Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Problem?

In recent times, Honda has introduced the keyless start system in their vehicles which is doing wonders in the automobile industry. It makes you forget the regular method of manually starting your vehicle with a key. 

But, a few users have recently experienced a Honda pilot keyless start system problem in their vehicles.

The keyless start system failure occurs mostly because of the sensors and modules of the vehicle. Besides, you might also notice connection failure behind this error of the keyless start system.

This article is a complete guideline for finding out the most common reasons for the Honda Pilot keyless start system errors. Besides, you will also learn about the quick fixes for dealing with this error which is both easy and efficient.

Honda Pilot Keyless Start System Mechanism

Before you find the problems with the keyless starting system, it is necessary to know how the system works. Otherwise, you might not fix the errors even after finding out the actual reasons behind this issue.

Basically, the keyless start system allows you to start your vehicle by using a key fob, which is a device similar to a remote-control system. So, you won’t need any key to put on the keyhole and start the engine by manually rotating the key.

A key fob works through radio waves to open a vehicle’s door and start the engine. The keyless starting system is based on radio frequency identification, also known as RFI. This system works like the identification process of an electronic barcode.

When you place the key fob near the vehicle inside a certain diameter, radio waves work between the key fob and the sensors of the vehicle. 

A gentle tap on the key fob communicates with the vehicle’s door and the engine where a certain program has been set. As a result, the locking mechanism opens the door of your vehicle and then starts the engine with another slight push.

Reasons behind the Honda Keyless Start System Problems

Often your vehicle might show a “keyless start system problem” on display, which is a message for fixing the errors of the starting system. 

If you are thinking about what went wrong with your Honda Pilot keyless starting system errors, this part of the article might work as a savior for you. 

Here we will be discussing the possible reasons for the Honda Pilot’s keyless starting system while starting.

Partial Malfunction of the Key Fob

As the keyless start system works through the key fob, it will show errors if there is any problem in the mechanism of the key fob. Partial malfunction of the key fob can often create difficulty while starting the vehicle. 

In this case, the key fob might work for one time and won’t work for just after a few seconds. The possible reasons for encountering such a situation are stated here.

Issues with the Program Set on the Key Fob

If there occurs any glitch in the program set on the key fob, it might not work well every time. For example, you will notice unfamiliar sounds while pressing the key fob and experience difficulty in starting the vehicle at certain times. 

Buttons Being Misaligned

Often, a key fob might not work well because of its misaligned buttons. If you are familiar with using key fobs, you can easily understand whether or not the buttons are in the right alignment. Otherwise, you can go to any locksmith or technical shop to verify your doubts regarding this.

Failure of the Key Fob

A permanent failure of a key fob can make it absolutely inactive while starting a vehicle. In such a situation, you might need to replace the batteries or the entire remote in the worst case. The following reasons act strongly for the permanent failure of a key fob.

Dead Batteries of the Key Fob

Most Honda Pilot owners face keyless starting system problems because of the dead battery of the key fob. Often, they don’t notice it and become tense without proper checking. If a key fob has dead batteries, it can’t communicate with the sensors and eventually can’t start the engine.

Physical Damage and Broken Contacts

Mild to major physical damage can be an issue for the partial or complete failure of your key fob. For example, due to physical damage, it might have broken contacts and buttons that create severe malfunction of the key fob.

Issues with the Push Button

If your Honda Pilot has a specific feature to start the engine only while keeping the key fob inside the car, the push button might not work if you are keeping the key fob outside. 

Often, the push button of the vehicle doesn’t work unless you place the key fob near the start button. As the keyless start system works through wireless communication, the push button might not send the signals properly if you are not placing the key fob near it.

Malfunction in the Transmission Range Switch 

When there is a malfunction in the transmission range switch, the gear selector switch and the push button might work improperly. In this case, often, you will notice your gear selector is in park mode, even though you have selected it to be neutral. 

The keyless start system won’t work if the transmission switch is selected in the park. So, the malfunction of this switch can create an error in the keyless start system of your Honda Pilot.

Failure of the Keyless Start System Sensors

Sensors are the most crucial element of the keyless start system of a Honda Pilot. If the sensors fail due to any reason, it is impossible for them to set a wireless connection to the key fob. As a result, the keyless start system will show an error message on display.

The sensors can break due to any slight bump with an obstacle. Besides, dust particles can also get stuck in these sensors, making them inactive.

Connection failure of the Wires

If the wiring system on certain points of the engine degrades due to long time use, less current flows through them, and they have lower voltages. In this case, the keyless start system won’t work on the engine to turn ON.

Besides, a loose connection between the cables near the starter and the engine can also be an issue regarding this.

How to Fix the Keyless Start System Errors

If you are having difficulties starting your Honda Pilot with the keyless start system, there are some easy methods that you can apply. These techniques will help you out with minor errors. But, you should always take the help of a technician if a serious problem occurs.

Repairing or Replacing the Key Fob

If your key fob partially malfunctions, you can fix it either yourself or with the help of a professional. But if the malfunction is severe, you should replace the key fob as soon as possible.

Checking the Wiring System

Test the wiring system near the vehicle engine with a multimeter and screwdrivers. If you find any wires and cables damaged, replace them immediately.

Replacing the Push Button

If you notice that the keyless start system is not working properly because of the push button, it is essential to replace it. Disconnect the button from the dashboard’s trim and from the wires. Now attach the new one ensuring all the connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the push button of your Honda Pilot not working?

The most common reason is the malfunction of the key fob. If your key fob has a dead battery, any physical damage, or a software problem, the push button will not work even if you press it correctly. Besides, cable connection failure can also be a reason why your push button might not work.

How to reset the Honda Pilot remote starter?

Take your remote starter near your vehicle and turn ON the lock button by pressing it. Immediately after turning it ON, press the button again to turn it OFF. You need to ON/OFF the lock button a few times; actually, four ON/OFF cycles. This will reset the remote starter of your Honda Pilot.

How to know the battery condition of the key fob?

If your key fob has a small LED light on the surface, it works as an indicator of the battery. The LED lights turn ON when you press any of the key fob buttons. But the lights won’t illuminate if the key fob has a dead battery or any other malfunctions. 

Final Words

The keyless starting system of the Honda Pilot allows you to start the vehicle a lot easier and also gives additional security. But the keyless communication might get disrupted due to several issues which prevent setting up the wireless connection with the sensors.

Hopefully, this article has cleared all your queries about the 2016 Honda Pilot keyless start system problem that you might encounter due to some unwanted reasons. 

Understand the reasons carefully and follow the easy techniques for fixing the problems of the keyless start system.