CAR TALK: Does the remote start feature include a horn honk first? Here’s how to stop that

Thanks! — Peter

Dear Peter: You need to amend your letter to say you “used to” live in a nice, quiet neighborhood, Peter.

I think I can help you. On Fords, the horn honk is usually not tied to the remote starting system. It’s tied to the car’s locking mechanism.

When manufacturers introduced these remote starting systems, they had to try to foresee what could go wrong. One thing they came up with is, what if an owner remote starts a car, and then somebody steals it? Or what if some kid comes along, opens the door, and figures out how to put the car in motion?

So, they put some redundant safety features in place to prevent that. On most remotely started cars, before you can put the car in gear, you have to bring the key fob inside the car, and then press the start button, even though the car is already running.

And relevant to your issue, Peter, they also require that the doors be locked before it will start. What you’re probably hearing is the confirmation honk when your neighbor uses his remote to lock the doors.

The instructions for remote starting are usually “press the lock button once, and then press the remote start button twice.” But if your neighbor presses the lock button twice, most Fords are programmed to honk on the second press, to confirm the car is locked. So it may be user error.

Regardless, on most cars now, you have the option of choosing how you want the vehicle to confirm that it is locked. You can choose a honk, one flash of the lights (the civilized and humane setting), or no confirmation.

If you know your neighbor’s year and model, you can look online yourself, and print out the instructions for turning off the honk to confirm locking. And then deliver them to him along with a plate of freshly baked brownies, and a little makeup to emphasize the deep circles under your eyes from lack of sleep.

Every carmaker handles this a bit differently. Fiat-Chrysler vehicles have a setting in the remote start menu for “honk during remote start” that can be turned off. In some other cases, it may be a setting the dealer has to change. But I think there’s a decent chance, with some tactful negotiations, you’ll be getting more sleep in the future, Peter.

Have a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.