Want to get your car’s remote start working again? For vehicles manufactured in the last five years or so, you might find yourself needing to visit the dealership, as many modern transponder keys require professional servicing for reprogramming. However, if you own an older model, The Drive’s expert How-To team is here to guide you through the process of reviving your remote car starter and getting you back to preheating or precooling your car with ease.
Car manufacturers, unfortunately, haven’t adopted a universal method for remote key fob programming. Therefore, your first and best resource is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It should contain specific instructions for your make and model. Alternatively, websites like ProgramYourRemote.com can be incredibly helpful in providing model-specific programming steps. Gaining access to your car’s programming mode often involves a specific sequence of actions, typically including turning the ignition key to the Accessory mode (the position that allows you to use the radio without starting the engine) multiple times, along with other unique steps.
If you’ve already checked your car’s manual or a resource like ProgramYourRemote.com and are still facing difficulties or confusion, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a set of general remote reprogramming tips that you can try. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the precise steps for your vehicle may vary.
Basics
Estimated Time Needed: Less than 30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner
Vehicle System: Ignition
Safety First
Working on your car requires caution. Always prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
For most remote starter reprogramming procedures, you won’t need any specialized tools.
Tool List
- None typically needed
Parts List
- New battery (if required)
Ensure you have a safe, flat workspace, such as your garage, driveway, or a legal street parking spot. Always be mindful of local regulations when working on your car in public areas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Car Remote Starter
Let’s get started on reprogramming your remote car starter. We’ll begin with simple troubleshooting steps and then move to more involved reprogramming procedures.
Method 1: The Battery Reset
This is the simplest method and often the first thing to try. It’s akin to rebooting your computer and can sometimes resolve minor glitches in the remote’s system.
- Open the remote casing: Locate the small latch or screw on your remote fob and carefully open it to access the battery compartment.
- Remove the battery: Take out the battery from its slot.
- Wait 15 seconds: Allow the remote to sit without power for at least 15 seconds. This discharges any residual electricity and resets the remote’s internal circuits.
- Reinsert the battery: Place the battery back into its correct position, ensuring the polarity (+ and -) is correct.
- Reassemble the remote casing: Close the remote casing securely.
- Test the remote: Try using your remote starter to see if it now functions correctly.
If this simple battery reset doesn’t work, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Reprogramming Using Your Car
This method involves putting your car into a programming mode and then syncing your remote to the vehicle’s system. Crucially, you should first consult your owner’s manual or ProgramYourRemote.com for the exact procedure for your specific car make and model. The steps below are a general guideline and might not be precisely accurate for your vehicle. Always prioritize the instructions specific to your car.
- Gather all remote fobs: Collect all the remote starters you intend to program to your vehicle.
- Enter the vehicle: Get into the driver’s seat and ensure the driver’s side door is completely closed.
- Ignition to Accessory: Insert your ignition key into the ignition switch. Turn the key to the “Accessory” position. This is usually the first click from the “Off” position and allows you to use accessories like the radio without starting the engine. If your car has a start button, press it once without pressing the brake pedal to enter Accessory mode.
- Press the Lock button: Press the “Lock” button on one of your remote car starters.
- Cycle Ignition On and Off: Within five seconds of pressing the lock button, turn your ignition key back to the “Off” position (or press the start button again to turn the car off).
- Repeat the cycle: Repeat the on-off cycle of the ignition key (Accessory to Off) three more times, for a total of four cycles. The timing is important here, so try to maintain a consistent rhythm.
- Programming Mode Confirmation: On the fourth cycle, when you turn the key to the “Accessory” position, you should hear a sound indicating that your car has entered programming mode. This sound might be a chime, a ding, a ping, or a buzzing noise, depending on your vehicle.
- Press and Hold Lock: Immediately press and hold the “Lock” button on each remote you want to program, one after the other. Hold the button for a few seconds for each remote.
- Turn Car Off: Within ten seconds of programming the remotes, turn the car completely off.
- Exit and Test: Step out of your car, close the door, and test each remote to see if they now successfully start your car.
If these steps successfully reprogrammed your remote, congratulations! If not, and you’ve carefully followed the correct procedure for your vehicle, it might be time to contact your dealership for assistance.
Pro Tips for Remote Starter Programming
Based on years of experience with various vehicles, here are some extra tips to consider when reprogramming your car starter remote:
- Battery is Key: The most common culprit for a non-working remote is a dead battery. Even if you think the battery is relatively new, try replacing it. Remote batteries, especially in frequently used remotes, can drain quickly. Swapping batteries with a known working remote (if you have a spare) is a quick way to diagnose a battery issue. New batteries are inexpensive and readily available online or at most drugstores.
- Dealership for Newer Models: As mentioned earlier, newer cars often have more sophisticated security systems. If you have a recent model vehicle and are unable to program the remote yourself, it’s highly likely that dealership programming is required. Don’t spend excessive time troubleshooting if your car is less than five years old; a trip to the service department might be the most efficient solution.
- Check Aftermarket System Documentation: If your car has an aftermarket remote starter system, the programming procedure will definitely differ from the factory system. Locate the documentation that came with your aftermarket system. The manufacturer’s website is also a good resource for finding manuals and troubleshooting guides.
Life Hack for Increased Remote Range
If you find yourself in a situation where your remote range seems weak, here’s a fun life hack that sometimes works:
- The Chin Antenna: Hold your car remote under your chin when pressing the button. Your body, surprisingly, can act as an antenna, potentially increasing the range of the remote signal. It might sound strange, but it’s a trick that has been known to work in certain situations!
Considering Aftermarket Remote Starters
If you are consistently having issues with your factory remote starter, or if your vehicle didn’t come with one and you desire remote start functionality, consider exploring aftermarket remote starter systems. Reputable brands like Viper, Crimestopper, and Compustar offer a range of systems with varying features, including extended range, smartphone integration, and security features. While professional installation is typically recommended for aftermarket systems, they can provide a significant upgrade to your vehicle’s convenience and security.
Conclusion
Reprogramming your car starter remote can often be accomplished at home with a few simple steps. Start with the basic battery reset, and then proceed to the in-car reprogramming method, always referring to your owner’s manual or a reliable online resource for vehicle-specific instructions. Remember that newer vehicles may require dealership programming. If you exhaust DIY methods and your remote still isn’t working, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With a little patience, you can often restore the convenience of your remote car starter and enjoy the comfort of a pre-conditioned vehicle.
