# Remote Start Not Working 1998 Ford A9513 Diagnosis > ClearTheCode — Is your Remote Start Not Working on your 1998 Ford A9513? Learn common causes, how to diagnose the issue, and find effective fixes to restore functionality. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/remote-start-not-working-5836-ford-a9513-1998 Author: ClearTheCode # Remote Start Not Working 1998 Ford A9513 ## What drivers notice on this 1998 Ford A9513 Drivers of a 1998 Ford A9513 often experience frustration when their remote start system, whether factory-installed or aftermarket, fails to activate the engine. The primary symptom is simple: pressing the remote start button on the key fob or remote control yields no response from the vehicle, or perhaps a brief attempt to crank followed by silence. This can be particularly inconvenient in extreme weather, negating one of the system's main benefits. ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Moderate - **Common Symptoms:** No response at all: Pressing the remote start button does nothing; no lights flash, no sounds are heard.; Lights flash, but no engine crank: The vehicle's parking lights might flash as if it's receiving the signal, but the eng; Engine cranks but doesn't start: The starter motor engages, but the engine fails to ignite and run.; Reduced remote range: The remote start only works when you are very close to the vehicle, or intermittently. - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$900 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. ## Symptoms and warning signs When your remote start system isn't functioning, you might observe several specific behaviors: - **No response at all:** Pressing the remote start button does nothing; no lights flash, no sounds are heard. - **Lights flash, but no engine crank:** The vehicle's parking lights might flash as if it's receiving the signal, but the engine does not attempt to start. - **Engine cranks but doesn't start:** The starter motor engages, but the engine fails to ignite and run. - **Reduced remote range:** The remote start only works when you are very close to the vehicle, or intermittently. - **Vehicle starts with the key but not remotely:** This indicates the issue is specific to the remote start system, not the engine's ability to run. - **Security light flashing:** On factory systems, a rapidly flashing security light (PATS) might indicate an immobilizer issue preventing remote start. ## How to verify and confirm the issue Before diving into complex diagnostics, perform these practical checks to confirm the problem and narrow down potential causes: - **Check the remote fob battery:** A weak or dead battery in the remote control is a very common and easily overlooked cause. Replace it with a fresh one. - **Attempt manual start:** Ensure the vehicle starts and runs normally using the ignition key. If it doesn't, the problem is likely with the engine's starting system, not just the remote start. - **Inspect the hood pin switch:** Many remote start systems have a safety switch under the hood that prevents starting if the hood is open. Check if it's stuck, corroded, or damaged. Try pressing it manually to see if it's functional. - **Look for blown fuses:** Consult your owner's manual for the fuse box diagram and check fuses related to the starter, ignition, and any aftermarket remote start module. - **Check vehicle battery voltage:** A low vehicle battery can prevent remote start, even if it has enough power to crank with the key. Test the battery voltage; it should be above 12.4 volts. - **Listen for clicks:** When attempting remote start, listen for any clicks from under the hood or dash, which could indicate a relay attempting to engage. ## Common causes (most likely first) Several factors can prevent your 1998 Ford A9513's remote start from working: - **Dead or weak remote control battery:** The simplest and most frequent culprit. - **Low vehicle battery:** Insufficient voltage can prevent the remote start module from engaging or the engine from cranking reliably. - **Faulty hood pin switch:** If the system thinks the hood is open, it won't allow remote start for safety reasons. - **Blown fuse:** A fuse protecting the remote start module, ignition, or starter circuit can interrupt power. - **Brake pedal switch issue:** On aftermarket systems, the brake pedal switch often acts as a safety disabler. If it's faulty or stuck, the system might think the brake is pressed, preventing remote start. - **Aftermarket system wiring problems:** Loose connections, corroded wires, or improper installation can cause intermittent or complete failure. - **Security system interference (PATS):** Ford's Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) can prevent starting if it doesn't recognize the key or if there's a fault in the immobilizer circuit. - **Faulty remote start module:** The control unit itself can fail due to internal component issues or water damage. - **Key fob programming issues:** The remote may have lost its programming to the vehicle. ### Related guides on this vehicle - [Car Won't Start, No Click, No Crank 2017 Toyota Rav4 Diagnosis](/articles/car-wont-start-no-click-no-crank-toyota-rav4-2017) - [2019 F150 Cam Phaser Rattle Cold Start: Fix Engine Noise](/articles/cam-phaser-rattle-ford-f-150-2019) ## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes Follow these steps to diagnose and potentially fix your remote start issue: 1. **Replace remote battery:** Start here. It's cheap and easy. Ensure correct battery type and orientation. 2. **Check vehicle battery:** Test the vehicle's battery voltage. If it's low, charge it or have it tested at an auto parts store. Clean any corrosion from the battery terminals. 3. **Inspect and test hood pin switch:** Locate the switch (usually on the radiator support or fender). Visually inspect for damage or corrosion. Manually depress and release it. If possible, test its continuity with a multimeter. A common temporary fix is to bypass it by unplugging it and jumping the wires, but this removes a safety feature. 4. **Check fuses:** Refer to your owner's manual for the fuse box locations (under the hood and/or inside the cabin). Use a fuse puller and visually inspect fuses related to ## Related pages - All repair guides - [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical work. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does this code mean on my 1998 Ford A9513? It indicates a fault in the system described above; severity depends on symptoms and whether the check engine light is steady or flashing. ### Can I keep driving my 1998 Ford A9513? Minor symptoms may allow short trips, but worsening performance, smells, or a flashing MIL mean stop driving and diagnose soon. ### Do I need a dealer scan tool? A basic OBD-II scanner reads the code; confirming the root cause still requires the tests listed in the verify and diagnosis sections. ## Related pages - All repair guides - [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) ## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode - [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) - All repair guides