Extremely strange phenomenon with remote start.

[JINO]

I remote start my jeep on my break to leave, or when off work.

When a certain coworker is here, my jeep does not respond. If she goes to the back, remote works. If she comes back, doesn't work.

Anyone experience this? I'm guessing not. Remote start never gives me issues unless she is here.

Maybe I'll fire her (joking).

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[Bobby Hank]

Poltergeist, 100%. Bring in a Voodoo priestess.

 

[Lofty]

Probably has a flipper zero that blocks all RF signal.

 

[JINO]

Probably has a flipper zero that blocks all RF signal.

Hmmm that's a possibility, except she relies purely on looks in life and not thinking.

 

[jaymz]

Jeep is telling you that you need to hang out with the coworker after hours instead of going home.

She looks good and doesn’t think. What could possibly go wrong?

 

[JINO]

Jeep is telling you that you need to hang out with the coworker after hours instead of going home.

She looks good and doesn’t think. What could possibly go wrong?

Believe me, lots can go wrong!

 

[YGBSM392]

 

[ArcadeTracks]

Does she take your usual parking spot when she's there?

It makes me think of this classic story/joke/problem/whatever:
https://kepner-tregoe.com/blogs/hel...vanilla-ice-cream-a-study-in-problem-solving/

 

[RatZero]

I remote start my jeep on my break to leave, or when off work.

When a certain coworker is here, my jeep does not respond. If she goes to the back, remote works. If she comes back, doesn't work.

Anyone experience this? I'm guessing not. Remote start never gives me issues unless she is here.

Maybe I'll fire her (joking).

First. That's weird.

Anyway, the only thing I can think of is maybe the coworker has a device that's using either the same/similar radio frequency. Some aftermarket or premium keyfobs use alot of broadcast power to provide better range or features like a screen on the fob showing status/etc.

There were issues being reported in the past with autostart packages installed by automobile audio places that were causing interference with other electronics when they used them.

 

[2019JLUS]

i asked grok

Remote start systems typically use radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate between the key fob and the vehicle. When you press the remote start button, the fob sends a signal to a receiver in the vehicle, which then initiates the engine start process. These systems operate on specific frequencies (often 315 MHz or 433 MHz, depending on the region and manufacturer) and can be sensitive to interference.
Possible Explanations for the Issue
Given that the remote start only fails when this specific coworker is present, let’s explore some potential causes:

1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from a Device the Coworker Carries
   The coworker might unknowingly carry a device that emits RF signals or electromagnetic interference on a frequency that disrupts the Jeep’s remote start system. Some possibilities include:
   • A Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: Some wearable devices, especially older or poorly shielded ones, can emit RF noise that might interfere with nearby systems.
   • A Phone with a Faulty Component: If the coworker’s phone has a malfunctioning antenna or is transmitting on a conflicting frequency (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular signals), it could cause interference.
   • Medical Devices: Devices like pacemakers or hearing aids sometimes emit low-level RF signals, though this is less likely to cause significant interference.
   • Key Fob for Another Vehicle: If the coworker has a key fob for another car, it might be transmitting a signal (even passively) that conflicts with the Jeep’s remote start frequency.
2. Environmental Factors Coinciding with the Coworker’s Presence
   It’s possible the issue isn’t directly caused by the coworker but by something environmental that happens to occur when she’s around:
   • Proximity to Other RF Sources: If the coworker’s presence coincides with the Jeep being parked near a source of interference (e.g., a cell tower, radio transmitter, or even a nearby Wi-Fi router), this could disrupt the signal.
   • Physical Obstruction: The coworker’s position (e.g., standing between the key fob and the vehicle) might be blocking the signal, though this is unlikely unless she’s consistently in the same spot and the signal is very weak.
3. Unintentional Signal Jamming (Not Deliberate)
   While JINO rules out a deliberate signal jammer due to the coworker’s lack of technical knowledge, unintentional jamming is still possible. For example:
   • Cheap Electronics: Some low-quality electronic devices (like phone chargers, LED lights, or even novelty gadgets) can emit RF noise as a byproduct, which might interfere with the remote start signal.
   • Metal Objects: If the coworker carries a large metal object (like a laptop, tools, or even a metal water bottle), it could theoretically reflect or absorb RF signals, though this is a stretch unless the object is very large and positioned just right.
4. Psychosomatic or Confirmation Bias
   It’s worth considering that JINO might be noticing a pattern that isn’t entirely consistent. Remote start systems can fail intermittently for various reasons (e.g., low battery in the fob, vehicle issues, or random interference). If JINO has started associating failures with the coworker’s presence, they might be overlooking times when the remote start fails without her around or works fine when she’s present.
5. Vehicle-Specific Issue
   The 2021 Jeep (likely a Wrangler, Cherokee, or similar model, given the "JURD" abbreviation) might have a quirk in its remote start system:
   • Faulty Receiver: The Jeep’s RF receiver might be overly sensitive to certain types of interference that only occur when the coworker is nearby.
   • Software Glitch: Some vehicles have software bugs in their remote start modules that can cause inconsistent behavior. If the coworker’s presence coincides with specific conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day), it might trigger the glitch.

Likelihood of a Signal Jammer
Since JINO mentions the coworker isn’t the “brightest bulb” and thus unlikely to use a signal jammer, this seems improbable. Signal jammers are illegal in many places (like the U.S., where JINO is located, based on the "SOCAL" location tag for Southern California) and require some technical know-how to operate. Plus, a jammer would likely disrupt other RF-based systems (like cell phones or Wi-Fi), and JINO doesn’t mention broader issues.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Issue
Here are some practical steps JINO could take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Test Without the Coworker Present: Confirm that the remote start works consistently when the coworker isn’t around. This helps rule out a general issue with the Jeep or key fob.
2. Test With the Coworker Nearby but Without Her Devices: Ask the coworker to leave her phone, smartwatch, or other electronics behind temporarily and see if the remote start works. This can help identify if a device she carries is the culprit.
3. Check the Key Fob Battery: A weak battery in the key fob can make the signal more susceptible to interference. Replacing the battery might help.
4. Inspect the Jeep’s Remote Start System: Have a mechanic or dealership check the vehicle’s RF receiver and remote start module for issues. They can also test for interference using diagnostic tools.
5. Monitor for Other Interference: Pay attention to the surroundings when the coworker is present. Are there other potential sources of RF noise nearby (e.g., power lines, other vehicles, or buildings)?
6. Experiment with Distance: Try using the remote start from different distances and angles when the coworker is present to see if her position affects the outcome.

My Take
This is a fascinating puzzle! The most likely explanation is that the coworker unknowingly carries a device (like a phone or wearable) that emits RF interference, disrupting the Jeep’s remote start signal. It’s also possible that JINO is noticing a pattern that isn’t as consistent as they think, and the issue might be a combination of intermittent vehicle problems and coincidence.
Firing the coworker, as JINO jokingly suggests, probably won’t solve the problem unless she’s secretly a walking RF jammer—which seems unlikely given the context. Instead, I’d recommend starting with the troubleshooting steps above to narrow down the cause.
If you’d like to dig deeper into similar experiences, I’d need to search for reports of remote start issues linked to interference, but I can’t do that right now. Let me know if you’d like me to search for more information!

do you have pics of her?

 

[Wbino]

Hmmm that's a possibility, except she relies purely on looks in life and not thinking.

She won't give you the time of day, I'm guessing by your post.

 

[ArcadeTracks]

The weirdest part to me is the backroom -- it seemingly indicates the probelm is something the coworker carries (phone, signal jammer, pace maker, faraday aura, piece or jewelry, etc) rather than the day/time/etc. she happens to be working with OP

(Plot twist: Coworker is being stalked by an ex who covertly implanted her with a microchip or other advanced technology which is blocking the signal. Maybe it's a tracker, or the ex did it so coworker would be driven to poverty from money spent on replacement key fob batteries and driven to madness by not being able to start her own car remotely.)

 

[Ratbert]

It's obviously the tightening of your jeans when she's around. That's got to be "hard" on your remote!

 

[YGBSM392]

i asked grok

Remote start systems typically use radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate between the key fob and the vehicle. When you press the remote start button, the fob sends a signal to a receiver in the vehicle, which then initiates the engine start process. These systems operate on specific frequencies (often 315 MHz or 433 MHz, depending on the region and manufacturer) and can be sensitive to interference.
Possible Explanations for the Issue
Given that the remote start only fails when this specific coworker is present, let’s explore some potential causes:

1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from a Device the Coworker Carries
   The coworker might unknowingly carry a device that emits RF signals or electromagnetic interference on a frequency that disrupts the Jeep’s remote start system. Some possibilities include:
   • A Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: Some wearable devices, especially older or poorly shielded ones, can emit RF noise that might interfere with nearby systems.
   • A Phone with a Faulty Component: If the coworker’s phone has a malfunctioning antenna or is transmitting on a conflicting frequency (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular signals), it could cause interference.
   • Medical Devices: Devices like pacemakers or hearing aids sometimes emit low-level RF signals, though this is less likely to cause significant interference.
   • Key Fob for Another Vehicle: If the coworker has a key fob for another car, it might be transmitting a signal (even passively) that conflicts with the Jeep’s remote start frequency.
2. Environmental Factors Coinciding with the Coworker’s Presence
   It’s possible the issue isn’t directly caused by the coworker but by something environmental that happens to occur when she’s around:
   • Proximity to Other RF Sources: If the coworker’s presence coincides with the Jeep being parked near a source of interference (e.g., a cell tower, radio transmitter, or even a nearby Wi-Fi router), this could disrupt the signal.
   • Physical Obstruction: The coworker’s position (e.g., standing between the key fob and the vehicle) might be blocking the signal, though this is unlikely unless she’s consistently in the same spot and the signal is very weak.
3. Unintentional Signal Jamming (Not Deliberate)
   While JINO rules out a deliberate signal jammer due to the coworker’s lack of technical knowledge, unintentional jamming is still possible. For example:
   • Cheap Electronics: Some low-quality electronic devices (like phone chargers, LED lights, or even novelty gadgets) can emit RF noise as a byproduct, which might interfere with the remote start signal.
   • Metal Objects: If the coworker carries a large metal object (like a laptop, tools, or even a metal water bottle), it could theoretically reflect or absorb RF signals, though this is a stretch unless the object is very large and positioned just right.
4. Psychosomatic or Confirmation Bias
   It’s worth considering that JINO might be noticing a pattern that isn’t entirely consistent. Remote start systems can fail intermittently for various reasons (e.g., low battery in the fob, vehicle issues, or random interference). If JINO has started associating failures with the coworker’s presence, they might be overlooking times when the remote start fails without her around or works fine when she’s present.
5. Vehicle-Specific Issue
   The 2021 Jeep (likely a Wrangler, Cherokee, or similar model, given the "JURD" abbreviation) might have a quirk in its remote start system:
   • Faulty Receiver: The Jeep’s RF receiver might be overly sensitive to certain types of interference that only occur when the coworker is nearby.
   • Software Glitch: Some vehicles have software bugs in their remote start modules that can cause inconsistent behavior. If the coworker’s presence coincides with specific conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day), it might trigger the glitch.

Likelihood of a Signal Jammer
Since JINO mentions the coworker isn’t the “brightest bulb” and thus unlikely to use a signal jammer, this seems improbable. Signal jammers are illegal in many places (like the U.S., where JINO is located, based on the "SOCAL" location tag for Southern California) and require some technical know-how to operate. Plus, a jammer would likely disrupt other RF-based systems (like cell phones or Wi-Fi), and JINO doesn’t mention broader issues.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Issue
Here are some practical steps JINO could take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Test Without the Coworker Present: Confirm that the remote start works consistently when the coworker isn’t around. This helps rule out a general issue with the Jeep or key fob.
2. Test With the Coworker Nearby but Without Her Devices: Ask the coworker to leave her phone, smartwatch, or other electronics behind temporarily and see if the remote start works. This can help identify if a device she carries is the culprit.
3. Check the Key Fob Battery: A weak battery in the key fob can make the signal more susceptible to interference. Replacing the battery might help.
4. Inspect the Jeep’s Remote Start System: Have a mechanic or dealership check the vehicle’s RF receiver and remote start module for issues. They can also test for interference using diagnostic tools.
5. Monitor for Other Interference: Pay attention to the surroundings when the coworker is present. Are there other potential sources of RF noise nearby (e.g., power lines, other vehicles, or buildings)?
6. Experiment with Distance: Try using the remote start from different distances and angles when the coworker is present to see if her position affects the outcome.

My Take
This is a fascinating puzzle! The most likely explanation is that the coworker unknowingly carries a device (like a phone or wearable) that emits RF interference, disrupting the Jeep’s remote start signal. It’s also possible that JINO is noticing a pattern that isn’t as consistent as they think, and the issue might be a combination of intermittent vehicle problems and coincidence.
Firing the coworker, as JINO jokingly suggests, probably won’t solve the problem unless she’s secretly a walking RF jammer—which seems unlikely given the context. Instead, I’d recommend starting with the troubleshooting steps above to narrow down the cause.
If you’d like to dig deeper into similar experiences, I’d need to search for reports of remote start issues linked to interference, but I can’t do that right now. Let me know if you’d like me to search for more information!

do you have pics of her?

I'm an aerospace engineer, with a background in chaos theory, working as a safety analyst.


This post spoke to my soul.

 

[YGBSM392]

The weirdest part to me is the backroom -- it seemingly indicates the probelm is something the coworker carries (phone, signal jammer, pace maker, faraday aura, piece or jewelry, etc) rather than the day/time/etc. she happens to be working with OP

(Plot twist: Coworker is being stalked by an ex who covertly implanted her with a microchip or other advanced technology which is blocking the signal. Maybe it's a tracker, or the ex did it so coworker would be driven to poverty from money spent on replacement key fob batteries and driven to madness by not being able to start her own car remotely.)

You are teetering on the brink of the greatest novel ever written. Or you are very pissed off at your ex.

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