Key Takeaways: Why Your Truck Won't Start
If you are standing in the driveway freezing while your 2015 Silverado refuses to crank, here is the short version of what is likely wrong:
- Check Engine Light (CEL): If your dashboard has a check engine light on, the remote start is disabled by the computer automatically. This is the #1 cause.
- The Hood Latch Sensor: The sensor that tells the truck the hood is closed is likely dirty or broken. The truck thinks the hood is open, so it won't start for safety.
- Key Fob Battery: A weak CR2032 battery can unlock doors but might fail to send the strong signal needed for remote start.
- Stored Codes: Even if the light isn't on, a "stored" code in the history can prevent starting.
The Immediate Fixes for a 2015 Silverado Remote Start
Look, I know how frustrating this is. You bought a truck with remote start so you wouldn't have to sit in a freezing (or burning hot) cab, and now you're clicking the button and getting nothing but flashing lights. I’ve been there with my own Chevy.
The absolute most common reason your 2015 Silverado remote start isn't working is a Check Engine Light or a faulty Hood Latch Sensor. GM programmed the truck to disable remote start if the computer detects any engine trouble or if it thinks the hood is popped. They do this so you don't accidentally start the truck while someone is working on the engine or if the engine has low oil pressure.
Let's breakdown exactly how to troubleshoot this so you can get back on the road.
1. The Check Engine Light (CEL) Safety Feature
This is the first thing you have to look for. Hop in the driver's seat and turn the key (or push the button) to the "On" position. Is the little yellow engine outline glowing? If yes, that's your problem.
According to the 2015 Silverado owner's manual, the remote vehicle start feature is disabled if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is on. The computer logic is pretty simple: "The engine is sick, don't let the owner run it without being in the driver's seat to monitor it."
How to fix it:
You need an OBDII scanner. You can buy cheap ones online or go to an auto parts store like AutoZone or O'Reillys, they usually scan it for free. You need to read the code, fix the issue (it could be something dumb like a loose gas cap), and then clear the code. Once the light is off, your remote start should work instantly.
Sometimes, there is a "Pending Code." This means the light isn't on yet, but the computer saw something it didn't like. A scanner will show this too. Clear it, and you're good to go.
2. The Hood Latch Sensor (The "K2XX" Curse)
If you don't have a check engine light, this is almost certainly your culprit. The 2014-2018 Silverados (the K2XX platform) are notorious for bad hood latch sensors.
There is a micro-switch inside the latch mechanism at the front of the truck. Its job is to tell the Body Control Module (BCM) that the hood is shut. Over time, road grime, salt and dirt get in there and gum it up. If the circuit stays "Open," the truck thinks the hood is up.
The Test: Sit in the truck with the engine running. Does the Driver Information Center (the little screen between your gauges) say "Hood Open"? If it does, and your hood is definitely closed, you found the problem.
However, sometimes the switch flickers. It might not say "Hood Open" right now, but it failed the check when you pressed the fob.
The Fixes:
- Clean it: Sometimes you can blast the latch mechanism with brake cleaner or WD-40 to wash out the gunk. Open and slam the hood a few times.
- Replace it: The part is usually under $50. It’s an easy swap. Two bolts and an electrical connector.
- The Jumper Trick (Temporary): If you are handy, you can unplug the sensor and use a paperclip or a piece of wire to "jump" the connector on the truck side. This tricks the truck into thinking the hood is always closed. Warning: Don't leave it like this forever, because if you actually have the hood open and hit the button, the engine will start and could hurt someone working on it.
3. Key Fob Battery and Contacts
It sounds obvious, but don't overlook it. I once spent two hours troubleshooting my truck only to realize the battery in the fob was just weak enough to fail the long-range signal. The remote start sequence requires a stronger, sustained signal compared to just unlocking the doors.
The 2015 Silverado fob uses a CR2032 battery. They are super cheap.
Also, pop the fob open. The little metal contact pad where the "Start" button is can get worn out or dirty. If the button feels "mushy" or you have to press it incredibly hard, the circuit board might not be receiving the command. You can clean the contacts with a little rubbing alcohol and a q-tip.
4. Are You Doing the Sequence Right?
I know, I know. You aren't an idiot. But sometimes we just get in a rush. The 2015 Silverado requires a specific cadence:
- Press the LOCK button once.
- Immediately press and HOLD the start button (the circle arrow) for at least 4 seconds.
If you just tap the start button, it wont work. If you wait too long after hitting lock, it wont work. The turn signal lights should flash to acknowledge the request. If they flash but the engine doesn't crank, see the sections above (CEL or Hood Latch).
5. Verify You Actually Have Remote Start (RPO Codes)
If you just bought this truck used, are you sure it has remote start? Just because the key fob has the button doesn't mean the truck has the guts. Previous owners sometimes replace lost keys with cheaper fobs they found on Amazon that have extra buttons.
To be 100% sure, you need to check the RPO Codes in your glove box. There should be a silver sticker with a bunch of 3-digit codes.
- AP3: This is the code for factory Remote Vehicle Start.
- AP8: This means the truck is "Remote Start Ready." It has the hardware, but it wasn't activated at the factory. You would need to take it to a dealer to have them flash the computer to turn it on.
If you don't see AP3 or AP8, your truck probably didn't come with it, and that fob is a liar.
6. Other Weird Safety Lockouts
GM engineers are pretty strict about safety. There are a handful of other scenarios that will prevent the 2015 Silverado from remote starting, even if the CEL is off and the hood is closed.
Hazard Lights
If your hazard flashers are on, remote start is disabled. I found this out the hard way when I was parked on the side of a road waiting for a buddy.
Coolant and Oil Pressure
The computer checks the sensors before firing. If the coolant temperature is already considered "too high" (overheating) or if the oil pressure sensor is giving a weird reading, it will abort the start to save the engine. Usually, this throws a code, but not always immediately.
Key in Ignition
If there is a spare key sitting in the ignition (or if the truck thinks there is a key in the ignition because the ignition cylinder is worn out), it won't start remotely. It helps prevent theft.
Advanced Troubleshooting: The BCM and Fuses
If you have checked the hood latch, the engine light is off, and you have fresh batteries in the fob, we might be looking at a fuse or a computer issue.
Check your fuse box (under the hood on the driver's side). You are looking for fuses related to the BCM (Body Control Module). There isn't usually a single fuse labeled "Remote Start" because the function is controlled by the main computer, not a separate relay.
However, resetting the computer can sometimes clear a glitch. Disconnect the negative battery terminal on your truck for about 15 minutes. This forces the computers to reboot. Reconnect it and try again. It’s the old "turn it off and on again" trick, but for trucks.
The "Aftermarket" Factor
Did you buy the truck used? Is there a weird little antenna glued to your windshield near the rearview mirror?
A lot of 2015 Silverados had aftermarket remote starters installed (like Viper or Compustar). If you are using the factory key fob but have an aftermarket system hooked up, the "bypass module" might have lost its programming. These systems are piggy-backed onto the truck's wiring. If the truck battery died recently, the aftermarket module might need to be re-paired.
When to Go to the Dealer
I hate going to the dealership as much as you do. It's expensive and takes forever. But, if you have verified the hood latch is working and there are no engine codes, it could be a receiver issue.
The Remote Control Door Lock Receiver (RCDLR) is the part that actually listens for your key fob signal. On these trucks, they are known to be a bit finicky. If the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is also acting weird (showing dashes instead of pressure), that's a huge clue that the RCDLR is failing, because they share the same receiver.
If your tire pressures aren't reading AND remote start isn't working, don't waste money on a hood latch. Change the receiver (or have the dealer do it, as it might need programming).
Final Thoughts on the 2015 Silverado
The 2015 is a solid truck, but the electronics were a big step up from the previous generation, which means more sensors to fail. In my experience, 9 times out of 10, it is that pesky Check Engine Light. Even something minor like an EVAP code (loose gas cap) kills the remote start feature.
Get a scanner, check the hood latch, and verify your fob battery. That usually solves it without spending hundreds at the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my 2015 Silverado blink lights but not start?
This is the truck acknowledging the signal but rejecting the request. It means the fob works, but a safety system is stopping the engine. This is usually caused by a Check Engine Light, an open hood latch sensor, or the hazard lights being on.
Can I bypass the hood latch sensor?
Yes, technically. You can unplug the sensor near the latch and use a jumper wire to close the circuit. This tricks the computer into thinking the hood is closed. However, this is for testing only-it is dangerous to leave it that way permanently.
Does a low tire pressure light disable remote start?
Generally, no. A standard low tire pressure warning shouldn't stop the remote start on a 2015. However, if the TPMS system is completely dead (showing dashes), it points to a bad receiver module, which also handles the remote start signal.
How many times can I remote start the truck?
You can only perform two remote starts (or one start and one 10-minute extension) between ignition cycles. After that, you must physically turn the key in the ignition to "Run" to reset the counter.
Will disconnecting the battery fix my remote start?
It can. Disconnecting the negative terminal for 15 minutes resets the Body Control Module. If the system was just "glitched," this might fix it. But if you have a hard fault like a broken sensor, the problem will come right back.