Remote start is a great feature in vehicles. It allows you to turn on the vehicle even when not in it. Thus, you can warm the engine up a few minutes before entering the car, allowing it to have time to be ready to run.
Also, with remote start, you can pre-warm and pre-cool the inside of your vehicle.
But sometimes, you may find that the remote start feature is not working. It can happen because of a problematic signal transmitter or receiver, a dead battery of the fob, or a damaged fob key. In such cases, you need to fix issues with the key or the system.
However, sometimes you may find the remote start not working and check engine light on. In such cases, the problem is with the engine or ignition system. Don’t worry about it. Such things may happen for a small issue, like a loose gas cap. All you need to do here is inspect the situation carefully.
In this article, I’ll share the possible reasons behind a situation when the remote start doesn’t work and the check engine light remains illuminated. Also, I’ve added solutions to them.
So, read the article carefully to know what to do in such situations.
Reasons behind Remote Start not Working and Check Engine Light On (with Solutions)
1. The Gas Cap is Loose
Such a situation may occur if the gas cap is loose. A loose gas cap prevents the engine from receiving the fuel needed to start. Also, it may evaporate the fuel, which creates issues in combustion.
For these reasons, the check engine light remains on.
Solution:
Check the gas cap and tighten it properly. If it doesn’t fit, maybe because of tear, wear, or being old, replace it. Hopefully, things will be okay.
2. Engine Oil is Dirty
Dirty engine oil is another reason behind check engine light. Dirty oil can cause overheating even when the engine remains off for days. In this situation, if you want to start the engine, it won’t start.
Also, dirty oil deposits restrict oil flow and airflow, making the engine unable to start.
Solution:
Check the engine oil and consider changing it if it is dirty. Doing this will solve the problem if this is the only reason. Also, make sure you change the engine oil regularly to avoid such situations later.
Besides such situation, dirty engine oil is responsible for engine damage.
3. Insufficient Engine Oil
This situation may occur when your car is low in engine oil. Due to insufficient oil, the engine can’t get lubricated properly. As a result, it faces hardship to start or can’t even start.
Even if the engine starts, it runs rough.
Solution:
Check the amount of engine oil your vehicle has. Add some oil if the oil level is lower than the recommended level. It is better to replace the old oil.
Also, to avoid such situations later, consider tracking oil level regularly and maintain the recommended level.
4. Clogged Fuel or Oil Filter
The task of fuel and oil filters is to trap impurities as much as possible. But they can prevent the engine from starting sometimes.
If you don’t change or clean the filters for long, they may get completely clogged and restrict oil or fuel flow to the engine. As a result, the engine doesn’t start, no matter whether you use a fob or not.
If the gas cap is tight, you have enough oil, and the oil is clean, check the filters. Maybe they are dirty and jammed.
Solution:
You need to replace or clean the filters in case they are clogged. There is no other way to start the engine if you have jammed filters. The best way is to replace the old ones. However, cleaning the dirty filters will make them work for a few more days.
5. Dead Battery
A dead battery or voltage drop can be another reason behind the situation when the remote start doesn’t work and check engine light remains on. A battery can die in many ways. That’s a different discussion. Let’s focus on the signs.
Some signs of problematic or dead battery are slower start, problems in electric devices, weak dashboard lights, odd smell from under the hood, etc. If you’ve noticed anything from these signs, your battery might be dead when trying to start the car with a remote starter.
Solution:
Check the battery. If it is in bad condition, maybe you’ve got the reason. Change the battery, and things will be sorted, most probably.
6. Faulty Ignition Coil
Ignition coils are responsible for boosting the battery voltage to a high level for a few moments so that the spark plug gets enough electricity. When it is okay, starting the vehicle is smooth. But starting is not easy when your vehicle has a faulty ignition coil.
For example, if you see the ignition coil in your Ford not working properly and the battery draining fast, you should consult your sarasotaford.com dealer to know about the problem more and fix it.
A faulty ignition coil can be the culprit behind such a situation if the above things are okay. It can’t deliver the voltage required for the spark plug. As a result, your vehicle doesn’t start, no matter how many times you press the button on the fob.
Solution:
Check the ignition coil if you have the testing device. Otherwise, go to a mechanic and have it checked. If you find it faulty, you should change it soon to get rid of the situation.
7. Problematic Spark Plug
Spark plugs are another important part of the ignition system. A fault in the spark plug often doesn’t allow the engine to start. As a result, you face a situation where the engine doesn’t start, no matter how you want it to start.
Solution:
Inspect the spark plugs using a spark plug tester. If you don’t have the tester, visit a mechanic shop or call a mechanic to get the plugs tested. If you find any fault in any spark plug, replace it with a new and compatible one.
8. Extreme Weather
Extreme weather can be a reason behind such a problem. It might be cold or hot, doesn’t matter. If there is extreme heat outside, the engine may get overheated and stop working. On the other hand, in extremely cold conditions, the engine can’t start.
So, keep your eyes on the weather in such a situation. If there is extremely cold or hot outside, this harsh condition can be the reason behind it.
Solution:
If the engine is extremely hot, reduce the heat by pouring water on it. This may help the engine to get back to an optimum temperature.
On the other hand, if it is cold, follow the tricks to start the car in cold weather. The user manual or YouTube videos can help you with that.
Related Post: How to Remove GPS Tracker on Car
Cost to Fix This Issue
Besides asking for the reasons, people often ask about an estimated cost to fix such a situation. Let me discuss this a bit.
The cost depends on the particular reason behind the issue. You don’t need to spend anything if the reason is a loose gas cap. Just tighten the cap, and it is solved.
In the case of dirty or insufficient engine oil, you need to change the oil. The average cost here is around $60-$70, including the oil and mechanic charge. However, it varies based on the oil, required amount, and mechanic cost.
If clogged fuel or oil filter is the reason, the probable cost is within $60-$220. This is the cost of a new filter, the replacement charge, and some miscellaneous costs. You can minimize the cost by washing the filter and reusing it if possible.
The cost is similar if the problem is in the battery. A new battery can be found within around $70-$200, depending on the brand. You just add a small mechanic charge for replacing it. Also, if possible, you can repair or reconstruct the battery and reuse it.
If the problem is in the spark plug, you can fix it within $50 unless you need to replace the complete set. In the case of a full set replacement, the total cost should be within $100-$300, based on the quality of the plugs.
Ignition coils are expensive. Thus, replacing it may cost around $100-$300, based on the brand you pick and the mechanic charge.
The costs discussed here are rough assumptions and are not practical for luxury vehicles. In the case of luxury vehicles, the cost will be higher.
Final Verdict
A remote start may not work for several other reasons, including a damaged fob battery, problems in sending and receiving signals, etc. But when the check engine light is also on, the reason should be something from the above discussion. So, don’t waste time checking the fob or its battery.
A proper inspection and taking the necessary steps can help you fix this problem soon. If you have proper knowledge about your vehicle, you can fix the problem yourself in most cases. In some cases, a replacement part and a mechanic’s help might be required.
As you know the reasons behind the situation, I hope you won’t panic next time if such a problem comes up again. Keep your cool and thoroughly check the gas cap, engine oil, fuel and oil filters, car battery, ignition coil, and spark plug.
