GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This feature allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle.

Before the remote vehicle start system can be operated, it must be turned on through the vehicle personalization system.

You can also program the remote vehicle start system to start up the vehicle's automatic climate control system. If this feature is turned on, the system monitors the outside temperature and turns on the rear window defogger, front window defogger, and heated or ventilated seats, if your vehicle has them. See "Personal Settings Menu" under Vehicle Personalization .

(Remote Start): This button will be on the RKE transmitter if you have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:

  1. Aim the remote keyless access transmitter at the vehicle.
  2. Press the transmitter's , release it, and then immediately press and hold the transmitter's for at least three seconds or until the vehicle's turn signal lamps flash. The vehicle's doors will be locked.
  3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the vehicle is running.

  4. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.

If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done. To manually shut off a remote start, do one of the following:

    • Aim the keyless access transmitter at the vehicle and press the remote start button until the parking lamps turn off.
    • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
    • Press the Acc. button (ignition switch). See Ignition Positions .
    • Turn on the valet lockout switch. See Valet Lockout Switch .

When you enter the vehicle during a remote start, press the brake pedal and press the start button on the keyless ignition switch to transition from remote start operation to normal vehicle operation.

Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running. If you press the lock button and then hold the remote start button on the keyless access transmitter again for at least three seconds before the first 10 minutes of engine running time has expired, 10 minutes is added to the remaining minutes. For example, if the remote start is initiated again after five minutes of the engine run time, 10 minutes is added and you now have 15 minutes with the engine running. Once two remote starts or 20 minutes of the engine running have been provided, the vehicle must be started using the keyless access with pushbutton start feature, if the engine needs to be restarted. See Starting the Engine for more information regarding the keyless ignition.

The remote start feature will not operate if any of the following occur:

    • The check engine light is displayed. See "Check Engine Light" under Malfunction Indicator Lamp .
    • The valet lockout switch is on.
    • The keyless access transmitter is in the vehicle.
    • The vehicle's hood is open.
    • The vehicle personalization feature is not enabled.
    • An unauthorized vehicle entry or a vehicle theft was attempted.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the keyless access transmitter functions will have an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter, see Keyless Access System .