Experiencing trouble with your automatic start feature on your key fob can be frustrating. If your remote start system, which worked perfectly fine previously, is suddenly unresponsive, there are several common reasons why this might be happening. Let’s troubleshoot some potential causes before you consider replacing any parts.
First, ensure a few basic conditions are met. The system is designed with safety and security in mind, so it will not engage if certain parameters aren’t fulfilled. Are all your vehicle doors, including the hatch and hood, completely closed and properly locked? Is your vehicle confirmed to be in “Park”? Failure to meet any of these preconditions will immediately prevent the remote start from activating. If these seem to be in order, but the automatic start is still not working, a sensor related to these checks might be faulty, incorrectly signaling to the system.
When you attempt to use the remote start, observe the feedback from your vehicle. You mentioned “the lights come on.” It’s crucial to note the pattern: how many times do the lights flash? Similarly, you mentioned the horn sounds. How many times does the horn beep? The number of flashes and horn beeps can provide diagnostic clues about why the remote start is failing.
Are you using the correct sequence on your key fob to initiate the automatic start? Typically, it involves a sequence like pressing the lock button followed by the remote start button twice. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact sequence for your vehicle model, but a common sequence is shown below:
Are you receiving the expected feedback from your vehicle at each step of this sequence? For instance, does the vehicle acknowledge the “lock” command with a light flash or horn chirp before you proceed with the remote start button presses? Understanding where in the sequence the process breaks down can help pinpoint the issue.
It’s also worth noting that your vehicle’s system may allow for the registration of new, standalone transmitters. If you suspect the issue might be with your key fob itself, and assuming the remote start system in your vehicle is fundamentally functional, you might consider this option. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to register a new transmitter, as shown in a typical manual excerpt below:
If none of the above troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, a simple system reset might be beneficial. Before considering purchasing a new remote or other components, try disconnecting your vehicle’s battery. After disconnecting, allow some time for any residual charge in the system to dissipate. Then, reconnect the battery. After reconnecting, manually start your vehicle once with the key in the ignition. Following this manual start, attempt to use the automatic start feature on your key fob again.
While it might seem unlikely to be the solution, especially if you’ve manually started your car many times since the remote start last functioned correctly, this battery disconnect and reset procedure is a straightforward step that is worth trying. It can sometimes resolve electronic glitches that might be interfering with the automatic start system. If the problem persists after these steps, further professional diagnosis might be necessary to identify potential sensor faults or deeper system issues.
