Remote Start Not Working in Cold Weather. How to Fix the Problem?

Having a remote starter in your car can be a real convenience, especially when it's cold outside. But what happens when you push the button, and nothing happens? If your remote start isn't working in cold weather, there could be several causes of the problem. Fortunately, most are easy to fix yourself with just a few tools and some basic knowledge.

In this article, we'll explore why your remote starter may not be working properly in colder temperatures and how to troubleshoot it so you can get back on the road quickly. So read on for all the information you need to get your car started again!

What conditions must be met to make a remote start system active?

In order for a remote start system to be active, the following conditions must be met:

• The engine must be off and cool.
• The vehicle's doors must all be closed.
• The hood must also be closed.
• The brake pedal cannot be depressed.
• Your key fob battery has to be in good condition.
• Your battery must be in a working order
• There should be no problems with your engine
• You shouldn't have any critical trouble codes
• You should have enough fuel in the tank

Make sure these conditions are met before trying to start your car remotely. If these conditions are not met, then the remote start system will not work.

How can cold weather affect your car and disable a remote start system?

Here are the 5 most common reasons why your car may not start remotely in cold weather:

1) A battery may not produce enough electrical current

Cold weather can have a major effect on your car's battery and charging system. As temperatures drop, the internal resistance increases within the cell plates, which results in less power being produced from the battery. This can lead to issues such as difficulty starting your engine or having insufficient current for remote start systems if you're using one.

If your car battery is old or weak, it may not be able to generate enough current in cold weather. Older batteries usually have a lower reserve capacity rating, which means that they will not hold their charge as well as a new battery. If you're using a remote start system and your battery isn't producing enough power for the starter to engage, the system won't work.

2) Engine oil may become thick

Cold weather can affect the viscosity of engine oil, making it thick and hard to circulate. This can cause issues such as increased friction between moving parts, leading to a lack of performance from your vehicle. Thickened engine oil is difficult to pump, which can put additional strain on the oil pump and car battery. This can be another reason why the remote start system won't work, as the battery may not be able to produce enough current for it to engage.

3) Fuel lines may freeze

Cold weather can also cause fuel lines to freeze up because of excessive moisture there. This prevents the flow of fuel to the engine, making it difficult or impossible for it to start. If your remote start system relies on fuel in order to engage, then it won't be able to work either. As a result, your engine won't start, and your remote start system won't work.

4) Carburetor issues

Old cars often have carburetors instead of modern fuel injection systems. In cold weather, the fuel in a carburetor will be more likely to condense and freeze than with a fuel-injected system. This can cause your engine to struggle or not start at all. As with other issues, this can also prevent your remote start system from working.

5) Software issues

In some rare cases, software issues can also cause a remote start system to not work. This may be due to outdated or corrupted software or an issue with the vehicle's computer system. To troubleshoot these problems, you should consult your owner's manual or take your car to a certified mechanic for diagnosis.

Fortunately, you can troubleshoot most of these issues yourself. If necessary, take your car to a mechanic for repairs or maintenance, especially if you are unable to troubleshoot the issue yourself.

How to fix the remote start not working in cold weather problem?

If you're having problems with your remote start system in cold weather, there are some steps you can take to try and fix it.

• Check your battery

Make sure your car's battery is in good condition and that the terminals are clean and free from corrosion. Your battery must be able to supply enough power for the starter to engage. In 80% of cases, the problem of the remote start not working in cold weather is caused by a weak battery.

• Check the engine oil

Make sure your car's engine oil is at the correct viscosity and not too thick due to cold weather. If it is, you may need to change it or add a thinner oil.

• Check fuel lines

Look for any issues with the fuel lines that could be preventing fuel from reaching the engine.

• Check carburetor

If your car has a carburetor, make sure it is not frozen or clogged due to cold weather.

• Check software

Ensure that any software related to the remote start system is up-to-date and free from errors. Some users report that problems with software have resulted in Check Engine Light trouble codes, which prevented remote start systems from working.

• Check key fob battery

The key fob is what you use to activate the remote start system. Make sure that its battery is charged and working properly. Some fobs may have an indicator light that will let you know if the battery is low. Cold weather can affect the key fob battery's life, so check it regularly.

• Try to start your car remotely at a closer distance

Cold temperatures can reduce the range of the remote starter. Try starting the vehicle from a closer distance.

• Make sure nothing is blocking a signal

Clear any debris or obstructions from the vehicle's path, and keep your remote start system well-maintained to help ensure it functions correctly in cold weather conditions.

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can then take the necessary steps to fix it. If your car is still not starting after following these steps, then you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

Bottom Line

Remote start systems are convenient, but they can be affected by cold weather. Poor battery condition, thickened engine oil, frozen fuel lines, and carburetor issues can all prevent remote start from working in cold weather. However, these problems can usually be fixed by checking your car's battery, engine oil, fuel lines, and software.

If the issue persists, then you should take your car to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair. Carrying out regular maintenance on your car will also help to ensure that it is in good condition and that its systems are working correctly all year round. This will reduce the chance of any unexpected problems arising due to cold weather, including your remote start not working.

Now you know how to fix the remote start not working in cold weather problem, so don't let the winter chill stop you from taking advantage of this great feature. Be sure to take the necessary steps to keep your car running well and your remote start system operational.