In the modern age, convenience is paramount, even in our daily commutes. Remote start allows you to start your Honda Civic from a distance. It pre-conditions the car’s cabin and gives it time to warm up, which is especially useful in cold weather.
So, how do you remote start the Honda Civic? Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure you’re close to your car
- Push the lock button once
- Follow that by pushing and holding the start button on your fob for at least two seconds
- Once you do this, you’ll see your vehicle’s lights flash twice and an audible beep signal. Now the car has started and is running
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to effectively remote start your vehicle and some important considerations when using the remote start feature.
Which Honda Civic Trims And Years Have Remote Start?
Remote start is not available on all Honda Civic trims and model years. Remote start has been built into Honda vehicles since 2019. The table below summarizes the trims and years of the Honda Civic with remote start.
| Year | Model and Trim |
|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | Sedan, Coupe, Hatchback (all trims) |
| 2021 | Sedan (EX, EX-L, Touring) |
| Hatchback (EX, Sport Touring) | |
| 2022 | Sedan (Sport, EX, Touring) |
| Hatchback (EX-L) | |
| 2023 | Sedan (EX, Touring, Sport) |
How To Remote Start Honda Civic?
If your vehicle has built-in remote start functionality, here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: Ensure you’re within the effective range of your Honda Civic, approximately 100 feet. In addition to this, ensure that there are no obstructions between you and the car.
- Step 2: Click the lock button once. However, some Honda Civic owners say they have to hit the lock button twice for the remote to start working. This action will lock your vehicle’s doors as well as activate the security system.
- Step 3: Hold down the start button on your key for at least two seconds. You can hold the button for 7-10 seconds max. The start button resembles a circle with an arrow or a refresh button.
- Step 4: Upon doing so, you’ll observe your car’s lights flashing twice while hearing a distinct beep. At this point, your vehicle will automatically adjust the interior temperature to 22º C.
Note: The Honda Civic will run for a maximum of ten minutes before shutting down.
- Step 5: To drive off, engage the brake pedal and hit the start button once.
Reasons Why The Remote Start Is Not Working
At times, some Honda owners have reported that their remote start system failed to work. Here are some common reasons that I and others have observed that contribute to this issue:
- Low Key Fob Battery: This is the most common culprit for remote start issues. If the battery is running low, it might not have enough power to send the remote start signal to your car.
- Presence of Spare Fob in the Car: Having a spare fob within your Honda Civic can lead to remote start problems. Some users identified this as a problem and when they removed the spare fob, the remote started working normally.
- Vehicle Condition: If something is wrong with your car, such as a malfunctioning battery or a damaged ignition system, a remote start might be disabled to prevent further complications.
- Range Limitations: As mentioned, remote start functions within a specific range, typically around 100 feet. If you’re not within this range, the signal might not reach your vehicle.
- System Interference: Radio frequency interference caused by other electronic devices can disrupt the communication between the key fob and the car’s system. This prevents the remote start feature.
- Doors or Hood Ajar: Safety measures are in place to prevent remote start when doors are open or the hood is not securely closed. Check that all doors are shut properly.
- Manufacturing Defect: In rare cases, there could be a manufacturing defect in the remote start system or the key fob, causing malfunctions.
- Aftermarket Modifications: If you’ve made aftermarket modifications to your vehicle’s electrical system, they could potentially interfere with the remote start functionality.
Key Tips When Using Honda Remote Start
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid Remote Starting in Enclosed Spaces: It is critical to avoid using remote start when your car is parked in an enclosed space, such as a garage. If you do this, make sure the garage doors are fully open and the area is well-ventilated.
This precaution prevents the accumulation of harmful exhaust gasses, particularly carbon monoxide, which could pose serious health risks.
- Check for Flammable Items: Before starting the remote start, make sure there are no flammable materials present, such as aerosol cans, cleaning agents, or other combustible items.
Remote starting generates heat, and you don’t want to risk a fire hazard by keeping such items in your vehicle.
- Avoid Remote Starting When Car is UnderCovers: If your Honda Civic is parked when the cover is on, do not use the remote start. The cover could restrict proper airflow and cause the engine to overheat or accumulate fumes.
- Ensure Doors Are Locked: Before using remote start, ensure all of your vehicle’s doors are securely locked. This protects your car from unauthorized access while the engine is running.
FAQs
Here are other related questions on how to remote start the Honda Civic.
Yes, you can. Aftermarket remote start systems are available for older Honda Civic models. However, I strongly recommend buying a Honda dealer-supplied remote starter and having a professional install it to prevent any damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
No, you cannot. Remote start with an app is not yet available on the Honda Civic.
This process is very easy too. For two seconds, hold down the start button. You will hear a beep and the lights flash once.
Conclusion
This guide has walked you through the necessary steps to enable remote start. They include pressing the lock button, followed by pressing and holding the start button for at least two seconds. Certain key considerations, however, are critical.
Avoid using a remote start in confined spaces, for example. We’ve also discussed how to troubleshoot if the feature isn’t working. Understanding these steps and considerations allows you to confidently use your Honda Civic’s remote start feature while prioritizing safety and convenience.