Remote Car Starter Problems

A remote car starter, also known as remote ignition system, is a device that enables the owner of a vehicle to start it from a distance without actually getting into it. A remote car starter works by sending a radio signal to a receiver which is located within the vehicle. By pushing on the remote, you are able to achieve a keyless start! As is the case with most electronic gadgets, you might face problems with remote car starters as well. So let us take a look at some of the most common remote car starter problems along with remote car starter troubleshooting tips.

Remote Car Starters

The price for a remote car starter could range from $50 to well over $300 depending on the brand and features. Of course this doesn't include the remote car starter installation. Unlike the one-way remote starters where one had to be around the vehicle to see that it started, the two-way remote starters have many features. The LCD on the remote will show icons to indicate that the vehicle has started. There might be icons for signal strength, battery life, door lock/unlock, temperature, hood open, vehicle battery voltage, trunk open, siren etc. No wonder they will cost you more. Though this is surely a great technology, at times the vehicle simply doesn't respond when you try to start it by using your remote. It can be really frustrating especially during a cold winter day when you want your car started up quickly. This lack of response from the remote car starter may be due to several reasons. If you are thinking about getting a remote car starter installed, it would be better to find out more about the problems associated with remote car starters. Here's some information on why these problems may arise.

Remote Car Starter Troubleshooting

The remote car starter problems might arise on account of a defect in the remote starter. First of all, take a look at the manual to know the remote car starter range. The remote car starter will not work if you are operating it out of the range. Moreover, the transmitter's actual operative range could also vary depending on where the vehicle is standing. At times, physical obstructions or other factors may cause interference and diminish the range.

Sometimes the jab on the remote does elicit a response from the car, but just for a brief period. The car lights might flash a bit but the car simply does not start! If the starter doesn't work, then check the LED light on your remote. If the LED light doesn't light up, the battery might be dead. In that case, the replacement of the low-power or a dead battery with a new one may solve the problem. At times, remote car starter may not work owing to problems associated with the receiver. Check the receiver and do make sure that the receiver wires are not unhinged. This is one of the most recurring of the remote car starter issues. It's possible that you might not have pressed the start button adequately.

There is a hood pin switch that prevents the engine from remote starting when the hood is open. So check if the hood is open. Another probable cause of problems associated with remote car starters is that the fuse in the main power source could have blown out. If it is a fuse-related issue, you must take it to the place from where you got the device installed in the first place. It would be best to let a professional check for problems with wiring.

Another problem that might be faced by the vehicle owners is that the car does respond to the remote and you do hear the noise of it making a sincere effort to get started but failing to do so. This could be due to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car immobilizer system. The immobilizer system is basically a small microchip that is embedded in the vehicle's key. Its main purpose is to prevent car theft. When the ignition key is inserted in the key slot, the chip sends radio frequency signals to create a unique code. The car will therefore not start unless it receives this code. So, while getting the remote car starter installed, make sure that you buy a system that bypasses the OEM immobilizer system. To do a basic check, insert the car key into the ignition switch and then press your car starter remote. If the car starts with ease then the issue definitely is the factory installed car immobilizer. What you should then do to make use of your car starter remote is to invest in a transponder. The transponder will help the remote override the OEM.

These were some of the most recurring problems regarding remote starters for cars along with some troubleshooting tips. You can use these troubleshooting tips if this car problem should ever arise. On a concluding note, several problems with remote car starter can be easily avoided if you go in for a good quality remote car starter. Syncing this technologically sophisticated gadget with your car definitely requires a trained hand. So, make sure that a trained professional installs it in your car.