KIA Remote Start Not Working (Causes & How To Fix)

Kia remote start function offers you a convenient way to remotely start your car, from the comfort of your home or office. However, sometimes this feature may fail to work no matter how many times you try. In this guide, we’re going to help you figure out what’s causing your remote start to malfunction and fix it.

KIA remote start not working can be attributed to various potential causes such as a dead key fob battery, range limitations, malfunctioning key fob, software issues, incorrect remote start use, Valet mode being ON, electrical issues, etc.

This article takes you through full details about the various reasons why your KIA remote start function is failing. Plus, we’ll share helpful troubleshooting tips for each culprit. This will help you resolve the underlying cause so that your remote system can resume working flawlessly again.

Why Your Kia Remote Start Is Not Working

If your KIA remote start is not working, the following potential culprits could be behind this problem:

Weak or dead key fob battery

This is probably the most common cause of failed remote start systems in many cars, not just KIAs.

If the battery inside the key fob is nearing depletion or completely dead, it won’t be able to power the key fob to send signals to your vehicle.

This means you won’t get any response from your KIA remote system no matter how many times you try.

Solution: The fix for this issue is to test the level of charge in your key fob battery using a multimeter. If the battery is low, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

While still at it, make sure the battery contacts are secure and clean. And that you do the battery installation correctly And use the correct size and type of battery.

Range issues

Another reason your KIA remote start may fail to work is due to range limitations. If you’re attempting to remote start your car while you’re too far away from it, the signal may not be strong enough to reach the car.

Any obstacles standing in the way may also block the signal from reaching your car and remote start may fail as a result.

Solution: Try moving closer to your vehicle and see if it helps with the problem. Ensure there’s a clear line of sight between you and your car, and then try to remote start your car again.

Software issues

Your remote start system may also be failing to start due to issues with the system software.

The most common issue is outdated software that’s not compatible with the latest features and protocols of the remote starter.

Software glitches or bugs may also occur in your system and cause malfunction.

Sometimes, the remote starter software may be incorrectly programmed or configured, further risking operation issues.

Solution: Check if there are recent software updates for your remote start system (you can check the official KIA website or consult your KIA dealership for more info about software updates).

If you suspect software glitches, you can try resetting your system by disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes.

If there are programming issues, then you should consider reprogramming your remote control system.

Consult your use manual on the correct procedure for reprogramming or get a professional technician to do it for you.

Incorrect remote start use

You may also be unknowingly using your remote start feature incorrectly, leading to unsuccessful attempts.

For your remote start to respond, it’s important to ensure you follow the correct steps.

KIA also states that if you haven’t used your car in the last 3 to 5 days, you may need to start it manually. This will help reactivate the remote start fiction so you can continue using it.

The exact sequence may vary from one vehicle model to another, so you shouldn’t assume that all cars use the same remote start procedure.

Solution: Check whether you’re using your KIA remote start system correctly. Follow these generalized steps for successful remote starts:

• Ensure your vehicle is in park, and all the doors are properly locked
• Now press the lock button on your key fob to lock your car
• Press and hold the remote start button on your key fob for a few seconds.
• Observe your car’s response. The vehicle lights may flash followed by the engine turning on. If the start is successful, your car may stay locked.

If you’re unsure about the correct remote start sequence for your car, be sure to consult your car owner’s manual or a technician for further assistance.

The remote start system is turned off

Your KIA remote start system may be turned off. And this is another reason you could be having issues trying to remote start your vehicle.

Your vehicle remote start may feature an on/off switch that can be unintentionally turned off, leading to starting issues.

Solution: Consult your user manual for instructions on how to activate or turn on your remote start system and be sure to follow the outlined steps to see if it helps.

In some cases, the remote start system may be turned off via the settings menu on your car infotainment display.

You may therefore consider navigating to your settings menu to ensure the remote start option is turned on.

If you’re unable to check the on/off status of your KIA remote start system, consult your KIA dealership or auto technician for professional assistance.

Security system interference

If there are issues with your car security system, it can also lead to your remote start system failing to work.

Your KIA probably comes with a security system that helps prevent unauthorized access or theft of your car.

This security system relies on various modules and sensors to suspect any suspicious activity in your car.

In some cases, it may interpret remote start command as a potential security threat and stop your car engine from starting.

Still at it, if you have an aftermarket alarm installed in your car, it may not be properly integrated with the remote system.

This can lead to incompatibility or installation problems that make the alarm system interfere with your remote start functionality.

Solution: Check whether your car security is armed and follow the correct steps to disengage it.

If necessary, check your user manual for more details on how to temporarily disable this system.

Also, ensure that all your doors, trunk, and windows are properly closed before attempting to remote start your car again.

If you have an aftermarket alarm system installed in your car, be sure to check its compatibility with your car.

Malfunctioning key fob

Key fobs tend to malfunction due to a variety of issues such as physical damage and entry of moisture into their system. Once it’s damaged, it won’t be able to send signals to your car engine.

Solution: Inspect your key fob for any signs of physical damage such as broken or loose buttons. If the key fob is faulty, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.

Faulty remote start module

If the key fob seems fine, then your remote start module may be the one malfunctioning.

The module may become damaged or defective and affect proper remote start from engaging whenever you press the button.

Solution: In this case, you’ll need to have your remote start module inspected by a professional or KIA dealership for any issues.

If the module is faulty, it should be replaced with a new one for continued proper functioning.

Car electrical system issues

Faulty wiring or connections witching your vehicle’s remote start system may also cause issues when you try to use the remote start function.

For instance, damaged and loose wiring or improper connections in the remote system will disrupt proper electrical signal flow—causing the system to malfunction.

Solution: Inspect your remote start system wiring and connections for visible signs of damage or loose connections, and fix them as necessary.

Diagnosing this issue may be challenging, so we advise you to consult a professional technician to properly diagnose and resolve this issue.

Why Your Kia Remote Start Only Works Sometimes

The most likely causes for your KIA remote start to work intermittently include:

• Failing key fib battery: A weak or dying key fob battery will create an inconsistent remote start experience. This is because the battery is unable to constantly transmit strong enough signals to engage the remote start feature.
• Wiring issues: Loose or damaged wiring related to the remote start system circuitry may also cause intermittent starting issues.
• Signal interference: This can be caused by electronic devices or areas with poor signal coverage due to obstruction, making the signal unable to reach the car.
• Environmental conditions: Extreme cold or hot weather may affect the remote start functionality, leading to inconsistent key fob and car communication.
• Faulty parts: If the key fob, remote start module, or other components in your remote start system are starting to fail, they may also cause the system to perform inconsistently.

Overall, we advise you to have your car checked by a professional technician or your KIA dealership. They should be able to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue so that the system resumes normal functioning.

Why Your Kia Engine Turns Off After The Remote Start

If you successfully remote start your car only for the engine to turn off after some time, you may also be wondering what could be causing this issue.

The most likely reason your engine turns off after remote start is probably due to the runtime limit set to help conserve fuel.

This is usually around 10 minutes, after which the engine automatically turns off.

Other potential causes behind this issue include security system activation or malfunction, malfunctioning engine sensors, or fuel and ignition system issues.

Having your car diagnosed by a professional technician can help pinpoint the exact reason your car dies after remote starting it.

How Do You Reset Your Kia Remote Start?

If you want to reset your KIA remote start feature as part of your troubleshooting to make the system start working again, follow the guidelines outlined below.

Firstly, make sure all your vehicle doors are properly closed. Then get into your car and turn on the engine. At the same time, press and hold the start button on the key fob.

This will successfully reset your current KIA remote start settings.

As you delve deeper into Kia’s remote start issues, it becomes apparent that many vehicles, despite brand or model, face similar challenges. Jeep Grand Cherokee, an iconic SUV, has its own remote start quandaries, which we’ve detailed in our article about Jeep Grand Cherokee remote start issues. Similarly, the robust Ram 1500 isn’t without its hitches. For those curious about this model, our guide on Ram 1500 remote start not working offers a comprehensive look at potential causes and remedies.

Conclusion

Your KIA remote start not working has many potential culprits including dead key fob battery, incorrect use, range and signal interference issues, valet mode activated, vehicle electrical system issues, software issues, or malfunctioning key fob or remote start module.

Having offered you troubleshooting steps for each of these potential causes, you should now be able to diagnose and fix each of them. If you can’t seem to solve the problem, consult a reliable auto technician or your KIA dealership for further assistance.