What Nissan Remote Start Does
Nissan remote start lets you turn on your car's engine from outside the vehicle using a key fob or smartphone app, so the engine and climate control are running before you get in. The feature warms up the engine in winter or cools down the interior in summer, depending on what your climate control was set to the last time you drove.
Remote start is not the same as unlocking your doors — it only starts the engine. Your car remains locked unless you also press the unlock button on your fob. The engine will run for a set time (usually 10 to 15 minutes) and then shut off automatically if you do not get in and press the brake pedal.
Whether your Nissan has this feature depends on the model year, trim level, and whether it came with the Nissan Connect or Nissan Connect Services package. Older vehicles and base trim levels often do not include it.
Key Takeaways
- Remote start turns on your engine and climate control from your key fob or phone app, but does not unlock your doors or put the car in gear.
- Your Nissan must have the Nissan Connect or Nissan Connect Services package to use remote start; not all model years or trim levels include it.
- The engine runs for 10 to 15 minutes before shutting off automatically if you do not get in and press the brake pedal.
- You can check your owner's manual or contact a Nissan dealer to find out whether your specific vehicle has remote start built in.
How to Use Remote Start on Your Key Fob
On most Nissan key fobs with remote start, you press and hold a dedicated button (often marked with an engine symbol or arrow) for a few seconds until the lights flash or you hear a beep. The exact button location and hold time vary by model year, so check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
Once the engine starts, you will see the parking lights flash and may hear the horn sound once. The climate control will run at whatever temperature and fan speed you set during your last drive. If the engine does not start on the first try, wait a few seconds and press the button again — some Nissan models require a second press.
To stop the engine before you get in, press the remote start button again or straightforward get in the car, press the brake pedal, and shift into gear. The engine will also shut itself off after 10 to 15 minutes if you do not interact with it.
Using Remote Start Through the Nissan Connect App
If your Nissan has Nissan Connect Services (the smartphone version), you can start your car through the official Nissan Connect app on iOS or Android. You will need to set up an account with Nissan, link your vehicle, and enable remote services in your account settings.
To start your car through the app, open Nissan Connect, select your vehicle, and tap the remote start button. The app will ask you to confirm the action, and your car will start just as it would from the key fob. You can start your car from anywhere you have a cell signal, which is useful if you are inside a building or far from the parking lot.
The app also shows you other information about your vehicle, such as fuel level, door lock status, and service reminders. If remote start is not showing up as an option in your app, your vehicle may not have the feature, or your subscription may have expired.
When Remote Start Will Not Work
Remote start will not function if your doors are unlocked, because Nissan disables the feature as a security measure — you must lock all doors first. The feature also will not work if your hood is open, your parking brake is not set, or your transmission is not in Park.
If your battery is very low, remote start may not work even if the car is otherwise in good condition. Some Nissan models also disable remote start if the outside temperature is too cold or too hot, to protect the engine.
If you have tried remote start and nothing happens, check that your key fob battery is not dead by testing the lock and unlock buttons. If those work but remote start does not, your vehicle may not have the feature, or there may be a technical issue that a Nissan dealer can diagnose.
Checking Whether Your Nissan Has Remote Start
The fastest way to learn about your car has remote start is to look at your key fob. If there is a button with an engine symbol or an arrow pointing right, your fob likely supports it. You can also check your owner's manual — search for "remote start" or "remote engine start" in the index.
If you do not have your manual, visit the Nissan website and enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to view the manual online. You can also contact a Nissan dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration or on the driver's side of your dashboard. The dealer can tell you in one call whether your specific car came with remote start.
Adding Remote Start to a Nissan That Does Not Have It
If your Nissan did not come with factory remote start, you have two options: upgrade through Nissan or install an aftermarket system.
Nissan dealers can sometimes retrofit remote start to older vehicles, but availability depends on your model year and trim level. Contact your local Nissan dealer with your VIN to ask whether a retrofit is possible and what it would cost. Factory retrofits are more expensive than aftermarket options but integrate directly with your existing key fob and vehicle systems.
Aftermarket remote start systems are sold by car alarm and security shops, and prices vary widely depending on the brand and complexity of installation. These systems use a separate fob or integrate with your phone, and installation typically takes a few hours. The trade-off is that aftermarket systems may not work as seamlessly with your vehicle's electronics, and warranty coverage depends on the installer.
Remote Start and Your Vehicle's Security
Remote start is designed with security in mind. Your car will not shift out of Park when remote start is active — you must be inside the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and manually shift to Drive or Reverse. This prevents the car from moving unexpectedly.
Your doors also remain locked when you use remote start, so someone cannot open a door and get in while the engine is running. If you want to unlock your doors, you must press the unlock button on your fob separately, or unlock them manually once you are inside.
Keep your key fob find just as you would your physical car key. If someone has your fob, they can start your car remotely, though they still cannot drive it without being inside and pressing the brake pedal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remote start my car if it is parked in a garage?
Yes, remote start works in a garage, but you should never let your car run unattended in an enclosed space. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and is dangerous to anyone nearby. Only use remote start in a garage if you are going to get in the car within a minute or two.
Does remote start drain my battery?
Remote start uses some battery power, but not enough to drain a healthy battery in normal use. If you use remote start multiple times a day, every day, you may notice your battery drains slightly faster over time. If your battery is already weak, frequent remote start use could make it fail sooner.
What if my remote start button stopped working?
First, replace the battery in your key fob — a dead battery is the most common reason remote start stops working. If the lock and unlock buttons still work but remote start does not, there may be a technical issue with your vehicle's remote start system. Contact a Nissan dealer to have it diagnosed.
Can I remote start my car if someone else is inside it?
No. Remote start will not function if any door is unlocked, which is a safety feature. If someone is in the car, at least one door is unlocked, so remote start is disabled. You must lock all doors before remote start will work.
How far away can I be and still use remote start?
With a key fob, remote start typically works within 100 to 300 feet of your car, depending on obstacles and interference. With the Nissan Connect app, you can start your car from anywhere you have a cell signal, even if you are in another state.