Remote Start Turns On By Itself - What's Wrong? And How to Fix It?

Imagine this: It's a hot and sunny day when you've just finished buying your groceries in your nearby supermarket. And when you go out towards your car to open the door, you're suddenly bombarded by the heat trapped in your car while it is parked. Or it's a winter day and your car is parked outside, and you have errands to do.

But you can't leave without properly heating your vehicle. You can manually do these processes, but modern technology makes sure you don't need to endure the weather outside just to prepare your car.      

These situations need a driver to start the car inside for it to be stable and ready to be driven. Entering the car with your desired temperature is a must especially if you have a car priced enough to buy a house. Most car companies experienced these hardships to develop something that will not require the driver to manually start the car. This is called Remote Engine Start or RES. 

In a world where most inventions aim to diminish the inclusion of human touch, most processes can be done with a push of a button or remotely. An innovation that can be named is remote start. Wherein you don't have to endure the heat of the sun or the freezing weather just to start your car.

With a simple start of a button, the car can start itself without you being needed inside the car. Activate the climate control and start to stabilize the temperature. Cool the seats and the steering wheel so people won't get 3rd degree burns from it.

Additionally, during winter, the car itself can defog the windows and get the car on the go. The car can also automatically shut down the engine if the key module is out of its range. In other higher models, there are added features that automatically open the side mirrors of the car, or in top brands, follow you while you walk.

How Does Remote Start Work?

Just like any other wireless accessory, a remote engine start works with a remote control and a receiver. Remote controls send the signal which is then received by the receiver which will trigger the function sent using the remote control. In a vehicle, the remote control is usually the key fob or key module. And the receiver is usually added to the vehicle and connected to the mechanism responsible for starting the car.

Since key fobs are not connected to any power sources, they operate with a battery inside. To add, Key Fobs just like any other wireless remotes have limited range. The typical distance most key fobs operate at is 5-20 meters or 15-65 feet. These lengths also vary depending on the objects like cars and trees blocking the signal between the key fob and the car.

To activate remote start, hold the start button (labeled with a rotating arrow). This will activate the system which signals the car to start the engine. The receiver will send an electrical signal that triggers the starter to engage and revolve the flywheel forcing the engine to start.

Utilizations of Remote Start

Many features in a car are not utilized to their full extent or are not being used because owners do not know how they work or the dealership did not briefly explain the full functionality of those features.

Remote start offers a wide range of advantages in which it can not only conveniently start your car, it also extends your engine's life. Modern Remote Starts contain more than just starting the engine of the car. Other features are present and it just needs to be configured correctly.

1) Engine

Fluids in the car like oil and coolant need proper heating before being exposed to load. These fluids will perform their best if they reach operating temperatures. It will take minutes for the engine to reach these temperatures and so does the fluids.

Remote start aids the driver to heat the engine remotely before it starts to push and carry the car to different locations. It extends the life of the engine by decreasing its wear and tear due to premature exposure to load.

2) A/C Units

The latest models of cars may simultaneously start the engine together with the air conditioning unit. This will enable the driver to enter the car without waiting for the ac to reach the desired temperature.

However, the car should be set to the temperature needed. Make sure to leave the temperature setting in the car so the next time you start the vehicle it will retain the setting and automatically reach it. So, when you enter the cabin, you will be greeted by comfort and convenience.

3) Security

Most wireless systems require the transmission of data from one device to another. And like most systems, these are indeed prone to tamper. Although, these systems are encrypted in a way that uses a unique frequency in which the key fob and the car operate.

Also, the doors do not unlock when activating remote start which prevents intruders to enter and drive the car. And most vehicles automatically shut down the engine within minutes if the key fob is not in range or the door has not been opened in a long time.

This feature is convenient especially when you forgot that you have started the car and it will help prevent the car from burning all the fuel it's got.

Remote Start Problems

Since RES is an electronic function, motherboards and complex wirings can cause malfunction. This is a usual problem when going digital. Fortunately, we can provide solutions if your Remote Engine Start malfunctions.

Key Fob Cleaning

Buttons are prone to be stuck due to them being dirty. Being in your pocket for a long time can accumulate different junk and goo that may reach the insides of the buttons. This may be a reason why certain features activate automatically when the key fob is in range of the car.

Two screws are holding the key fob together. Remove them and dissect parts and clean them with alcohol. Alcohol is a substance that quickly dries when exposed to air which makes it safe to use in electronic parts.

Key Fob Battery Replacement

As said in the earlier part of this article, Key Fobs or Key Modules require batteries to operate. These batteries usually last 2-3 years or even longer. Due to the longevity of its battery life, it is often forgotten that they indeed drain the batteries.

Key Fobs or Key Modules hide their battery at the back of the casing. The panel is locked in place by a screw. In other models, it is inside the module and needs to open the whole key fob to access the battery. If replacing the battery does not work, keep on reading.

Key Fob Replacement

Key Fobs endure a lot of shaking and compression because they are usually in a jeans pocket. Through time, this will affect the performance of its features. Replacing the key fob as a whole can solve common problems and save money on unnecessary repairs.

There is usually a duplicate Key Module provided by the manufacturer or if there isn't, then buying from the dealership or a universal module is an option. Aftermarket replacements need certain programming which is usually left for technical professionals to deal with.

Diagnosing if the Receiver functions properly

If doing the solutions above did not solve your problem, then it may boil down to the receiver. Receivers are usually located in a safe area which prevents the receiver from being damaged by debris. However, it can be overvolted or worse, reached by water. Checking its fuse in the fuse box if it's still intact and replacing it with a new one is a way.

But if the problem is the receiver itself, then a replacement is mandatory. Replacing it on your own is a risk because the receiver is usually integrated with the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) -the brain of a vehicle.

If you reach this part of the article, then contacting and availing the services of a professional is a must. Meddling with the wirings of your car may branch to more problems resulting in more unnecessary expenses.

There are trained technicians that specialize in the electrical components of a vehicle that can properly diagnose problems with a diagnostic tool. This will pinpoint the specific problem and will offer the best solution possible.

Conclusion

Certain conveniences in a vehicle can be a double-edged sword. RES or Remote Engine Start can be a convenience but can also encounter different problems. But we can all agree that this feature outweighs its disadvantages.

Having the ability to prepare your vehicle remotely while you gather yourself and finally entering the vehicle without waiting for the car to stabilize leaves a smile on your face. After all, components that can break can also be repaired.