Remote start depends on power from the car battery to function properly. Hence, sometimes, when the feature fails, the solution is to change the battery.
So, why is the remote start not working after the battery change? Remote start failure after a car battery change can occur due to various reasons, including;
- Program loss
- Using the wrong battery
- Improper battery installation
- Check engine light is on
Sometimes, remote start fails after a key fob battery change due to issues such as using the wrong batteries and incorrect battery installation.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes remote start to fail after a battery change and how to reprogram a key fob.
What Causes Remote Start Failure After Battery Change?
Several issues can cause remote start failure after a battery change, including;
1. A system reset is required
Sometimes, replacing the car battery may affect remote start settings because of the temporary loss of power in the electrical system. If so, the remote start system will need a factory reset to function normally.
2. Program loss
Remote start has to be properly programmed to work. Sometimes, changing the car battery leads to a loss of remote start programming, and this causes it to stop working.
3. Wrong car battery
Installing the wrong battery for your car can cause several issues, including remote start failure.
4. Check engine light
Improper installation or using an undercharged battery can cause a check engine light to turn on due to issues such as;
- Ignition issues
- Sensors lacking power
- Transmission issues
- Engine issues
Hence, the remote start feature may fail to work after a battery change since an illuminated check engine light prevents its operation.
5. The battery was not installed correctly
When the battery is installed incorrectly during a car battery replacement, all electrical and electronic systems get deprived of power. In this case, the remote start won’t have power, so it will stop working.
Remote start issues can also occur after changing the key fob’s batteries. In this scenario, the issues that cause the remote start to stop working include the following;
- Putting the battery in the wrong way with the terminals incorrectly oriented.
- Using the wrong battery for your key fob.
- Faulty new batteries.
How To Troubleshoot Remote Start Problems After Battery Change
If your vehicle’s remote start is not working after a battery change, here’s how you can troubleshoot it;
1. Check the key fob battery
Ensure that the battery is the right one for your key fob. Inspect the key fob battery and ensure that its terminals are correctly oriented. If the remote start still doesn’t work after orienting the battery correctly, try a new one.
2. Check the car battery
Open the hood and check the battery to ensure you put in the right one for your car. Ensure the battery was installed correctly and that none of the battery terminals is loose or corroded. Next, measure the battery level. Here’s how to measure battery level;
- Set your multimeter to DC voltage mode.
- Identify the battery terminals and connect the corresponding multimeter probes to them. Make sure there’s a good connection.
- Read the voltage on the screen. A fully charged car battery should have a 12.6 to 12.8 volts voltage. If the battery’s voltage is below 12.2, you need to recharge it.
3. Resolve the check engine light
When your car displays the check engine light, the remote start stops working. Contact a mechanic to figure out and fix the engine problem.
4. Reset remote start
If the remote start feature doesn’t work after all the issues are resolved, it’s likely that the system has lost its settings and needs to be reset and reprogrammed.
How Do You Reprogram A Key Fob After A Battery Change?
Though different vehicles have different reprogramming procedures, here’s a general guide on reprogramming a key fob;
1. Enter the car
Get into the car and close all the doors. Ensure the doors are properly locked since leaving any of them open will interfere with the process of reprogramming the key fob.
2. Turn the car on
Put the car key into the ignition and twist it to ON. This will turn on the car’s electrical system, including the remote start system, without turning on the engine.
3. Press lock
Press the lock button on the key fob and turn the ignition OFF. Repeat the process several times, ending the cycle in the ON ignition position. This procedure ensures the vehicle saves the key fob information and transmitting frequency.
4. Listen for the lock sound
Once you have repeated step four several times, you’ll hear your car doors locking, showing that the remote start system is in programming mode. Press the lock button on the key fob to complete the reprogramming when you hear the locking sound.
5. Switch the ignition off
After programming the key fob successfully, turn the ignition off and remove the car key from the ignition to stop the reprogramming mode.
6. Test the key fob
Get out of the vehicle and close all the doors properly. Press the lock button on the key fob. If reprogramming is successful, you’ll hear the doors lock, and hazard lights will flash. If the test fails, repeat the reprogramming process.
How to change a car battery?
One of the issues that may cause the remote start feature to stop working is improper car battery installation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing a car battery properly.
- Park the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Open the hood and locate the battery.
- Identify the battery terminals.
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal.
- Remove the loose cable from the negative terminal and set it aside at a safe distance.
- Loosen the nut on the positive terminal and detach its cable.
- Loosen the straps holding the battery down and remove the battery from the tray.
- Place the new battery into the battery tray. Ensure that its terminals match the corresponding cables.
- Secure the new battery with the battery straps.
- Slide the positive cable into the positive terminals and tighten the nut using a wrench.
- Slide the negative cable into the negative terminal and secure it in place by tightening the nut.
- Check all the connections to ensure none is loose, and then test the new battery by turning on the car.
FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about the remote start feature.
You can reprogram a key fob by yourself for free in most vehicles. However, if you run into issues and decide to take it to a technician, you can expect to be charged between $100 and $300, depending on the type of vehicle.
Most key fobs use a type of battery called button cell batteries. These batteries look like coins and are very thin. Always ensure you have the right battery for your key fob.
Conclusion
Several issues can cause a remote start to fail after a battery change. For instance, using the wrong batteries for your key fob or incorrectly installing the car battery will cause remote start failure.
Fortunately, most remote start issues related to battery change are easy to diagnose and fix. Sometimes, there is no issue to fix. Rather, the system simply needs to be reprogrammed because it lost settings during the battery change process.