Remote Start: Re-programming?

[BillC]

Hi All!

Just got the Dodge remote start installed by the local dealership on a 2016 work truck.

- It starts the truck once, and the engine runs for 8 minutes then shuts off
- After that, I cannot start it remotely again and the truck is far from warmed up in winter weather
- You have to go out and stick the fob in and start it normally to continue

That makes the remote start function almost worthless to me. Others, have the same issue here on trucks that came with it new. They all work the same way in addition to being the weakest remote start units any of us have experienced (you have to be within well 100 feet of the vehicle for it to pick up the signal meaning you're outside in the middle of most hotel parking lots before it will work)

We have inquired, and the local dealer says that's the way they work. One shot, see'ya later. They also said they cannot change the programming to allow more consecutive remote starts nor can they extend the run time.

This seems bogus as it's all programming based.

Has anyone found a way to get the stock remote start reprogrammed to make it actually useful?

Also, has anyone discovered why they are so weak needing such close proximity to work at all?

Thanks!

 

[PolarisCobra]

I bet if you unlock it, then lock it again, you will be able to remotes start.

 

[Tach_tech]

Did they install a factory remote start?

It’s not bogus that they can’t program more attempts. That’s the truth. They can not change how many times or the duration of the remote start. That’s all dictated by the software of the module, which can’t be altered. It is odd you only get one start of 8 mins. All the factory remote starts I’ve installed have all allowed 2 starts of 10mins each. In the last few years I believe it changed to 15 mins but I don’t know the exact year.


Factory scan tools are quite limited to what programming of features can be done. Anything that could possibly be illegal or violate emissions is regulated.

Some aftermarket remote starts can change it but not the factory.

As far as the proximity, they’ve never had the greatest range. You can boost the range a bit by placing the fob to the bottom of your chin and pressing the button. It sounds silly but it’s true. You also need to have a clear line of sight to get the best range. These are RF signals being used and tons of things can interfere with the signals.

 

[MADDOG]

Stock setup allows for two remote starts of 15 minutes each before you have to manually start the truck.

Seems the Ram techs need to address this as that ain't how the OEM system is supposed to work.

 

[HDHNTER]

Maybe that's an export limitation for the Canadian market trucks? Makes no sense why that would be the case as my 09 w/ OEM remote start would run for 10 minutes & then you had an additional start for another 10 minutes before the fob was needed to start the truck manually. My 17 w/ OEM remote start runs for 15 minutes w/ an additional start available for another 15 minutes of run time before fob is needed to manually start the truck.

 

[rule18]

Maybe that's an export limitation for the Canadian market trucks? Makes no sense why that would be the case as my 09 w/ OEM remote start would run for 10 minutes & then you had an additional start for another 10 minutes before the fob was needed to start the truck manually. My 17 w/ OEM remote start runs for 15 minutes w/ an additional start available for another 15 minutes of run time before fob is needed to manually start the truck.

^ x2. I get 15 minutes twice.

 

[HDHNTER]

I'll add that my 17 is a Tradesman & the OEM remote start was added by the dealer to close the deal. If you're not getting 15 min x 2 it's either a Canadian regional restriction or it's not working correctly. The fact that your dealer is telling you that's the way it's supposed to work leads me to believe it's an export limitation... likely the result of stricter "environmental" rules.

 

[Jimmy07]

Even the Canadian 2016 owners manual says “two consecutive 15 minute remote starts”.

 

[Damion]

Really stupid question, how much fuel / gas is in it? Factory systems will cut the run time short and not re remote start if the fuel level is too low.

 

[BillC]

Hey All!

Thanks for the feedback. Made me do better work here.

I was taking the run time from a workmate who had "timed" his truck. Today I did my own timing and found that it does run for 15 min.

Also, not sure why this did not work when I tried it a few times the day I got my remote start home, but, today, as described by several folks above, my truck does start a second time and runs for the same duration. Ran through the whole cycle twice and it worked per the manual and personal experience shared here.

Apology for not doing better research before polling for suggestions here. D'oh!

I'll close the loop with the others in my work group, who have factory installed remote start on newer trucks, and who were complaining the same way I was.

Thanks again!

 

[BillC]

I'll also pass along the point regarding lower gas levels limiting starts and duration of run time!