Key Takeaways: Why Your VW Won't Remote Start
- Check Engine Light: If this light is on (even for a loose gas cap), remote start is disabled automatically.
- Low Fuel: If the low fuel light is on, the car saves gas by refusing to start.
- Doors/Hood/Trunk: One of these isn't closed all the way.
- Key Fob Battery: The battery in your remote might be dead or too weak to send the signal.
- Car Not Locked: You have to lock the car before the remote start sequence works.
If your Volkswagen remote start isn't working, the most likely reason is that your Check Engine Light (CEL) is on, you are low on gas, or one of your doors isn't fully shut. VW has programmed the computer to disable remote start if it detects any fault code, mostly for safety reasons. To fix it, you usually just need to clear the engine code, fill up the tank, or change the battery in your key fob.
It is super frustrating when its freezing outside and you just want to get into a warm car, but the key fob just flashes at you and nothing happens. I've been there. Let's walk through exactly why this happens and how you can fix it right now without spending a ton of money at the dealership.
The Number One Culprit: The Check Engine Light
I cannot stress this enough because it catches almost everyone off guard. If your dashboard has that little yellow engine outline glowing, your remote start is dead in the water. Period.
Here is the thing-it doesn't even have to be a serious engine problem. According to Volkswagen's safety protocols, the car disables remote ignition to prevent potential damage. If the car thinks something is wrong, it doesn't want to run without you sitting in the driver's seat to monitor it.
The "Loose Gas Cap" Scenario
Believe it or not a loose gas cap is a very common reason for this. If you didn't click the cap tight enough last time you filled up, the car detects a minor "evaporative emission" leak. This triggers the Check Engine Light. Once that light is on, the remote start feature is locked out.
The Fix: Tighten your gas cap until it clicks. You might need to drive the car for a few cycles (driving it for 15-20 minutes a few times) for the light to turn off on its own. Or, you can use a cheap OBDII scanner to clear the code yourself.
Safety Lockouts: Hood, Trunk, and Doors
Your VW is pretty smart. It knows that remotely starting an engine can be dangerous if the car isn't secure. If the computer senses that the perimeter of the car is breached, it wont start.
Make sure you check these three things:
- The Hood: This is a big one. There is a micro-switch in the hood latch. If the hood isn't slammed shut, or if that switch is broken, the car thinks the hood is open. It won't start because it's afraid someone might have their hands in the engine bay.
- The Trunk/Hatch: Just like the hood, if the trunk isn't latched tight, no start.
- The Doors: If a passenger didn't close their door all the way, the system prevents remote start to keep the car secure.
Pro Tip: Walk around the car and physically push on all the doors and the trunk. Sometimes they look closed but aren't fully latched.
Low Fuel Level
This is actually a really thoughtful feature, even though it's annoying when it happens. If your low fuel light is on, your Volkswagen will disable remote start to prevent you from idling away your last gallon of gas.
The logic is simple: The car prioritizes you being able to drive to a gas station over you having a warm cabin. If you are running on fumes, go fill up the tank. Once the fuel level sensor sees you have gas, the remote start should work again immediately.
The Key Fob Itself
Sometimes the problem isn't the car, it's the thing in your hand. If you are pressing the button and the little LED light on the fob is weak or doesn't blink at all, your battery is toast.
How to Check the Battery
Most VW key fobs use a CR2032 battery. These are cheap and you can buy them at any grocery store. If you have to press the button really hard, or if you have to be standing right next to the driver's window for it to work, change the battery.
Also, remember the sequence. On most VW models (like the Jetta, Atlas, or Tiguan), the sequence is:
- Press the LOCK button once.
- Immediately press the REMOTE START button (the x2 or circular arrow icon) twice quickly.
If you don't lock it first, it usually won't start. This confirms to the car that you actually want it secured before the engine fires up.
Coolant and Oil Levels
Similar to the Check Engine Light, the car monitors its vital fluids. If the car detects that the coolant level is below the minimum line, it might trigger a sensor that prevents remote start. This is to save the engine from overheating while it idles in your driveway.
Pop the hood (when the engine is cold!) and look at the round expansion tank. If the pink liquid is below the line, top it up with the correct VW-approved coolant. Same goes for oil. If the oil pressure sensor has been acting up, the system plays it safe by refusing to start remotely.
VW Car-Net and App Issues
If you are trying to start the car using your phone app (VW Car-Net) and it's failing, that is a whole different beast. This relies on a cellular connection.
Here is why the app might fail:
- Bad Signal: If your car is parked in an underground garage or a dead zone, it can't receive the signal from the satellite to start.
- Subscription Expired: I hate subscriptions as much as you do, but VW charges for this feature after the trial period ends. If your credit card expired or you didn't renew, they cut the service.
- App Glitch: sometimes the app just bugs out. Try force-closing the app on your phone or updating it in the App Store.
The Battery Management System
Modern Volkswagens have complex battery management systems. If your 12-volt car battery is getting old or the voltage is slightly low, the car enters "Energy Management Mode."
In this mode, the car shuts down "non-essential" consumers to save enough power to crank the engine when you actually get in. Sadly, remote start is considered non-essential. If your car is a few years old and you're still on the original battery, have it tested. Weak voltage is a silent killer of electronic features.
Detailed Troubleshooting Guide
Okay, so you know the reasons. Now, let's go through a step-by-step checklist to get this fixed. Treat this like a elimination game.
Step 1: The Dashboard Check
Go out to the car. Get in and start it manually with the key or push-button. Look at the dashboard. Is the Check Engine Light on? Is the EPC light on? Is the Low Fuel light on? Is the TPMS (Tire Pressure) light on?
If you see any warning lights, that is 99% likely your problem. You have to fix whatever is causing that light before remote start will work again.
Step 2: The Physical Check
If the dash is clear of lights, turn the car off and get out. Walk around. Open and firmly close the trunk. Open and slam the hood (don't dent it, but be firm). Make sure all windows are rolled up (sometimes this affects it on certain trims).
Step 3: The Spare Key Test
Grab your spare key fob if you have one. Try the remote start sequence with the spare. If the spare works but your main key doesn't, you know the issue is just the battery or the buttons on your main key. Simple fix.
Step 4: The Settings Menu
In the infotainment screen (the radio screen), go into the Car Settings menu. Look for settings related to "Open and Close" or "Remote Start."
Make sure the box for "Remote Start" is actually checked. Sometimes, if the car battery died recently or the software updated, this setting can get unchecked by itself. Also, check if "Valet Mode" is on. Valet mode restricts a bunch of features.
Step 5: The "Soft Reset"
This is a bit of a computer trick. Sometimes the module just gets confused. Try disconnecting the negative terminal on your car battery for about 10 minutes. This resets the car's computers.
Warning: This might reset your radio stations and clock. But it often clears temporary glitches that stop the remote start from working.
When to Call the Dealer
If you have gone through all this-no check engine lights, full tank of gas, doors closed, new fob battery-and it still wont work, you might have a hardware failure.
It could be the Remote Start Module itself, or a bad antenna in the car. At this point, you probably need a mechanic with a specialized VW scanner (like VCDS or OBDeleven) to look at the deep computer codes. They can see exactly why the request to start was denied.
Why VW Is So Strict About This
You might be thinking, "Why is my car so sensitive? My old Chevy truck would remote start even if the engine was falling out."
German engineering is all about precision and safety logic. Volkswagen doesn't want the car idling unattended if there is even a 1% chance of a mechanical issue. If there is an oil leak, a coolant issue, or a misfire (which triggers the Check Engine Light), running the engine without a driver could result in the car catching fire or the engine seizing.
So, while it is super annoying that a loose gas cap stops you from warming up your car, the car is technically trying to protect itself. It's like an overprotective parent.
Quick Summary of the Remote Start Sequence
Just to be absolutely sure you are doing it right, because sometimes we forget:
- You must be within range (usually about 100 feet depending on interference).
- Vehicle must be in Park.
- Press Lock button.
- Press Start button twice (x2).
- The turn signals should flash to confirm.
If the turn signals flash usually three times but the engine doesn't crank, that is the car telling you "I received the signal, but I am refusing to start because of a safety error" (like the Check Engine Light).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reset the Check Engine Light myself to make remote start work?
Yes, you can. You can buy an inexpensive OBDII scanner from an auto parts store or online. Plug it into the port under the dashboard, hit "Erase Codes," and the light will turn off. Remote start should work immediately after. However, if the problem (like a bad sensor) is real, the light will come back on after you drive a bit.
Does the remote start turn on the heat automatically?
Usually, yes. In most VW models, the remote start activates the climate control to the last setting you left it on. Some newer models with "Climatronic" will automatically sense the outside temperature and turn on the heat or A/C and even the heated seats accordingly.
Why does my VW shut off after 10 minutes?
This is normal. The remote start system is on a timer, usually 10 minutes. This is to prevent you from forgetting the car is running and wasting a whole tank of gas. You can usually extend it for another 10 minutes by doing the remote start sequence again, but eventually, you have to get in and push the start button.
Will remote start work if my hazard lights are on?
No. If the hazard flashers are on, the system is disabled. Make sure they are switched off.
My key fob flashes red when I press the button, but the car does nothing. Why?
If the light flashes rapidly, it might mean the battery is low. If it flashes normally but the car ignores it, you are likely out of range, or the car is in "sleep mode" because it hasn't been driven in a few weeks. Unlock the car manually with the key to wake it up.