How To Remote Start 2017 Nissan Altima

So, you're having trouble with your 2017 Nissan Altima's remote start? You're not alone! A lot of Altima owners experience issues with this feature. Getting it working reliably isn't just about convenience on a cold morning; it can also impact your car's resale value and even potentially prevent battery drain in some instances. This article will walk you through common problems, potential solutions, and what you need to know to get your remote start functioning properly.

Symptoms of Remote Start Problems in a 2017 Nissan Altima

Let's start by identifying the exact symptoms you're experiencing. This will help us narrow down the potential causes. Here's a comprehensive list of issues Altima owners frequently report:

No response whatsoever: You press the remote start button, and absolutely nothing happens. No lights flash, the engine doesn't turn over, and the car remains completely unresponsive.
Parking lights flash but the engine doesn't start: The parking lights might flash to indicate the signal was received, but the engine fails to crank or start.
Engine starts and then immediately shuts off: The engine turns over, starts briefly (often just a second or two), and then immediately shuts down.
Remote start works intermittently: Sometimes it works perfectly, other times it fails completely. This inconsistency can be frustrating.
Error message on the dashboard: A warning light or message related to the immobilizer system, security system, or engine control system might illuminate when attempting to use remote start. For example, "Check Engine" light or "Key System Error".
Reduced range: You need to be much closer to the vehicle than usual for the remote start to function.
Remote start only works after multiple attempts: It takes several presses of the button before the car finally responds.
Remote start not working after battery replacement: After replacing the car's battery or the remote fob battery, the remote start stops working entirely.
Remote start not working after recent service: A recent repair or maintenance, especially anything involving the electrical system, may have inadvertently disabled or interfered with the remote start functionality.
Remote start disabled in the vehicle information display: The remote start feature might be inadvertently turned off in the car's settings menu.

Root Causes of Remote Start Failure

Several factors can cause your 2017 Altima's remote start to malfunction. Here's a breakdown of the most common culprits:

Low Fob Battery: This is the most frequent cause. The remote's battery might be weak, preventing it from sending a strong enough signal to the vehicle.
Faulty Hood Latch Sensor: The Altima has a safety feature that prevents remote start if the hood is open. A malfunctioning hood latch sensor can falsely report that the hood is open, even when it's securely closed.
Security System Issues: The car's anti-theft system might be interfering with the remote start. This could be due to a glitch or a legitimate security concern (e.g., a door isn't properly closed).
Check Engine Light (CEL): If the check engine light is illuminated, the remote start system is often disabled. This is because the system prioritizes addressing the underlying engine issue.
Immobilizer System Problems: The immobilizer system is designed to prevent the car from being started without the correct key. Issues with the immobilizer can prevent the remote start from working.
Damaged or Faulty Remote Fob: The remote itself might be damaged or faulty. This could be due to physical damage, water damage, or internal electronic failure.
Wiring Problems: Damaged or corroded wiring in the remote start system can interrupt the signal and prevent it from working. This is more common in older vehicles or those exposed to harsh environments.
Programming Issues: The remote fob might need to be reprogrammed to the vehicle. This can happen after a battery replacement or other electrical work.
CAN Bus Communication Problems: Modern cars use a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus to communicate between different modules. Issues with the CAN bus can disrupt the remote start system.

What Happens if the Issue is Ignored?

Ignoring a faulty remote start system in your 2017 Altima might seem inconsequential, but it can lead to several problems:

Inconvenience: Obviously, you'll lose the convenience of pre-warming or pre-cooling your car before getting in. This can be especially bothersome in extreme weather.
Decreased Resale Value: A non-functional feature like remote start can negatively impact your car's resale value.
Potential Battery Drain: In some cases, a malfunctioning remote start system can continuously attempt to start the car, which can drain the battery. While less common, this is a potential risk.
Underlying Issue Masking: The remote start issue could be a symptom of a larger problem within the vehicle's electrical system. Ignoring it might delay the diagnosis and treatment of a more serious issue.

Recommended Fixes

Here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting and fixing your 2017 Altima's remote start:

Check the Fob Battery: This is the easiest and cheapest fix. Replace the battery in your remote fob with a new one. Use the correct type of battery as specified in your owner's manual. This is the first thing you should always try!
Inspect the Hood Latch Sensor: Locate the hood latch sensor (usually near the hood latch). Check for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Clean the sensor and connector with electrical contact cleaner. You can also try manually pressing the sensor to see if it affects the remote start.
Check for a Check Engine Light: If the check engine light is on, have your car scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Addressing the underlying issue that's triggering the CEL will likely resolve the remote start problem. Many auto parts stores offer free code scanning.
Verify All Doors are Properly Closed: Ensure that all doors, including the trunk and hood, are securely closed. A slightly ajar door can prevent the remote start from working.
Check the Vehicle Information Display: Navigate through the car's settings menu to see if the remote start feature is enabled. It might have been inadvertently turned off.
Try the Second Key Fob: If you have a second key fob, try using it to remote start the car. If the second fob works, the problem is likely with the first fob.
Reprogram the Key Fob: If you've recently replaced the car's battery or the remote fob battery, you might need to reprogram the key fob to the vehicle. The process for reprogramming varies, consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic. Some vehicles require special equipment for reprogramming.
Inspect Wiring and Connections: Visually inspect the wiring and connections related to the remote start system. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Clean and reconnect any suspect connections. This may require locating the remote start module, which is often behind the glove box or under the dashboard.
Consult a Qualified Mechanic: If you've tried all of the above steps and the remote start still isn't working, it's time to consult a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise and diagnostic tools to pinpoint the problem and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of fixing a remote start problem on a 2017 Nissan Altima can vary depending on the underlying cause:

Fob Battery Replacement: $5 - $10 (DIY)
Hood Latch Sensor Replacement: $50 - $150 (DIY or Mechanic)
Diagnostic Scan: Free (at some auto parts stores) or $80 - $150 (at a mechanic)
Key Fob Reprogramming: $50 - $150 (at a mechanic or dealership). Some locksmiths can also do this.
Wiring Repair: $100 - $300 (at a mechanic), depending on the complexity of the repair.
Remote Fob Replacement: $200 - $400 (at a dealership or locksmith), including programming.
Remote Start Module Replacement: $300 - $600 (at a mechanic or dealership).

Shop Advice: When taking your Altima to a mechanic, be sure to clearly describe the symptoms you're experiencing. Also, mention any recent repairs or maintenance that might be related. Getting a detailed estimate before authorizing any work is always a good idea. Ask if the mechanic has experience with Nissan remote start systems. A mechanic with Nissan-specific experience is more likely to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Community Data

While I couldn't find a specific TSB directly addressing widespread remote start failures for the 2017 Altima, it's worth checking the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any related recalls or service bulletins. Search by your VIN to see if any apply to your vehicle. Online forums and Altima owner communities are also valuable resources. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can often provide helpful insights and potential solutions. Common issues reported by Altima owners around the 70,000 - 120,000 mile mark sometimes involve sensor malfunctions or wiring degradation due to age and environmental factors.

By following these steps and seeking professional help when needed, you can hopefully get your 2017 Nissan Altima's remote start working reliably again. Good luck!