Key Takeaways: Why Your 2019 Silverado Won't Remote Start
If you're in a rush, here is the quick checklist. Your truck disables remote start if any of these are true:
- Check Engine Light is On: This is the #1 cause. If the light is on (even for a loose gas cap), remote start is disabled to protect the engine.
- Hood Latch Sensor: If the truck thinks the hood is open, it won't start for safety reasons.
- Key Fob Battery: A weak CR2032 battery prevents the signal from reaching the truck.
- Hazards are On: You cannot remote start with hazard lights flashing.
- Doors Unlocked: You must hit the 'Lock' button before the start sequence.
- Low Fuel: If the fuel light is on, the system saves the gas.
The Check Engine Light (The Most Common Culprit)
Lets get straight to the point. If your 2019 Silverado remote start isn't working, look at your dashboard. Is the Check Engine Light (CEL) on? If it is, that is your problem. Period.
General Motors programmed the truck this way on purpose. Its a safety feature. The computer basically says, "Hey, something might be wrong with the engine. I'm not going to let you start it up and let it run for 10 minutes without you sitting in the driver's seat watching the gauges."
I had a buddy with a Silverado who swore his remote start was broken. Turned out he had an EVAP code because he didn't tighten his gas cap enough. He tightened the cap, cleared the code, and the remote start worked instantly.
How to Fix It
You need to know why the light is on. You have two options:
- Go to an Auto Parts Store: Places like AutoZone or O'Reilly will usually plug a scanner into your truck for free and tell you the code.
- Buy a Cheap Scanner: You can get a basic OBDII scanner on Amazon for like $20. Plug it into the port under the steering wheel.
Once you fix whatever is causing the code (like an O2 sensor or a loose gas cap) and clear the code, your remote start will come back to life.
The Hood Latch Sensor Issue
This one drives people crazy because there are no warning lights for it sometimes. There is a small sensor in the latch mechanism under the hood of your Silverado. Its job is to tell the computer if the hood is open or closed.
Why does this matter? Imagine a mechanic is working on your engine, his hands are near the fan belt, and you accidentally hit the remote start button from the kitchen. That would be a disaster. So, if that circuit reads "Open," the remote start is dead.
On the 2019 models, these sensors can get dirty or the bracket can get slightly bent. If your truck dashboard says "Hood Open" but the hood is definitely closed, you found your problem.
Troubleshooting the Latch
Pop the hood and look at the latch. Sometimes you can just clean it with some electrical contact cleaner or blow it out with compressed air. If that doesn't work, you might need to replace the latch assembly. Its actually pretty cheap and you can do it with basic hand tools.
Your Key Fob Battery Might Be Dead
Even if the buttons still unlock the doors, the battery might be too weak to send the strong, sustained signal needed for remote start. Remote start requires a longer "handshake" with the truck than just popping the lock does.
Also, ask yourself this: Are you doing the sequence right? I know, it sounds dumb, but I've done it wrong before when I was in a hurry. on the 2019 Silverado, you generally have to:
- Press LOCK.
- Immediately press and hold the REMOTE START button (the circle arrow) for at least 4 seconds.
If the turn signal lights flash but the engine doesn't crank, the signal got there, but the truck refused (likely a Check Engine Light issue). If the lights don't flash at all, it's probably your fob battery or range.
How to Change the Battery
Its super easy. You usually just need a coin or a small flathead screwdriver to pop the case open. The 2019 Silverado usually takes a CR2032 battery. You can buy these at any grocery store.
Check Your Settings (The Infotainment Screen)
Sometimes, settings just get reset. Maybe you disconnected the truck battery recently, or maybe a software update happened. You need to make sure the feature is actually turned on in the truck's computer.
Here is how you usually find it on the Chevrolet MyLink system:
- Go to Settings on the touchscreen.
- Select Vehicle.
- Scroll down to Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.
- Look for Remote Start and make sure it is toggled to "On".
If this is turned off, pressing the button on the fob won't do anything.
Other Weird Reasons It Won't Start
If you've checked the engine light, the hood, and the key fob, and it still isn't working, we have to look at the weird edge cases. According to the 2019 Silverado Owner's Manual, the system will disable remote start if:
1. Hazard Lights Are On
If you left your hazard flashers on, the system is disabled. I'm not sure why you would leave them on and walk away, but hey, it happens.
2. Key is Inside the Vehicle
The 2019 Silverado is pretty smart. If it detects a key fob inside the cab, it usually won't let you remote start it. This is to prevent lockouts or theft. Make sure your spare key isn't buried in the center console or dropped under the seat.
3. Coolant and Oil Pressure
The truck monitors its vitals. If the coolant temperature is too high (overheating) or the oil pressure is dangerously low, it won't start remotely. It's trying to save the engine from destroying itself.
4. Too Many Starts
Did you know there is a limit? You can only remote start the truck twice in a row. Each start runs for about 10 or 15 minutes. After two cycles, you must turn the ignition on with the key (or push button) inside the truck to reset the counter. If you've been showing off the feature to friends and it suddenly stopped working, go start the truck manually once.
Deep Dive: The "Check Engine Light" Logic
I want to circle back to the Check Engine Light because this causes probably 90% of the issues I see on forums and with friends' trucks.
A lot of people think, "Well, my truck drives fine, so the remote start should work." But the computer doesn't think like a human. It thinks in binary-Safe or Not Safe.
When you are driving the car, you can see if smoke starts pouring out or if the temperature gauge spikes. When you remote start it, you are likely inside your house drinking coffee. The truck has no way to alert you if something goes wrong. Therefore, if any diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored in the ECU, the truck disables the remote start feature as a precaution.
This includes "soft codes" that might not even keep the light on permanently. This is why getting a scanner is so important. You might have a stored code for a "Small EVAP Leak" that happened three weeks ago. Even if the light isn't blazing right this second, that stored code can block the signal.
Safety Neutral Switch (Transmission)
Another thing to wiggle is your gear shifter. The truck must be in PARK to start. Sometimes, the sensor that detects if the truck is in Park gets a little finicky.
Try this: Get in the truck, turn it on, shift to Drive, then shift firmly back into Park. Turn the truck off and get out. Try the remote start again. Sometimes simply re-seating the transmission pin helps the sensor read "Park" correctly.
Aftermarket vs. OEM
Everything I've written above applies to the factory-installed remote start. If you bought your 2019 Silverado used, it's possible it has an aftermarket system (like Viper or a plug-and-play module).
If you have an aftermarket fob, the rules are different. Those systems usually have a "Valet Mode" or an override switch under the dashboard. If you accidentally kicked a switch under the steering column, you might have turned the system off. You'll need to look up the manual for that specific brand of alarm.
Using the MyChevrolet App
If your key fob is being stubborn but you really need to warm up the truck, try using the MyChevrolet app on your phone. This sends a signal via satellite/cellular data rather than a radio frequency from the key.
If the app works but the key doesn't, you know for a fact the issue is the Key Fob (battery or programming) or the Receiver in the truck. If the App fails too, then the issue is the Truck itself (Check engine light, hood latch, etc).
When to See a Dealer
I hate going to the dealership as much as you do. Its expensive and takes all day. But there are two situations where you probably have to go:
- Body Control Module (BCM) Issues: The BCM is the computer that controls locks, lights, and remote start. If it's acting up, it might need a software re-flash. Only the dealer can do this.
- Antenna Receiver: There is a module in the truck that receives the signal from the key. If that burns out, no amount of battery changing will fix it.
Before you go, though, try the "IT Crowd" fix. Disconnect the truck's negative battery terminal for about 15 minutes. This resets all the computers. Reconnect it and try again. You'd be surprised how often a hard reboot fixes electronic gremlins in these newer Chevy trucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reset my remote start on my Silverado?
There isn't a specific "reset" button. However, you can reset the counter by starting the vehicle manually with the key or push-button. If you mean resetting the electronics, try disconnecting the truck battery for 10-15 minutes.
Does a check engine light disable remote start on a 2019 Silverado?
Yes, absolutely. This is the most common reason it stops working. Even a minor code will disable the remote start feature for safety.
How many times can I remote start my truck?
You can use the remote start twice in between drive cycles. Each cycle lasts 10-15 minutes. After the second time, you must physically enter the truck and turn the ignition on to reset the limit.
Why do my lights flash but the truck won't start?
If the lights flash, the truck received the signal but rejected the request. This usually points to a system inhibit, like the hood latch being "open," a check engine light, or low fluids.
Where is the remote start antenna located?
On the 2019 Silverado, the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiver is typically located behind the rear seat or near the headliner, depending on the cab configuration. It's not really user-serviceable without tearing apart the interior.
Hopefully, this helps you get your truck warmed up again. There is nothing worse than sitting in a freezing cold truck when you paid for the remote start feature!