issues with remote start, not the fob

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imnuts

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Hoping i can get some help. my remote start sort of works , but doesn't. when i push the button twice it foes through its paces ie. lights, horn, fuel pump, but it does not turn over to start. instead it shows message "remote start active key to run". and then just cancel out after a bit. or if i pen the door it says remote start cancelled. i think it maybe something in the programming, but not sure where to look :( ps does the same thing when I try to start with sirusXM gaurdian as well. so i know it's nothing to do the physical FOB.
 

turkeybird56

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1) Check your dashboard, I would BET there is a "MIL" light activated. (U know, the lil engine light)
2) Check your manual, as there are many conditions THAT must be met for the system to work, and in reverse, there are a lot of
faults listed that if present, will not allow your remote start to work.
3) Couple common things that I can think of: Vehicle low on fuel. Hood on vehicle not closed and latched. There are many conditions
so research your manual.
4) Not have a manual, download a copy.

MANUAL:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DIESEL SUPPLEMENT:

 

turkeybird56

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OUT OF 2019, should be same: Posted for you, BUT You really need to have copies of your manual and diesel supplement, answers be there.
ADDED: A faulty hood latch sensor/switch will also stop remote start.

REMOTE START — IF EQUIPPED
How To Use Remote Start
All of the following conditions must be met before the
engine will remote start:
• Gear selector in PARK
• Doors closed
• Hood closed
• HAZARD switch off
• BRAKE switch inactive (brake pedal not pushed)
• Battery at an acceptable charge level
• PANIC button not pushed
• Fuel meets minimum requirement
• System not disabled from previous remote start event
• Vehicle security alarm not active
WARNING!
• Do not start or run an engine in a closed garage or
confined area. Exhaust gas contains Carbon Monoxide
(CO) which is odorless and colorless. Carbon
Remote Start Abort Message
The following messages will display in the instrument
cluster display if the vehicle fails to remote start or exits
remote start prematurely:
• Remote Start Cancelled — Door Open
• Remote Start Cancelled — Hood Open
• Remote Start Cancelled — Fuel Low
• Remote Start Cancelled — System Fault
• Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset
The instrument cluster display message stays active until
the ignition is turned to the ON/RUN position.
To Enter Remote Start Mode
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob
twice within five seconds. The parking lights will flash,
vehicle doors will lock, and the horn will chirp twice (if
programmed). Once the vehicle has started, the engine will
run for 15 minutes.
NOTE:
• If your power door locks were unlocked, Remote Start
will automatically lock the doors.
• If an engine fault is present or fuel level is low, the
vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds.
• The park lamps will turn on and remain on during
Remote Start mode.
• For security, power window and power sunroof operation
(if equipped) are disabled when the vehicle is in the
Remote Start mode.
• The engine can be started two consecutive times (two
15-minute cycles) with the key fob. However, the ignition
must be placed in the ON/RUN position before you
can repeat the start sequence for a third cycle.
To Exit Remote Start Mode Without Driving The
Vehicle
Push and release the remote start button one time or allow
the engine to run for the entire 15-minute cycle.
NOTE: To avoid unintentional shutdowns, the system will
disable with a one time push of the remote start button for
two seconds after receiving a valid remote start request.
To Exit Remote Start Mode And Drive The Vehicle
Before the end of the 15-minute cycle, push and release the
unlock button on the key fob to unlock the doors and
disarm the vehicle security alarm system (if equipped).
Then, prior to the end of the 15-minute cycle, cycle the
ignition to the ON/RUN position.
 
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imnuts

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thanks guys, but been through all this over and over again. Everything checks out as it should except for the fact it will not turn over. i think it is something in the one of settings in a module that is holding it back, just can't pinpoint which one or ones it could be. this only started happening when i was maki some changes to get my compass working. only now i have an issue with the remote. i have all the flags set for remote start but gets all the way to where it should turn over and start, but stops and displays this message. just started yesterday.
 

jawzs2

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Pretty sure I would have started this thread with it stopped working "after" I made some changes. What did you use to make the changes, what changes did you make, did you make a backup of the original config? How long was it between the time you made the changes, and you noticed it stopped working?

With that said - the first thing I would do is verify the battery is definitively good - both my trucks do this exact same thing when they've been sitting for a week or so and the temp is in the teens.
 
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imnuts

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i used jscan to make changes and no like a fool i did not make a backup of changes made. It started happening the next day, i didn't try to remote start it until then, cause i wasn't tring to reprogram anything that has to do with it. so i was surprised to see it do what it did. I do know the changes were to try and get my compass to work. So not sure why the remote doesn't work properly. somewhere it is being held up by key security is my thought. was hoping someone else had this problem and could direct me to where i can look in the module programming. Also, there is no CEL happening and and my obd scan shows no errors.
 

jawzs2

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99% of the time the remote start failures will either display the reason on the EVIC or set a code\CEL. A weak battery should, but most of the time mine acts up it doesn't set one. It does set a code\CEL every once in a while, but not as a rule. That's why I suggested a battery check first.
 

Dean2

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Pretty sure I would have started this thread with it stopped working "after" I made some changes. What did you use to make the changes, what changes did you make, did you make a backup of the original config? How long was it between the time you made the changes, and you noticed it stopped working?

With that said - the first thing I would do is verify the battery is definitively good - both my trucks do this exact same thing when they've been sitting for a week or so and the temp is in the teens.
Not much more to be said. Nothing like leaving out the most important part.

Without a backup copy to check changes this might end up being a dealer fix to re-flash the vehicle. Hopefully it is just a weak battery, anything under 12.2 Volts, it won't try to turn over.
 
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imnuts

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yeh , was thinking might have to take it to the dealer. all the common issues have been checked. it all comes down to the programming. I'll try again tonight to see if i can correct it. if not then off to the dealer i go. thanks your everyone's input.
 

RamDiver

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yeh , was thinking might have to take it to the dealer. all the common issues have been checked. it all comes down to the programming. I'll try again tonight to see if i can correct it. if not then off to the dealer i go. thanks your everyone's input.

Do you have access to a digital multimeter and have any experience using one?
How about a battery charger?

If the starting battery is the original, there is a high probability that it's time for a replacement.
A less-than-stellar-performing battery can create endless grief for our rolling microcomputer-laden trucks. :cool:

Also, did you make any records of what was changed using jScan?
If so, after verifying the battery, I would try to reverse the settings that were changed first, before visiting a stealership.

The best scenario would be to charge the battery, and then load test it with a toaster-style battery load tester similar to this $45 device at CTC.


If you care to pursue this issue further on your own, you will find lots of support here at Ram Forum. Otherwise, break out your credit card for the stealership and cross your fingers you get a competent tech.

.
 
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imnuts

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@RamDiver i am a telecommunications tech. yeh, i know how to use a multi-meter and a few other automotive tools as well. i have tried everything posted on here and short of maybe getting a readout from someone else with a 2018 ram, it looks like i have no other choice but to get the dealer to reset my modules.
 

turkeybird56

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Get Compass fixed? U end up at FCA have them fix yer compass issue to.

Only few other words; Backup copy.
 
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RamDiver

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@RamDiver i am a telecommunications tech. yeh, i know how to use a multi-meter and a few other automotive tools as well. i have tried everything posted on here and short of maybe getting a readout from someone else with a 2018 ram, it looks like i have no other choice but to get the dealer to reset my modules.

Perhaps you have completed more testing than I picked up reading this thread.

I didn't notice any mention of a battery load test using a toaster-style tester.
Voltage drop tests, battery/starter connection verifications.
Or visiting a parts store to have them scan for DTCs.

It is certainly your prerogative to pay for a fix. Good luck, and please report back how things worked out at the dealership. TIA

.
 
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imnuts

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if i have no other choice but to go that way. I will but i'm still going to resolve it first. The dealer is my last resort. I'm a DYI kind of person. I don't believe in paying someone to do something i can do myself. will let you all know how it goes in the next few days
 

RamDiver

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if i have no other choice but to go that way. I will but i'm still going to resolve it first. The dealer is my last resort. I'm a DYI kind of person. I don't believe in paying someone to do something i can do myself. will let you all know how it goes in the next few days

Most members fall into the DIY category.

There are endless resources available here, just ask anytime.

.
 

jawzs2

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Most members fall into the DIY category.

There are endless resources available here, just ask anytime.

Agreed, 100% - but next time - take a page out of Paul Harvey's book - LOL, couldn't resist

RestStory.jpg
 
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imnuts

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GOT IT FIXED, FINALLY. Seems the nice folks at Jscan had the smarts to put a back program in thier software. The moment you run a scan on your vehicle it backs it up. And stores it for time just like this. Remote start is now working again as well as my compass, that never worked since the day I bought my truck. What a relief.
 

Dean2

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That
GOT IT FIXED, FINALLY. Seems the nice folks at Jscan had the smarts to put a back program in thier software. The moment you run a scan on your vehicle it backs it up. And stores it for time just like this. Remote start is now working again as well as my compass, that never worked since the day I bought my truck. What a relief.

That put a huge smile on my face. Very happy it worked out so good. What changes did you have to backout to get the remote start to work again.
 

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Hi from Swift Current,
re the compass, I have in the back of head that the manual says to drive in a circle or 2 to recalibrate the compass, I would have to check again,
sometimes my brain wonders off in the weeds.
 
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