Remote start is an incredibly convenient feature, especially when it comes to managing vehicle temperature. Imagine getting into a comfortably warm car on a frosty morning or a cool car on a scorching summer day. Remote start makes this a reality, and it’s a feature many Nissan Altima owners appreciate. Beyond comfort, remote start can also be useful for defrosting your windshield or simply preparing your vehicle before you even step outside.
If you’re a Nissan Altima owner and want to utilize the remote start feature with your key fob, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to remotely start your Nissan Altima, ensuring you can take full advantage of this feature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remote Starting Your Nissan Altima
Before you begin, ensure your Nissan Altima is in Park and all doors are securely closed and locked. Don’t worry if your doors are currently unlocked; just follow these straightforward steps:
- Establish a Line of Sight: Make sure you are within a reasonable distance and have a clear line of sight to your Nissan Altima.
- Press the Lock Button: Locate the lock button on your Nissan Altima key fob. Press it once. It doesn’t matter if your doors are already locked or not; this step is crucial to initiate the remote start sequence.
- Engage Remote Start: Within five seconds of pressing the lock button, press and hold the remote start button on your key fob for at least two seconds. The remote start button is usually a circular arrow or a similar icon distinct from the lock and unlock buttons.
- Vehicle Start Confirmation: Once you press and hold the remote start button, your Nissan Altima’s engine will start. You’ll typically see the parking lights turn on, indicating that the remote start has been successfully activated. The automatic climate control system will also engage, beginning to heat or cool the cabin based on your previous settings.
- Automatic Shut Off: For safety and security, the engine will automatically turn off after running for 10 minutes if no further action is taken.
Extending Remote Start Duration on Your Nissan Altima
For those times when 10 minutes isn’t quite enough, Nissan Altima’s remote start system allows for a one-time extension. You can extend the runtime by an additional 10 minutes, giving you a total of up to 20 minutes of remote start operation.
To extend the remote start duration on your Nissan Altima, simply repeat steps 2 and 3 from the instructions above while the vehicle is already remotely started. Press the lock button once, and then immediately press and hold the remote start button again. The additional 10 minutes will begin immediately.
It’s important to note that this is a one-time extension per remote start cycle. After using the extension, you will need to start your Nissan Altima using the ignition switch inside the vehicle before the remote start feature can be used again. This reset happens automatically when you start driving your car normally.
Troubleshooting: Remote Start Not Working on Your Nissan Altima
If you find that the remote start feature is not working on your Nissan Altima, there are a few potential reasons.
- Check Vehicle Conditions: Ensure all doors are fully closed and locked, and the vehicle is in Park (P). Remote start will not engage if any door is ajar or the vehicle is not in Park.
- Key Fob Battery: A weak or dead battery in your key fob can prevent the remote start from functioning. Try replacing the battery in your key fob and attempt the remote start again.
- System Malfunction: If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, there may be a malfunction in the remote start system itself.
If you continue to experience issues with remote starting your Nissan Altima, it’s recommended to seek professional service. Contact a certified Nissan service center or schedule a service appointment online to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired by expert technicians. They can accurately identify any underlying problems and ensure your remote start system is functioning correctly, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of this valuable feature in your Nissan Altima.