Easier to use than a normal key, definitely more graceful, and most importantly, safe in case of injury, push-start technology has revolutionized the way we use cars.
But as any other technology can do, your push-start technology can sometimes malfunction, leaving you with a dead battery and stranded far away from the cyber gods. Here’s your personal go-to guide for the causes and fixes when your push start car not starting.
Topic Summary
How Push Start Work
A car with a push-start system doesn’t have a special key to start. Instead, it uses an electronic key fob (also known as a remote) that sends signals to your car’s computer system.
After you get into your car with the key fob inside or near you, the system recognizes the key fob as it enters its range. The key fob sends a signal to the car’s receiver so it can start the car.
To turn the engine on, press the brake pedal and then press the start button. The brake pedal sensor checks to make sure the car is safe to turn on. It ensures that the car is in park or neutral, and when those conditions are met, pressing the start button sends the signal to the computer that the car should start.
The computer then sparks the starter motor, which turns the engine and begins combustion, all the while checking for a series of read-checks to make sure the sensors are in normal mode – that the engine is up to spec. There are no errors with the transmission or other critical systems.
The system makes life easier and more secure since the key fob needs to be within a certain range for the car to start, and thus, it has less chance of being stolen.
Furthermore, most systems come with remote start (starting the car from a distance) and remote entry (opening the car doors from a distance) that make life even more comfortable for the user.
Common Reasons For Push Start Car Not Starting
There are many advantages to push-start cars, but at times one can find that engaging the push-start mode does not work. For instance, there could be a dead or low battery on the key fob that does not allow the car to see the fob.
It could be a dead battery on the vehicle itself that does not allow for power to be sent to the push start system. There could potentially be an issue with the brake pedal sensor that allows one to engage the system if the pedal is not fully depressed to the resting position. System faults in the push start system or interference from nearby devices could be the possible causes of the system not turning on.
Dead or Weak Key Fob Battery
The spot where you press the key fob to start the vehicle transmits a signal to the car. If the battery in the key fob is dead or weak, your car won’t pick up the signal. Replace the key fob battery the first time. Try it and see if you fixed it.
Defective car battery
The battery may either be dead or weak. The Push-start system consumes a lot of power, and if the battery is not good, it will not give that much power, and the car will not start. Therefore, we need to examine the battery and see if it needs to be replaced.
Brake Pedal Issues
To make the push start system work, you must usually push the brake pedal. This is a common issue if the brake pedal sensor is bad or if you aren’t pushing the brake pedal enough. Make sure the brake pedal is firmly pressed.
Problems with the Starter Motor
The engine will not start unless the starter motor is working.
If the starter motor is not working then a clicking sound will be heard when the start button is pressed.
System or Electronic Key Detection Failure
To start the car, a key fob or real key needs to be detected. The processor, like any other tool, can fail. In my case, this happened after a sewer installation project where the contractor broke the curb.
The driveway freeze-frame allowed us to resume driving to work through winter. Emissions from the concrete curb might have damaged the interface components. Other possible causes of failure are metal near the keychain or sudden load shifts due to unexpected stopping.
To resolve these issues, you can press the start button on the base of the shift lever while holding the key fob closer or engaging the mechanical start arrangement in the key fob in case of a passive keyless key system, if available.
How to Fix Push Start Car Not Starting
Change the Battery in the Key Fob
If the battery in the key fob has died, replace it. Key fobs usually utilize a coin-cell type battery (CR2032), which is readily available at any general store and is very easy to replace.
Replace Car Battery
Check your car battery to make sure it’s holding a charge. If it’s dead or low, you can jump-start it or replace it with a new battery. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing battery problems.
Check the Brake Pedal Sensor
Make sure you are pressing the brake pedal all the way down. If the car still does not start, your Brake Pedal Sensor may be faulty. You should remove it and replace it with a new one. Refer to your vehicle’s manual to locate the Brake Pedal Sensor.
Look at the Starter Motor
It might be the starter motor problem. Take it to a car mechanic. When the starter motor is replaced, it will turn on your car once it gets faulty at the start.
Use the Manual Start Feature
The cars have a ‘manual start’ feature, which, if you cannot start it by electronically picking up your key fob, allows you to crank up the engine, turn on all the captors, and start your car manually. This feature is good to know in case this happens to you; refer to your car’s owner’s manual for instructions.
Preventive measures for
Use these preventive steps to maintain a perfectly functioning push-start car. Here are some basic tips to make sure your push-start car continues to work smoothly:
Replace the Key Fob Battery Frequently: A low battery or a dead battery can prevent the car from recognizing the key fob, making the push start weak and nonworking. Keep an extra battery in the car for emergencies.
Keep Car Battery in Good Shape: Check the battery voltage and replace it if needed. A good battery is needed to power both the push-start system and the whole car.
Check the Brake Pedal Sensor: The push start system needs to work properly to operate. If you notice problems, such as the car not starting even though the brake is fully pressed, have the sensor checked by a pro.
Avoid Damaging Starter Motor: Basic maintenance and inspections can often prevent starter motor damage, and if you ever hear strange noises when you start the engine, you should get it inspected immediately.
Avoid Electronic Interference: When parking, make sure you keep electronic equipment, especially devices with a strong signal, away from the area of the key fob and the start button. This is to ensure that interference, which could hinder communication between your key fob and your car, is not present.
Regularly Update the Car’s Software: The manufacturers often release updates that can extend the functionality and safety of the push start system. Continue the software updates as suggested by the manufacturers.
These preventive steps will keep your push start system in working order and ensure that your car is always ready to start whenever you need it. If you follow these precautions, make regular checks, and resolve problems in time, you will not encounter unexpected problems and keep your car running for a long time.
FAQs About Push Start Car Not Starting
Why won’t my push-start car start if I have the key fob with me?
The most likely culprit is a dying battery in the key fob; try replacing the battery, and again, and again. Make sure the key fob itself is close to the start button, too—the car’s electronics can be loose and sometimes reject signals if they’re too far or too close.
My car’s battery is dead, what should I do?
If the battery is dead, try jump-starting the vehicle. If it’s frequently or currently a problem, it may have reached the end of its useful life, possibly due to deliberate neglect and/or insufficient maintenance.
How can I tell if the starter motor is the problem?
If you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, that probably means the starter motor is at fault. A mechanic needs to investigate and replace it.
Why does my push start car not respond when I press the brake pedal?
The brake pedal sensor might have a bad sensor, so it might have to have a new one. The pedal sensor makes it run, but it will not run properly without a working brake and brake pedal senser.
Can electronic interference affect my car’s push start system?
Yes, there can be electronic interference blocking the car from taking the key fob signal. Try holding the key fob a bit closer to the start button, or use the manual ‘start ‘if it’s available. If this problem continues, you may want to look in your vehicle’s manual or see a mechanic.
Conclusion
Needs a push start car not starting can throw a wrench in your plans, but fixing the problem might be simple if you understand the most common causes.
Whether you need to replace the battery in your key fob or you’ve got a more serious problem arising from a faulty starter motor, failure to address the problem can leave you stranded.
If you can’t fix the problem on your own, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional mechanic before driving your car again to make sure that it’s in tip-top shape. Of course, prevention is always the best medicine, and if you take good care of your car and research its maintenance needs, you might be able to avoid some of these problems from occurring in the first place.