Why is there the remote does nothing?

The plastic tab is still in the remote, or the battery is low. Pull the clear plastic tab out of the remote. Point it at the car from close up. Charge the car if the status light is red.

Updated 2026-10-27

ELEGOO Smart Robot Car V4: the remote does nothing

Researched by Riley Hart · based on ELEGOO Smart Robot Car V4 build guide and docs · we may earn a commission

Short answer

The plastic tab is still in the remote, or the battery is low. Start with this: Pull the clear plastic tab out of the remote.

Why it happens

The plastic tab is still in the remote, or the battery is low.

How to fix it

Pull the clear plastic tab out of the remote.
Point it at the car from close up.
Charge the car if the status light is red.

Check the step it comes from

Step 24 of 29

Drive with the remote

Pull the plastic tab out of the remote. Use the arrows to drive. Press 1 for line following, 2 for obstacle avoiding, 3 for follow me.

Remote control

Check: The car drives with the arrows.

Common mistake: Leaving the plastic tab in the remote. Nothing happens.

See this step in the full build guide

Still stuck?

Show the AI coach a photo

Open step 24 in the free build tool, tap Stuck and take a photo. The coach checks it against that exact step and tells you what to change. 3 free questions per kit.

Open step 24 →

Sources

Drawings by robotsforthat. ELEGOO Smart Robot Car V4 is a trademark of ELEGOO. We are not affiliated with ELEGOO.