GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The vehicle's doors may be locked and unlocked, and the trunk or liftgate may be opened from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 197 feet (60 m) away with the remote keyless entry transmitter. If your vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature, you can also start the vehicle's engine with the remote keyless entry transmitter.

Remote Keyless Entry with Remote Start


Object Number: 1500704  Size: A3

Remote Keyless Entry without Remote Start


Object Number: 1453798  Size: A3

The following functions may be available if your vehicle has the remote keyless entry system:

(Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has this feature, the engine may be started from outside the vehicle using the remote keyless entry transmitter. See "Remote Vehicle Start" later in this section for more detailed information.

[block ] (Lock):  Press the lock button to lock all the doors. The interior lamps will turn off after all of the doors are closed. If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the remote lock feedback can be programmed to have the horn chirp and/or the parking lamps flash when the remote keyless entry transmitter is used to lock the vehicle's doors. See "LOCK HORN" and "LIGHT FLASH" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for more information. Pressing the lock button may arm the content theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent .

(Unlock): Press the unlock button to unlock the driver's door. If the button is pressed again within five seconds, all remaining doors, and the liftgate will unlock. The interior lamps will turn on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the remote unlock feedback can be programmed to have the horn chirp and/or the parking lamps flash when the remote keyless entry transmitter is used to unlock the vehicle's doors. See "UNLOCK HORN" and "LIGHT FLASH" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for more information. If enabled through the DIC, and it is dark enough outside, the vehicle's high-beam headlamps, parking lamps, and back-up lamps will turn on each time the unlock button on the transmitter is pressed. These exterior lamps will stay on for 20 seconds, or until a door is opened. See "EXT (Exterior) LIGHTS" under DIC Vehicle Personalization . Pressing the unlock button will disarm the content theft-deterrent system, if equipped. See Content Theft-Deterrent .

(Remote Trunk/Liftgate Release): The trunk or liftgate will open when this button on the transmitter is pressed and held for about one second. You can open the sedan trunk or the liftgate on the MAXX when the vehicle is in PARK (P) or when the ignition is off.

(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): This button may be used to locate your vehicle. Press and release this button to initiate vehicle locate. The horn will sound three times and the headlamps and parking lamps will flash three times. Press and hold the button for about three seconds to initiate the panic alarm. The horn will sound and the headlamps and parking lamps will flash for 30 seconds. Press the button again to cancel the panic alarm.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each remote keyless entry transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your GM dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your remote keyless entry transmitter should last about four years.

You can tell the battery is weak if the transmitter will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is probably time to change the battery.

The KEY FOB BATT LOW message in the vehicle's DIC will display if the remote keyless entry transmitter battery is low.

Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.


Object Number: 1528359  Size: B3

To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter do the following:

  1. Insert a flat object, with a thin edge, into the notch located below the vehicle locator/panic alarm button, and separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.
  2. Remove the battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure the positive (+) side of the battery faces up. Use one three-volt, CR2032, or equivalent type battery.
  3. Put the two halves back together. Make sure the cover is on tight, so water will not get inside the transmitter.
  4. Test the operation of the transmitter with the vehicle.

Remote Vehicle Start

Your vehicle may have a remote start feature. This feature 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 may automatically regulate the inside temperature. Normal operation of the system will return after the key is turned to ON. See Automatic Climate Control System for additional information.

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.

The remote start feature provides two separate starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running time.

The remote vehicle start feature needs to be reset after your vehicle's engine is started two times using the transmitter's remote start button. The remote start system is reset by inserting the vehicle's key into the ignition switch and turning it to ON. See Ignition Positions for information regarding the ignition positions on your vehicle.

You can start your vehicle's engine from about 197 feet (60 m) away. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running, and as a result you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off than you were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which may affect the performance of the transmitter, see Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System .

(Remote Start): If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the keyless entry transmitter will have a button with this symbol on it.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do the following:

  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 until the vehicle's turn signal lights flash.
  3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the engine 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.

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

If the remote start procedure is used again before the first 10 minute time frame has ended, the first 10 minutes will immediately expire and the second 10 minute time frame will start.

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.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following. The parking lamps will turn off.

    • Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the vehicle, and press the remote start button.
    • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
    • Turn the ignition switch to ON and then to OFF.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if any of the following 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 have already been provided.

Vehicles that have the remote vehicle start feature are shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may be enabled or disabled through the DIC. See "REMOTE START" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for additional information.

Remote Start Ready

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

If the keyless entry transmitter has a plus (+) symbol on the back cover, your vehicle has the remote start ready feature. You can lock or unlock your vehicle from about 197 feet (60 m) away.

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