RAM 1500 Remote Start Not Working (Troubleshooting Tips)
Did your RAM 1500 remote start just stop working and wondering what to do about it? If yes, we’re here to help you fix this issue. Before you think of taking your car to a mechanic or dealer, read this guide to discover why your remote start is malfunctioning and how to troubleshoot the issue.
RAM 1500 remote start not working has many potential causes including a dead key fob battery, undercharged car battery, improper use, malfunctioning hood, low fuel levels, check engine light on, too many start attempts, the car isn’t in park mode, the vehicle alarm system is engaged, or your remote system is faulty.
This article will walk you through full details of each of the above potential causes of malfunctioning remote start in your truck. Moreover, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot each cause to help you restore your remote start function.
Why Your Ram 1500 Remote Start Is Not Working
Below, we’ll discuss the most likely cause behind your remote start malfunctioning:
Dead key fob battery
The most common reason why remote start systems in RAM 1500 trucks misbehave is due to a weak or dead key fob battery.
When this battery is low on charge, it can’t produce the necessary power to enable the key fob to send signals to you’re your car—causing the system to fail.
Solution: Check the battery level in your key fob by observing the LED indicators or testing the battery with a multimeter.
If it’s below the recommended charge (it’s usually 3V in most cases), then you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
The battery replacement process is pretty simple. However, you can always consult your user manual if you’re not sure how to about it.
If the battery is fine, check whether the battery terminals in the key fob are clean and connected securely.
Your car battery is undercharged
If your key fob battery is in good health, the next potential culprit to consider is your car battery.
If it’s uncharged or weak, it may also be unable to power or activate your remote start system, causing it to malfunction.
Moreover, loose or corroded battery connections may also restrict power flow to your car’s electrical systems, including the remote start system.
Solution: Check your truck battery voltage using a multimeter. If the voltage is below 12V, the battery needs to be recharged.
If you think your battery is defective and unable to hold a charge, then you may need to replace it with a new one.
If your battery is fine, examine its terminals and wiring for signs of loose connections or corrosion.
Too many start attempts
Most car owners don’t know this, but trying to remote start your car too many times unsuccessfully can also cause the remote system to disable. This is usually a safety precaution that helps ensure the security of your car.
Solution: In most cases, if you start your car two times and it fails, you’ll need to start it manually on your next try. Then, you can reset the system and the next time you try to remote start it will work smoothly.
Check engine light is on
Another common culprit that makes your Ram 1500 remote start disabled is the check engine light.
This is also a safety measure or configuration for your remote start to avoid starting your car if there’s an issue with the engine or the vehicle itself.
Solution: Get your vehicle onboard computer scanned for any stored diagnostic trouble codes. These will give you an idea of what issues triggered the warning light.
Fixing the underlying issue will then help clear the engine warning light so that your remote system resumes its functionality.
Unlocked doors
One of the conditions necessary for your truck remote start to work is that all the doors must be properly locked.
This is a safety measure that ensures the security of the car and the safety of the vehicle occupants.
Therefore, if your doors aren’t properly closed, you’ll have trouble using the remote start.
Solution: Double-check if all your car doors and lift gate are properly closed before you attempt to remote start your truck.
You can also check your vehicle dahs on whether the “door ajar” light is displayed. If yes, you’ll need to figure out which door is open and fix it.
Hood sensor malfunction
The hood latch is another highly common culprit behind your truck remote start failure. This switch is simply a mechanical sensor that can easily rust and start malfunctioning.
In this case, you may get an error message on your dashboard that says something like “remote start deactivated hood ajar.”
Solution: Inspect your hood sensor for damages or rust, and whether it’s functioning correctly. If not, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
This is a cheap and simple fix as you’ll just need to spend a few dollars on a new sensor and you can install it on your own.
Here’s a video on how to replace the hood latch on your truck:
Video:
Low fuel levels
If your Ram 1500 truck doesn’t have much fuel left in the gas tank, the remote start is also highly likely to fail to engage.
The factory remote start is configured this way to ensure you from using up the last of your remaining gas while you have your car parked somewhere, and the gas station is probably far away.
Even worse, it’s not clear exactly how much gas is too little for your remote start to fail to turn your engine on.
Solution: Check your fuel tank and ensure there’s enough amount of gas. We advise you to ensure your fuel tank is always over ¼ full.
This is advantageous not just for a smooth remote start but also for your car as having low gas can easily put a strain on your fuel pump.
Shift lever is not in park mode
Another condition necessary for the remote start system in your truck to work is that your car must be in park mode. This condition is more of a safety feature that keeps your car from starting while in gear.
Solution: Make sure your car is in Park mode before attempting to remote start it. And always check that this condition is met before attempting to start your car.
The vehicle security system is on
If your Dodge RAM 1500 remote start system was working fine and then it starts malfunctioning all of a sudden, it’s also likely that your vehicle security system or alarm system is armed.
Solution: To troubleshoot this issue, check whether the security system light is flashing on your dash. If yes, it means the system is armed and you’ll need to check your user manual on how to disarm it correctly.
Improper use
Not following the correct activation sequence is another reason your remote start may fail to work. This is common for people who use their remote start less frequently, e.g. during the cold days only.
In this case, you can easily forget the correct procedure for remote starting your car.
Solution: Check your user manual for the correct activation sequence for your Dodge Ram 1500 remote start.
Programming issues
Improper programming of your remote system is another reason it may be failing to respond to your start button. This can happen during the installation of a new remote start system.
Also, if you upgrade your car computer system, it may become incompatible with the remote start system, leading to the system malfunction.
Solution: Attempting to program your remote system on your own may be challenging. Therefore, we advise you to consult a qualified technician or your dealership to diagnose your remote start system and reprogram it if necessary.
The remote start system is off
If the remote start option in your vehicle system is disabled, it will result in the system malfunctioning. Your truck remote start system may have an on/off switch that may be accidentally or intentionally turned off.
Solution: You’ll need to locate it (consult your user manual for more info) and ensure it’s in the ON position. If it’s turned off, simply flip it back ON and then try to remote start your truck again.
The remote start system is faulty
If none of the above issues is the reason your remote start is failing, maybe you have a faulty remote.
The remote control module may have wiring issues or may be defective, thus causing a malfunction of the system.
Likewise, the key fob may be damaged, thus causing the remote start to malfunction.
Solution: In the case of the key fob, try checking if its battery is working properly. If you have a spare, try using it to see if it works. If it does, this means your other key fob is faulty.
As for the remote control module, you may want to get a professional to diagnose it for you and fix any underlying issues.
Other potential culprits to consider include whether there are no obstacles or nearby electronic devices that could interfere with the signal from the key fob to your car.
You should also ensure you’re within the recommended range for your remote start to work.
Check that all the other conditions needed for the remote start to work are met. These include the hazard lights being off, the brake pedal being disengaged, and the panic button isn’t pushed.
Why Does Your Ram 1500 Remote Start Only Work Sometimes?
If your truck remote start system starts sometimes and other times it fails to work, there are several culprits to consider in this case.
A dead battery in your key fob is one likely cause for the intermittent behavior. Check if the battery is dead and replace it if necessary.
If the battery is alright, ensure that it is tightly seated in the remote.
Check the remote printed circuit board side to see if the little metal contacts for the battery are clean.
If they’re rusty or dirty, clean them but be gentle with the cleanup so they don’t become loose.
Other factors to consider for this intermittent behavior include signal interference by electronic devices, programming issues, or faulty remote start module bad hood switch/sensor.
As you navigate the intricacies of the Ram 1500’s remote start system, it’s essential to recognize that different brands, both luxury and mainstream, face comparable challenges. For instance, the GMC Terrain, a well-received SUV in the market, has had its own share of remote start dilemmas, which you can delve into in our article on GMC Terrain remote start issues. On the luxury end, even Lincoln, a marque known for its elegance and sophistication, encounters such problems. To understand this further, our guide on Lincoln remote start not working provides a thorough examination of the topic.Conclusion
Your Ram 1500 remote start system can fail to work due to many reasons such as a dead key fob battery, low car battery charge, active check engine light, low fuel levels, car not in park mode, security or alarm system activated, too many start attempts, programming issues, unlocked doors, malfunctioning hood switch, or a faulty remote.
Troubleshooting these issues will help you pinpoint the exact cause of your remote start malfunction. Start with simple issues like whether the key fob battery is good, the gas level is sufficient, the hood is closed, and whether you’re correct activation sequence. If you’re unable to troubleshoot your car by yourself, let your mechanic or dealership do it for you.
