Jeep Remote Start Not Working - (12 Reasons Why?)

The Jeep remote start is a system that uses a key fob to start the engine from outside the vehicle. The system has a range of 100 meters for all the Jeeps. But hindrances between the Jeep and the key fob may reduce this range.

Why is the Jeep remote start not working? There are many reasons for that, such as low fuel, the battery not charged or dead, doors, liftgate, or hood open, the vehicle not parked, remort start is in valet mode, lost programming, brake switch being active, remote not being used properly, hazard switch ON, the malfunction indicator light is illuminated, or because of too many remote starter attempts.

Most Common causes of Jeep Remote Start Not Working

As we mentioned, there are many reasons, but the most common causes for the Jeep remote start not working are the battery not being charged or dead, the Bad Hood Pin Switch, valet mode, the Jeep not being in park, a lack of programming, or the Hazard Switch On. We discuss all these in detail.

Battery is not charged or dead

A dead or low-charge key fob battery is one of the most common causes for the Jeep remote start not to work.

Some vehicles use rechargeable key fob batteries, while most key fobs use lithium-ion batteries.

With time in lithium-ion batteries, the dead lithium has been cut off from their electrodes, which decreases their capacity to store charge, and eventually, the battery is dead. A battery replacement can resolve the Jeep remote start not working problem.

Sometimes the key fob battery is not dead, but the battery is out of alignment because this Jeep remote start does not work.

Bad Hood Pin Switch

The hood pin switch tells the computer whether the hood is open or closed. So when it goes bad, it will not point to the vehicle computer exactly whether the hood is open or closed. The vehicle computer will not start the engine.

This is also because of the safety of mechanics working on vehicles. So, when the hood pin switch goes bad, the Jeep remote starter will not work.

Remote Starter Is In Valet Mode

In valet mode, the vehicle locks or unlocks but disables remote start capabilities. This is for the safety of mechanics who work on Jeep.

So how do you check if your vehicle is in valet mode? Here’s the answer: When you press the unlock button on the key fob and the doors lock and unlock, but the parking light does not flash, the key fob is in valet mode.

Sometimes the vehicle will accidentally get into valet mode by pushing the two remote buttons at the same time.

To deactivate valet mode, first, enter the key into the ignition lock and do not start the engine just now. Check the engine light, and then press and release the trunk and the lock together. Finally, remove the key from the vehicle. Get out of your Jeep and check to see if it started remotely. If this is the case, you are in passive valet mode.

Jeep is not park

It seems obvious that when your Jeep is not parked, the remote starter will not work. Most of the time, the driver uses the hand brake instead of parking the vehicle. For safety reasons a Jeep can only be remotely started when it is parked.

Hazard Switch ON

The hazard light tells the drivers and people around you that something is wrong with your vehicle and you need help. The Jeep remote start will not work if the Hazard switch is turned on.

Turn your hazard light off to make the remote starter work. The key fob itself turns off the hazard light. After that, if you have a remote starter and the door lock and unlock function properly, you should be good to go.

Lost Programming

The modern vehicle’s is controlled by computer programming. If you allow your Jeep key fob with a battery to go dead, it can lose its initial programming resulting the Jeep remote start is not working.

In most vehicles, to program a key fob, you should insert the key into the ignition lock and not start the engine just now. and then press and release the trunk and the lock together, cycling the ignition 2 or 3 times while holding the button. Listen for a lock sound, then remove the key, get out of your vehicle, and test the results.

Other less common causes of a Jeep remote start not working

Remote Isn’t Being Used Properly

Different vehicles have different remote starter procedures. Some remotes require only a single push, some require a double push, and some vehicles require you to hold the button down for a few seconds to remote start the engine.

If your Jeep remote start does not work, make sure you are using the remote correctly.

Doors or Liftgate Unlatched

When your Jeep door, hood, or liftgate is unlatched or open, the engine will not start remotely. It is important to close your doors, hood, and liftgate before remote starting your vehicle.

Low fuel

The remote starter will not work with low fuel (the fuel light is on). Here’s the owner’s review about the low-fuel remote start not working.

Faulty Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch is responsible for activating your Jeep brake light. When the brake light switch goes bad, your Jeep’s brake lights do not light up, or the brake lights stay on continuously.

And your Jeep remote start is not working because the brake light switch isn’t sending a specific signal to the Jeep’s computer confirming that the brakes are engaged.

According to repairsmith, brake light replacement costs between $60 and $250.

Malfunction Indicator Light is illuminated

The check engine light is on when there is a problem with the vehicle’s emissions control system. resulting in the Jeep remote start not working because of safety precautions.

Other malfunctioning indicators also cause the Jeep remote start not working.

Too many remote starter attempts

The Jeep remote start will not work if you use it twice in quick sessions. You can fix this by inserting the key into the ignition and turning it on and off again. After that examine the remote starter to see if it works.

What to do If Jeep remote start is not working

If you are in a hurry and try to remote start your Jeep, and it will not work, it will make you frustrated, but don’t worry, do this if the Jeep remote start is not working.

Put Jeep in the park mode using the gear selector
Check the doors and make sure all the doors are closed
Check the Jeep hood and make sure that it is closed
Also make sure that the liftgate is closed as well.
Turned OFF the hazard swith if not.
Inactive brake switch (no pedal depressed)
Battery at an acceptable charge level
The system was not disabled by the previous Remote Start event.
Flashing Vehicle Security Light
The ignition is turned off.
The panic button is not pushed.
Fuel level meets the minimum requirement.
The vehicle security system is not signaling an intrusion.
And make sure all the malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is not illuminated.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I activate the remote start on my Jeep?

Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob within five seconds. Then, the engine will start, and the Jeep will remain in the Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle. Pushing the Remote Start button a third time will shut the engine off.
If there is a fault present in the engine or the fuel level does not meet the minimum requirement, the vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.

How do I reset my Jeep remote starter?

1. Insert the key into the ignition (or press the start button once without pushing the brake pedal).
2. Press the lock button on your remote Jeep starter.
3. Within five seconds of turning it on, turn your key back to the off position.
4. Repeat this on-and-off cycle three more times.
5. On the fourth cycle, you will hear a sound (a “ding,” “ping,” or “buzz”). when you select the accessory position. Now you are in programming mode.
6. Hold the lock button down on the remote.
7. Within ten seconds, turn the Jeep off.
8. Get out of the Jeep and check whether it works or not. If yes, you are ready to go; if not, it’s time to call the dealership.

Do you have to reprogram Jeep key fob after changing battery?

No, if you only replace the battery, you do not need to reprogram the Jeep key fob. However, if you replaced some of the internal wiring and electronics, you will need to reprogram the key fob.

Conclusion – Jeep Remote Start is Not Working

Remote start is the system to start engine of Jeep from out side. But sometime Jeep remote start not work because of several reason we listed above. All of the following conditions must be met before the engine will start remotely:

Jeep remote start checklist
Gear selector in PARK	Tick
Doors closed	Tick
Hood closed	Tick
Liftgate closed	Tick
Hazard is turned off.	Tick
Inactive brake switch	Tick
Key fob Battery charged	Tick
Flashing vehicle security light	Tick
Ignition is turned off	Tick
Panic button is not pushed	Tick
Fuel level ok	Tick
Malfunction Indicator Lights OFF	Tick