GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

You can lock and unlock the vehicle's doors and the liftgate using the remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle.


Object Number: 1519340  Size: A3

The remote keyless entry transmitter shown here is for a vehicle equipped with the remote vehicle start feature and dual power sliding doors.

The remote keyless entry transmitter supplied with your vehicle will only contain the buttons specific to your vehicle's factory installed remote system features.

(Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has this feature, you can start the engine from outside the vehicle. See "Remote Vehicle Start" at the end of this section for more detailed information.

(Lock): To lock all doors and the liftgate, press the lock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter. See Power Door Locks for more details on the power door lock features. If your vehicle has the content theft-deterrent system, the remote keyless entry transmitter's lock button may arm the system. See Content Theft-Deterrent for more details. When you use the remote keyless entry transmitter to lock your vehicle, the turn signal lamps may flash to let you know the command has been received. If you press the lock button again, within five seconds, the horn will sound and the turn signal lamps may flash to let you know the vehicle is already locked. See "FOB LOCK FEEDBACK" under DIC Vehicle Personalization for additional information.

(Unlock): When you press unlock on the remote keyless entry transmitter, only the driver's door will unlock. If you press unlock again within five seconds, all the doors and the liftgate will unlock. If you would like all the doors to unlock the first time you press unlock, see "FOB UNLOCK ON 1ST PRESS" under DIC Vehicle Personalization . If your vehicle has the content theft-deterrent system, the unlock button on the remote keyless entry transmitter will disarm the system. See Content Theft-Deterrent for more details. When you use your remote keyless entry transmitter to unlock your vehicle the turn signal lamps will flash to let you know the command was received.

(Remote Alarm): When you press the horn button on the remote keyless entry transmitter, the turn signal lamps will flash and the horn will sound. This will allow you to attract attention, if needed. Press this button again to stop the alarm from sounding.

Remote Power Sliding Door Operation

(Power Sliding Door): If your vehicle has one power sliding door, the remote keyless entry transmitter will have a button with a van symbol on it. Press and hold this button to open or close the power sliding door. See Power Sliding Door (PSD) .

(Dual Power Sliding Doors): If your vehicle has dual power sliding doors, your remote keyless entry transmitter will have two buttons that have a van symbol on them. The van symbol on the left is for the driver's side sliding door and the van symbol on the right is for the passenger's side sliding door. Press and hold the passenger's or driver's side button, with the van symbol on it, to open or close the selected power sliding door. See Power Sliding Door (PSD) .

You can operate the power sliding door(s) with the remote keyless entry transmitter even if the power sliding door override switch(es), on the overhead console, are active or inactive. See Power Sliding Door (PSD) for additional information.

If the sliding door is closed and the power sliding door button on the transmitter is pressed and held, the vehicle's doors will unlock and then the power sliding door will open. If the power sliding door has been locked using the manual door lock lever, you will need to unlock the power sliding door before it can be opened with the keyless entry transmitter sliding door button.

If your vehicle's fuel filler door is opened, the driver's side power sliding door will not open completely. Do not try to force the door. Once the fuel filler door is closed, the driver's side sliding door can be opened normally.

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 retailer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your retailer. When the retailer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your retailer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. Each vehicle can have a maximum of four transmitters matched to it.

See your retailer to match transmitters to another vehicle.

Battery Replacement

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

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

  1. Insert a flat object, such as a coin, into the slot on the side of the transmitter and twist it to separate the halves.

  2. Object Number: 1528359  Size: B3
  3. Gently pry the battery out of the transmitter. Do not use the metal flanges to pop out the battery.
  4. Replace the battery.
  5. Reassemble the transmitter. Make sure the halves are snapped together tightly so water will not get in.
  6. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons for seven seconds to synchronize the transmitter.
  7. Check the transmitter operation.

Remote Vehicle Start

This feature allows you to start the engine from outside the vehicle. It may also turn the rear window defogger if the outside temperature is below 45°F (7°C).

Laws in some local 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.

(Remote Vehicle Start): If your vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature, the remote keyless entry transmitter will have a button with this symbol on it. An increased range of operation is provided with the remote keyless entry transmitter that has the remote vehicle start button. If your vehicle is low on fuel, do not use the remote start feature. The vehicle may run out of fuel. The vehicle may also run out of fuel if the vehicle is running for a long period of time when parked on an incline facing downward with a low fuel condition. To start the engine using the remote start feature, do the following:

  1. Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter, if equipped with the remote vehicle start button, at the vehicle.
  2. Press and release the transmitter's lock button, then immediately press and hold the remote vehicle start button until the vehicle's turn signal lamps flash, or for at least two seconds, if the vehicle's lights are not visible. The vehicle's doors will be locked.
  3. When the vehicle's engine starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the engine is running.

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

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

The maximum number of remote starts or remote start attempts between ignition cycles with the key is two.

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.

After you vehicle's engine has been started two times using the remote vehicle start button, the vehicle's ignition switch must be turned to RUN and then back to LOCK using the key before the remote start procedure can be used again.

To manually shut off the engine after a remote start, do any of the following:

    • Aim the remote keyless entry transmitter at the vehicle and press the remote start button until the parking lamps turn off.
    • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
    • Insert the vehicle's key into the ignition switch and turn the switch to RUN and then back to LOCK.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:

    • The remote start system is disabled. See "REMOTE START" under DIC Vehicle Personalization .
    • The vehicle's key is in the ignition.
    • The vehicle's hood, liftgate or doors are not closed.
    • The hazard warning flashers are on.
    • There is an emission control system malfunction.
    • The engine coolant temperature is too high.
    • The oil pressure is low.
    • Two remote vehicle starts have already been provided. The maximum number of remote starts or remote start attempts between ignition cycles with the key is two.

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 retailer 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 approximately 197 feet (60 m) away.

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