Nissan Kicks Remote Start Not Working (Causes And Fixes)
Your Nissan Kicks remote engine start has been working perfectly, and then one day it just decides not to work. If this is your current situation, you could be looking for answers on why the auto starter stopped working and how you can restore it. This guide will help you out.
Nissan Kicks remote start not working can be caused by different issues such as dead key fob batteries, incorrect remote start use, running engine, shift selector not in Park, hazard indicator lights, disabled remote start, open hood, trunk or doors not properly closed, a key fob is inside the door, and ignition switch not in the off position.
This article takes you through full details about the various causes of your Nissan Kicks remote engine start malfunction. We’ll also give you helpful solutions to consider for each of these potential causes to help restore your remote start functionality.
Nissan kicks remote start not working causes:
Here are the most common causes why your Nissan Kicks remote start is not working:
Key fob batteries are dead
Most of the time, your car remote engine starter failing to work always has to do with a dead key fob remote battery.
With the batteries nearing depletion, the key fob may communicate intermittently with your vehicle.
The range may also be reduced. In case of a dead battery, your remote starter won’t respond at all.
Solution: The first troubleshooting step is to check your key fob battery. If it has a low charge, replace it with a new one.
Make sure you get a quality battery that will last long. Also, install it correctly to ensure your key fob continues working as before.
Incorrect remote start use
Another common issue that makes your remote engine start malfunction is that you’re probably using it incorrectly.
If you are not familiar with the system or haven’t used it in a long time, you may be using it wrongly and you won’t get any response from your vehicle.
Solution: Consult your owner’s manual on the correct procedure for remote starting your Kicks. Here are the correct steps to follow:
Step 1. Aim the intelligent key (key fob) at your vehicle
Step 2. Press and release the Lock button to lock all the vehicle doors
Step 3. Now press and hold the remote start button within 5 seconds of pressing the Lock button. Press this button until you see the turn signal lights flash and tail lamps come on. The engine will start shortly after.
Step 4. Once the engine starts, it will run for approx. 10 minutes. If you want to extend the runtime, repeat Steps 1-3 above. Note that you can only extend the runtime once.
NOTE: The remote starter may fail to work if you don’t press and hold the remote start button for at least 2 seconds. Or, if you didn’t press and hold the remote start button within 5 seconds after pressing the lock button.
The engine is still running
One condition necessary for Nissan Kicks remote starter to work is that the engine should be completely stopped. The remote start system will assume that your engine is already running, so there would be no need to remote start it.
Solution: If your engine just went from running to off, you should give it at least 6 seconds before attempting to start it remotely. However, this isn’t applicable in cases where you’re extending your engine runtime.
Too many remote starts
Excessive remote starts in quick succession will also make your Kicks remote engine start stop working. The feature will be temporarily disabled to prevent potential unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Solution: If you have made two remote engine start attempts or you made a successful single remote start with an extension, your remote start is disabled. Manually start it to reset the system and make it functional again.
To prevent this problem in the first place, avoid using your remote engine starter excessively and allow enough time between consecutive remote starts for your system to reset and resume efficient operation.
Shift selector is not in P (park)
Your vehicle remote starter will only work when the shift selector is in the Park (P) position for safety reasons.
If your selector is in any other gear such as Drive, Reverse, or Neutral, your remote feature may fail to engage. This will help prevent your vehicle from moving accidentally and causing accidents.
Solution: Ensure your vehicle shift selector is in the Park position before you attempt to remote start your vehicle engine again.
Remote engine start is disabled
Another likely reason for your Nissan Kicks remote starter failing to work is that it may be disabled in your vehicle settings.
This may have been disabled intentionally or unintentionally by the driver or during servicing.
In this case, your remote starter won’t work until the feature is re-enabled in your vehicle settings.
Solution: Check the status of the remote start in your vehicle settings on the vehicle information display. If it’s off, simply re-enable it and then attempt to start your car again.
If there are no other underlying issues, your vehicle engine will start.
One of the doors is open
If one of your vehicle doors isn’t properly closed and locked, the remote start feature will also fail to engage. This is usually a safety feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle.
It also prevents the occupants inside the vehicle in case you start driving your vehicle with unclosed doors.
Solution: The remote start will be disabled until all your doors are properly closed. Check that all the doors have been closed and locked correctly before trying to use the remote start again.
The hood is not properly closed
Your remote start will also malfunction if you haven’t closed your hood properly and securely latched it.
This is another safety precaution that helps prevent potential damage to the engine or prevent any potential accidents assuming someone is checking the engine.
Not to forget, driving with an unsecured hood may also lead to unsafe driving conditions
Solution: Before you attempt to remote start your Nissan Kicks, ensure the hood is properly closed and securely latched.
If the hood is properly closed but you are still getting the hood open error, check the hood switch sensor.
It could be damaged or missing, in which case you’ll need to replace it.
The liftgate is open
Just like the doors and the hood, the remote engine start will also fail if the liftgate or trunk is open.
This is another helpful safety measure that helps prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle. Moreover, it helps prevent potential hazards that may arise if you drive with an open liftgate.
Solution: Check whether your liftgate is properly closed and secured before you attempt to remote start your vehicle.
You’ve left the key fob inside your car
Leaving the key fob inside your Kicks is another reason your remote engine start may fail.
The vehicle may assume that somebody is already inside your vehicle and will therefore not allow you to start the engine remotely.
This is also a safety measure to prevent your vehicle from being stolen or accidentally started by someone.
Solution: If your Nissan Kicks spare key fob is inside your car, take it out to see if it helps resolve the issue.
The key fob is out of operation range
Your Nissan Kicks remote starter has a limited range, which is usually a few hundred feet from your car.
Thus, if you attempt to remote start your vehicle while you’re too far away from it, the signal may fail to reach your vehicle’s receiver, so you’ll get no response from your vehicle.
Besides, the presence of obstacles and electronic devices that interfere with the signal may also get in the way of your key fob and car communication.
Solution: Ensure you’re standing within the recommended operation range for your remote starter to work (this is usually approximately 197 ft. (60 m) from your car).
If you’re too far away from your vehicle, consider moving a bit closer.
Also, ensure there are no obstacles or electronic devices that could be affecting communication between you and your vehicle.
Ignition switch is not in the OFF position
For safety reasons, the remote engine start in your Nissan Kicks requires that your ignition switch must be in the OFF position for your vehicle to start.
If the switch is turned to other positions such as ACC or ON, the remote will simply fail to activate.
Solution: Verify that your ignition switch is in the OFF position. If not, simply adjust it as necessary before attempting to remote start your vehicle again.
Hazard indicator lights are on
If the hazard or emergency lights in your Nissan Kicks are flashing, your remote starter will also likely fail.
As you already know, hazard lights usually alert you of unsafe conditions or potential problems.
Thus, the remote start assumes you need to be near your vehicle to assess the situation and stops you from starting your car remotely.
Solution: If you’re attempting to start your engine remotely and you notice the hazard lights are on, simply turn them off and retry the remote start.
Low fuel
If the low fuel warning light is ON, it may also be making your remote engine start not to engage.
This will help prevent the potential risks associated with starving your engine such as damaged fuel pump, engine misfires, clogged fuel filter, damage to the exhaust system, etc.
It also helps prevent a situation where your engine runs out of fuel and leaves you stranded.
Solution: Check the amount of fuel left in your gas tank and refill it above the mark.
To avoid any inconveniences, always ensure you have a sufficient amount of fuel in your car before attempting to remote start the engine.
Other potential causes to consider:
The following conditions may also stop your Nissan Kicks remote start from working:
- The brake pedal is depressed
- Alarm is triggered due to illegal entry into your car
- The I–Key System Error warning is showing on your vehicle info display
Check your owner’s manual
If you still can’t find the root cause, consult your Nissan Kicks Owner’s manual for more info on conditions that may cause your remote start not to work plus troubleshooting tips for your remote engine start.
Alternatively, you can have your remote start system checked by a qualified Nissan auto technician or your nearest dealership. They will be able to inspect the system and find the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Several potential reasons may cause your Nissan Kicks remote engine starter not to work as expected. These include low or dead key fob battery, incorrect use, multiple attempts, car not in park mode, leaving the key fob inside your car, disabled remote start, open hood, doors, or trunk, ignition switch position, or being out of operation range.
To address this issue, we advise you to do basic troubleshooting steps like checking the batteries, removing any key fobs inside your car, checking that the hood, doors, and trunk are properly closed, ensuring the ignition switch is in the OFF position, etc. If troubleshooting doesn’t help you fix the problem, seek assistance from a qualified Nissan technician or your nearest dealer.