FIXED: remote start not working jeep grand cherokee

If your Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start isn't working, it is almost always because the computer "aborted" the command to protect the engine or for safety reasons. The most common fix is to clear a Check Engine Light, fill up the gas tank, or close a door that thinks it's open. Don't panic, you probably don't need a mechanic.

I've been there. You're walking out to the driveway, coffee in hand, expecting a warm car, and you press the button... nothing. Maybe a honk, maybe just lights flashing, but no engine noise. It is frustrating. But usually, the car is actually doing exactly what it was programmed to do. Let's dig into the fixes so you can get back on the road.

1. The "Safety" Check: Doors, Hood, and Trunk

Before the car even tries to crank the engine, the computer runs a rapid check of all the entry points. If it thinks the hood is up, it won't start. This is so you don't accidentally remote start the engine while a mechanic has their hands inside the fan belts. It makes sense, right?

The Hood Pin Switch
This is a huge culprit on Grand Cherokees. There is a little sensor (usually near the latch or along the fender wall under the hood) that tells the car if the hood is closed. Over time, this switch gets dirty, bent, or corroded. If that switch creates an "Open" signal, your remote start is dead in the water.

Check your dashboard display (the EVIC). Does it say the hood is open when it's clearly shut? If so, try opening the hood and slamming it shut firmly. If that doesn't clear it, you might need to clean that sensor with some electrical contact cleaner or bend the bracket up slightly so it makes better contact.

The Liftgate and Doors
The same goes for the doors and the rear liftgate. If you have kids, you know they don't always slam the door hard enough. Walk around the car and physically push on all the doors to make sure they are latched. If a door sensor is bad, the interior dome lights will usually stay on. That's a dead giveaway.

2. The Check Engine Light (CEL)

This is the one that catches people off guard the most. According to Jeep's factory programming, the remote start feature is disabled immediately if the Check Engine Light is illuminated. It doesn't matter if the light is on for something minor, like a loose gas cap, or something major.

The logic here is simple: The car doesn't want to run without a driver present if there is a potential engine problem. It wants you in the seat monitoring the gauges.

How to fix it:

• Look at your dash. Is the yellow engine outline lit up?
• If yes, you need to read the codes. You can go to an auto parts store (like AutoZone or O'Reillys) and they will scan it for free.
• Once you fix the issue and the code is cleared, your remote start should work again immediately.

Pro Tip: Sometimes, if you just have a loose gas cap, it triggers an "Evap System" code. Tighten the cap, drive for a day or two, and the light might go off on its own. Once it's off, remote start is back in business.

3. Low Fuel Levels

This feature is actually pretty smart, even if its annoying. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee has a fail-safe to prevent it from idling until it runs out of gas. If your fuel level is low-usually when the "Low Fuel" warning light is on or the needle is hovering near the red-the remote start will abort.

I remember reading on a Jeep forum where a guy spent three days troubleshooting his electronics, only to realize he was just on 'E'. Fill the tank up. If it starts working again, you have your answer.

4. The Key Fob Battery

If you press the button x2 and nothing happens-no lights, no honk, nothing-it's likely your fob isn't sending a strong enough signal. These key fobs go through batteries faster than you'd think especially if you use the remote start daily.

The signal required to unlock the doors is actually weaker than the signal required to start the engine (safety range). So, you might be able to unlock the car just fine, but the remote start fails.

Replacing the Battery:

• Most Grand Cherokee fobs use a CR2032 battery. They are super cheap.
• Pop the mechanical key out of the fob.
• Use a flathead screwdriver or the tip of the key to gently pry the two halves of the plastic case apart.
• Swap the battery (make sure the positive side is facing the right way!).
• Snap it back together. You don't usually need to reprogram anything; it should just work.

5. The "Two Start" Limit

Did you know there is a limit on how many times you can remote start the car consecutively? Jeep allows you to remote start the vehicle two times in a row.

For example:
1. You remote start it (runs for 15 mins).
2. It shuts off.
3. You remote start it again (runs for 15 mins).
4. It shuts off.

If you try to remote start it a third time, it will refuse. The computer requires you to physically unlock the car, get in, and press the "Run" button or turn the ignition key to the "On" position to reset the counter. This prevents carbon monoxide buildup if someone accidentally starts the car in a garage attached to a house.

6. Battery Voltage and the ESS System

Modern Jeeps are basically computers on wheels. If the main battery voltage is dropping below a certain threshold, the car goes into "Power Saving Mode." It shuts down non-essential services to save enough juice to crank the engine manually.

Remote start is considered non-essential. If your battery is 3 or 4 years old, it might be weak. Have it load tested.

Also, if you have a newer Grand Cherokee (2016+) with the Start/Stop feature (where the engine turns off at red lights), you have two batteries. A main one and a small auxiliary battery. If that small auxiliary battery dies, it causes all sorts of weird electrical gremlins, and disabling the remote start is a common symptom.

7. Uconnect Settings Got Wiped

Sometimes, if the dealer does a software update on your Uconnect head unit, or if your battery died recently, your settings revert to factory defaults. Depending on the model year, "Remote Start" might be an option that can be toggled on or off in the settings menu.

Check this:
1. Go to "Apps" or "Settings" on your touchscreen.
2. Look for "Doors & Locks" or "Safety & Driving Assistance".
3. Find "Remote Start System".
4. Make sure the box is checked or set to "On".

It sounds stupid, but I've seen this happen after a dead battery reset the computer.

8. Hazard Lights are On

This is a rare one, but worth mentioning. If your hazard flashers are on, the system won't remote start. I don't know why you would try to remote start a car with hazards on, but hey, maybe you left them on by mistake.

9. The "Remote Start Abort" Message

The best way to figure this out is to look at the screen behind your steering wheel (the EVIC). When you try to remote start and it fails, get inside the car and turn the ignition to ON (don't start it, just turn it on). Look at the message center.

It will often display a message like:

• "Remote Start Aborted - Hood Ajar"
• "Remote Start Aborted - Fuel Low"
• "Remote Start Aborted - Door Open"
• "Remote Start Disabled - Start Vehicle to Reset"

That message is the car telling you exactly what is wrong. If it says "System Fault," that usually means there is a deeper electrical issue that might need a dealer visit, but the specific messages are super helpful.

How to Reset the System (The "Hard Reset")

If you have checked the gas, the hood, the doors, and there is no check engine light, but it still won't work, the computer might just be glitching. Electronics get confused. It happens.

You can try a "Hard Reset" to clear the temporary memory in the modules.

Steps:
1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect the Negative (-) cable from the battery terminal. (Usually a 10mm nut).
3. Leave it disconnected for about 15 to 30 minutes. Some people say touch the negative cable to the positive cable (while disconnected from the battery!) to discharge capacitors, but simply waiting 15 mins is safer if you aren't comfortable with cars.
4. Reconnect the cable and tighten it.
5. Start the car manually and drive it around the block to let the sensors recalibrate.

Often, this clears whatever "ghost" code was preventing the start.

Aftermarket vs. Factory

Everything I wrote above applies to the Factory Jeep remote start (the one built into your original key).

If you have an aftermarket starter (like Viper, Compustar, or a "Plug-N-Play" kit you bought on Amazon), the rules are different. Those systems often have a "Valet Mode." If you accidentally put the system in Valet Mode (usually by pressing a specific combination of buttons), remote start is disabled so a parking valet doesn't accidentally trigger it.

For aftermarket systems, look at the antenna on your windshield. Is there a button on it? Try holding it down to exit Valet Mode, or Google the manual for your specific brand.

Summary Checklist

Before you call the dealer and pay a $150 diagnostic fee, run through this list one last time:

1. Is the Check Engine Light on? (Fix this first).
2. Is the Low Fuel light on? (Go get gas).
3. Is the hood fully latched? (Open and slam it).
4. Is the battery in your key fob good? (Does the red light blink on the fob?).
5. Have you already remote started it twice? (Go start it manually).
6. Is the transmission in Park? (It has to be in Park).
7. Is the Coolant level extremely low? (Some models monitor this).

Jeep Grand Cherokees are great SUVs, but their electrical systems can be a little sensitive. The good news is that the "Remote Start Disabled" feature is almost always a safety precaution, not a broken part. It's the car trying to keep you safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My Jeep honks once but doesn't start. What does that mean?
A: Usually, a single honk or a flash of the lights followed by nothing means the car received the signal but rejected the request. This points directly to one of the safety inhibitors (Hood ajar, Check Engine Light, Door open).

Q: Can I remote start if my Check Engine Light is on?
A: Generally, no. There are some very specific, minor codes that might allow it, but for 99% of OBDII codes, the Jeep computer disables remote start to prevent engine damage. You must clear the code first.

Q: How far away does the remote start work?
A: For the factory key fob, the range is usually around 300 feet, but this depends heavily on obstructions (buildings, other cars) and battery strength. If you use the Uconnect App on your phone, you can start it from anywhere as long as you have cell service.

Q: Does the AC or Heater come on automatically?
A: Yes! This is the best part. In the Uconnect settings, you can enable "Auto-On Comfort." If it's cold outside, it turns on the heat, heated seats, and heated steering wheel. If it's hot, it blasts the AC and turns on ventilated seats.

Q: Why does my engine shut off when I open the door?
A: This is actually a feature on some newer models and specifically the "4xe" hybrids or if you have an aftermarket security system "takeover" issue. However, on a standard gas Grand Cherokee, the engine should stay running when you open the door; it typically only shuts off if you touch the brake pedal before pressing the "Run" button inside.