As the seasons change and the days get colder or hotter, depending on where you live, the convenience of a remote start system in your vehicle becomes more apparent. Now, imagine starting your car from the comfort of your home, allowing it to warm up in the winter or cool down in the summer before you even step outside.
Nowadays, Autopage is a well-known brand in the world of remote start and car alarm systems, providing users with this convenience. However, as with any technological gadget, you might encounter issues with your Autopage remote start system. In this article, we’ll walk you through some common troubleshooting tips to tackle any problems you might face with your car’s remote starting device.
Common Autopage remote start issues
Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to identify the type of issue you’re facing. The most common problems include the remote start not working, the car starting but shutting off after a few seconds, the system not responding to the remote control, or the remote control losing its programming.
Basic checks
Before attempting to troubleshoot any electronic device, it’s essential to perform some preliminary checks:
- Check the battery: The first step is to ensure that the battery in the remote control is fully charged and working correctly. Weak batteries are a very common cause of remote start issues.
- Check range: Verify that you are within the operational range of your remote start system. Remember, obstructions such as walls or other vehicles can reduce the range.
- Hood Pin switch: Make sure the hood of your car is closed properly. Remote start systems typically have a safety feature that prevents the car from starting if the hood is open.
- Gear shift: Ensure that the car is in ‘Park’ or ‘Neutral’ as the remote start system won’t engage if the car is in gear.
- Brake pedal: Confirm that you are not pressing the brake pedal when trying to start the vehicle, as this can also interfere with operation.
Troubleshooting steps
To post the source of te problem, the following steps can help a lot. So, make sure you apply them all with our tips and tricks. They are valid for all bands and not only specific remote-start systems for your car.
My remote start isn’t working at all
If your remote start system is completely unresponsive, you should:
- Reset the system: Sometimes, simply resetting your remote start system can solve your issue. Disconnect the car battery for a few minutes, and then reconnect it. This reset can often clear up any glitches.
- Check your remote’s programming: If your remote has lost its programming, it might need to be repaired with the vehicle. So, consult the user manual for instructions on how to reprogram your Autopage remote.
- Inspect for faulty wiring or fuses: A blown fuse or a loose wire can be the culprit. Check the associated wiring and circuits and replace any blown fuses.
My car starts and then stops after a few seconds
This issue is usually related to the safety features or the tachometer settings:
- Check the tachometer settings: Your remote start system might need to relearn the tachometer signal to recognize the correct running engine speed. So, refer to your model’s manual for instructions on how to reprogram the tachometer settings.
- Check engine light: If your car’s check engine light is on, it might prevent the remote start system from engaging properly. So, get your vehicle checked for any underlying issues by a professional.
My system doesn’t respond to my remote control
If your system fails to respond to your remote:
- Reprogramming the remote: If the remote has lost sync with the system, it might need reprogramming. This can be caused by battery replacement in the remote or other external factors.
- Interference: External RF (radio frequency) interference can affect the system’s ability to communicate with the remote. Try using the remote at a different location to rule out interference.
My remote control has lost its programming
If you suspect the remote has lost its programming:
- Reprogram the remote: Follow the specific instructions for your Autopage model to reprogram your remote.
- Signal interference: As with lack of response, the loss of programming can sometimes be attributed to signal interference. For that reason, you need to eliminate potential sources of interference and try reprogramming the remote again.
Advanced tips
If you’ve been through all these steps and your Autopage remote start system still isn’t functioning properly, there are a few additional things to consider:
- Worn-out components: Components within the remote start system can wear out over time. The transponder or the remote itself may need replacing.
- Professional diagnosis: It may be time to take your vehicle to a professional. In fact, certified technicians can diagnose and fix issues that might be beyond the scope of simple troubleshooting.
Preventive maintenance
To minimize future issues:
- Regularly check the battery: Keeping a fresh battery in your remote ensures consistent performance.
- Stay up-to-date with programming: Occasionally, rechecking the programming can prevent issues before they arise.
- Regular system checks: Have your vehicle and remote start system checked by a professional annually or as recommended.
Conclusion
While Autopage remote start systems are designed to bring comfort and convenience into your daily routine, like any technology, they can experience issues from time to time. So, by following these troubleshooting steps, you can address many of the common problems that may arise. But remember that regular maintenance of both your car and the remote start system is important to prevent issues before they start. Thus, if your issues persist, don’t hesitate to contact an authorized Autopage dealer or a professional vehicle electronic technician.
