Have you ever had a remote start not working after a battery change? You’ve probably tried everything already—you’ve checked the wires, double-checked the fuses, and even made sure that your remote start is still connected to the right car part. But it just doesn’t work. What gives?
It’s a common problem, and we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out how to solve this problem and ensure it won’t happen again.
Common problems with your remote car starter
Remote start systems are extremely important for many reasons, but one of the most important is that they allow your car to be warmed up and started even if you’re not in the car, up to 50 feet away.
Their battery should typically last three to four years, but after a while, there are several indicators that will let you know when your remote start is running low. Signal strength loss is the initial symptom. Changing their battery should be a simple way to get them working again, but sometimes it is not that easy.
If you’ve ever had this issue, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news is that with some basic tools and some time spent learning how to repair remote starts yourself, you can try troubleshooting those issues yourself! Here’s a guide on how to fix your remote start so that it starts with ease again.
How to replace the battery in your remote start
Many of us have had the experience of having to replace the battery in our remote start. And while it’s an easy enough process, some people get stuck and need help figuring out what to do next. If you want to be sure you did the right thing when changing the batteries, follow these tips.
- Before doing a battery replacement, try to turn your remote on and off again. To do this, take off your remote starter’s cover and battery. Wait for 15 seconds, then insert them back in. Test your remote control after replacing the lid, and go to the next step if this didn’t work.
- Get a new battery for your remote starter. You might also swap the batteries in the damaged remote starter with a working spare. If the defective remote starter functions, you’ll know that a new battery is all that’s required.
- Sometimes a battery put incorrectly can cause a remote to start to stop working following a battery change. So, if you’re wondering why your remote start isn’t working, make sure the coin cell battery is oriented correctly. Usually, the positive side is facing up.
- Try using a different brand of key fob batteries (the kind that comes with your car, bought from an authorized dealer) or a different type of charger. If you still can’t get it working, then try another brand or type of charger.
Why is my remote not starting even after the battery change?
Sometimes the problem is actually more serious than just a dead battery. It could be as simple as a loose connector or as complicated as a loose power supply cable or fuse.
In any case, we have come up with some tips on how to fix any problems with your remote start after changing the battery. These basic repairs can be done by anyone with basic tools and a little know-how and will get you back on your way in no time.
1. Check the anti-theft device and the valet mode
Check whether your car is equipped with an anti-theft device that prevents unauthorized access to its systems when its doors are locked, such as a keyless entry system or remote start system. If so, make sure you switch off this safety feature before proceeding further.
If your remote start isn’t working after a battery change, there’s also a good chance that it’s because your car is in valet mode. Valet mode is an automatic setting that prevents the car from being started unless it’s been parked with the remote key fob for more than 10 minutes, and will also affect your parking lights.
It’s a good idea to use this setting if you’re going out of town or if you’re going to be gone for a while, but if you’re just using it occasionally and only need your car occasionally, then you can turn off valet mode so that your remote start will work again.
2. Your remote needs a factory reset
Get into your car and turn the ignition to the “ON” position after inserting your key. If your car has a keyless ignition system, you can simply push the start button. The Lock button on your remote starter must then be pressed, followed by a five-second delay.
Press the start button once more or turn the key back to the “OFF” position. Do this again three times. If you did everything right, you should hear a “ping” or “ding” sound. The remote fob is currently prepared for programming.
The lock button on the remote must then be held down. After five seconds, turn the car off, exit it and press the remote start button. This ought to resolve your issue. More information about how to reset your remote starter after a battery change can be found in this video.
3. Your remote might not have been programmed correctly
In order for your remote to work with your car’s keyless entry system, you need to program it with either a manual or automatic mode of operation (depending on which type of keyless entry system you have).
To do this: Press the “Power” button on the remote until all four lights flash rapidly in sequence (this means that everything is working properly). Press again until only two lights flash—this indicates the manual mode of operation. Now press once more until only one light flashes—this indicates the automatic mode of operation.
If all four lights flash after the second press, then your remote has been programmed correctly.
4. Check the oil pressure and coolant temperature
If you’re experiencing issues with your remote start after changing the battery, it’s possible that the coolant temperature in your vehicle is too high or the oil pressure is too low. If this is the case, then your remote starter system will be disabled.
To test whether this is the case, you can use a multimeter to check the coolant temperature and oil pressure. You can also run it through a car wash to clean any dirt off of your engine components.
To cool down your vehicle, try to open the hood of your car and let it sit like that for a few minutes. It’s always best to call a technician if your remote car key is still not working, for your safety.
5. Your remote start isn’t connected to the car’s system
To make sure your remote start is connected to your car, head into the dashboard near the driver’s seat and look for a small square-shaped box on the lower left side of the steering column. This is where you’ll find an open port that allows communication between your vehicle and its keyless entry systems. Make sure this port is open and that there’s no damage to it.
It’s also a possibility that your remote has a second car mode, so it’s a good idea to check it out.
6. Broken hood sensor
All cars have hood sensors that notice any movement and alert the onboard computer of your car of a problem. If the hood sensor is malfunctioning, the car may not recognize when the hood is open and the alarm may sound while you are driving.
This sensor malfunctioning can also cause your remote starter to stop working. You will have to replace this piece before you start driving again, and it’s best to get this done with a professional or get a new one at any electronics store.
7. Talk with a professional
If the remote starter doesn’t work after you’ve gone through these steps, then it’s possible that your vehicle is experiencing a problem with its security system. This can happen if you have an aftermarket remote starter installed or if your vehicle has been damaged in some way.
You’ll need to have this checked out by a professional mechanic.
Conclusion
If you ever had trouble with your remote start after changing the battery, you’re not alone. We’ve been there, too—and it’s an unfortunate situation. You probably just assumed that changing the battery would fix the problem. But it doesn’t always work, and you must be ready for this problem.
No matter if it needs a factory reset, a new hood sensor, or a new program, we will teach you everything you need to know to always find a way back to your car. And do not hesitate to ask us in the comments if you are still unsure about your situation.