Cadillac STS Remote Start Not Working (Troubleshooting Tips)
If your Cadillac STS remote start suddenly stopped working, you could be looking for ideas on what could’ve gone wrong. Many other Cadillac owners are experiencing this problem, as it’s evident on various Cadillac STS forums. This guide will help you diagnose and fix this issue.
Cadillac STS remote start not working has many potential culprits including a dead key fob battery, drained vehicle battery, programming issues, illuminating check engine light, valet mode turned on, disabled remote start feature, improper remote use, active anti-theft deterrent system, open hood or malfunctioning hood switch, open door, too many start attempts, etc.
This article takes you through more comprehensive details regarding your Cadillac STS remote failing to work. We’ll discuss all the common causes and how to troubleshoot and solve each of them to get your remote start back up and running.
Why Your Cadillac Sts Remote Start Is Not Working
The following are the potential causes for your remote start to malfunction and how to fix each of them:
A weak or dead key fob battery
The most common culprit for the remote start failing to engage in your Cadillac STS, and pretty much any other vehicle, is a drained key fob battery.
Key fobs usually take in a coin-shaped cr2032 battery that enables them to send a signal to your vehicle and engage the automatic starter.
However, this battery becomes weak and dies with continued use, causing the system to fail.
Solution: Replacing the dead remote battery is the best fix for this issue. You can easily find the replacement battery in any place you can buy normal batteries.
To replace the battery, simply remove the back panel of your fob (the removal process can differ depending on the type of fob you have).
Then, remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. Ensure you install the new battery correctly in its place.
While at it, ensure the battery contacts are clean, rust-free, and not loose.
Dead car battery
A weak or dead car battery won’t be able to provide the necessary power to your car remote start and starting system components.
This means the remote start won’t be able to activate the starter motor, and you’ll likely have issues using your remote start system.
Potential causes for your vehicle battery to drain include leaving the lights and various accessories on, a faulty charging system, or old age that makes your vehicle battery deteriorate.
Solution: Test your vehicle battery voltage to confirm if it’s in good working condition. If it registers a voltage below 12V, then the battery needs to be recharged.
You can simply use a booster pack or jumpstart it using a healthy battery for another car.
If your battery doesn’t hold charge after being recharged, it’s probably defective and needs a replacement.
However, if the battery seems to be in good working condition, consider checking its terminals and connections for corrosion and loose connections.
These issues can restrict power flow and make your remote start malfunctioning.
Programming issues
If you’re facing a situation where your vehicle doesn’t seem to recognize your key fob, then it’s highly likely the fob has programming issues or simply lost its programming.
In this case, you’ll need to relearn your fob to enable it to communicate effectively with your vehicle whenever you press the remote start button.
Solution: We usually recommend having the relearn done by your dealer using their computer and other specialized tools.
The remote start feature is disabled
You may also face trouble trying to use the remote start function in your car if it has already been disabled in your car system settings.
This may have been done accidentally or intentionally in case you just bought your car from a previous owner.
Solution: Check the status of the remote start feature in your car and ENABLE it if it has been turned off. This involves navigating to the configuration menu for personalized settings.
You may want to consult your user manual for more details on how to enable/disable the remote start feature in your car.
Here’s a quick video explaining how to disable or enable remote start feature in your Cadillac STS:
Video:
Improper use
If you’re not following the correct procedure for your Cadillac remote start system activation, the system may also fail to work.
This is usually the case for car owners who rarely use this feature and only remember it during the cold or hot weather seasons.
Solution: Consult your user manual on whether you’re following the correct activation procedure for using your remote start feature.
Generally, you’ll first need to press the lock button and then quickly proceed to press and hold the start button. The lights will flash and your engine will start right afterward.
Check engine light is on
Check engine light also disables the factory remote start feature in many vehicles isn’t just your Cadillac STS. This is important because this warning light is usually triggered by engine or emission control system-related issues.
Thus, if the remote starts your car when there’s an underlying issue, it may lead to further engine damage.
Solution: Have your vehicle computer scanned for stored trouble codes. These will give you a clue about what issue your car is experiencing so that you can fix it and restore your remote start functionality.
Valet mode is on
Cadillacs also come with valet mode that may also temporarily disable the remote start. This mode is simply a feature that stops your car from running when it’s being serviced.
Your car may be stuck in valet mode, and this could be another reason the remote start is unable to engage and start your car engine.
Solution: You should first confirm if your car is in valet mode and then proceed to exit this mode to see if it helps with the remote start issue.
Consult your user manual or dealership on how to check if your car is in valet mode and how to deactivate it.
Too many remote start attempts
If your remote vehicle start fails on the first try, you’ll most probably try it again, again, and again before you give up.
Unfortunately, most people don’t know that remote systems have a restriction on the number of times you can try them.
In the case of Cadillac, you shouldn’t try it more than 2 times. Otherwise, the system will stop functioning.
Solution: If you have tried remote start your Cadillac STS multiple times, you’ll need to manually start it using the key.
This helps reset the remote system so that it can run smoothly the next time you use it (the remote start).
Hood is open
Your remote vehicle start feature will also fail to work if your hood is open or if your hood switch sensor is malfunctioning.
This is usually a safety precaution that prevents the car from running when the hood is open as someone, e.g. a mechanic, could be inspecting the engine.
It also prevents the possibility of an improperly closed and latched hood spreading all over your windshield when you’re in the middle of the road driving.
A hood switch sensor placed in the hood alerts the remote system if the hood isn’t properly closed.
Unfortunately, this is a mechanical switch that you may forget to connect back on, can get rusty, or even be broken—in these cases, it may start to malfunction.
Solution: Confirm that you’ve properly closed and latched your hood. You can even try pending and closing it to see if the remote start will work.
If it doesn’t, then you probably have a faulty hood sensor sending the wrong info and disabling your remote start. Have this sensor inspected for damages and replaced as necessary.
Door is open
Another reason your remote start may be misbehaving is if it detects one of the doors is not properly closed. Just like in the case of the hood, this is also a safety measure to ensure your own safety as well as the security of your car.
Your vehicle remote start assumes that when you restart your car, it’s initially empty. Thus, starting the engine with doors open could lead to potential hazards like unauthorized access to your car or your car moving unexpectedly.
Solution: Make sure all your doors, including the trunk, are properly closed and locked before attempting to remote start your vehicle. Try opening and closing the doors again to ensure they’re properly closed.
Vehicle security system is triggered
Your vehicle’s automatic start is also designed to temporarily disable if your car security system is triggered. Sometimes, this system may also malfunction, further leading to issues with remote start.
The system simply prevents unauthorized access to your vehicle, so if it detects attempted entry, it will stop the remote system from engaging. Or if it malfunctions, it may also stop the remote system from working.
Solution: Confirm if the alarm system in your car is armed by looking for a flashing security light on the dash.
If the system is activated, then you’ll need to deactivate this security system (check your user manual for more details on how to do it correctly).
If you suspect a malfunction in your alarm system, get a qualified auto technician to have a look at it.
Check your vehicle status
Your remote start is also configured not to start if certain conditions are not met. You should therefore make you have all these conditions met before you attempt to remote start your vehicle.
Solution: Here’s a list of some of the necessary conditions for the remote start to work in your Cadillac STS:
- Your vehicle should not be in valet mode
- Hazard lights should be off
- No Hazard switch trouble code should be set
- Rear compartment lid should be properly closed
- All doors must be properly locked
- Keyless entry transmitter should be operational
- You haven’t attempted more than 2 remote starts
- Remote start feature is enabled
- The car is not in park transmission
- Your engine RPM is greater than 0
- Accelerate pedal positions read greater than 0
- 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
- The car power mode is incorrect
Be sure to consult your user manual for more details on all the requirements for the remote start to work in your Caddy.
As Cadillac STS owners uncover the intricacies of their remote start systems, it’s evident that challenges in this domain aren’t exclusive to the luxury segment. For enthusiasts keen on exploring a more adventurous vehicle class, our detailed guide on Jeep Wrangler remote start problems provides insights into the off-road giant’s unique challenges and troubleshooting methods. Conversely, for those inclined towards a modern crossover SUV experience, our comprehensive article on Chevy Equinox remote start issues sheds light on the common concerns and expert solutions associated with this popular model.Conclusion
If your Cadillac STS remote start suddenly stops, there are many potential causes to consider. These include a dead key fob battery, weak/dead car battery, check engine light, active valet mode, improper remote start use, anti-theft deterrent system activated, programming issues, too many start attempts, the hood is open, a door is open, or disabled remote start system. The presence of certain conditions highlighted above can also make your remote start to malfunction.
Remember, troubleshooting these issues in your vehicle is the surest way to enable you to determine the exact issue you’re facing and then fix it to revive your remote start function. If you diagnose your car for the above issue but you can’t seem to resolve the issue, or if you don’t have confidence diagnosing your car on your own, be sure to consult a qualified technician or your dealership for further assistance.
