If your car won’t remote start with the check engine light on, there are a few possible causes. The check engine light is an indicator that something is wrong with your car’s engine or emissions system. When the light is on, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem and has stored a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory.
The DTC can help you identify the specific problem with your car. To retrieve the DTC, you will need a code reader. A code reader is a small device that plugs into your car’s diagnostic port and reads the DTCs from the computer. Once you have the DTC, you can look it up in a repair manual or online to find out what the problem is.
Once you know what the problem is, you can fix it and then reset the check engine light. To reset the light, you will need a scan tool. A scan tool is a more advanced device than a code reader and can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic and repair tasks.
Possible Causes for a Car Not Remote Starting with Check Engine Light
There are several possible causes for a car not remote starting with the check engine light on. These include:
- Faulty battery: A weak or dead battery can prevent your car from remote starting. If your battery is old or has been showing signs of weakness, it may need to be replaced.
- Malfunctioning starter: The starter is the component that turns over your engine. If the starter is faulty, it will not be able to engage the engine and start the car.
- Electrical problems: Electrical problems can also prevent your car from remote starting. These problems can include loose or corroded wires, faulty relays, or a malfunctioning remote start module.
- Security system issues: If your car’s security system is not functioning properly, it may prevent the remote start from working. This can be caused by a faulty key fob, a problem with the car’s immobilizer system, or a software glitch.
- Other problems: In some cases, a car may not remote start even if there is no check engine light on. This can be caused by a variety of other problems, such as a faulty ignition switch, a problem with the fuel system, or a mechanical problem with the engine.
Diagnosing the Problem
If your car won’t remote start with the check engine light on, the first step is to retrieve the DTC. To do this, you will need a code reader. Once you have the DTC, you can look it up in a repair manual or online to find out what the problem is.
Once you know what the problem is, you can fix it and then reset the check engine light. To reset the light, you will need a scan tool.
Resetting the Check Engine Light
To reset the check engine light, follow these steps:
- Turn the ignition to the “on” position, but do not start the engine.
- Locate the scan tool’s connector port under the dashboard.
- Plug the scan tool into the connector port.
- Turn the ignition to the “off” position.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn the ignition back to the “on” position.
- Follow the prompts on the scan tool to reset the check engine light.
- Once the light has been reset, turn the ignition to the “off” position and unplug the scan tool.
Preventing Future Remote Start Problems
To prevent future remote start problems, follow these tips:
- Keep your car’s battery in good condition: A weak or dead battery can prevent your car from remote starting. If your battery is old or has been showing signs of weakness, it may need to be replaced.
- Have your car’s starter checked regularly: A faulty starter can prevent your car from remote starting. If you are experiencing problems with remote starting, have your car’s starter checked by a qualified mechanic.
- Check your car’s electrical system for any problems: Electrical problems can also prevent your car from remote starting. If you are experiencing problems with remote starting, have your car’s electrical system checked by a qualified mechanic.
- Test your car’s security system regularly: A faulty security system can prevent your car from remote starting. If you are experiencing problems with remote starting, test your car’s security system by trying to start the car with the key fob and then by trying to start the car with the key. If the car starts with the key but not with the key fob, you may have a problem with your security system.
By following these tips, you can help prevent future remote start problems and keep your car running smoothly.
