Cold Weather Remote Starter Starting Distance

[krowe111]

Here is a good one, I have noticed that in the extreme cold (-30 degrees Celsius/-22 Fahrenheit and colder) the distance that my remote starter will work has dropped down to about 10 feet from about 300 feet.



I have changed the battery so I know that is not a factor.



Has anyone had this problem or know what is causing it?





Kevin

 

[bigblock_doc]

You need to move to a warmer climate. Thats toooooo cold.
Doc

 

[goodguys75]

I would say the temp, electronics do not like the cold..... that would be my guess...

 

[Hoefler]

At that temperature, it will go through the grid heater cycle thingy. If you wait long enough, it will eventually crank and start.

 

[TJJEEPER]

Is the remote warm? Cold batteries lose a LOT of power. It comes back when warm. At those temps it only takes seconds for the remote to cool back down once out of your pocket.

 

[mwilson]

If you have to be 10 feet from the truck before it works you might as well get in the cab and use the key, wind won't be blowing quite so hard in there... ...



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

At that temperature, it will go through the grid heater cycle thingy. If you wait long enough, it will eventually crank and start.

That's a good point.



So not having remote starters on anything (I want to see the oil pressure come up, old school) and basing this question on seeing remote starters at work on other vehicles,



do the lights flash (or whatever method is used for an alert) when you push the button at distances over 10' even if the grid heaters make it wait to actually turn over



or are the lights not flashing (or whatever method is used for an alert) so you know that the signal is not reaching the receiver until you reach the 10' distance???





Mike.

 

[Hoefler]

On my truck, the park lights will come on and I get two honks from the horn. Then if it is really cold, it seems like it takes forever for it to crank over.

 

[KYOUNG]

Mine still does the heater grid thing before firing, but has started over 100 yards away!

 

[Hoefler]

Also, if the doors are not locked, they will lock before cranking.

 

[krowe111]

An update:

I had my truck into the dealer and they say that they have to replace the antenna on the remote starter module that is under the dash. It's covered under my extended warranty so no big deal.

But in their fiddling around with it (unplugging and plugging it in), I now get the range that I used to have.

I think that the connections may have just gotten a big loose with some surface corrosion which caused my issues.

So I would recommend that if any one else has this problem and they are out of warranty that they clean the antenna and antenna socket and that there is a good contact between the two before either buying a new antenna (or module) or taking it into the dealer.


Kevin

 

[Surefire89]

I highly suggest dumping that crapy stock system you got and get something aftermarket that you can start with your phone!! Unlimited distance boys. And it depends on the installer whether your truck starts off the wait to start light or just a amount of time the grid heater kicks on for. The light is best cause it works off the computer and changes with temp sensitivity.

 

[krowe111]

My thoughts exactly!

I am looking at having the Viper system installed this summer.


Kevin

 

[Surefire89]

My thoughts exactly!

I am looking at having the Viper system installed this summer.


Kevin

This seems silly to get ne in the summer?