Jeep Grand Cherokee Remote Start Not Working (How To Fix)
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start has stopped functioning, this guide is for you. You’re probably looking for answers on what causes this issue and how you can fix it to get your remote start system back up and running again.
Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start not working has many potential causes including a dead key fob battery, illuminating check engine light, not meeting all the conditions needed for successful remote start, incorrect programing deactivated remote start, active valet mode, multiple start attempts, etc.
In the article below, we’ll explore all the most common causes for your Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start system to malfunction. We’ll also discuss helpful troubleshooting tips to help you fix each of these issues on your own.
Why Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Remote Start Is Not Working
Here’s our complete list of all the potential causes behind your Jeep remote start feature not working (and troubleshooting tips for each of them):
Weak or dead key fob battery
When the remote start system starts misbehaving in your Jeep Grand Cherokee, the first thing you should always check is whether the battery inside the key fob is weak or dead.
A weak battery has proved repeatedly to be the top culprit behind this problem.
This is because when the battery is dead the key fob system is unable to send electrical signals to your car to prompt the remote start to engage.
Solution: Check whether your key fob battery is dead by testing it with a multimeter. If the battery power is too low or the battery is completely dead, consider changing the battery using the correct procedure outlined in your owner’s manual.
Make sure you use the correct type and size of the battery in your key fob.
If the battery is healthy, check whether the battery contacts are loose or corroded. These can easily affect the proper electric current flow, rendering your key fob non-functional.
Signal interference
Another often overlooked reason that affects your remote start functionality is the inference of the signal from the key fob to the car.
Nearby devices, e.g. cellphones, other key fobs, vehicles, etc., can affect the signal strength. In addition, obstacles like walls and trees can affect communication between your key fob and your car.
Solution: Move away from any electronic devices that may be causing single interference. Also, ensure there’s a clear line of sight and no physical barriers that may block the signal from reaching your car.
Check engine light
An active check engine light will also stop your vehicle remote start system from working. This is usually a safety precaution as the check engine light means your car engine or system has issues that need to be fixed for your car to operate smoothly.
Solution: Have your car computer diagnosed for the stored trouble codes. These will give you an idea of what’s troubling your car and triggering the check engine light.
You’ll then need to fix the issue to clear the CEL. After this, your remote start feature should continue working as normal.
Your Jeep is not in the remote start-ready mode
Another likely reason why your remote start feature is malfunctioning is that you haven’t checked all the necessary conditions required for this system to work.
Solution: Make sure all the conditions listed below are met before you attempt to remote start your engine:
- The gear should be in park mode
- All the doors, hood, and lift gate are properly closed
- Hazard lights must be turned off
- The brake pedal should be disengaged (not depressed)
- Your vehicle battery charge should be at an acceptable level
- The fuel level in the gas tank is at the recommended range
- The panic button shouldn’t be engaged
- The ignition is on the off/stop position
- Vehicle alarm system indicator is flashing
- Coolant levels should be at the recommended range
- Tire pressure shouldn’t be low
- Your remote start system shouldn’t have been disabled from your previous start
TIP: Check your user manual for any additional requirements for the correct use of the remote start feature in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Multiple start attempts
Yes, if you have tried remote starting your car multiple times, it may also temporarily stop the remote start system from working.
Solution: In this case, you’ll need to manually your Jeep to reset the remote start system so that it can continue functioning as smoothly as before.
Incorrect remote system programming
You’re also likely to have issues with your remote start system if it was incorrectly programmed or has suffered software glitches along the way.
Also, if the system is outdated, there may be software issues that cause the system not to work.
Solution: Reprogram your system. Check your owner’s manual for a step-by-step guide on how to correctly reprogram your remote starter.
Check for any updates on the Jeep official website and update your system software as necessary.
In some cases, you may need to reset your system to resolve the programming issues.
If you’re unable to handle your vehicle programming issues, consider contacting a qualified auto technician or your dealership to do it for you.
The remote start system is deactivated
Your Jeep remote start system may also have a switch that turns off or deactivates the system. It’s common for this switch to be turned to the off position, making the system fully non-functional.
Solution: You’ll need to check your user manual on the exact location of this switch and check whether it’s in the On or Off position.
If turned off, simply flip it back to the ON position and your car will start working again.
In most cars, this switch is found in your car fuse box or under the dash, on the driver’s side.
Signal interference and range issues
Another likely reason why your Jeep remote start system is malfunctioning is due to a poor signal reaching your car. The signal from your key fob may not be reaching your car because you’re out of range.
Also, there could be electronic devices nearby affecting the signal quality. Or, there could be no clear light of sight between you and your car due to obstacles like trees walls, other cars, etc. These can further affect proper communication between you and your car.
Solution: Make sure you’re in the correct range for the remote start system of your car. Try moving closer to see if your remote start system works (the remote starter range for most cars is about 500 ft.).
Also, ensure there are no nearby electronic devices that could affect your signal quality, e.g. cellphones, Wi-Fi router, laptop, remote, etc.
Above all, ensure there’s a clear line of fight between you and your car and you can clearly see it.
Security system interference
If your vehicle security system is malfunctioning or is activated, it may also cause the remote start function not to come on.
Solution: Check whether the security light is flashing on the dash. If yes, this means the security system has been triggered.
In this case, you should consult your user manual on how to disarm the system correctly to enable your remote start system to work.
If the issue persists, then you may want to bring it to the attention of a qualified auto technician for further diagnosis.
Valet mode is ON
Your car being in valet mode is another reason your remote start system may be failing to come on. Usually, when your car isn’t in park/neutral mode, it won’t start.
This is a safety feature that helps ensure the car from being remotely turned on when not in park mode.
Solution: Simply deactivate the valet mode in your car and try to remote start it again.
Faulty remote start system
You’re also likely to have a malfunctioning key fob or remote control module inside your car that may be causing starting troubles.
The key fob may be damaged or its system may be faulty, preventing it from sending signals to the car.
Likewise, the remote control module may be faulty or its wiring could be bad, affecting its communication with your key fob.
Solution: You can try using your backup key fob, if you have one, to see if the remote start working with it. If it doesn’t, this shows that the key fob is faulty and needs replacement.
Diagnosing your remote control system may be challenging, so we advise you to hire a professional to do it for you.
How To Enable The Remote Start On Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you suspect your Jeep remote start has been disabled, you can enable it by first finding the reason why it’s disabled.
This can be caused by a variety of issues we have discussed above, e.g. faulty key fob, faulty hood sensor switch, weak/dead key fob battery, vehicle not in the park mode, activated hazard lights, active check engine light, valet mode on, faulty programming, etc.
Therefore, you’ll first need to ensure all the necessary conditions for the remote start to work are met. Next, make sure you use the correct remote start sequence for your remote start to function well.
Have your car diagnosed by a professional to find out the reason the remote system is misbehaving. The underlying issue will then be resolved and your remote start system will be enabled again.
How Do You Reset Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Remote Start System?
To reset your Jeep GC remote start system, simply press and hold the “Lock” button on your remote.
As soon as it comes on, turn the key back off quickly, in less than five seconds (or simply press the start button again).
Repeat this On/Off cycle three times and your remote system is reset.
Why Your Jeep App Remote Start Is Not Working
Your Jeep app remote start not working can be caused by poor internet or cellular connection. This makes it impossible for your car to communicate with your car.
If your subscription to the app is inactive or has expired, it may also cause the app to stop working.
Another possible reason the app isn’t working is that it’s incorrectly configured or the settings are wrong.
In some cases, the app may be having glitches or be outdated, thus unable to communicate with your car remote system smoothly,
While you’re exploring the nuances of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s remote start challenges, it’s insightful to be aware that many other vehicles, spanning various brands, grapple with similar issues. For example, the sturdy Ram 1500 has had its share of remote start glitches, which are elaborated upon in our article on Ram 1500 remote start problems. In the same vein, the GMC Terrain, another popular SUV, encounters its set of challenges. For a deeper understanding of this model’s specifics, our guide on GMC Terrain remote start not working is a valuable resource.Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start system, there could be several culprits to consider. This article has just highlighted the most common issues, including weak/dead key fob battery, check engine light, car not in park mode, doors/hood/liftgate not closed, lack of enough fuel, signal interference, programming issues, deactivated remote start system, faulty key fob or remote control module, among others.
Remember, diagnosing your vehicle is crucial to help you pinpoint the exact culprit causing the staring problems. The troubleshooting tips we have discussed in the above guide will help you fix most of the issues with your remote start system. If you’re unable to fix your malfunctioning remote start, consult a professional installer or your dealership for further assistance.
