Remote Start Turns Off After A Few Seconds – 9 Reasons

Nothing can put a halt to your plans like your remote start turning off after a few seconds. Not only will you get late, but you may also panic since your precious vehicle isn’t working as it should.

Luckily, you may not need to take it to the shop just yet.

The first step you should take is to check your car’s manual. If nothing pops up, below are nine reasons why a remote start turns off after a few seconds.

You’ll also find their solutions so that you can get your car on the road.

1. Signal Issues

One of the common reasons your remote start turns off after a few seconds is a problem with tachometer signals. These voltage signals determine when a vehicle has started and is up and running.

If there’s a problem with these signals, chances are your tachometer is at fault.

Solution: Relearning The Tachometer

You can quickly fix signal problems related to the tachometer.

All you need to do is relearn it. And here’s how you can do this:

1. Start the engine.
2. Hold the foot brake down.
3. While your foot is on the brake, press and hold the remote start button for three seconds, this will make the parking lights flash once.
4. Turn the car off, then retry, starting it with the remote control.

2. Faulty Or Missing Hood Pin Switches Or Sensors

Another common reason for your remote to start turning off after a few seconds is a faulty or missing hood switch.

The hood switch prevents the engine from starting while the hood is up, and it’s located under the hood of your car. As a result, it ensures the safety of individuals working in the engine compartment.

Solution: Check The Hood Pin Switch

Pop your car’s hood so that you can take a look at your hood pin switch. If it’s there, make sure it’s able to move freely but at the same time isn’t too loose.

You can re-adjust it if you think it’s not placed correctly.

On the other hand, if it’s rusted or missing, you’ll need to buy a new one. Once you install that, make sure to spray it with rust-inhibitor regularly.

That’ll prevent your remote start from turning off after seconds in the future.

3. Battery Issues

Many people don’t think of checking the remote’s batteries when the remote start is constantly turning off after a few seconds. Several battery-related issues can result in the problem that brought you here, such as:

• Weak, Dying Batteries – Weak batteries that are close to death will diminish the range of your remote.
• Wrong Placement – Placing batteries incorrectly or removing insulators can prevent the remote from working correctly.
• Wrong Batteries – Your remote start will turn off after a few seconds if you put the wrong batteries. You can expect the same outcome if you’re using mediocre batteries.

Solution: Get The Batteries Replaced

You’ll need to visit the auto shop to get the batteries replaced or ensure they’re installed correctly. Your trip may help you determine if you need to replace the remote to avoid facing the same issue again.

4. Location Of The Key

Another simple cause for your remote to start turning off after a few seconds may be your vehicle’s key. If the fob is in the car, the latter won’t start.

And as elementary as this sounds, this is a very likely problem.

Solution: Take The Key Out

First, take the key out of the vehicle. Next, tap the lock button once and hold the remote start button for at least two seconds.

If your remote start is still turning off after a few seconds, follow the same steps until the end. However, this time, press the remote start button until the vehicle starts.

5. Vehicle Not In ‘Park’

The engine won’t start if you’re in ‘Drive’ or ‘Reverse’ modes as a safety measure. If your car is in any of these modes, your remote start will turn off after a few seconds.

Solution: Put The Car In ‘Park’

Disengage and re-engage ‘P,’ and then retry starting your vehicle. Try the other solutions you see here before heading to the auto shop if you’re still having trouble.

6. Coolant And Oil Pressure Issues

Your engine could be the cause of your remote start turning off after a few seconds. And the culprits within are the engine coolant and oil pressure.

If the former is too high or the latter too low, your remote start system will automatically get disabled.

Solution: Check Coolant And Oil Pressure

Check the levels of your coolant and oil. If you’ve been driving a little while ago, let it cool down for 10 minutes before checking these values.

If necessary, top them off so you can get back on the road.

7. Hazard Warning Lights On

Hazard lights indicate to other drivers that your vehicle is stationary and may cause a temporary traffic obstruction. If they’re on, your remote start may turn off after a few seconds.

Solution: Switch The Lights Off

The solution is quite simple for this problem. Switch the hazard warning lights off and then switch on the remote start system.

It means you should press the lock button once, then press and hold the remote start button.

8. Engine Light On

Your remote start may turn off after a few seconds if the ‘Check Engine Light‘ or Malfunction Indicator Lamp is on. It is another essential measure to ensure the safety of drivers.

Solution: Check The Engine Light

Before you panic, check if the Check Engine Light signal is on. If it is, you may want to check if your gas cap is loose.

In that case, reseal the cap and restart the car. Next, tap the lock button once, then hold the remote start button until the car starts.

9. Remote Starter Faulty Programming

If your remote start turns off after a few seconds, your remote starter systems’ programming may be at fault.

The remote starter system includes a data module that facilitates communication with the vehicle’s computer system.

The programming data may be lost in some models, such as Honda. As a result, it can’t control the engine.

Solution: Module Reprogramming

Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can handle on your own. You’ll need to drop your car at the auto dealership so they can reprogram the system.

Thankfully, this shouldn’t take long, and you can be back behind the wheel soon.

Your Remote Start Turning Off After A Few Seconds Still?

If your remote start is still turning off after a few seconds, it’s time for you to seek professional help. As hard as it may be for you, this is the best decision you’ll make for your four-wheeled friend.

But don’t worry. The chances are that the fixes won’t take more than a day to be resolved.

However, you need to take this step for your safety and convenience later.

So, take your car to the shop and let the experts fix your remote start system for you. See you on the road again soon.