Remote start function is one of the most convenient feature that Jeep owners enjoy because you can start your car remotely using your key fob or Uconnect app. However, there could be instances where Jeep remote start not working due to various reasons.
There are specific conditions that need to be ticked off in order to Jeep’s remote start feature to properly function such as closed doors/hood, being in Park gear, panic mode off, closed liftgate and so on. If these things are not in order, you will most likely to encounter “Remote Start Disabled System Fault” or “Remote Start Disabled Start Vehicle to Reset” error message on your Jeep dashboard screen.
Further, there could be few other issues that also could cause the Jeep remote start not working issue such as problems with the battery or functionality of your key fob transmitter, low vehicle battery or electrical problems that reduce available start current, critically low fuel triggering protective sensor faults, illuminated check engine lights indicating other mechanical issues present, failed vehicle computer programming, even the excessive consecutive remote start attempts can confuse its logic and put it into disable mode.
This handy guide will overview the common “Remote Start Disabled” errors along with providing fixes for the various issues that can cause Jeep’s remote start system to stop working properly. That way you can troubleshoot the problem yourself or at least have enough background to describe the issue to your mechanic.
What Do Those “Remote Start Disabled System Fault” and “Remote Start Disabled Start Vehicle to Reset” Messages Mean?
Jeep’s remote start system checks off a whole series of prerequisites before allowing the engine to turn over. All of these must be currently fulfilled in order for the feature to activate properly:
- Transmission fully shifted into Park gear
- All doors fully latched and closed
- Hood completely closed and aligned in lock position
- Liftgate and tailgate closed
- Hazard light button currently deactivated
- Brake pedal fully released
- Vehicle battery charged to sufficient cranking voltage
- Security alarm panic mode switched off
- Starter not disabled from prior incomplete start attempt
- Flashing alarm indicator light behaving normally
- Ignition key turned completely to Off position
- Fuel level above minimum requirement
- Tire pressure within normal range for all wheels
If any of those conditions aren’t met when you hit the remote start button, you’ll get an unhelpful messages in your Jeep dashboard screen such as “remote start disabled system fault” or “remote start disabled start vehicle to reset” , leaving you to figure out which requirement failed on your own. Not ideal by any means, but at least you now know the key things it’s watching out for behind the Jeep remote start not working error!
Owners of the Jeep Compass, Wrangler, Gladiator Renegade, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee all end up scratching their heads at some point because of this error message.
When the Jeep computer reluctantly terminates remote start prematurely or refuses to activate at all, a series of warnings may flash about the different abort triggers detected:
- Remote Start Cancelled: Door Open
- Remote Start Cancelled: Hood Open
- Remote Start Cancelled: Fuel Low
- Remote Start Aborted: Timer Expired
- Remote Start Aborted: Liftgate Open
Basically callouts pointing the finger at exactly what suspicious condition was in violation of the remote start readiness checklist when you tried cranking the engine over from afar.
These pesky explanatory error messages stay stubbornly lit on the dashboard display until you finally insert an actual ignition key and switch on the electrical system for a proper manual ON start. Almost a nagging reminder to check the violated prerequisites.
Causes and Fixes for Jeep Remote Start Not Working Issue
Alright, so you know the sorts of conditions your Jeep wants to see before properly firing up with remote start. Now let’s dive into some of the top culprits causing remote start to fail unexpectedly:
Key Fob or Battery Problems
One of the more straightforward potential issues is that your key fob itself is having problems communicating with the vehicle properly. This could be due to:
- Dead Key Fob Battery – Like any electronic gadget, the battery in your fob can die over time. Replace it with a fresh CR2032 battery to restore normal function.
- Out of Range – Key fobs can have intermittently connectivity if you get too far from your Jeep. Stand closer when hitting the remote start button.
- Damaged / Faulty Fob – If replacing the battery doesn’t help, the fob itself may have developed a defect. Try syncing up a backup key fob if you have one or get a replacement ordered through the dealership.
Vehicle Battery Troubles
Issues with your actual vehicle battery can also easily interfere with normal operation of remote start. Possible battery-related causes include:
- Dead / Low Vehicle Battery – Your Jeep battery needs sufficient charge to be able turn the starter and ignite the engine. Have it tested and recharged or replaced if the charge level is low.
- Corroded Battery Terminals – Check for excess corrosion on the battery terminals that may be impeding connectivity. Clean terminals thoroughly if any significant build-up exists.
Hopefully examining those key fob and battery conditions gives a quick fix for Jeep remote start not working issue. But if your remote start woes continue…onto the next batch of trouble spots!
Pesky Check Engine Lights & Error Codes
One alarm bell that will disable your Jeep’s remote start fast is seeing that glowing check engine light illuminated on your dashboard.
Any active error codes and check engine lights will shut down remote start as a precaution by the vehicle computer. It doesn’t want to keep automatically starting the engine if some underlying mechanical or emissions issue is detected.
So if you have that orange glowing monster on your dash, your first step is to have the Jeep scanned for codes to understand what sensor or system is malfunctioning. Then have the underlying issue repaired first before remote start will be allowed online again.
Consecutive Remote Start Limits
Did you know most Jeep remote start systems have a limit on the number of consecutive times they’ll activate and run the engine? It’s usually capped at 2 or 3 back-to-back runs before requiring a standard ignition cycle. So, in that case also, you might experience your Jeep remote start not working problem.
This prevents excessive idling and unintended constant runtime. So if you’re hitting that consecutive start limit, a manual On/Off cycle of the engine is needed before remote start will work again.
Extreme Cold Weather Scenarios
In very cold sub-zero temperatures, the engine computer can have trouble activating the starter motor and ignition system – just like you might experience difficulty starting the Jeep manually on brutally cold days.
If you find remote start inconsistently working or intermittent no-starts in extreme cold, the fix may be as simple as moving the vehicle to a warmer garage overnight. Then trying remote start again once temps are above zero. The computer chips just don’t love artic levels!
Open Doors or Hoods
As we covered earlier, all doors and hoods need to be completely closed and latched before your Jeep will allow remote start operation.
This protects against accidentally starting the vehicle when someone is pumping gas or servicing it. If you get a “door ajar” warning but everything looks shut, double check alignment. Cold weather and ice buildup can prevent full closure sometimes.
Incorrect Remote Start Reprogramming
If your remote start system was recently serviced or reprogrammed, there may have been an error with reconfiguring the new settings and as a result you may encounter remote start not working error on your Jeep dashboard screen.
For example: installing a new key fob, changing gear shift modes on an automatic transmission, or adjusting the runtime limit. Test all functions thoroughly after reprogramming and have the shop double check if issues pop up.
Low Fuel Issues
While most Jeeps don’t need a full tank of gas for remote start to work, some pickier models may throw errors if your fuel level drops below 1/4 or 1/8 tank.
The fix obviously here is just adding some gas. The computer may sense low fuel and be extra cautious about automatic starting to save you getting stranded.
We’re making progress narrowing down the problem! Now onto the last of those tricky trouble spots…
TPMS or Low Tire Errors
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System on most modern Jeeps doesn’t just trigger a dashboard warning light when tires are under-inflated. It also connects to other vehicle systems like remote start to disable certain features as a precaution if abnormal tire pressure is detected.
So rule out a TPMS error or low tire first if remote start acts up. Simply inflating to the recommended PSI may get things working again.
Coolant or Oil Issues
Similar to the TPMS, sensors that track coolant and oil levels can also throw faults that interfere with remote start if readings dip below normal.
Top off any low fluids first and clear any erroneous fault codes. Then see if remote start begins behaving normally again before assuming larger issues.
Transmission Solenoid Problems
Electrical malfunctions with transmission solenoids can certainly cause a cascade of problems – potentially including a disabled remote start.
Have the hood up and listen for any clicking or clunking noises from the transmission housing when attempting to activate remote start. Any odd sounds likely mean it’s time for a deeper transmission service.
Valet Mode Mix Up
And finally – an easy thing to check is whether Valet Mode somehow got activated in your Jeep. This special setting intentionally disables the remote start function to protect vehicle security when handing keys over to another driver (like a parking valet).
If you find Valet Mode accidentally got switched on, simply turn it back off using the vehicle menu and then you should be able to restore your Jeep remote start not working issue back to normal.
Phew – that’s a whole lot of troubleshooting down! Now time start wrapping things up…
Hazard Light Activation
If your hazard flashers are activated, this can apparently disable the remote start on some Jeep models.
Try turning off the hazard lights and see if remote function returns to normal. If not, it may simply be a quirky computer glitch that self-resolves after a system reset.
Not In Park Gear
Duh moments can happen to anyone – double check your Jeep is actually shifted fully into Park gear before scratching your head over remote start issues.
You’d be amazed how often people accidentally leave the shifter in Neutral and wonder why nothing happens when attempting to start the engine.
Starter Enable/Disable Switch
Some Jeeps have an actual separate remote start toggle switch installed that must be turned on for the system to activate. This is different than Valet Mode – it’s a manual override switch that some owners opt for to completely disable remote start at their discretion.
Check for a small starter/kill switch somewhere around the shifter area or glove box. Flip it on and see if remote function restores. If switch was already set to Enable, a deeper electrical issue may be at fault.
Hopefully that gives you a fully comprehensive troubleshooting list to get your Jeep’s remote start back up and running! Let’s wrap this all up…
When to Call In The Pros
I know – I just dumped a whole slew of possible fixes to try yourself before hauled your Jeep into the shop. But be smart about what DIY repairs you attempt if you aren’t technically inclined.
Messing around with electrical systems or taking apart complex components can make problems much worse in unskilled hands! Know your limits so you don’t accidentally create bigger headaches (or safety issues).
For anything requiring large disassembly – or if you’ve patiently tried all troubleshooting tips above without being able to fix your Jeep remote start not working issue – the smart move is seeking professional help. Most competent dealership mechanics have seen it all when it comes to remote start gremlins. It may save money over playing amateur electrician yourself.
Key Takeaways to Fix Your Jeep Remote Start
In closing, the key causes to check if your beloved Jeep’s remote start misbehaves:
- Issues with the key fob itself
- Dead vehicle or fob batteries
- Annoying check engine lights
- Too many consecutive remote starts
- Doors or hoods ajar
- Low fuel or fluids
- Weird sensor malfunctions
- Accidental valet mode activation
Test and rule out each of those first before assuming more complex and expensive problems. And never hesitate leveraging a trusted mechanic once DIY efforts are exhausted!
That concludes your crash course troubleshooting guide on why Jeep remote starts can randomly stop working and what to do about it. Hopefully the above tips keep you from pulling out hair and get you back to conveniently starting your engine from the warmth of your kitchen this winter!
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