FIXED: 2024 tiguan remote start not working

If your 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan remote start isn't working, the most likely culprit is that the Check Engine Light (CEL) is on, your fuel level is too low, or a door isn't completely closed. VW’s safety software is programmed to disable remote start immediately if it detects any engine fault code or if the car thinks it's unsafe to run without a driver present.

It is super annoying when you just want to warm up the car on a freezing morning and nothing happens. I've been there with my own VW, and I’ve helped a bunch of friends troubleshoot this. It’s usually not a broken part, but a computer logic thing.

Below is a massive, detailed guide on everything that kills the remote start on the new Tiguans and exactly how you can fix it yourself.

1. The Check Engine Light Rule

Let's get the big one out of the way. According to Volkswagen's safety protocols, the remote start system is hard-wired to fail if the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system throws a code.

Basically, if that little yellow engine icon is glowing on your dash, the car will not remote start. Period. The car's computer thinks, "Something is wrong with the engine, so I shouldn't run unless a human is here to monitor it."

The Loose Gas Cap Scenario

You might be thinking, "But my engine is fine!" And you’re probably right. The most common reason for a Check Engine Light on a brand new 2024 Tiguan is actually a loose gas cap. If you filled up recently and didn't click it until it stopped, the system detects a vacuum leak in the fuel system.

The Fix: Tighten the gas cap until it clicks. You might have to drive the car for a few trip cycles (turning it on and driving a few miles, then off) for the light to clear itself. Once the light is off, remote start should work again.

2. The "Lock First" Sequence

The 2024 models can be a little picky about the button timing. I’ve seen people mash the buttons and wonder why it won't fire up.

You have to follow the specific VW dance:

1. Press the LOCK button on the fob. (Wait half a second).
2. Double press the x2 / Start button.

If you don't press lock first, it wont work. If you press the start button too slowly between clicks, it won't work. It has to be a deliberate tap-tap.

Also, watch the lights on the car. When you hit lock, the hazards should flash. If they don't flash, that means a door is open (we'll get to that in a second). If the car doesn't lock, it can't remote start.

3. Door, Hood, and Trunk Latches

The car does a quick system check before cranking the engine. If any physical entry point is reported as "Open," the request is denied. This is a safety feature so you don't accidentally remote start the car while someone is working under the hood or loading groceries in the back.

Sometimes, a door looks closed but isn't fully latched. The 2024 Tiguan seals are tight (which is good for road noise), but it means you gotta give the doors a firm shut.

Check the hood switch specifically. There is a micro-switch in the hood latch mechanism. If that switch gets dirty or bent, the car thinks the hood is up even when it's down. If the car thinks the hood is up, remote start is disabled to prevent mechanics' fingers from getting chopped off by the fan belt.

4. Low Fuel Warning

This one catches people off guard all the time. If your fuel light is on, or if the "Range" is very low (usually under 30 miles or so), the remote start is disabled.

The logic here is pretty smart. VW doesn't want you to remote start the car to warm it up, burn through the last gallon of gas, and then have the engine die, leaving you stranded in your driveway with a dead battery and no fuel.

If you're low on gas, go fill up. It should resolve the issue immediately.

5. The Key Fob Battery

Even though your car is a 2024 model, it's possible the key fob battery is weak. Sometimes they sit on the shelf at the dealership for a while before you buy the car.

When you press the buttons, look at the little LED light on the key fob. Does it flash bright red? If it’s dim or doesn't flash at all, the signal isn't strong enough to reach the car.

How to change it:

• Flip out the physical key blade.
• Pop the back cover off (you can usually use the key blade to pry it).
• Replace the battery. It’s usually a CR2032.

If you have the second key fob (the spare), try that one. If the spare works but your main one doesn't, you know it's a battery issue.

6. The myVW App Issues

If you are trying to start the car from your phone using the myVW app and it’s failing, that is a whole different beast. The app relies on a cellular connection-both on your phone and in the car itself.

Here is why the app fails:

• Bad Signal: If the Tiguan is parked in a deep underground garage, it might not have cell service. It needs 4G/LTE to receive the "Start" command.
• Software Glitch: The myVW app is known to be a bit buggy. Sometimes it just freezes.
• Subscription: Remote start via the app is a paid feature (part of the Remote Access plan). You usually get a trial when you buy the car, but check to make sure it hasn't expired or been deactivated by mistake.

The Fix: Honestly, the best fix for the app is to uninstall it and reinstall it. It forces a clear of the cache. Also, make sure you accept the "Terms of Service" update if one popped up recently. The app won't work until you agree to the new legal stuff.

7. Maximum Runtime Exceeded

Did you know there is a limit to how many times you can remote start the car?

According to the manual, you can usually only perform two consecutive remote start cycles. Each cycle lasts about 10 minutes. After you have remote started it twice, the system locks you out.

To reset this counter, you have to physically go to the car, get in, and turn the ignition on (press the brake and start button). This resets the timer and tells the car, "I am still here, I haven't abandoned the vehicle."

8. Battery Voltage (Start/Stop System)

Modern cars like the Tiguan have massive power demands. If your 12V car battery is slightly low on voltage, the car’s Power Management System starts shutting down non-essential features to save energy for the actual engine crank.

Remote start is considered "non-essential."

This happens a lot in extreme cold. If it's -10 degrees outside, your battery is weaker. The car detects this voltage drop and refuses the remote start command to ensure it has enough juice to start when you actually get in.

If you do a lot of short trips (like 5 minutes to the store and back), your battery never fully charges. Take the car for a 20-minute highway drive to top off the battery.

9. Coolant and Oil Levels

Similar to the Check Engine Light, the car monitors vital fluids. If the coolant is low, the sensor triggers a warning. Remote start will be blocked to prevent the engine from overheating while idling unattended.

Check your dashboard when you manually start the car. Do you see a warning that says "Check Coolant" or "Oil Level Low"? If so, that’s your problem right there.

10. Valet Mode

I haven't seen this as much on the '24 Tiguan, but some trims have a "Valet Mode" buried in the settings. This restricts the car's performance and features so a parking attendant doesn't joyride your car.

If Valet Mode is engaged, remote functions are often disabled. Check your infotainment system settings under "Vehicle" to make sure this isn't toggled on.

11. Push-to-Start Button Issues

There is a weird quirk some owners have reported on forums. If the actual Push-to-Start button inside the car is sticking, or if there was a spill (coffee/soda) on the center console, it can cause electrical gremlins.

This is rare for a 2024 model since it's so new, but if you spilled a latte on the gear shift area recently, that might be messing with the ignition sensors.

12. When to go to the Dealer

If you have checked the gas, the engine light is off, the doors are locked, and the fob battery is new, and it still won't work... you might need a software update.

Volkswagen releases updates for the Body Control Module (BCM) occasionally. Sometimes the code just gets corrupted. Since your car is a 2024, it is definitely under warranty.

Don't try to mess with the wiring yourself. Just take it in and tell them, "My remote start is dead, and there are no warning lights." They can plug in their proprietary scanner (ODIS) and see exactly why the start request was denied. The computer keeps a log of "Start preventers."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2024 Tiguan S have remote start?

This depends on your region, but generally, the base model "S" trim often does not come with remote start on the key fob from the factory. However, you might still be able to use the myVW app to start it if you have the subscription, or you might need the SE trim or higher to get the fob button.

How long will the Tiguan run on remote start?

It runs for 10 minutes. You can extend it once for another 10 minutes, but after that, it shuts off automatically to save gas.

Why do the lights flash but the car doesn't start?

If the hazards flash but no engine noise, the car received the "Lock" signal but rejected the "Start" signal. This is the classic sign of a "Start Preventer" being active (like a Check Engine Light, low fuel, or open hood).

Can I add remote start if my Tiguan didn't come with it?

Yes, but be careful. There are aftermarket kits, but VW electronics are sensitive. It is much better to get a dealer-installed OEM remote start kit so you don't void your electrical warranty. It costs more, but it integrates with your existing key.

Why does my remote start stop working in the winter?

This is usually due to the car battery voltage dropping in the cold. The car protects the battery by disabling remote start so you aren't stranded. A trickle charger might help if you park in a garage.

Will the AC or Heat turn on automatically?

Yes! The 2024 Tiguan usually defaults to the last setting you had it on. However, if the car has Climatronic, it often senses the outside temp. If it's freezing out, it should blast the heat and turn on the heated seats (if configured in the settings menu).

Hope this helps you get your car warmed up! Dealing with tech gremlins is a pain, but 9 times out of 10, it's just the car trying to "protect" itself from a perceived issue.