The convenience of hopping into a warm car on a frigid winter morning or a cool one on a sweltering summer day is undeniable. Remote start systems offer this luxury, but how do you know if your car is actually equipped with one? This guide provides a detailed look at various methods to determine if your vehicle boasts this handy feature, saving you from potential disappointment (or unexpected joy!).
Checking Your Car’s Key Fob
The key fob is often the first and most obvious place to look. Examine your key fob closely for a button specifically designed for remote starting. This button usually features a circular arrow, often resembling a recycling symbol, or the word “Start” or “Remote Start.”
If you find such a button, that’s a strong indicator your car has remote start. However, simply having the button doesn’t guarantee it works. The system could be deactivated or malfunctioning.
Consider the button layout. Is the remote start button distinct, or is it combined with another function? Sometimes, you might need to press and hold the button for a few seconds or press it twice in quick succession to activate the remote start feature.
Consulting Your Car’s Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual is a treasure trove of information about your vehicle. It details every feature, function, and specification of your car, including whether it has remote start.
Locate your car’s owner’s manual and search for “remote start,” “remote engine start,” or “keyless start.” The manual will describe the system’s operation, any limitations, and troubleshooting tips.
Even if you don’t have a physical copy of the owner’s manual, you can often find a digital version online. Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for your car’s model and year. Digital manuals are usually available in PDF format, making them easy to search.
Looking for Factory-Installed Badges or Stickers
Sometimes, manufacturers will subtly advertise the presence of remote start with a small badge or sticker on the vehicle.
Check the windows, doors, or trunk for any markings that mention remote start or keyless start. These are typically discreet and may be easily overlooked, so a thorough examination is recommended.
These badges are more common on newer vehicles or those with higher trim levels where remote start is a standard feature. Don’t rely solely on this method, as the absence of a badge doesn’t necessarily mean the car lacks remote start.
Observing the Car’s Dashboard and Display Screen
Modern vehicles often have sophisticated infotainment systems that display information about various features and settings.
Start your car and navigate through the menus on the dashboard display screen. Look for options related to “remote start,” “comfort settings,” or “vehicle settings.” If you find such options, they likely control or provide information about the remote start system.
Some cars also have indicator lights on the dashboard that illuminate when the remote start is activated. Watch for any such lights, especially during the remote start process.
Testing the Remote Start System
The most definitive way to determine if your car has remote start is to actually try using it. This requires understanding how the system is activated based on the key fob or other control methods.
First, ensure your car is parked in a safe, well-ventilated area. Then, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for activating the remote start. This usually involves pressing the remote start button on the key fob a specific number of times or in a specific sequence.
If the engine starts remotely, congratulations! Your car has remote start. If nothing happens, try replacing the battery in the key fob. A weak battery can sometimes prevent the remote start system from functioning correctly.
If replacing the battery doesn’t work, there may be other reasons why the remote start is not functioning.
Common Reasons Remote Start Might Not Work
Several factors can prevent a remote start system from working, even if the car is equipped with it. These include:
- Low fuel level: Some systems are designed to prevent remote start if the fuel level is critically low.
- Check Engine Light: A lit “Check Engine” light can disable the remote start to prevent potential engine damage.
- Open hood or trunk: The system may be designed to prevent remote start if any doors, the hood, or the trunk are open.
- Security system issues: Problems with the car’s security system can also interfere with the remote start function.
- Disabled system: The remote start feature might have been intentionally disabled through the car’s settings.
Checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier for your car. You can use the VIN to obtain detailed information about your vehicle’s specifications, including whether it was originally equipped with remote start.
Locate the VIN, which is usually found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield, on the driver’s side doorjamb, or on your car’s registration and insurance documents.
There are several online VIN decoders available that can provide information about your car’s factory-installed features. Some websites offer this service for free, while others may charge a small fee.
Enter the VIN into a reputable VIN decoder and look for information related to remote start or keyless start. The results should indicate whether the feature was included at the time of manufacture.
Keep in mind that the VIN decoder will only tell you if the car was originally equipped with remote start. If the system was added aftermarket, the VIN decoder will not reflect this.
Consulting with a Car Dealership or Mechanic
If you’ve exhausted all other methods and are still unsure about whether your car has remote start, consulting with a car dealership or a qualified mechanic is a good option.
Contact your local car dealership and provide them with your car’s VIN. They can access the vehicle’s build sheet, which details all the features and options that were included when the car was manufactured.
A mechanic can also inspect your car and check for the presence of the necessary components for a remote start system, such as the remote start module and the associated wiring. They can also diagnose any issues that may be preventing the system from functioning correctly.
Even if your car doesn’t have factory-installed remote start, a mechanic can advise you on the possibility of installing an aftermarket system.
Understanding Aftermarket Remote Start Systems
It’s important to distinguish between factory-installed and aftermarket remote start systems. If your car doesn’t have factory remote start, it’s possible that a previous owner installed an aftermarket system.
Aftermarket systems can vary in quality and features. Some are basic systems that simply start the engine remotely, while others offer advanced features such as smartphone integration, two-way communication, and security system integration.
If you suspect your car has an aftermarket remote start system, look for the control module, which is usually located under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. The key fob for an aftermarket system may look different from the original key fob.
Be aware that aftermarket systems can sometimes cause problems with the car’s electrical system if they are not installed correctly. It’s always best to have an aftermarket system installed by a qualified professional.
Troubleshooting a Non-Functional Remote Start System
If you’ve confirmed that your car has remote start, but it’s not working, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.
- Check the key fob battery: As mentioned earlier, a weak battery is a common cause of remote start failure.
- Inspect the hood latch sensor: The system may be designed to prevent remote start if the hood is not properly closed. Check the hood latch sensor to ensure it is functioning correctly.
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any diagnostic trouble codes that may be related to the remote start system.
- Consult your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual may provide specific troubleshooting tips for the remote start system.
- Seek professional assistance: If you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself, take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
Remember, safety is paramount when working with your vehicle. Always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components.
Remote Start and Vehicle Security
Remote start systems are designed with safety and security in mind. Most systems have features that prevent the car from being driven away while it’s running remotely.
For example, the car will typically shut off if the brake pedal is pressed or if the key is not inserted into the ignition within a certain timeframe.
However, it’s still important to be aware of the potential security risks associated with remote start systems. Never leave your car running unattended in an unsafe area.
Consider investing in a remote start system with advanced security features, such as smartphone integration and GPS tracking. These features can provide added peace of mind.
How can I tell if my key fob has a remote start button?
Look closely at your car’s key fob. Typically, remote start buttons are distinct and clearly labeled. They often feature a circular arrow icon or a start/engine symbol. If you find a button with one of these symbols, especially if it’s separate from the lock and unlock buttons, it’s highly likely your key fob has a remote start function.
However, it’s important to note that the button might not always be explicitly labeled “Remote Start.” Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, as it will provide detailed information about the key fob’s functions, including the identification and operation of the remote start feature, if available. Sometimes, the remote start function might be integrated with another button and require a specific sequence to activate.
What should I check inside my car to determine if it has remote start?
Examine your car’s dashboard and center console for any dedicated remote start buttons or controls. Some vehicles feature a physical button labeled “Remote Start” or an equivalent term within the car’s interior. This button might be located near the ignition, climate control settings, or infotainment system.
Furthermore, explore your car’s infotainment system settings. Many modern vehicles integrate remote start functionality into the infotainment system, allowing you to customize settings such as run time and climate control preferences. Check for a “Remote Start” or “Comfort” menu within the system to see if it’s an available feature.
Can my car have remote start even if I don’t see a button on the key fob?
Yes, it’s possible. Some vehicles offer remote start functionality through a smartphone app linked to the car’s security system or through the vehicle’s built-in telematics system (like OnStar or similar). In this case, you wouldn’t have a dedicated button on the key fob.
Instead, you would use the mobile app to remotely start your car. Check your vehicle’s documentation or contact the manufacturer to determine if your car is equipped with a telematics system that offers remote start capabilities through a smartphone app. Also, some aftermarket remote start systems use the existing key fob’s lock button in a specific sequence to initiate the remote start.
How can I use my VIN to find out if my car has remote start?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to your car. You can use your VIN to access detailed information about your vehicle’s original factory-installed features and specifications, including whether remote start was included as an option.
Several online VIN decoders and manufacturer websites allow you to input your VIN and retrieve a vehicle build sheet. These reports list all the options and packages your car was equipped with when it left the factory. Look for keywords like “Remote Start,” “Remote Engine Start,” or specific option package names that include remote start as a feature.
What if I’m buying a used car and want to know if it has remote start?
The best approach when buying a used car is to thoroughly inspect both the key fob and the car’s interior for any remote start buttons or controls, as described earlier. Don’t hesitate to ask the seller or dealership directly about the vehicle’s features, specifically inquiring about remote start capabilities.
In addition, request the vehicle’s owner’s manual, if available. This manual will provide details about all the car’s functions, including remote start, if equipped. If the manual is unavailable, try searching online for a digital version of the owner’s manual for that specific make, model, and year.
How do aftermarket remote start systems work?
Aftermarket remote start systems are installed by a professional and work independently from the factory-installed system, if any. These systems typically include a separate key fob or use the existing key fob in conjunction with a specific button sequence to activate the remote start function.
These systems interface with the car’s electrical system to start the engine remotely while ensuring safety measures, such as requiring the car to be in park and the doors locked before starting. Many aftermarket systems also offer additional features, like extended range, smartphone control, and integration with existing security systems.
What safety features are built into remote start systems?
Remote start systems incorporate several safety features to prevent accidents and unauthorized use. A key safety measure is the requirement for the vehicle to be in park (or neutral for manual transmissions) with the parking brake engaged before remote start is activated.
Additionally, most systems have a timer that automatically shuts off the engine after a pre-determined run time, typically 10-15 minutes, if the driver does not enter the vehicle. Also, the system usually requires the key to be inserted into the ignition and the brake pedal pressed before the car can be driven, preventing unauthorized use even after a remote start.