If you have a Viper remote start system installed in your car, it may malfunction at some point. It won’t respond to you pushing the button, and you’re left confused and unsure of what to do next. Our guide below will take you through all the most likely causes behind this issue and guide you toward helpful solutions to consider.
Viper remote start not working can be attributed to several potential culprits including weak or dead key fob battery, incorrect programming, range issues, disabled viper system, improper use, open hood, valet mode active, or a remote faulty system.
Read the article below for more in-depth details about all the common causes behind your Viper remote system not working. Whether your Viper remote starting is failing to work after battery replacement, after a car battery change, or you only see flashing lights, etc., this guide will help fix the problem and get your remote to start working again.
Why Your Viper Remote Start Is Not Working:
Below are all the most likely reasons why your Viper remote start isn’t working:
Weak or dead key fob battery
The MOST common reason why your remote start feature isn’t working is that you have a dead or weak key fob battery. Your key fob takes in batteries that become weak with time and eventually go dead—making your remote start to stop working.
This is easy to understand given that a low battery won’t be able to send an electrical signal to your remote start module to prompt it to start your car.
Solution: Check the battery in your key fob and replace it if necessary. Make sure you use the right batteries and install them correctly to ensure your remote start system continues working correctly.
Range issues
Another reason your Viper remote system may fail to work is distance issues. Most viper systems usually have a limited range of around 1,000 feet.
If you try starting your car when you’re too far away from it, or simply out of range, it may fail to start.
Solution: Ensure that you’re within the specified range for your Viper remote start system model to enable it to work correctly.
Incorrect programming
If you didn’t program your remote start correctly, it could also stop working. There could be a mistake in the installation process or programming errors—these may affect the remote start functionality.
In some cases, the installation may have been done correctly but your remote start may loose its programming along the way. In this case, it may also stop working.
Solution: If your Viper remote system was wrongly installed/programmed or lost its programming, then you’ll need to reprogram it to enable it to start working properly.
Of course, you’ll need to check your user manual for the correct programming procedure for your specific model.
If you’re not confident doing it on your own or are unable to do it, have a professional installer do it for you.
The hood is open
Viper remote system features a hood switch/sensor that detects if the hood is open or incorrectly closed. If this switch starts malfunctioning, your remote start may become disabled for security purposes.
Solution: Check whether your remote start hood switch is properly aligned and functioning correctly.
Improper use
You may also be using your remote starter incorrectly, making it fail to work. This is common for people who only use their remote start from time to time or haven’t used it in a long time.
You can easily forget the correct procedure for using the remote start. For instance, some models may require pressing a combination of certain buttons to activate the remote start function.
Solution: Confirm that you’re using your remote start system correctly. If you’re not sure about the procedure, don’t hesitate to consult your user manual.
Your remote start is in valet mode
The Viper remote starts also come equipped with valet mode—a safety feature that prevents unauthorized access to your vehicle.
If this feature is activated, you’ll remote starter system won’t work, and you can only start your car using the key.
You can easily tell if this mode is on by checking your parking lights. If they don’t flash when you try using your remote starter controller, then the valet mode is most probably activated.
Also, if you’ve no issues locking/unlocking doors but only the remote start is failing, this could be another sign that you’re in valet mode.
Solution: If you’ve confirmed that your car is in valet mode, you’ll need to deactivate it. The exact procedure for deactivating this mode varies from model, so you’d want to consult your user manual for more info specific to your system model.
Here’s a helpful video on how to deactivate valet mode:
Video:
Check if your Viper remote start switch is off
Viper remote systems usually come with a switch that temporarily disables the starter system. This switch usually sits in the fuse box or under the dash on the driver’s side.
It’s not designed to be readily accessible. It’s uncommon for this switch to become bumped accidentally, and this will make your remote starter system seem like it’s not working.
Solution: Locate the switch for your remote starter system and check whether it’s in the off position. If so, put it back on and try remote starting your vehicle again.
The remote start is faulty
As with any other electronic device, your Viper remote start may develop mechanical failure within its system that causes it to stop working.
When this happens, neither new batteries nor programming or any other will make your remote start to function again.
For instance, the antenna may be damaged/faulty. Your vehicle’s remote system relies on its antenna for the successful transmission and recovery of signals.
If this antenna becomes damaged, starts malfunctioning, or is not properly connected, it will also make your system fail to work correctly.
Solution: If you’ve tried all the above fixed but they didn’t help fix the issue, we advise you to consult an authorized Viper remote start dealer.
You’d also want to check with your dealer if your system is still under warranty.
Why Viper Remote Start Is Not Working After Battery Replacement
If your Viper remote system stopped wrong after you replaced the key fob battery, a few factors could be behind the issue.
You may have used the wrong batteries or low-quality batteries that won’t hold a charge for long and die pretty quickly. Confirm with your user manual about the correct type of battery for your specific remote system model.
Moreover, you should consider buying your replacement batteries from Viper stores. This will ensure you get quality batteries that will last for a longer period of time without requiring replacement.
Also, ensure you install the battery correctly. You may have made some mistakes during replacement, e.g. touching some part of the circuit. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you correctly installed the new battery.
Your remote system may need reprogramming to enable it to work. Though not necessary to reprogram your system every time you replace the battery, sometimes replacing the battery causes a loss of programming, hence the need to reprogram it.
You may also have not properly closed the hood after car changing the battery. For you to use this remote start function, you require vehicle conditions such as the hood and doors being properly closed.
Ensure your hood doesn’t have a cracked or damaged pin stopping your hood from latching correctly.
It’s also possible that there are issues with your Viper remote system, e.g. wiring, installation, and other common culprits that we discussed earlier. You may need to get a professional to diagnose and repair your remote start system so that it continues to function correctly.
Why Viper Remote Start Is Not Working And There’s No Blue Light
If your Viper remote system isn’t working and there’s no blue light, this is most probably a power-related issue.
Therefore, the first thing to check is whether your car battery is working correctly and has enough charge to power your car remote system.
Another reason why this happens is due to the remote start system programming. If your remote system was recently installed/programmed, there could have been a programming error that’s making the system not work.
Also, wiring issues may cause the system to fail and even lead to the blue system not illuminating.
For instance, you may want to examine the wiring between your remote and the control module for signs of loose connection or damage and have it fixed as necessary.
If your car just went into valet mode, it may also cause the remote system to stop working and no blue light is illuminated.
You may have unknowingly pressed the remote buttons and entered this mode. Check your user manual on how to deactivate the valet/garage mode.
Other issues to consider include whether your hood is correctly closed, whether the battery inside the remote is dead, and whether you’re using the right remote for your car.
Why Viper Remote Start Not Working And Blinks 6 Times
If your Viper remote system fails to work and only blinks 6 times when you press the remote push button, this is your part.
This may happen if your remote loose two-way communication. You can try disconnecting your windshield antenna and letting it sit for several minutes. Then, put it back in and try starting your car again.
You should also ensure you’re within the recommended operating range for your specific Viper remote start model. Try moving closer to your car and try the remote start again.
Programming issues may also lead to this 6-blink pattern on your remote system, so you may want to revisit your programming guide and ensure you did it correctly. If not, reset your system and reprogram it correctly.
You should also check if your remote or control module may be faulty. These can also cause this blinking pattern. Inspect the remote for signs of damage or malfunction.
If the remote is good, the module may be faulty. In this case, you should consult a professional technician or Viper customer support for professional assistance.
Remote start systems, while incredibly convenient, can sometimes face operational glitches. Apart from Viper’s remote start challenges, there are other vehicles that can also experience similar problems. If you own a GMC Sierra and face remote start issues, our guide on GMC Sierra remote start not working can be particularly insightful. Likewise, for Mazda owners, our in-depth article on Mazda remote start not working discusses the common culprits and their remedies.
Conclusion
Your Viper remote start malfunctioning is a common problem among many car owners. We have just discussed all the potential causes behind this issue in the above guide including a weak key fob battery, range issues, programming issues, improper remote start use, open hood, active valet mode, disabled remote start system, or even a mechanical failure for the remote start.
We have also discussed helpful troubleshooting tips for each of these problems. If your remote start stops functioning, the first thing to check is whether the battery is bad and replaced it. If the battery is fine, check the other likely causes. If you’re unable to diagnose your car remote starter, let the professional do it for you and fix the issue behind the system failing to start.
