Key Takeaways
- Check the Fob Battery: A weak CR2032 battery is the #1 reason remote start fails even if the red light on the remote still blinks.
- The "Two-Start" Limit: Honda limits you to two consecutive remote starts. You must turn the ignition on manually to reset this counter.
- Check Engine Light: If your dashboard shows a Check Engine Light (CEL), the car will automatically disable remote start to protect the engine.
- Hood Latch Sensor: A faulty or misaligned hood latch sensor makes the car think the hood is open, preventing the engine from starting for safety.
- Door Locks: All doors, the trunk, and the hood must be locked and closed. If the car cannot lock, it wont start.
Direct Fix: Why It’s Not Working Right Now
If you're standing in your driveway freezing your butt off pressing buttons and nothing is happening, here is the short answer. Your Honda Accord remote start is likely disabled because of one of three things: a dead key fob battery, a "Check Engine" light on the dash, or the car thinks a door/hood is open.
Try this sequence exactly: Press the LOCK button. Press the LOCK button again. Then immediately press and HOLD the Remote Start button (the little arrow circle) for about 5 seconds. The lights should flash. If they flash but the engine doesn't crank, check your dashboard for warning lights. If the lights don't flash at all, change your key fob battery.
Now, lets dig into the nitty-gritty details so we can get this fixed for good.
The Most Common Culprit: User Error or Procedure
Look, I’ve done this a million times. Sometimes we just get the timing wrong. Honda's system is a little picky about how you press the buttons. It's not just a single click. You have to send the "Lock" signal first so the car knows it's secure before it fires up the engine.
According to the Honda owner's manual, the remote start range is about 100 feet, but that's in a perfect world with no walls. If you are too far away, the two-way communication wont happen. Also, make sure you aren't holding the buttons too briefly. That "Hold" step really means hold it until you see the lights on the car respond.
Also, keep in mind the limit cycle. You can only remote start the Accord twice in a row. Each cycle lasts for 10 minutes. If you started it, let it time out, started it again, and let it time out again... you're done. The system locks you out until you physically get in the car, push the brake, and start it with the Push-to-Start button. This resets the timer.
The "Check Engine" Light (CEL) Feature
This is the one that catches people off guard. Honda engineers designed the car to be smart. If the computer detects a problem with the engine, emissions, or transmission, it triggers the Check Engine Light.
When that light is on, the remote start feature is completely disabled. Why? Because the car doesn't want to run without a driver present to monitor gauges if there's a mechanical issue. It's a safety fail-safe.
Even if the light isn't currently on, there might be a "pending code" stored in the computer. I had a buddy whose Accord wouldn't remote start because of a loose gas cap. The loose cap triggered a minor emissions code. He tightened the cap, drove it for a day, the code cleared, and boom-remote start worked again.
If you suspect this is the issue, go to an auto parts store like AutoZone or O'Reillys. They usually scan your codes for free. If you see a code, that's your problem.
The Hood Latch Sensor: A Sneaky Villain
This is probably the most annoying mechanical reason for failure. Under the hood of your Accord, near the latch that holds the hood down, there is a tiny electrical switch. This switch tells the car's computer if the hood is open or closed.
This is strictly for safety. Imagine if a mechanic was working on your engine with his hands near the belts, and you accidentally sat on your key fob inside the house. If the engine started, it could cause serious injury. So, if the car thinks the hood is up, it refuses to remote start.
Over time, dirt, grease, and road salt can gunk up this sensor. Sometimes it just breaks. If your car alarm randomly goes off in the middle of the night, or if you try to remote start and the car just flashes its lights once but doesn't crank, it's likely this hood switch. You might need to clean it with some electrical contact cleaner or just replace the latch assembly.
Detailed Troubleshooting: The Key Fob Battery
It sounds obvious, but don't ignore it. Just because the little red LED on your key fob lights up when you press a button doesn't mean the battery has enough "juice" to send the powerful remote start signal. The lock/unlock signal takes less power than the long-range remote start signal.
Most Honda Accord fobs use a CR2032 battery. You can get these at any grocery store. Changing it is super easy:
- Slide the little tab on the back to release the physical metal key.
- Use the tip of that key (or a coin) to twist and pry the two halves of the plastic fob apart.
- Pop out the old battery and put the new one in (make sure the + side is facing up).
- Snap the case back together.
If you change the battery and it still doesn't work, you might have a damaged fob. These things take a beating in our pockets and purses.
Safety Interlocks (Doors and Trunk)
The remote start system verifies the status of the entire car before engaging the starter. Here is a checklist of things that must be true for the car to start:
- Gear Shift: The car must be in PARK. If the sensor in the gear shifter is dirty (common in older Accords) and doesn't register "P", it won't start.
- Doors: All doors must be closed. If a door sensor is broken and thinks a door is ajar, the system fails.
- Trunk: Same goes for the trunk.
- Brake Pedal: The brake switch (under the pedal) must not be depressed.
- Keys in Car: If the car detects a second smart key inside the vehicle, it usually disables remote start to prevent lockouts or theft. Make sure your spare key isn't buried in the glove box or center console.
The Car Battery (Under the Hood)
We talked about the fob battery, but what about the main 12-volt battery under the hood? Modern Hondas are very sensitive to voltage. If your car battery is old or weak, the car might have enough power to unlock the doors, but the Battery Management System (BMS) might prevent the remote start from activating to save enough power for a manual start.
If it's really cold out-like below freezing-this is more common. A weak battery hates the cold. If you notice the car sounds "lazy" or slow when you start it normally, your battery is probably on its way out. Replacing the car battery usually fixes the remote start glitches associated with voltage drops.
Is It Too Cold or Too Hot?
Actually, the weather plays a role in how the car behaves after it starts, but usually not whether it starts. However, extreme cold can lower the pressure in your tires (triggering a TPMS light) or affect battery voltage.
One cool thing (pun intended) to remember: On newer Accords (2016+), the remote start automatically activates the climate control. If it's cold outside, it turns on the heater and defrosters. If it's hot, it blasts the AC. It determines this using the ambient temperature sensor near the front bumper. If that sensor is damaged, the climate control might act weird, but the car should still start.
Aftermarket vs. OEM Systems
Everything I've written so far assumes you are using the factory Honda remote start (the one built into your original key). If you have an aftermarket system (like Viper or Compustar), the rules are different.
Aftermarket systems usually have a "Valet Mode" switch hidden somewhere under the dashboard. If you accidentally kicked this switch, the remote start is turned off so mechanics can work on the car safely. If you have an aftermarket fob and it's not working, look for a toggle switch under the dash or check your manual for the button combination to exit Valet Mode (usually pressing Lock + Unlock at the same time).
Resetting the System
Sometimes, computers just need a reboot. It's the classic IT advice: "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"
If you've checked the batteries, the hood latch, and the engine lights, and it's still dead, try a hard reset of the car's electronics. You can do this by disconnecting the negative (black) battery terminal under the hood for about 15 minutes. This clears the memory of the ECU (electronic control unit).
Warning: Doing this will reset your radio presets and clock. But it often clears out temporary glitches in the security system that might be blocking the remote start.
When to See a Professional
If you've gone through this whole list and nothing works, you might have a deeper electrical issue. It could be the "Keyless Access Control Unit" or a bad antenna receiver in the car. These aren't really DIY fixes unless you are comfortable tearing apart your dashboard.
At that point, a trip to the dealer or a Honda specialist is worth it. Diagnostics usually cost an hour of labor, but they can hook up the proprietary Honda computer (HDS) and see exactly why the start command was rejected. The computer actually keeps a log of "Remote Start Stop History." It will literally tell the tech "Start prohibited because Hood Open" or "Start prohibited because Low Voltage." It takes the guessing game out of it.
Summary of the Start Sequence
Just to be absolutely sure, lets review the proper way to do this one more time. I've seen so many people think their car is broken when they just aren't holding the button long enough.
- Make sure the car is in Park and all doors are closed.
- Press Lock.
- Press Lock again (you should hear the horn beep or lights flash).
- Press and HOLD the remote start button (curved arrow).
- Keep holding until the indicators flash (usually 3-5 seconds).
- The engine should fire up.
If the indicators flash three times quickly but the engine doesn't start, that is a specific error code usually pointing to the hood latch or a stored engine code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Check Engine Light disable remote start on a Honda Accord?
Yes, absolutely. This is a safety feature. If the check engine light is illuminated, the system is disabled to prevent potential engine damage since no one is in the car to monitor the gauges.
How long does the Honda Accord run on remote start?
It runs for exactly 10 minutes. You can extend it for another 10 minutes by repeating the remote start sequence on the fob while the engine is still running. However, the maximum run time is 20 minutes total before it shuts off.
Why does my remote flash red but the car won't start?
A flashing red light on the remote indicates it is sending a signal. If the car doesn't respond, you are either out of range, the car battery is too weak to receive the signal, or there is a physical obstruction. If the remote flashes an amber or orange light (on some newer fobs), it means the two-way communication failed.
Can I add remote start to my Honda Accord if it didn't come with it?
Yes. Most Accords (especially 2013 and newer) are "remote start ready." You often just need to buy the upgraded key fobs and have a dealer program them. The hardware is largely already inside the car.
Does the remote start turn on the AC or Heat?
Yes. On most models with automatic climate control, the car checks the ambient temperature. If it's hot, it engages AC and recirculation. If it's cold, it engages the heater, defroster, and (if equipped) heated seats and side mirrors.
Where is the hood safety switch located?
It is integrated into the hood latch assembly at the very front of the engine bay. If you look at the latch mechanism, you will see a small wire connector coming out of the bottom of it. That’s the sensor connection.