Infiniti Remote Start Not Working: Complete Fix Guide
There’s a special kind of frustration that comes from pressing your Infiniti’s remote start button on a freezing morning, only to get nothing but silence in return.
You’re bundled up, coffee in hand, expecting a warm car waiting for you. Instead, you’re met with an unresponsive key fob and a growing sense of annoyance. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Remote start issues are one of the most common complaints among Infiniti owners.
The good news? Most of the time, the fix is quick and simple. Let’s walk through every possible cause and exactly how to fix them.
TL;DR
Most remote start failures are caused by simple oversights like an open hood, doors not fully closed, or the feature being turned off in vehicle settings. If those check out, try the proper activation sequence: lock the car with the key fob, then within 5 seconds, press and hold the remote start button for at least 2 seconds. If it still doesn’t work, the issue could be a faulty hood latch sensor, weak key fob battery, or radio frequency interference from phones or toll passes.
Key Takeaways
- Check the Basics First: The hood, doors, and trunk must be completely closed; the car must be in Park; the remote start feature must be turned ON in vehicle settings
- Proper Activation Sequence: Lock the doors with the key fob, then press and hold the remote start button within 5 seconds for at least 2 seconds
- Wait 6 Seconds: The engine must be completely off for at least 6 seconds before remote start will work
- Hood Latch Sensor is a Common Culprit: A faulty hood switch is one of the most frequent hardware causes, often triggering error code B26FE
- Maximum Two Starts: The system allows only two remote starts between ignition cycles
- Check for RF Interference: Phones, toll passes, and other electronic devices can block the key fob signal
The Quick Start Checklist
Before you dive into any complex troubleshooting, run through this simple checklist. Most remote start failures are caused by one of these basic oversights :
- Ignition is OFF — The car must be completely off
- Feature is turned ON — Go to Vehicle Settings in the infotainment display and make sure remote start is enabled
- Shift selector is in Park (P) — The car won’t start in any other gear
- Hood is fully closed — Even slightly open will disable it
- All doors are closed and locked — Every door must be shut tight
- Trunk/liftgate is closed — Same rule applies
- No other Intelligent Keys inside the vehicle — The system detects keys left in the car
- Key fob is within range — Maximum range is about 197 feet (60 meters)
If any of these conditions aren’t met, the remote start simply won’t work.
The Proper Activation Sequence
Even when everything seems right, the activation sequence itself can trip you up. Here’s the exact procedure from Infiniti’s official service bulletin :
- Start the engine with the push-button ignition switch
- Turn the ignition OFF, then wait at least 6 seconds
- Exit the vehicle and close all doors
- Press the LOCK button on the Intelligent Key
- Within 5 seconds of pressing LOCK, point the key at the vehicle
- Press and hold the remote start button for more than 2 seconds
- Watch for the turn signal lights to flash — that confirms the engine should start
The engine must be completely off for at least 6 seconds before remote start will work. The system needs time to complete its shutdown procedure before it can accept a new start command .
Common Hardware Issues
Faulty Hood Latch Sensor
This is one of the most frequent hardware causes of remote start failure. The vehicle needs to know the hood is closed for safety reasons. If the hood switch is faulty, the system thinks the hood is open and disables remote start.
One Infiniti Q50 owner discovered this after programming a new key fob with the remote start button. Everything worked for locking and unlocking, but remote start failed. The error code B26FE appeared, indicating the hood switch signals were incorrect. The owner later found their hood latch electrical connection was damaged, which also explained why their cruise control wasn’t working .
The fix: Check the hood latch connections. If the hood is closed but the dashboard doesn’t show it as closed, the switch may need adjustment or replacement.
Weak Key Fob Battery
Your remote start key fob uses a battery that eventually drains. If your fob only works when you’re standing right next to the car, the battery is likely dying. Even if the battery isn’t completely dead, reduced signal strength can prevent remote start from activating properly.
How to check: Try replacing the battery with a fresh one. If range improves, that was the problem.
Radio Frequency Interference
The Intelligent Key system uses specific radio frequencies to communicate with your vehicle. Other electronic devices can interfere with these signals. According to Infiniti’s official service bulletin, devices like cell phones, USB chargers, highway toll passes, and even garage door opener remotes can block the key fob signal .
The fix: Remove any electronic devices from the vehicle and test again. Keep your key fob away from other devices, especially in the same pocket or bag.
Aftermarket Additions
One Infiniti QX50 owner added remote start to a vehicle that didn’t originally have it by buying a 5-button key fob and having it programmed. While the remote start technically worked, it only functioned when holding the fob within 4 inches of the door handle. Turning off the remote start setting in the vehicle menus restored normal key fob range. The Nissan dealer suggested the hood latch might need modification for proper remote start operation .
Less Common but Serious Issues
Body Control Module (BCM) Failure
In some cases, the Body Control Module can fail, preventing remote start from working. This was documented in a 2013 Infiniti JX35 service bulletin where the ignition button wouldn’t respond during or after remote start attempts. The solution was to replace the BCM .
Faulty Bumper Antenna
For some models, a faulty connection to the key antenna in the rear bumper can cause remote start and keyless entry problems. One Infiniti FX owner resolved the issue by having a corroded connector on the bumper antenna repaired at a local shop for about 95€ .
Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Specific error codes like B26FB, B26FE, and B26FD can prevent remote start from operating. These require diagnostic tools to read and clear. If you have access to a scan tool or can visit a dealer, checking for stored DTCs is a good next step .
When Remote Start Automatically Won’t Work
Your Infiniti’s remote start will automatically refuse to function in these situations :
- The ignition switch is ON
- The hood is open
- Hazard warning lights are on
- The engine is still running (must be completely stopped for 6 seconds)
- The remote start button isn’t pressed for at least 2 seconds
- The remote start button isn’t pressed within 5 seconds of pressing LOCK
- The brake pedal is depressed
- Doors aren’t closed and locked
- The trunk is open
- An Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle
- The theft alarm is sounding
- Two remote starts (or one start with an extension) have already been used
- The shift lever isn’t in Park
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Infiniti remote start work sometimes but not others?
This often points to interference or a weak key fob battery. Check for electronic devices in the vehicle or near the key fob. Also ensure you’re following the correct sequence: lock, then within 5 seconds, press and hold the remote start button for at least 2 seconds.
How do I reset my Infiniti remote start?
There’s no dedicated reset button. Start by ensuring all conditions are met (hood closed, doors locked, in Park, etc.). Then follow the proper activation sequence. If that doesn’t work, try replacing the key fob battery.
Why does my Infiniti remote start work but the engine dies?
If the engine starts then shuts off, check the hood switch, as the system will shut the engine off if the hood is opened. Also check if the run time has expired (10 minutes) or if the shift lever has been moved out of Park.
How long does Infiniti remote start stay on?
The engine runs for 10 minutes. You can extend it one time by repeating the remote start sequence, adding another 10 minutes for a maximum of 20 minutes total run time .
Does the Infiniti remote start work with the app?
Yes, Infiniti offers remote start through the INFINITI InTouch connected services app for compatible vehicles. This operates independently of the key fob.
My remote start stopped working after a dead battery. What gives?
A dead vehicle battery can cause the Body Control Module to lose calibration. Some owners report that professional ADAS recalibration is needed after battery issues. Try disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds to reset the system, but if that doesn’t work, a dealer visit may be required.
Why can I only use remote start twice?
Your Infiniti allows two remote starts between ignition cycles. If you remote start twice without getting in and starting the car normally, the system locks you out until you cycle the ignition .
References:
- NHTSA – Infiniti Remote Start Service Bulletin ITB14-011G
- INFINITI USA – Remote Engine Start/Stop Official Guide
- Infiniti Q50 Forum – B26FE Hood Switch Diagnosis
- 2024 Infiniti Q50 Owner’s Manual
- 2016 Infiniti QX80 Owner’s Manual
Have you dealt with remote start issues in your Infiniti? What ended up being the fix? Share your experience in the comments below.
