Has your car’s remote start stopped working? If it has, do not panic. There are several reasons why this might happen. Read on to know some of the reasons why your vehicle’s remote start is not working and possible ways of fixing the issue.
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Your Vehicle Is Not in “ Park”
Your vehicle’s remote start system will only work if the car is in “Park.” It was designed this way as a safety precaution. If your car’s remote start is not working, confirm whether the vehicle is in “Park.” Once done, disengage and re-engage “P” before retrying the starting procedure.
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The Remote Starter Switch Is Off
Some remote starter brands have a switch that temporarily disables the remote starter. The button may be located in a fusebox or under the dash on the driver’s side. A remote starter switch is designed not to be easily accessible; however, the vehicle’s owner will know where it is located.
The remote starter switch might get bumped accidentally, and when this happens, your car’s remote start might stop working. If it stops working, check the remote starter switch and switch it back on. If it is on and your vehicle’s remote start still does not work, you might have to explore other possible reasons or contact your mechanic.
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Dead Keyfob Battery
Your keyfob uses batteries, and after some time, they may become weak and go dead. If your vehicle’s remote start is not working, it would be best to check your keyfob’s battery and replace it if it’s dead.
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Trying Remote Start With Check Engine Light On
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the “Check Engine Light” is on, your vehicle’s remote start will not work. It would help if you didn’t panic when this happens because one of the reasons why the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may be illuminated is a loose gas cap.
How to Make Remote Start With Check Engine Light On
If the “Check Engine Light” is on, reseal the gas cap and retry the start procedure. To retry the starting procedure, you will have to hit the lock button once, hold the remote start button that is usually shaped like an arrow for at least two seconds, or up until the turn signal lamps start flashing. Hold until your car starts.
You shouldn’t worry if your car remote start just flashes light, especially blue light. This flashing shows that there’s back and forth communication between the two-way remote when anticipating a command.
Check Coolant and Oil Pressure
When your car’s remote start stops working, the problem could be the engine’s coolant and oil temperatures. It would help if you checked the engine’s oil and coolant temperature to ascertain they are within the recommended range.
If the oil pressure is too low or the coolant temperature is too high, the remote start will be disabled. Once you have rechecked the levels and fixed them, allow your vehicle to cool down for at least ten minutes before retrying the start procedure.
The Remote Starter Is in Valet Mode
The valet mode is a setting in some vehicles that shuts down the remote starter and the alarm system. The setting only allows the remotes to retain key-less entry, used for locking and unlocking the doors.
When the setting is enabled, the glove and trunk compartments are automatically locked to prevent theft and intrusion. If the lock and unlock buttons are working normally but pressing the start button doesn’t produce any response from your vehicle, then the starter might be on valet mode. Some cars might regress to valet mode when the vehicle is disconnected for service.
If you want to exit valet mode, you can locate the appropriate buttons at the back of your remote that will help you exit. You can use the Lock +Trunk buttons to assist you in this situation. When you press these two buttons, the parking lights will flash two times. Press the Start button, and your car should start.
Remote Is in Second-Car Mode
When you accidentally press a combination of buttons on your remote, it may put it in second-car mode. Although this scenario is rare, it happens from time to time because many remote car starter controls can start two vehicles.
If you accidentally place your remote into the second-car mode, it won’t operate or start your vehicle. You can read your owner’s manual or call a professional to explain how you can return the remote to the first car.
Remote Control Loses Programming
Although it’s rare for remote control to lose programming, it can happen. This scenario mainly occurs when the battery is disconnected during servicing or by a dead battery in the car. Like a computer, a remote starter has a non-volatile memory that helps it retain remote control codes and programming features.
The device may lose its memory sometimes. When this happens, it is best to call the store that installed your system so that they can instruct you how to reprogram it via the phone. You might have to go to the store physically to have a technical reset of your remote car starter.
Hazard Warning Lights Might be On
As a safety precaution, your car’s remote start system will be fully disabled when the hazard lights are on. When it is safe to do so, you can turn off your hazard lights and use the proper starting procedure to start your vehicle.
Can Remote Starter Cause Car Not To Start?
One of the most popular misconceptions about remote starters is that they can increase your car engine’s wear and tear. However, many mechanics have agreed that remote starters are excellent for your engine, especially if you have a diesel or turbo one.
A remote starter is suitable for your engine because it warms it up before driving. If your car has a remote start, it might fail to start due to one of the reasons discussed above. The best thing is that you can quickly fix the issues, enabling your car to start.
Check this too: How To Tell If Your F150 Has Remote Start
Why Is Remote Start Not Working After Car Battery Change?
When you replace your car’s battery after a while, some of the settings may be reprogrammed, including your remote start system. You can refer to your owner’s manual to understand how to reprogram the settings and get your car’s remote system working.
You might also want to check your hood sensors after changing a car battery. The hood sensors relay messages to your car’s central computer, and the remote start won’t work if the hood is open.
Many myths surround car remote starters; however, most of the tales are false. You can minimize the odds of having issues with your remote car starters if you have them installed by a professional. The solutions above will help you if your car’s remote start stops working.