If you own a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, remote start can make your driving experience more comfortable and convenient. Imagine warming up your car on a cold morning or cooling it down before a summer drive, all while staying inside your home. Many drivers, especially those new to the feature, wonder how to use remote start correctly and what to do if it does not work. This guide explains how to remote start your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, shares practical tips, and helps you avoid common mistakes.
What Is Remote Start And Why Use It?
Remote start allows you to start your vehicle’s engine from a distance using your key fob. This feature is designed for comfort and safety. By starting the engine early, your Jeep can heat or cool the cabin before you get in. This is especially helpful in extreme weather.
Not all 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee models come with remote start. If your key fob has a circular arrow button, your vehicle is equipped with this feature.
How To Remote Start Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Activating remote start is simple, but it only works if you follow the correct steps. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Ensure Safety First
The vehicle must be in park (P) and all doors, hood, and liftgate must be closed. The key fob must be within 300 feet (about 90 meters) of the vehicle.
On your key fob, press the lock button once to secure all doors.
Within five seconds of locking, press and hold the remote start (circular arrow) button for about two seconds. The parking lights will flash, and the engine will start.
4. Wait For Confirmation
The engine will run for 15 minutes. The parking lights stay on to show the vehicle is running.
5. Enter And Drive
Before you drive, press the brake pedal and push the START/STOP button to switch from remote start mode to regular driving mode.
Common Problems And Solutions
Sometimes, remote start does not work as expected. Here are common issues and how to fix them:
- Dead key fob battery
Replace the battery if the fob does not work from a normal distance.
- Open doors, hood, or liftgate
Make sure all are fully closed before trying again.
- Check engine light is on
Remote start will not work if the check engine light is on. Have the vehicle checked.
- Remote start disabled
If you try remote start twice without entering the vehicle, it will lock out. Start the vehicle normally to reset.
Safety Features During Remote Start
Your Grand Cherokee has built-in safety rules. If any of these happen, the vehicle will shut off:
- Hood is opened
- Brake pedal is pressed before key is present
- 15 minutes have passed without starting to drive
This protects your vehicle from theft and damage.
Comparing Key Fob And Uconnect Remote Start
Some Jeep owners can use Uconnect, an app-based remote start system. The table below shows the key differences:
| Feature | Key Fob | Uconnect App |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Up to 300 feet | Unlimited (cellular required) |
| Extra functions | Lock/Unlock, Panic | Lock/Unlock, Location, Alerts |
| Subscription needed | No | Yes (after trial) |
Non-obvious insight: The Uconnect app allows remote start from anywhere, but you must pay a monthly fee after the free period.
Remote Start Settings And Customization
You can change some remote start features in the vehicle’s menu. For example, you can set:
- Heater or A/C to turn on automatically with remote start.
- Heated seats or steering wheel to activate in cold weather.
Access these through your Jeep’s Uconnect touchscreen:
- Tap Settings on the home screen.
- Select Auto-On Comfort or a similar menu.
- Choose which features to activate with remote start.
Data: How Often Do Owners Use Remote Start?
A survey by FCA (Jeep’s parent company) found that over 60% of Grand Cherokee owners use remote start at least once a week. Usage is highest in winter and summer months.
| Season | Users (%) |
|---|---|
| Winter | 80 |
| Summer | 65 |
| Spring/Fall | 35 |
Practical Tips For Reliable Remote Start
- Always replace fob batteries once a year for best range.
- If you park in a garage, make sure the door is open before remote starting for air safety.
- If you live in a cold area, set defrost to maximum before exiting so windows clear faster when you remote start.
When Remote Start May Not Be Possible
Remote start will not work in these situations:
- Fuel level is too low.
- The vehicle is not in park.
- The engine is already running.
- The vehicle alarm is active.
- The system detects a malfunction.
If remote start fails often, consult your owner’s manual or visit a Jeep dealer for service. You can also find more details on the official Jeep Owners Manual site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Away Can I Remote Start My 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The key fob works up to 300 feet (about 90 meters) away. The Uconnect app can work from anywhere with a cellular signal.
Will Remote Start Turn On My Heated Seats Or Steering Wheel?
Yes, if your Jeep has these features and you set them in the touchscreen settings. They will turn on automatically in cold weather.
How Long Does The Engine Run With Remote Start?
The engine runs for 15 minutes. You can extend it by repeating the remote start process once. After two cycles, you must start the car normally.
Can I Drive The Car With Just Remote Start?
No. You must enter the vehicle, press the brake, and push the START/STOP button with the key fob inside to drive.
Why Is My Remote Start Not Working?
Common reasons include open doors or hood, low fuel, a dead key fob battery, or the check engine light being on.
Remote start in the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers comfort and convenience year-round. By following these steps and tips, you can make the most of this feature and enjoy a better driving experience every day.
