Nissan Altima Remote Start Not Working? Here’s What I’ve Learned From Real Experience

It was 7:00 AM on a freezing Tuesday. I aimed my key fob at my Nissan Altima through the kitchen window. I wanted a warm car. I pressed the lock button. I held the start button. Nothing happened. No lights. No engine roar. just silence.

I walked out to a cold seat and a frozen steering wheel. I was frustrated. Maybe you are too right now.

If your Nissan Altima remote start is not working, don’t panic. You likely do not need a mechanic. In my experience, 90% of the time, it is a simple safety feature doing its job. I have spent years tinkering with Nissans. I will walk you through the fixes that worked for me. Let’s get your car warm again.

How Nissan Altima Remote Start Is Supposed to Work

Think of your car’s computer like a strict bouncer at a club. It has a checklist. If even one thing on the list is wrong, it won’t let the engine start. This protects the car and keeps it safe.

For the Nissan Intelligent Key to work, the “bouncer” checks these things:

• Are the doors locked? You must lock them first.

• Is the hood closed? A safety switch lives there.

• Is the engine healthy? No warning lights allowed.

• Is the key close enough? You need to be in range.

If you miss one, the system stays off. It’s not broken. It is just being careful.

Most Common Reasons a Nissan Altima Remote Start Is Not Working

I have seen the same issues pop up over and over. Here are the main culprits.

Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery

This is the number one cause. It happened to me last winter. My fob could unlock the doors, but it couldn’t start the engine. The remote start signal needs more power than the door locks.

• The symptom: You press the button, and the small light on the fob is dim or doesn’t flash.

• The fix: A new battery usually costs less than $5.

• Life expectancy: These batteries usually last 2 to 3 years.

Check Engine Light Is On

This one catches many people off guard. If your Check Engine Light (CEL) is on, remote start is disabled. Period.

I once had a loose gas cap. That triggered a sensor. Because of that tiny issue, my remote start refused to work. The car thinks, “I am sick, I should not run without a driver.” It is a safety measure to prevent engine damage.

Hood Switch or Door Sensor Issues

There is a small switch under your hood. It tells the car the hood is latched. If a mechanic bent it, or if it is frozen shut, the car thinks the hood is open.

Why does this matter? It prevents the engine from starting while someone’s hands are inside. In colder states, I see these freeze up often.

Incorrect Remote Start Procedure

It sounds silly, but I have done it. You might be pressing the buttons too fast. Or maybe too slow.

The Magic Sequence:

1. Press the Lock button.

2. Within 5 seconds, hold the Remote Start button for at least 2 seconds.

If you skip the lock button, it won’t work.

Vehicle Security or Software Glitch

Sometimes, the car’s “brain” just freezes. It’s like a laptop that needs a reboot. If the security system thinks someone is trying to steal the car, it locks everything down. I fixed this once just by disconnecting the car battery for ten minutes.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting I Recommend Before Going to the Dealer

Try these steps before you spend money. This is the exact order I use.

1. Replace the Key Fob Battery: Buy a CR2032 battery. Pop the fob open. Swap it out.

2. The “Jiggle” Test: Go to your car. Push down firmly on the hood. Make sure all doors are shut tight.

3. Check for Gas: The system won’t start if fuel is very low.

4. Scan for Codes: Look at your dashboard. Is the Check Engine light on? If yes, you need to fix that code first.

5. The Hard Reset: Disconnect the negative terminal on your car battery. Wait 15 minutes. Reconnect it. This resets the computer.

6. Use the Second Key: If you have a spare key, try it. If it works, your first key is the problem.

Model Years Where Nissan Altima Remote Start Issues Are Most Common

Not all Altimas are the same. Here is what I have noticed in the forums and my shop.

• 2013–2018 Altima: The hood latch switch is a common failure here. It gets dirty or bent.

• 2019–2023 Altima: These have more software. Sometimes the NissanConnect app glitches and stops the fob from working.

• Trim Levels: The SV, SL, and Platinum trims usually come with factory remote start. The S trim often does not.

Factory vs. Aftermarket Remote Start Problems

Did you buy your remote start separately? Or did it come with the car?

Factory Systems (Built-in): These are reliable. They plug right into the car’s brain. Issues are usually sensors or batteries.

Aftermarket Systems (Added later): These can be messy. I have seen loose wires cause headaches.

• The tell-tale sign: If your dashboard lights flicker or the car alarm goes off randomly, it’s likely a bad install.

• Winter fail: Cheap aftermarket wire taps often shrink in the cold and lose connection.

When It’s Time to Visit a Nissan Dealer or Mechanic

Sometimes, you cannot fix it yourself. If you have changed the fob battery and checked the hood, but it still fails, you might need help.

• Diagnostic Fees: A dealer might charge $100 to $150 just to look at it.

• Warranty: If your car is under 3 years old or 36,000 miles, this is usually covered.

• The BCM: In rare cases, the Body Control Module (the computer) is bad. That is a dealer-only fix.

Preventing Remote Start Problems in the Future

I hate cold mornings. Here is how I keep my system working.

• Change Batteries Yearly: Don’t wait for it to die. Change the fob battery every autumn.

• Lube the Latch: Spray some WD-40 on the hood latch mechanism before winter hits.

• Don’t Ignore Lights: If a warning light pops up on the dash, check it. Even a small issue disables remote start.

FAQs – Nissan Altima Remote Start Not Working

Q1: Why does my Nissan Altima remote start flash but not start? The flashing lights mean the car got the signal but refused to start. This usually points to a safety error, like an open hood or a Check Engine light.

Q2: Will remote start work if the check engine light is on? No. Nissan disables the feature for safety. You must clear the code and turn off the light first.

Q3: How far away does the Nissan Altima remote start work? Ideally, about 200 feet. However, walls, other cars, and weak fob batteries cuts this distance down.

Q4: Can I start my Nissan Altima with the NissanConnect app? Yes, if you have a subscription and a compatible model (usually 2016+). It uses the internet, so range is unlimited.

Q5: Does cold weather affect Nissan Altima remote start? Indirectly, yes. Cold drops your key fob battery voltage. It can also freeze the hood latch sensor.

Final Thoughts – What I’d Do If My Nissan Altima Remote Start Stopped Working Again

If I walked out tomorrow and my Altima didn’t start, I wouldn’t stress. First, I would change the fob battery. It is cheap and easy.

Next, I would walk around the car. I’d shut the hood hard. I’d check for warning lights.

Most of the time, the car is just trying to be safe. It’s not a major breakdown. It’s just a sensor saying, “Hey, check this first.”

Take a breath. Grab a new battery. You will likely be warm and driving in no time.