Why is the remote starter installed in your car not working properly? What causes remote car starter problems? Go through this article to find some troubleshooting tips.
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. It 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! 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. This lack of response from the car starter may be due to several reasons. Here’s some information on why these problems may arise.
Troubleshooting
► First of all, problems might arise on account of a defect in the remote starter. So, take a look at the manual to know the car starter range. The 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, the 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. 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. The starter may not work if the fuse in the main power source has 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 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.
The price of a car starter could range from $50 to well over $300 depending on the brand and features. Of course this doesn’t include the 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. 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.