Cadillac SRX Remote Start Not Working (Fix It Now!)
Are you having trouble using your Cadillac SRX remote start? If yes, this guide will help you find the underlying cause of this issue. We’ll share helpful info on why your remote start behaves this way and what you can do to fix it.
Cadillac SRX remote start not working can be caused by many different issues including a dead key fob battery, improper remote start activation, check engine light, multiple remote start attempts, door not locked, hood ajar, active valet mode, vehicle not in park, anti-theft deterrent malfunction, or a disabled remote start function.
In this article, we’ll discuss more comprehensive details regarding each of these causes of remote start failure to work. We’ll also share the best solution to consider in each case to make your remote start work as smoothly as before.
Cadillac Srx Remote Start Not Working Causes
Whether your Cadillac SRX remote doesn’t respond or you only see lights flash, the most common culprits to consider are listed below:
The key fob battery is dead
In most cases where Cadillac SRX owners complain about malfunctioning remote starters, the issue usually turns out to be a weak or dead key fob battery.
The remote you use to start your car takes in a CR2032 battery to enable it to communicate with your vehicle to turn on the engine.
Solution: The first thing you should consider is changing the remote battery to see if it helps solve the problem.
Ensure you install the battery correctly so that the remote start works as before. If there are no other issues, the remote feature should start working as before.
The keyless entry transmitter is faulty
The keyless entry transmitter, or key fob, is crucial for the overall functionality of your remote starter.
When you press the start button, this transmitter sends a signal to your vehicle—instructing it to start the engine.
This device usually receives its fair share of abuse and it’s not uncommon for it to get damaged and lose its functionality.
A faulty key fob won’t be able to send a signal to your vehicle. Its buttons may become unresponsive.
Its internal components may be failing (resulting in intermittent functionality).
Solution: If you change the battery but the key fob still doesn’t work, it could be faulty. A faulty transmitter will need to be replaced by a professional installer or your Cadillac dealer.
Inspect the fob for visible signs of damage. Check whether its battery terminals are rusty, broken, or loose as these could also lead to key fob malfunctioning.
We also advise you to test a backup key fob if you have one. If it works, that’s a confirmation that the other fob is faulty and needs a replacement.
Incorrect start procedure
It’s also common for some car owners to try to activate the remote starter incorrectly.
Pressing the wrong combination of buttons often results in your vehicle’s automatic starter failing to engage.
Solution: If you can’t recall the correct activation procedure for your vehicle remote starter, be sure to consult your owner’s manual.
Generally, the key steps to follow include:
Step 1. Aim your transmitter toward your car
Step 2. Press and release the lock button on your remote
Step 3. Immediately after Step 2, press the remote start button for approx. 4 seconds or until you see turn signal lamps flash
Step 4. Once your vehicle starts, the remote continues running for up to 10 minutes and then shuts off automatically.
If you wish to remote start it, wait for about 30 seconds and then repeat the steps above to turn it on. Note that you can only extend the remote starter only once.
Check engine light is on
If your vehicle check engine light is on, then the remote start won’t work! This configuration is standard across different remote start systems.
It’s usually a safety measure that helps keep your engine safe from further damage.
This is because the warning light usually comes on due to emission control systems or engine problems.
Solution: Have your car computer scanned for stored diagnostic trouble codes.
These codes are usually what triggers the light to illuminate and will give you a clue about the kind of problem your vehicle is experiencing.
Once you fix the underlying issue, the CEL will clear off and your remote start will be restored.
You’ve made many start attempts
If you attempt to remote start your Cadillac vehicle too many times, it may also fail to work. This is a safety measure where the remote function disables temporarily when you start it more than 2 times.
This is a safety feature that helps prevent potential unauthorized access to your car and deter theft.
Solution: You’ll need to manually start your vehicle to help reset the remote start.
A door is not locked
If one or more of your Cadillac SRX doors aren’t properly closed, the remote start function will also fail to work.
This safety measure helps prevent potential hazards associated with open doors. It also ensures the security of your vehicle and the occupants inside.
For instance, someone inside the vehicle may potentially fall out and get injured if the vehicle is started and driven with one of the doors open.
Solution: Ensure all your vehicle doors are properly closed before you attempt to activate the remote start feature.
If all your doors are properly closed but the remote start still fails to work, have the door sensors inspected by a qualified auto technician for faults and repaired or replaced.
The hood is ajar
Remote start functionality in Cadillac SRX will also not work if your hood isn’t properly closed.
This is another safety feature based on the assumption that an open hood may mean someone is inspecting the engine compartment.
Therefore, starting your vehicle while in this state may harm the mechanic or even cause damage to your engine components.
Your vehicle remote starter usually comes with a safety switch sensor installed under the hood. This detects when the hood isn’t properly closed and alerts the remote starter not to engage.
If this hood switch sensor is malfunctioning, it may also stop your remote start from working even when the hood is properly closed.
Solution: Ensure your vehicle hood is properly closed and latched to enable the remote start feature to work.
If the remote starter fails to work even with the hood properly closed, then you may want to inspect whether your hood switch is broken, damaged, or missing, and repair/replace it as necessary.
Vehicle not in park
The remote start in your Cadillac is designed to only engage when your car is in Park gear. This is a safety feature to help prevent potential accidents following unintended movements. It ensures your car stays stationary when you remote-start it.
Solution: Check whether your shift gear lever is in P (park). If not, simply take it to this gear and then try remote starting your vehicle again.
Vehicle theft deterrent malfunction
If your vehicle’s anti-theft system is malfunctioning, it may also prevent your remote start from working. This system usually prevents unauthorized access to your car and theft.
However, it may malfunction and trigger some security measures that end up disabling some of your vehicle functions, including the remote start.
This ensures your vehicle remains secure and potential thieves can’t remotely start the engine.
Solution: If your vehicle is experiencing an anti theft deterrent system malfunction, consult your user manual on how to address this issue.
In most cases, you may need to get a professional technician to diagnose your security system and fix any underlying issues.
Programming issues
For your Cadillac remote starter to function smoothly, it’s usually guided by a program. Unfortunately, the starter may sometimes lose this programming, and thus stop functioning as before.
This could be caused by issues like software glitches, system updates, electrical problems, etc. The wrong programming sequence may also cause your remote starter to malfunction.
Solution: If you suspect programming issues in your remote system, we advise you to consult your owner’s manual on the specific set of instructions for the correct reprogramming sequence.
However, many car owners have experienced difficulties trying to program their vehicles on their own.
For this reason, we advise you to have a qualified installer or authorized dealer do the reprogramming for you.
Valet mode is on
The valet mode is a helpful security feature in all Cadillac vehicles—usually known as Cadillac CUE.
It helps you limit certain features of your vehicle when you leave your car with the valet, in parking, or with the mechanic for servicing.
One of the features restricted by activating valet mode is the remote start function.
Solution: If you have your car in valet mode, you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual on how to correctly exit this mode.
This usually involves going through your vehicle settings menu via the infotainment system.
To exit the mode, you’ll be prompted to enter a PIN/password. This helps ensure only the car owner can exit this mode.
Here’s a quick video showing how to use Cadillac CUE valet mode:
Video:
Remote start feature is disabled
If the remote start feature is disabled in your vehicle, it may also fail to engage when you press the start button.
If you don’t get any response, no flashing lights, no locking or unlocking of doors, etc., you may want to check if your remote starter is enabled.
Solution: Check your remote starter status on your vehicle’s personalized settings or driver info settings. Consult your user manual on how to enable/disable your vehicle remote starter.
Other factors to consider:
Besides the issues we’ve discussed above, there’s a variety of other requirements that must be met for your remote start to function properly. These include:
- Hazard lights should be off
- The car power mode is incorrect
- Your engine RPM is greater than 0
- Accelerate pedal positions read greater than 0
- No Hazard switch trouble code should be set
- The rear compartment lid should be properly closed
- The keyless entry transmitter should be operational
- There’s a current car theft deterrent malfunction trouble code
- There’s a current automatic transmission shift lock system trouble code
- Your car computer has detected a vehicle speed sensor signal
Be sure to consult your Cadillac SRX remote start owner’s manual for more helpful info on what issues might cause it to malfunction.
For Cadillac SRX enthusiasts, remote start problems can be a touch perplexing, yet it’s essential to understand that these challenges aren’t isolated to luxury American vehicles. For instance, drivers who have a fondness for German craftsmanship might find our detailed guide on VW key fob issues particularly enlightening, as it dives deep into Volkswagen’s remote access challenges. Furthermore, if you’re inclined towards SUVs, our comprehensive exposition on Volkswagen Tiguan remote start problems offers valuable insights into potential hiccups and their remedies.Conclusion
Different issues contribute to your Cadillac SRX vehicle remote start malfunctioning. When faced with this issue, you should consider key culprits like a dead key fob battery, incorrect start sequence, check engine light, unlocked door(s), open hood, too many start attempts, programming issues, valet mode turned on, car not in Park, a faulty key fob, or disabled remote start feature.
Diagnosing your remote starter is the absolute best way to find out the exact problem your remote start is facing and then fix it to restore its functionality. We have offered troubleshooting tips for each of the key culprits in the above article to help you easily fix them and get your remote starter functionality back.
