Remote Start Not Working in Cold Weather – Causes & Fixes

Starting your car remotely is a great comfort on freezing days. But what if the remote start doesn’t work in cold weather? It’s a common issue many drivers face during winter.

In this article, we’ll explain why remote start often fails in cold weather and the main causes and fixes to help you get it working again.

Common Reasons Why Remote Start Fails in Cold Weather

Remote starting systems for cars have different reasons for not working in cold weather.

Here are the most commonly identified causes:

1. Low Battery Voltage in Car or Key Fob

Cold weather severely affects battery performance:

• A weak car battery may not supply enough power for startup.
• A drained or weak key fob battery may not send a strong enough signal.

Fix:

• Test and replace the car battery if it shows signs of weakness (below 12.4V).
• Replace the key fob battery—usually a CR2032 coin cell.

2. Engine or Hood Conditions Triggering Safety Locks

Most factory remote start systems include fail-safes to prevent operation under unsafe conditions, such as:

• Open hood
• Active check engine light (CEL)
• Low oil pressure
• Coolant temperature too low

Fix:

• Ensure the hood is fully latched.
• Scan and clear check engine codes with an OBD2 scanner.
• Top off the oil and check coolant levels.

3. Wrong Settings or Button Presses

Some vehicles require:

• Doors to be locked
• Gear to be in ‘Park’
• System to be activated via app or sequence (lock + start button)

Fix:

• Review your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact remote start procedure.
• Lock the vehicle before attempting a remote start.
• Wait for all lights to go off before activating the remote.

4. Remote Start Timer Expired or Disabled

Many remote start systems come with timers or default settings that turn off the feature after inactivity or if you haven’t used it in a while.

Fix:

• Check your car’s settings or infotainment system menu.
• Reactivate remote start if needed.
• Update vehicle software via the dealership if the system is glitching.

5. Aftermarket Remote Start Installation Issues

Aftermarket systems can struggle with newer cars, especially in the cold:

• Poor wiring or insulation can cause signal loss.
• Modules may freeze or lag.

Fix:

• Check all of the wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
• Apply dielectric grease to protect against moisture penetration.
• Consider a professional reinstallation or upgrade to a CAN bus-compatible system.

6. Immobilizer or Anti-Theft System Blocking Start

Modern vehicles use immobilizers that may misinterpret a cold signal or weak voltage as a theft attempt.

Fix:

• Unlock and re-lock the car before retrying the remote start.
• Use a backup physical key to reset the immobilizer logic.

7. Temperature Threshold Limitation

Some remote starters are temperature-sensitive and may not engage if the external temperature is below a certain threshold (e.g., -20°F/-29°C).

Fix:

• Check the system’s documentation for minimum operating temperature.
• Upgrade to a remote start system designed for extreme climates.

Fixes for Remote Start Not Working

If your remote starting system isn’t working in low temperatures, you are not alone; this usually happens in colder climates. Luckily, there are some things to check before calling someone to take care of the system.

Here are some ways to test the system:

1. Check Your Car Battery

Cold temperatures are a battery beat-down. In fact, the largest cause of remote start system failures in winter is a low or dead battery. Inspect the condition of the battery, ensure that it is at full charge, and make sure terminals are clean and free from corrosion. If your battery is over a few years old, it might be time to replace it.

2. Look at Your Engine Oil

Engine oil becomes much thicker in cold temperatures and will not flow easily. This can prove troublesome when starting your engine, so check your oil level and ensure you’re using the engine oil that best suits low-temperature conditions. You may need to go down a grade or two for optimal performance when it freezes outside.

3. Inspect Fuel Lines

In the cold, condensation can form inside the fuel lines and cause blockages or freezing. Make sure no fuel delivery problems are preventing your engine from starting.

4. If You Have a Carburetor, Check That Too

If you have an older car with a carburetor, it might have problems when it gets cold outside. The cold can make the carburetor freeze or become blocked. To avoid this, check if your carburetor is working well and is properly cleaned. This can help keep your car running smoothly in cold weather.

5. Update the Remote Start Software

Some remote start systems are software-based, and if they have bugs, they are likely to cause trouble, especially in cold weather. If you see a Check Engine Light or other error codes, your remote start might be disabled. Be sure to check for software updates or for any diagnostic codes needing to be cleared.

6. Test the Key Fob Battery

A dead battery in the key fob will leave the remote start system inoperable. Batteries drain much faster in cold weather; check for dim indicator lights or decreased range, which might indicate you need to change the battery. Getting a new battery is quite easy, and often, it solves the problem.

7. Try Starting from a Closer Distance

The signal range of the key fob reduces during cold weather. If you are trying to start the car from the maximum distance, it would be wise to move closer and try again.

8. Clear Any Obstructions

Snow, ice, or debris surrounding your vehicle—or even on the fob itself—can obstruct the signal transmission. Make sure that there is nothing blocking the connection between your remote and your car.

How to Diagnose Remote Start Not Working in Cold Weather

Here’s a quick diagnostic checklist to narrow down the cause:

Preventive Tips for Reliable Remote Start in Cold Weather

• Warm up the vehicle regularly during the cold season to avoid battery drain.
• Install an engine block heater for easier starts in frigid climates.
• Replace old batteries proactively—both in the vehicle and key fob.
• Use OEM remote start systems when possible for better integration.
• Park in a garage or covered space to reduce cold weather exposure.

Model-Specific Remote Start Quirks in Cold Weather

When to Visit a Mechanic or Dealership

If your remote start still doesn’t work after checking all possible causes:

• There may be a software bug or firmware glitch.
• A sensor or module may be failing intermittently.
• Dealership diagnostics can reveal faults not visible with basic tools.

Professional service is recommended if:

• You see persistent error messages
• The vehicle won’t start manually either
• The system was aftermarket-installed and not functioning consistently

Conclusion

Remote start systems are incredibly convenient in winter, but they depend on the right mix of mechanical, electronic, and environmental factors. When they fail in cold weather, the cause could be as simple as a dead key fob battery or as complex as system limitations.

By following the steps above, you can quickly find and fix the issue so your vehicle stays warm and ready, even in freezing conditions.