Frozen Morning Solutions: Troubleshooting Your Remote Start System

When it’s -10°F in Boonville, a remote start feels more like a necessity than a luxury. Being able to warm up your engine and defrost your windows from the comfort of your kitchen is a game changer when the temperature drops down below zero. However, what happens when you press the button and nothing happens? You were looking forward to a warm car or truck interior, so now what?  It’s a frustrating way to start a cold morning.

If your remote start is failing, the cause is often a simple safety protocol built into your vehicle. Most systems are designed to stay disabled if they detect any condition that could be unsafe if your car was running. For example, if your “Check Engine” light is on for even a minor sensor issue, the remote start will usually refuse to work. This prevents the car from running unattended if a more serious mechanical problem exists and could cause damage.

Another common culprit is a weak battery. We’ve talked about this in other blogs about the extreme cold here is the ultimate test for your car’s electrical system. If your battery voltage is even slightly low, the computer may decide to save that power for a traditional key-start rather than attempting a remote start. Fortunately, this is often a helpful early warning sign that your battery is nearing the end of its life and will need to be replaced.

Finally, check your hood and door latches. If a sensor thinks the hood is slightly ajar because of ice buildup, the system will prevent the engine from starting as a safety precaution. Give your hood a firm press and clear away any ice from the door jambs to see if that solves the problem.

If your remote start is still giving you trouble, bring it to Matt Nimey GMC. We can scan your vehicle for hidden codes and test your battery to find the exact reason you are being left out in the cold. We will get your system back online so you can enjoy a warm cabin for the rest of the Adirondack winter.