Whether you’re rushing to work or trying to get your car started in the freezing cold, a remote start feature can be incredibly convenient. But what happens when your Kia remote start stops working?
In this guide, we’ll discuss common reasons why your Kia remote start may not be functioning and provide potential solutions.
Potential Solutions
Here are some potential solutions that may help resolve your Kia’s remote start issues:
- Check Key Fob Battery: If you suspect that a weak or dead battery is causing your remote start to fail, try replacing the battery in your key fob. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
- Reset the System: Sometimes, a simple reset can fix any system malfunctions. Try disconnecting the car’s battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it to see if that resolves the issue.
- Verify Environmental Factors: If extreme temperatures or interference from other devices may be causing your remote start problems, try parking your car in a different location or waiting until the temperature is more moderate before attempting to use the feature again.
- Seek Professional Help: If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that there may be an underlying issue with your remote start system. In this case, it’s best to bring your Kia to a certified mechanic or dealership for further diagnosis and repairs.
Common Reasons for Kia Remote Start Issues
There are a few common reasons why your Kia’s remote start feature may not be working properly:
- Dead battery in the remote
- Malfunctioning remote start system
- Interference from other devices
- Extreme temperatures affecting functionality
- Physical damage
- Technical issue with the car’s computer system
- Faulty wiring or connections
- Incorrect programming of key fob or car’s systems
- Environmental interference
Dead battery in the remote
One of the most common causes of a remote start not working is a dead battery in the key fob.
Symptoms/Signs: Symptoms or signs of a dying battery may include difficulty locking/unlocking doors, reduced range for remote start and other functions, or a complete failure to function.
Reasons: A key fob’s battery can die for a variety of reasons, including age, frequent use, and exposure to extreme temperatures. In some cases, the battery may have simply run out of power and needs to be replaced.
Other times, there may be underlying issues causing excessive drain on the battery. Additionally, certain features like remote start require more power from the key fob and can contribute to a quicker depletion of the battery.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you suspect that the remote start issue is due to a dead battery in your key fob, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take.
First, try replacing the battery with a new one and see if that resolves the issue. If not, check for any visible damage or corrosion on the battery contacts and clean them if necessary.
You may also want to try reprogramming your key fob to ensure it is synced properly with your car’s systems.
Malfunctioning remote start system
In some cases, the issue may not be with the key fob itself, but rather with the remote start system in your vehicle. This can be caused by a variety of factors and will likely require professional diagnosis and repair.
Symptoms/Signs: Signs of a malfunctioning remote start system may include no response when attempting to start your car remotely, intermittent starting issues, or error messages on your car’s dashboard display.
Reasons: There are several potential reasons for a malfunctioning remote start system. It could be due to faulty wiring or connections within the system itself, incorrect programming of the key fob or car’s systems, a low or defective car battery, or component failure within the remote start system.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you are experiencing issues with your remote start system, it is best to take your car to a certified technician for diagnosis and repair. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to properly diagnose and fix any underlying issues. In some cases, the remote start system may need to be replaced entirely.
Interference from other devices
In rare cases, the issue with your key fob may be due to interference from other electronic devices. This can disrupt the signal between the key fob and your car and prevent it from functioning properly.
Symptoms/Signs: Similar to a malfunctioning remote start system, interference from other devices can cause your key fob to not respond or work intermittently.
Reasons: As mentioned, this issue is caused by external factors such as other electronic devices operating on similar frequencies. This could include things like garage door openers, home security systems, or even cell phone signals.
Troubleshooting Steps: To troubleshoot for interference, try using your key fob in an area away from potential sources of interference. You can also try reprogramming your key fob to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is best to consult with a technician for further assistance.
Extreme temperatures affecting functionality
Another potential issue that can affect your key fob’s functionality is extreme temperatures. In extremely cold or hot weather, the battery inside the key fob may not function properly, causing it to lose its ability to send signals to your car.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may not respond at all or may experience delayed response times in extreme temperatures.
Reasons: Extreme temperatures can cause the battery inside your key fob to drain faster than normal, making it difficult for the signal to reach your car’s systems.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you suspect extreme temperatures are affecting your key fob’s performance, try keeping it in a warmer or cooler environment and see if there is any improvement. You can also try replacing the battery inside the key fob to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is best to consult with a technician for further assistance.
Physical damage
Lastly, physical damage to your key fob can also cause it to malfunction. Dropping or exposing your key fob to water can cause internal components to become damaged, making it difficult for the signal to be transmitted properly.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may not respond at all or may experience delayed response times. It may also have visible signs of physical damage such as cracks or water damage.
Reasons: Physical damage can affect the internal components of your key fob, making it difficult for them to function.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you suspect physical damage is the cause of your key fob’s malfunction, try replacing the battery and see if that resolves the issue. If not, it is best to consult with a technician for further assistance.
Technical issue with the car’s computer system
Sometimes, the issue may not lie with your key fob, but with the car’s computer system. If there is a malfunction or error in the car’s computer, it may not be able to receive and process the signal from your key fob properly.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may appear to be working fine, but your car does not respond or unlock when you press the buttons. This could also happen intermittently.
Reasons: A technical issue with the car’s computer can cause disruption in communication between key fob and the car.
Troubleshooting Steps: In this case, it is best to consult with a technician who can diagnose and resolve any issues with the car’s computer system. They may need to reset or reprogram the system to ensure proper functioning.
Faulty wiring or connections
Another possible cause of key fob malfunction is faulty wiring or connections. Over time, wires can become loose or damaged, and this can affect the transmission of signals between your key fob and the car’s locking system.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may work intermittently or stop working altogether. You may also experience issues with starting your car using the push button start feature.
Reasons: Like any electronic device, wear and tear over time can lead to faulty wiring or connections in your car’s system.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you suspect faulty wiring or connections are causing issues with your key fob, it is best to have a technician inspect and repair them. They may need to replace damaged wires or connectors to restore proper functioning of your key fob.
Incorrect programming of key fob or car’s systems
In some cases, the key fob and the car’s systems may not be properly synced or programmed. This can cause communication errors and prevent your key fob from working correctly.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may appear to be functioning, but it does not unlock or lock your car when pressed. You may also experience issues with starting your car using the push button start feature.
Reasons: If you recently replaced your key fob battery or had a new key fob programmed, there is a chance that it was not done correctly and needs to be reprogrammed.
Troubleshooting Steps: In this case, consult with a technician who can properly sync and program your key fob and car’s systems. They may also need to reset any codes or settings that were not properly entered during the initial programming. It is important to have this done correctly to avoid future issues with your key fob.
Environmental interference
In some cases, external factors such as electromagnetic interference can affect the signals between your key fob and car’s locking system.
Symptoms/Signs: Your key fob may work intermittently or stop working altogether, especially in areas with high levels of electromagnetic activity (e.g. near power lines).
Reasons: Electromagnetic interference can disrupt the transmission of signals between your key fob and car’s systems.
Troubleshooting Steps: If you suspect environmental interference, try using your key fob in a different location or at a different time of day.
Avoid keeping your key fob near electronic devices that emit strong signals and make sure the battery is fully charged.
In extreme cases, it may be necessary to use a shielding device or replace your key fob with one that has stronger signal capabilities.