How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Grand Cherokee Remote Start: How to Use It
If your Grand Cherokee has Remote Start, the key fob can start it from outside the vehicle so the windows defrost and the cabin warms up or cools down before you get in. Here is how to start it, how to drive away or shut it off, why it sometimes will not start, and what the cluster messages mean, from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual.
2 pushesof the Remote Start button within five seconds
15 minrun time per Remote Start cycle
2 cyclesin a row before you must turn the ignition on
About 328 ftRemote Start range from the key fob
The short answer
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. The doors lock, the parking lights flash, the horn chirps twice (if programmed), and the engine starts and runs for a 15-minute cycle. To drive, unlock the doors, disarm the security system if equipped, and push the START/STOP button before the 15 minutes end. Push the Remote Start button a third time to shut the engine off. If it will not start, check that the vehicle is in PARK with the doors, hood and liftgate closed, the hazard lights off and enough fuel.
How to remote start a Jeep Grand Cherokee
Remote Start is available if equipped. It uses the key fob to start the engine from outside the vehicle while keeping it secure, and it has a range of approximately 328 ft (100 m). Obstructions between the vehicle and the key fob may reduce that range. The manual says Remote Start is meant to defrost the windows in cold weather and to reach a comfortable climate in all conditions before the driver gets in.
- Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. Pushing it too rapidly may keep the vehicle from starting.
- The doors lock, the parking lights flash and the horn chirps twice (if programmed).
- The engine starts, and the vehicle stays in Remote Start mode for a 15-minute cycle. The parking lights stay on the whole time.
For security, the power windows and power sunroof (if equipped) do not work while the vehicle is in Remote Start mode.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Remote Start, If Equipped: Description; How To Use Remote Start), read October 27, 2026.
How to drive away, or shut Remote Start off
To drive the vehicle after a remote start, push and release the unlock button on the key fob, or unlock the vehicle through Keyless Enter 'n Go Passive Entry at the door handle, and disarm the Vehicle Security system (if equipped). Then, before the 15-minute cycle ends, push and release the START/STOP ignition button. On vehicles with Passive Entry, the cluster shows "Remote Start Active — Push Start Button" until you do.
Once the ignition is in ON/RUN, the climate controls go back to the settings you had before (temperature, blower and so on).
The engine shuts off if you push the Remote Start button again, or if it runs for the whole 15-minute cycle. To avoid unintended shutdowns, the system ignores the button for two seconds after it receives a valid Remote Start request.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (To Exit Remote Start Mode), read October 27, 2026.
Why your Grand Cherokee will not remote start
All of these conditions must be met before the engine will remote start:
Gear and ignition
The gear selector is in PARK and the ignition is OFF.
Doors, hood and liftgate
All doors are closed, the hood is closed and the liftgate is closed.
Switches and pedals
The hazard switch is off and the brake pedal is not pressed.
Battery and fuel
The battery is at an acceptable charge level and the fuel level meets the minimum requirement.
Security
The Vehicle Security Light is flashing, and the security system is not signaling an intrusion.
Warnings and repeats
The Malfunction Indicator Light (check engine light) is not on, and the system has not been disabled by a previous Remote Start event.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (How To Use Remote Start), read October 27, 2026. The manual also notes: if an engine fault is present or the fuel level is low, the vehicle will start and then shut down in 10 seconds. Remote Start can be used twice in a row; the ignition must be put in ON/RUN before a third cycle.
What Remote Start turns on in cold and warm weather
Defrosters
In cold weather, the front and rear defrosters turn on automatically when Remote Start is activated.
Heated wheel and seat
The heated steering wheel and driver heated seat turn on if you programmed them in the Comfort menu of Uconnect Settings.
Vented seat
In warm weather, the driver vented seat turns on automatically if programmed in the Comfort menu.
Climate control
The vehicle adjusts the climate settings to the outside temperature. On vehicles with Automatic Temperature Control, the system picks the temperature and mode until the ignition goes to ON/RUN. A rear climate system, if equipped, stays off so the front row warms or cools faster.
Wiper De-Icer
If equipped, the Windshield Wiper De-Icer turns on when Remote Start is active and the outside temperature is below 33°F (0.6°C).
Your changes win
If you adjust the climate controls during Remote Start, including pushing OFF, the system leaves its automatic defaults.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Remote Start Comfort Systems, If Equipped; Remote Start Windshield Wiper De-Icer Activation, If Equipped), read October 27, 2026.
Grand Cherokee Remote Start cancel messages
| Cluster message | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start Canceled — Door Open | A door was open, so Remote Start stopped or did not start. | Close every door and try again. |
| Remote Start Canceled — Hood Open | The hood was open. | Close the hood fully and try again. |
| Remote Start Canceled — Liftgate Open | The liftgate was open. | Close the liftgate and try again. |
| Remote Start Canceled — Fuel Low | The fuel level was below the minimum. | Add fuel. |
| Remote Start Canceled — Time Expired | The 15-minute cycle ran out before the ignition was turned on. | Start it again from the fob, or start it from inside. |
| Remote Start Canceled — System Fault | Remote Start stopped because of a fault. | If it keeps happening, have the vehicle checked by an authorized dealer. |
| Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset | Remote Start is disabled until the vehicle is started. | Start the vehicle, as the message says, to reset it. |
Messages from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Remote Start Abort Message), read October 27, 2026. The message stays in the cluster display until the ignition is placed in ON/RUN. The "What to do" column follows the conditions the manual lists for Remote Start.
Remote Start on the Grand Cherokee 4xe
The plug-in hybrid has its own Remote Start section in the manual. You still push the Remote Start button twice within five seconds; the doors lock, and the turn signals flash twice and the horn chirps twice if those are enabled in Uconnect Settings, and the vehicle runs for a 15-minute cycle. A third push shuts it off.
- Remote Start while the vehicle is plugged in may not always start the engine.
- On the 4xe, Remote Start turns on the climate control in temperatures above 80°F (26.7°C), and the heated seats and heated steering wheel (if equipped) below 40°F (4.4°C).
- Its conditions add that the key fob Panic button must not be pushed.
- To exit without driving, push the Remote Start button once or let the 15-minute cycle finish.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Remote Start System (Hybrid), If Equipped), read October 27, 2026.
Remote Start safety
The manual gives these warnings:
- Never start or run the engine in a closed garage or confined area. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and poisonous.
- Keep key fobs away from children. Operation of the Remote Start system, windows, door locks or other controls could cause serious injury or death.
- The Sentry Key Immobilizer system is not compatible with some aftermarket Remote Start systems; using them may cause starting problems and loss of security protection.
From the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Remote Start warnings; Sentry Key Immobilizer caution), read October 27, 2026.
Key fob and Jeep service at Elgin CDJR
If Remote Start shows System Fault, or the check engine light is on and the vehicle will not remote start, schedule a visit with our Jeep service department and tell your service advisor what the cluster shows. A weak 12-volt battery can also keep Remote Start from working; our Express Lane handles battery tests.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday; holiday hours can differ. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.
Schedule service online, or see our Jeep battery service and Jeep service center pages.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Remote Start FAQ
How do I remote start my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Push and release the Remote Start button on the key fob twice within five seconds. The doors lock, the parking lights flash, and the engine starts and runs for up to 15 minutes.
How long will a Grand Cherokee run on Remote Start?
Fifteen minutes per cycle. You can remote start it twice in a row; after that, the ignition must be turned to ON/RUN before Remote Start works again.
Why will my Grand Cherokee not remote start?
Check that it is in PARK with the ignition off, all doors, the hood and the liftgate closed, the hazard lights off, the brake pedal not pressed, enough fuel and a charged battery, and that the check engine light is not on. If it starts and then shuts off after 10 seconds, the manual says this happens when an engine fault is present or the fuel level is low.
How do I drive after a remote start?
Unlock the doors with the fob or the door handle, disarm the security system if equipped, and push the START/STOP button before the 15-minute cycle ends.
What is the Remote Start range?
Approximately 328 feet (100 meters). Walls and other obstructions can reduce it.
Does Remote Start turn on the heated seats?
The heated steering wheel and driver heated seat turn on if you programmed them in the Comfort menu of Uconnect Settings. The front and rear defrosters turn on automatically in cold weather.
Can I add an aftermarket remote starter?
The manual cautions that the Sentry Key Immobilizer is not compatible with some aftermarket Remote Start systems, which may cause starting problems and loss of security protection.
Remote Start not working?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood, and tell your advisor which message the cluster shows.
Sources
Remote Start steps, conditions and messages are from the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual, read on October 27, 2026; other model years can differ, so check your own manual. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Key Fob; Remote Start, gas and hybrid), Jeep / Mopar
- Jeep Service Center in Streamwood: services and service hours, Elgin CDJR
- Service center, Elgin CDJR
- Jeep Battery Service in Streamwood, Elgin CDJR