GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature that allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. It may also start the vehicle's heating or air conditioning systems and rear window defogger. When the remote start system is active and the vehicle has an automatic climate control system, it will automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation of these systems will return after the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN.

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some 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.

If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE 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 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

(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 transmitter at the vehicle.
  2. Press and release the transmitter's lock button, then immediately press and hold the transmitter's remote start button for about four seconds or until the vehicle's turn signal lamps flash. The doors will lock.
  3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on and remain on while the engine is running.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts per ignition cycle, each with 10 minutes of engine running time, or one start with a time extension. The first start must expire or be canceled to get two separate 10 minute starts.

If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat the previous steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes from the time you repeat the steps for remote starting. The remote start running time can be extended one time and only after the first remote start.

After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

The engine will shut off automatically after 10 minutes, unless a time extension has been done or the vehicle's key is inserted into the ignition switch and turned to ON/RUN.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following.

    • Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press and release the remote start button.
    • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
    • Turn the ignition switch out of LOCK/OFF position and then back to LOCK/OFF.

After the engine has been started two times, or one time with a time extension, the vehicle's ignition must be turned to ON/RUN using the key before the remote start procedure can be used again. See Ignition Positions for information regarding the ignition positions on your vehicle.

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

    • The remote start system is disabled through the DIC.
    • The vehicle's key is in the ignition.
    • The vehicle's hood is open.
    • The hazard warning flashers are on.
    • The check engine light is on. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp .
    • The engine coolant temperature is too high.
    • The oil pressure is low.
    • Two remote vehicle starts, or one start with a time extension, have already been provided for that ignition cycle.

Remote Start Ready

If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This feature allows your dealer/retailer to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature.

See your dealer/retailer if you would like to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature to your vehicle.