service center within 6 hours, you will unfortunately have to tow your vehicle at your own expense.

To check your remaining violation points, you will access the appropriate menu using the three buttons on the front of your device. Scroll down to Violations, and select the middle button. Your remaining points will be displayed.

To enter an unlock code, you will access the appropriate menu using the three buttons on the front of your device. Watch how to enter the unlock code here.