Key Takeaways: Quick Fixes
If you're standing in the cold smashing that button and nothing is happening, check these first:
- Check Engine Light (CEL): If your dash has a check engine light on, the remote start is automatically disabled by the computer. You have to fix the code first.
- Key Fob Battery: The most common issue. Replace the CR2032 battery inside the remote.
- Hood Latch Sensor: If your truck thinks the hood is open (even if it isn't), it won't start for safety reasons.
- The "Two Start" Limit: You can only remote start the truck twice. After that, you must physically turn the key in the ignition to reset the counter.
There is nothing worse than waking up on a freezing morning, hitting the remote start on your Silverado, and walking outside ten minutes later to a cold truck. It ruins your whole morning. If you are reading this, your Silverado remote start probably isn't working, and you want to know why right now.
The short answer is usually safety. General Motors programmed your truck to disable the remote start feature if it senses anything that could be dangerous to the engine or the environment. It's annoying, but it saves the truck from damage.
Below, I'm going to walk you through exactly how to troubleshoot this. We will start with the easiest stuff and move to the harder fixes.
1. The Check Engine Light (The #1 Culprit)
This is honestly the most common reason I see with friends' trucks. If your "Check Engine" light (CEL) is illuminated on the dashboard, your remote start will not work. Period.
The computer (ECU) in your Silverado is smart. When you use remote start, you aren't in the car to watch the gauges. If the oil pressure drops or the engine overheats, you wouldn't know. So, if the truck has any active trouble code stored in the system, it disables the remote start feature to protect the engine.
How to fix it:
You need to scan the truck for codes. You don't need to go to the dealer for this. You can drive to an auto parts store like AutoZone or O'Reillys, and they will usually scan it for free. Or, you can buy a cheap OBDII scanner on Amazon for like 20 bucks.
Sometimes the issue is incredibly minor. For example, a loose gas cap can trigger an EVAP system code. That little code is enough to kill your remote start. Tighten the cap, clear the code with a scanner, and try the remote start again. If the light is off, the truck should start.
2. The Hood Latch Sensor
This one catches people off guard all the time. Your Silverado has a safety switch under the hood. Its designed to prevent the engine from remote starting while a mechanic is working on it. If that switch thinks the hood is open, the remote start is dead in the water.
The problem is that these sensors get dirty. They sit right at the front of the truck, taking hits from road salt, mud, and water. Over time, the sensor can get stuck or corroded, telling the computer the hood is "Open" even when it's latched shut.
Troubleshooting the hood latch:
- Look at your dashboard (Driver Information Center). Does it say "Hood Open"? If yes, go open and slam the hood shut again.
- If the dashboard doesn't say anything, the sensor might still be faulty but not triggering the display message yet.
- Open the hood and locate the latch mechanism. You can try spraying it with some contact cleaner or WD-40 to clean out the gunk. Work the latch back and forth with a screwdriver (be careful) to loosen it up.
According to some Chevy forums and mechanics I've talked to, replacing the hood latch assembly is a pretty easy DIY job if cleaning it doesnt work.
3. The Key Fob Battery
I know this sounds obvious, but you have to check it. Even if the fob still unlocks the doors, the battery might be too weak to send the strong, sustained signal needed for the remote start sequence.
Remote starting requires a longer press or a specific sequence (Lock, then hold Start). This draws more power than a quick "unlock" blip. If your battery is on its last legs, it might fail here.
The Fix: Pop the key fob open. Most Silverados use a CR2032 battery. They are super cheap. Just swap it out. Even if you think the battery is "okay," spend the $5 to rule it out. Also, check the metal contacts inside the fob. Sometimes they get bent down and don't make good contact with the battery. You can gently bend them back up for a tighter fit.
4. The "Two Start" Limit
Did you know there is a limit on how many times you can use the feature? According to the Owner's Manual, you can only perform two remote starts in between ignition cycles.
Here is how it works:
- You remote start the truck (it runs for 10 or 15 minutes).
- It shuts off.
- You remote start it again (extension).
- It shuts off.
If you try to remote start it a third time, it will just flash the lights at you and refuse to turn over. The truck requires you to physically get in, insert the key (or push the start button), and turn the ignition on. This resets the counter. This is to prevent you from accidentally leaving the truck running in your driveway all day until it runs out of gas.
5. Hazard Lights are On
This is a weird quirk, but it happens. If your hazard flashers are on, the remote start usually won't work. I'm not entirely sure why GM programmed it this way-maybe they assume if hazards are on, the truck is broken or in a distress situation-but it disables the system.
Check the button on the dash and make sure the hazards aren't flashing.
6. Coolant and Oil Pressure Safety
Like I mentioned with the Check Engine Light, the truck monitors its vital fluids. If the coolant temperature is too high (overheating) or the oil pressure is dangerously low, the system inhibits the start.
Usually, this would trigger a Check Engine Light, but sometimes it doesn't happen immediately. If you notice your truck acting weird when you drive it, or running hot, that mechanical issue is likely blocking the remote start system.
7. Key Left Inside the Vehicle
Newer Silverados with the "Keyless Access" (push-to-start) are very sensitive about where the spare key is. If you left a spare key in the glove box, center console, or even in a gym bag in the back seat, the truck knows it's there.
The system is designed to prevent lockout and theft. If it detects a fob inside the cabin, it might disable the remote start function because it thinks someone is already in the truck. Find your spare fob and move it far away from the vehicle.
8. Valet Mode or Vehicle Settings
Sometimes, if your truck battery died recently or you had service done, the settings in your infotainment screen might have reset. There is actually a setting in the menu to turn Remote Start On or Off.
Go into your radio screen:
Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start
Make sure the "Remote Start" option is actually checked. It sounds silly, but computers glitch out sometimes and uncheck boxes for no reason. Also, check if "Valet Mode" is on. Valet mode locks out a bunch of features to keep parking attendants from joyriding your truck.
9. Door and Tailgate Sensors
Just like the hood latch, the truck checks every door and the tailgate (if it has an electronic lock). If the truck thinks a passenger door is ajar, it wont start. This is to prevent exhaust fumes from filling the cabin if a door is open.
Walk around the truck. Open and firmly close every single door. If you have an electronic tailgate, make sure it is latched tight. Sometimes a seatbelt gets caught in the door jamb, preventing it from closing that last millimeter needed to engage the sensor.
10. Aftermarket Issues
Did you buy the truck used? It might have an aftermarket alarm or remote starter installed that conflicts with the factory system. Or, if you have something plugged into the OBDII port-like one of those "safe driver" insurance dongles or a tuner like a Range Technology AFM disabler-that can interfere.
Some devices plugged into the OBDII port confuse the truck's network (CAN bus). Try unplugging anything you have in that port and testing the remote start again.
When to see the Dealer
If you have gone through this whole list-no check engine light, new battery in the fob, hood is closed, settings are on-and it still wont work, you might have a problem with the Body Control Module (BCM) or the receiver antenna.
The receiver for the remote is usually located in the back of the cab or near the rear view mirror. If that antenna goes bad, it can't "hear" your key fob. That is a diagnosis that usually requires a pro with a Tech2 scanner or GDS2 software.
A Quick Note on "Relearning"
Occasionally, the key fob just loses its pairing with the truck. This is rare unless the battery was out for a long time. You can look up the "Key Fob Relearn" procedure for your specific year of Silverado. Usually, it involves putting the actual metal key in the door lock and cycling it a few times, but it varies wildly between the 2014, 2019, and 2024 models. Check your manual before trying this so you don't accidentally set off the alarm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my lights flash but the truck won't start?
If the parking lights flash once or twice but the engine doesn't crank, the truck received the signal but rejected the request. This confirms your key fob is working, but the truck is in "safety mode." This points directly to a Check Engine Light, an open hood, or the "Two Start" limit has been reached.
Can I reset my remote start myself?
There isn't a "reset button" specifically for remote start. However, you can try resetting the truck's computer by disconnecting the negative terminal on the truck's battery for about 15 minutes. This can clear temporary glitches. Just know that this will also reset your radio presets and maybe your clock.
Does low fuel disable remote start?
Yes, on many newer models. If the "Low Fuel" light is on, the truck disables remote start to prevent it from idling the tank dry. If you are running on fumes, go fill up and try again.
How long will the Silverado run on remote start?
Typically, it runs for 10 minutes. You can extend it once for another 10 minutes (total of 20), but after that, it shuts off automatically.
My app works but the key fob doesn't. Why?
If you can start the truck with the myChevrolet app but not the key, the problem is 100% your key fob. The truck systems are fine. Change the fob battery or buy a replacement fob case if the buttons are worn out.