Questions & Answers

How do I get this to work when it is cold outside?

0 votes
This is the second winter since the product was installed. Now it will not remote start on cold mornings. Starts fine during the day.
asked Nov 3, 2020 in Kia by ian sandlin (120 points)

2 Answers

+1 vote
Intermittent operation due to cold temperatures is almost always related to connections. Evo modules are tested to temperatures way below what people would normally experience.

Removing any crimp-on/twist-on mechanical connections and connecting directly to the wire using a military splice connection is an easy way to diagnose your issue. Or bring the vehicle to a professional shop/installer to have them go over the installation.
answered Nov 4, 2020 by Jesus Monroy (63,860 points)
0 votes
What is the vehicle? What is the S/N to the module?

Did you use any type of quick connector or t-tap in the installation?
answered Nov 3, 2020 by derek g (324,940 points)
Kia Optima

I followed the instructions. I used T taps where instructed to, most connections involved splitting the vehicle's wire and inseting the other wire.
We never advise to use t-taps. I know that the online re sellers for end consumers advise this but it is a very poor way to make a connection. Chances are thats your problem.
Cut the crap Derek. There are plenty of other threads about these remote starts acting up in cold weather, though none for an Optima. Those threads offered real solutions, not generic generalizations. If T- Taps were the problem it would not be acting up ONLY on cold mornings! If you dont have any substanative input please go find someone who does. Thanks.
Alrighty then.

 

Best Regards.
T-taps offer weak connections in cold weather and so do poor connections in general. This is part of the basic MECP certification program.

 

If the start is failing,

- Does ignition at least turn on?

- Does it attempt to crank?

- Are the parking lights connected? If so, how many flashes do you get AFTER attempting to remote start?

- If parking lights are not connected, you can use the RED LED on the BACK of the unit to count the amount of times it flashes after attempting to remote start.

 

Those flashes are built in diagnostics for failed starts. It will flash between 1 - 6 times. Last page of this example generic evo-one guide has the info: https://fortin.ca/download/69611/rfk942-install-guide-69611.pdf
Thanks for the diagnostic link. The EVO had stopped working all together regardless of temperature.

I removed the EVO and plugged it into my Flash Link programmer. The Firmware needed to be updated, I updated it. Checked the options and the remote start option was not selected, I selected the 3x lock press option. I then re-installed in the vehicle per the origonal install and programm instructions. Remote start is working again.

P.S. I never had to change any wiring for this fix.
...