If your Jeep remote start isn't working, it is almost always caused by one of these four things: a dead battery in your key fob, a Check Engine Light (even a minor one), low fuel levels, or a door, hood, or gate that isn't shut tight. Before you call the tow truck or schedule an expensive appointment at the dealership, go walk out to your Jeep. Check that all doors are closed, make sure your gas cap is clicked tight, and try your spare key fob.
Key Takeaways
- Safety Overrides: The system is designed to fail if a door, hood, or trunk is ajar.
- The Check Engine Light: If your dashboard shows any warning light, the computer disables remote start to protect the engine.
- Battery Issues: A weak car battery or a dying key fob battery are the most common culprits.
- Low Fuel: If the low fuel light is on, the car wont start remotely to save gas.
- Reset Procedure: Sometimes disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 15 minutes clears the glitch.
The Most Common Reasons Your Jeep Remote Start Failed
Look, I know how frustrating this is. You bought a Jeep for the convenience and capability, and now you're freezing (or sweating) because the tech decided to take a nap. I've been there with my Grand Cherokee more times than I care to admit. The thing about modern Jeeps-whether you're driving a Wrangler, Cherokee, Gladiator, or Compass-is that the computer is incredibly protective.
It thinks it's saving you from a problem, even if its just annoying you. According to the owner's manuals for most FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) vehicles, the remote start system runs a massive safety checklist in a split second before it agrees to fire up the engine. If just one item on that list is marked "fail," the car stays silent. Usually, the Jeep will flash the lights or honk once to tell you "I heard you, but the answer is no."
Here is a breakdown of exactly what to check, starting with the easiest stuff.
1. The "Open Door" Safety Switch
This is the number one reason remote start fails on Wranglers and Gladiators especially. The system will absolutely not start the engine if it thinks a door, the hood, or the liftgate is open. It's a safety feature to prevent the engine from starting while someone has their hands under the hood or is loading groceries.
The Fix: Walk around the vehicle. Open and slam every single door. Don't be gentle. Do the same with the trunk or liftgate. If you have a Wrangler, check the swing gate.
The Hood Latch Sensor (Specific to Wranglers/Gladiators): This is a big one. There is a small sensor near the hood latch that detects if the hood is down. On many Jeeps, the metal bracket holding this sensor gets bent slightly downward over time just from closing the hood. If that happens, the sensor thinks the hood is open even when it's latched.
If you press lock and then remote start on your fob, and the horn honks once but nothing happens, check the hood pin. You might need to bend the bracket up slightly or just unplug and replug the sensor connector to ensure a good contact.
2. The Check Engine Light (CEL)
You might not even realize you have a check engine light on until you get in the car and turn it on manually. The rule for Jeeps is simple: Remote Start is disabled if the Check Engine Light is active.
The computer is smart. It figures that if the engine is throwing a code, starting it without a human in the driver's seat to monitor oil pressure or weird noises is a bad idea. So it locks you out.
The "Gas Cap" Issue: The most common reason for a random Check Engine Light on a Jeep is a loose gas cap. If the cap isn't clicked tight, the EVAP system detects a leak and throws a code. This disables your remote start immediately. Tighten the cap and drive the car for a few cycles (usually 2-3 days of driving); the light should turn off, and your remote start will come back.
3. Your Fuel Level is Too Low
This is a feature, not a bug. If your "Low Fuel" light is on, or sometimes even if the needle is just hovering near the E, the Jeep will refuse to remote start. The logic here is pretty solid-the car doesn't want to burn up the last gallon of gas idling in your driveway, leaving you stranded before you even get in.
The Fix: Go to the gas station. Once you fill up, the system resets instantly.
Key Fob and Battery Issues
If the car itself seems fine (no warning lights, doors closed, plenty of gas), the problem is likely in your hand or under the hood.
4. Dead Key Fob Battery
If you press the button and the little red light on the fob doesn't flash (or flashes weakly), your fob battery is toast. Even if the battery is just low, it might have enough power to unlock the doors but not enough "juice" to send the complex remote start signal, which requires a longer, stronger transmission.
How to change it: Most Jeep fobs use a CR2032 battery. You can get these at any pharmacy.
1. Look for a small slit on the side of the fob.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver or a dime to gently pry it open.
3. Swap the battery (make sure the + side is facing the right way).
4. Snap it back together.
5. The Main Vehicle Battery is Weak
Modern Jeeps have a system called the IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor). It lives on the negative terminal of your battery. It constantly monitors how much voltage you have. If your battery is old or it's super cold outside, the voltage might drop below a certain threshold (usually around 11.5 or 12 volts).
If the voltage is low, the Jeep enters "Battery Saver Mode." It shuts down non-essential systems to ensure there is enough power to crank the starter when you actually get in. Remote start is considered non-essential. If your Jeep struggles to start manually, or if the electronics flicker, you probably need a new car battery.
Weird "Jeep Thing" Glitches
Sometimes, everything is mechanically fine, but the software just gets confused. It happens. Here are a few weird scenarios I've run into.
6. Hazard Lights are On
Believe it or not, if your hazard flashers are on, remote start is disabled. I found this out the hard way while working on my driveway. Make sure the hazard button isn't pressed.
7. Transmission Not in Park
The car must be firmly in "Park" (P). Sometimes, the shifter cable can get a little loose, and even though it looks like it's in Park, the sensor doesn't read it. Try shifting to Neutral and then slamming it firmly back into Park. If the "P" on your dashboard lights up solid, try the remote start again.
8. Coolant or Oil Pressure Issues
This goes back to the safety checklist. If the car sensors detect that oil pressure is too high/low or the coolant temperature is already too hot, it won't start. This is rare unless you have a serious mechanical problem, but it's worth noting.
How to Reset the System
If you've checked all the boxes above-gas is full, doors are shut, no check engine light, new batteries-and it still won't work, you might just need a hard reboot. Just like your phone or laptop, sometimes the car's computer just needs to be turned off and on again.
The Battery Disconnect Method:
1. Open the hood.
2. Use a 10mm wrench (the one you always lose) to loosen the clamp on the Negative (-) battery terminal. That's the black one.
3. Pull the cable off the post.
4. Wait about 15 to 30 minutes. This drains the capacitors in the computer modules.
5. Reconnect the cable and tighten it down.
6. Start the car manually first. Then turn it off, lock it, and try the remote start.
This fixes about 50% of the weird "ghost" electrical issues in Jeeps.
Issues with the Uconnect App
If you are trying to remote start your Jeep using the Uconnect app on your iPhone or Android and it fails, that's usually not a problem with the car. It's usually a network issue.
- Subscription Status: Remote start via the phone is a paid feature after the trial period ends. Did your credit card expire? Check your subscription status.
- Cell Signal: The car needs a cell signal (usually AT&T or Verizon depending on the year) to receive the command. If your Jeep is parked deep in an underground concrete garage, it can't "hear" the signal from the satellite or tower.
- App Glitches: Delete the app and reinstall it. Honestly, the Uconnect app is known for being a little buggy sometimes.
When to Visit the Dealership
I try to avoid the dealer whenever I can because I like my money where it is-in my wallet. But, there are times when you can't fix this in your driveway.
If you see a message on your dashboard that says "Remote Start Disabled - System Fault," that means a module has failed. It could be the RF Hub (the antenna that talks to your key) or the WCM (Wireless Control Module). These require specialized computers to diagnose and reprogram. You can't fix those with a screwdriver.
Also, if your Check Engine Light is on and tightening the gas cap didn't fix it, you need to get that code scanned. An auto parts store will scan it for free, but if it's a serious engine issue, you'll need a pro to look at it.
Summary Checklist
Before you give up, run through this list one last time:
- Lock the car first: Press Lock, then press the Start button twice (x2) quickly.
- Check the doors: Are they all closed?
- Check the hood: Is it latched tight?
- Check the dash: Is the "Check Engine" light on?
- Check the gas: Do you have more than 1/4 tank?
- Check the battery: Is the fob battery fresh?
Hopefully, this gets you back up and running. There is nothing worse than sitting on cold leather seats in the winter when you have a button specifically designed to prevent that!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My Jeep honks once when I try to remote start but doesn't start. Why?
A: A single honk is the universal Jeep code for "I received the request, but I am refusing due to a safety error." This usually means a door is ajar, the hood is unlatched, or there is a key fob left inside the vehicle.
Q: Can I add remote start to a Jeep that didn't come with it?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. There are aftermarket kits (like Start-X) that are "plug and play." You usually just plug a module into the OBDII port under the steering wheel. However, the range is limited to your current key fob's range unless you buy a more expensive kit with cell phone controls.
Q: How long will the Jeep run on remote start before turning off?
A: Most factory Jeep remote start systems run for 15 minutes. You can usually extend it for another 15 minutes by doing the remote start sequence again, but you can only do this twice. After two cycles, you have to physically get in and push the start button to reset the timer.
Q: Why does my remote start turn off when I open the door?
A: This is actually a security feature on some newer models and aftermarket systems, known as "secure takeover." However, on most factory Jeep systems, the engine should stay running. If it dies when you open the door or touch the brake, it might be an aftermarket security system interfering.
Q: Will remote start work if my tops/doors are off (Wrangler)?
A: Yes, but only if you have disconnected the door wiring harnesses correctly. If the computer thinks the doors are attached but "open," it won't start. If you unplug the wiring harness (the plug near the kick panel), the computer knows the doors are removed intentionally and bypasses the door sensor check.