VW Atlas Remote Start Not Working (Causes And Fixes)

If your VW Atlas remote start has suddenly quit working, you might be feeling frustrated right now. It gets even worse if you don’t know how to resolve this issue. Luckily, this guide will help you uncover why your remote start is malfunctioning and give you suggestions on how to fix it.

VW Atlas remote start not working can be caused by a wide variety of issues including drained key fob battery, too many remote start attempts, programming issues, low fuel, too many remote start attempts, doors/hood/trunk not properly closed, check engine light, being out of range, and others.

In the article below, we’ll get into more in-depth details about all the likely causes for your VW Atlas remote start function failing to start your vehicle. We’ll also discuss helpful tips on how to troubleshoot each of these possible causes. These will help you fix the problem and make your remote starter work again!

VW Atlas remote start not working causes

Many different factors can contribute to your remote vehicle starter malfunctioning. Below, we discuss the most likely causes and the best fix for each of them.

Weak or dead key fob battery

Probably the most common reason why remote vehicle start in your VW Atlas stopped working is due to bad batteries in the key fob.

The batteries power the remote key and enable it to send signals to your car to lock/unlock or start the engine.

If the batteries start failing, the communication between the key fob and your vehicle will be disrupted.

This can lead to your remote starter working intermittently, reducing operation range, or even causing it to malfunction completely in case of a dead battery.

Solution: You’d first want to check your key fob batteries and replace them with new ones to see if the issue will be fixed.

The fob usually uses CR2032 batteries, which you can easily find in your local retail stores with an electronics section.

Incorrect start sequence

Another issue that may be causing your vehicle remote starter to fail is using the incorrect procedure to activate it.

This is common among car owners who don’t use the feature more often or those who are completely new to it.

Solution: Ensure you’re using the correct combination of buttons to activate the remote starter in your vehicle. Consult your user manual on the correct procedure to follow.

The general steps for remote starting your vehicle include:

Step 1. Aim your key fob toward your vehicle

Step 2. Press the lock button on your key fob (regardless of whether your vehicle is already locked).

Step 3. Now press the remote start button twice in quick succession. The turn signal lights will flash and your engine will start shortly after.

Note that once started, the engine runs for approx. 10 minutes and then shuts off automatically.

You can extend another 10-minute run by following the above steps to remote start it again.

This video shows you how to correctly remote start your VW Atlas (2018 to 2023 models):

Video:

You’re too far from your vehicle

You may also be unable to remote start your vehicle if you’re standing too far away from it. As you already know, the remote start operates on radio frequency waves.

They have a recommended range within which they work most effectively.

If you get out of this range, the signal from your key fob becomes weak and you’ll get no response from your vehicle.

Also, the presence of obstacles and other electronic devices may interfere with the signal and stop it from reaching your vehicle.

Solution: Make sure you’re within the recommended range for your vehicle remote start as indicated in your owner’s manual. Try moving closer to your vehicle to see if it helps.

Also, eliminate any nearby electronic devices that may interfere with the signal and ensure there’s a clear line of sight between you and your vehicle.

Too many remote start attempts

It’s also typical for a VW remote start to stop working if you attempt to use it too many times. This is usually a safety measure that helps prevent potential unauthorized access to your vehicle.

Solution: If you have attempted starting your car more than 2 times consecutively, then your remote system may have been temporarily disabled.

You’ll need to start your vehicle manually to reset the remote starter before using it again.

To do this, simply turn the key in the ignition on and then off. Now get out of your car, lock it, and try to remote start it again.

Programming issues

Your remote may also be out-of-sync with your vehicle’s computer system. This may have happened due to a software glitch or loss of programming (usually happens after battery replacement).

Solution: In this case, you’ll need to reprogram your remote starter. Consult your owner’s manual on the exact procedure for resyncing your remote start system.

Check engine light is on

If the check engine light, the remote vehicle start will also automatically stop working. This is usually a safety precaution as the engine warning light indicates a problem with your engine.

By preventing the engine from turning on, further damage to the engine will be prevented.

Solution: You’ll need to address the underlying engine issues and clear the engine warning light to enable your remote start feature to work again.

You should consider scanning your vehicle computer for trouble codes that triggered the check engine light to come on.

These will help you easily identify the exact engine issue and fix it to restore the remote start function.

Your car battery is too low

You may also be experiencing remote vehicle start troubles in your VW Atlas because your car battery charge is too low.

When your car battery completely dies, your vehicle will be unable to receive the start engine command from your key fob and you’ll get no response.

A dead battery will also be unable to start your car as it can’t provide the necessary electrical energy for engaging the starter motor and cracking your engine.

Solution: Test your vehicle battery voltage to confirm if it’s in good working condition. You may also look for additional signs of a dead battery such as flickering dash lights, etc.

If the battery is low, recharge it. If your battery is weak and unable to hold a charge, simply replace it with a new one.

Doors are unlocked

A helpful safety standard across the remote start of various vehicle models, including VWs, is that the doors must be properly closed for your remote starter to engage.

This serves as part of the anti-theft protection feature. Imagine a situation where your car is running and at the same time unoccupied and the doors are open.

This will make it easy for thieves and other people with bad intentions to access your car and even steal it.

Solution: Check that all the doors are properly closed. If any of the doors are open, lock them manually or use a key fob—whichever is more convenient for you.

However, the best way to get around this issue is to first lock all your doors with the key fob before you proceed to remote start your vehicle.

The trunk or hood isn’t properly closed

The remote vehicle starter in your VW Atlas is also configured to stop working if you haven’t properly closed your hood or trunk.

This is another safety feature as an open hood or trunk results in unsafe driving conditions.

The hood itself has a mechanic switch that detects if the hood isn’t properly closed and alerts the remote starter to stop turning on your engine.

This switch may sometimes malfunction, which also causes your remote starter to stop working.

Solution: Ensure your VW Atlas hood and trunk are properly closed before re-attempting to remote start your car. Closely inspect them to ensure they’re properly closed and latched.

In the case of the hood, you may want to check the condition of the hood switch sensor. If it is damaged or broken, you may need to replace it with a new one.

Low fuel levels

Is your vehicle’s low fuel indicator on? If yes, that means you’re running low on fuel. And this can potentially stop your remote vehicle start from working.

This is also a safety feature that helps prevent engine misfires and other problems that arise from your engine running and idling with low fuel.

It also helps save you from the hassle of running out of fuel and the gas station may be too far from you.

Solution: Inspect the amount of fuel left in your car fuel tank and top it up as necessary.

Note that you don’t necessarily need to fill your tank up to the mark. The idea is to make the low fuel indicator light go away.

While Volkswagen Atlas owners occasionally encounter issues with their remote start, this is not unique to this model alone. Many Nissan drivers face similar challenges. If you’re looking for insights or know someone struggling with a Nissan vehicle, our detailed article on Nissan Kicks remote start not working might be of assistance. Additionally, the guide on Nissan Pathfinder remote start not working provides thorough solutions for those specific model owners.

Conclusion

When your VW Atlas remote start stops working, the first thing to consider is drained key fob batteries. If this checks out, there are a variety of other issues to consider including fuel level, check engine light, doors/trunk/hood not properly closed, programming issues, too many remote start attempts, being out of range, or incorrect remote start sequence.

We advise you to troubleshoot each of these issues until you find the exact cause for your malfunctioning remote vehicle start. Once you fix the root cause, your remote start will become functional again. If none of the troubleshooting tips offered above work for you, consult a qualified VW auto technician or dealership for further assistance.