Chevy Equinox Remote Start Not Working (Causes & Fixes)
If you’re having trouble using your Chevy Equinox remote start, you’re probably wondering how you can fix this issue. You may have tried all the possible fixes but nothing seems to work for you. This guide will help you fix the underlying issues and restore your automatic start function.
Chevy Equinox remote start not working can be caused by various factors including a dead key fob battery, check engine light, more than 2 start attempts, active hazard lights, disabled remote start feature, vehicle not in park mode, not following the correct starting procedure, open hood or doors, faulty key fob, and active valet mode.
This article will take a more in-depth look at all the potential causes for your Equinox factory remote start system not working and helpful solutions for these issues.
Chevy Equinox Remote Start Not Working Causes:
In this section, we’ll take you through all the potential causes of your remote start system malfunction and the best solution to consider for each issue.
A weak or dead key fob battery
The most common reason for your Chevy Equinox to fail remote start to fail to work is when the key fob remote battery becomes weak or dies.
When this happens, the remote lacks the power to transmit signals to your car. This means no communication is established when you press the remote buttons.
Solution: The best thing here is to replace the battery inside your remote (the battery is usually a CR 2032 battery) with a new one to see if the automatic start will resume its normal functioning.
In the meantime, you can try the trick in the video below on how to start your car with a weak key fob battery
Video:
Faulty key fob
If replacing the key fob battery doesn’t help, then the key fob itself could be faulty; it could be damaged and not functioning correctly.
The buttons may be broken or the contacts inside may be worn out and won’t respond to button presses.
Also, moisture may have found its way into the fob and damaged its system.
Solution: Inspect your key fob for visible signs of damage and replace it as necessary. You can also try using another fob to remote start your car.
If it works, it means the other one is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Incorrect starting procedure
Each car comes with its own starting procedure, and the Chevy Equinox isn’t an exception.
If you don’t follow the correct activation sequence when starting your vehicle, it will fail to start the engine.
Solution: Check whether you’re using the correct starting procedure from your user manual. You can also have someone try starting your car to see if it works.
The correct starting procedure for Chevys usually involves the steps below:
Step1. Press the lock button on your key fob
Step 2. Now press and hold the remote start button for approx. seconds
The turn signals will flash followed by your engine turning on
Once your engine is on, it will run for only 15 minutes and then turn off automatically
Step 3. If you wish to stop your car from running remotely, simply press the remote start button for approx. 3 seconds.
The hood isn’t properly latched
The remote start system in your Chevrolet also requires that you properly close and latch your hood before you attempt to initiate the remote start.
This is usually a safety precaution to prevent various potential risks that come with starting your car with the hood open.
For instance, someone may be working on or inspecting your vehicle engine bay. As such, starting your car could cause harm to your vehicle engine or even harm the mechanic.
That said, a malfunctioning hood switch sensor might also give the impression of an open hood.
Solution: Check that you have properly closed your vehicle hood before you attempt to remote start your car.
If the hood looks properly closed, inspect the hood switch for signs of damage or broken, and replace it with a new one.
If the hood switch sensor is missing, you’ll also need to install a new one.
One of the doors is open
If one of several of your vehicle doors is open, then your Chevy Equinox may also fail to come on.
Likewise, if you haven’t rolled your windows all the way up, your remote start may also fail to engage.
These are safety precautions to help ensure the safety of the occupants inside your car.
If you think about it, remotely starting your car with the doors open could pose potential risks such as accidental injury, unauthorized access, or even theft.
Solution: Ensure that all your doors are properly closed and locked. If possible, open and close the problematic doors and then retry remote starting your car.
Still at it, ensure you have rolled up all your windows before using the remote start function.
Your car engine temperatures are quite high
Your Chevy remote start will also fail to engage if it detects your engine temperatures are too high.
This safety measure helps protect your engine from potential damage due to overheating.
Solution: To re-enable the remote start, give the engine some minutes to cool down and the temperatures to decrease to safe levels.
You left the fob inside your car
If you leave your key fob inside your car, then your Chevy Equinox vehicle remote start may also fail to respond.
If you leave the remote inside your car, your remote system will recognize its proximity and assume you’re already inside your car or very close to it.
It will then disable the remote start as an extra layer of security. This will help prevent potential issues like unauthorized use of the vehicle or deter theft.
Solution: Check if you have a key fob inside your car. If present, simply take it out and then retry the remote starter.
Check engine light is on
If your check engine light is on, your remote vehicle start system also won’t work. When this warning light comes on, it indicates an issue with your engine or emissions control system.
Therefore, your remote system won’t start your car engine to prevent further damage to the engine or excessive emissions production.
Solution: Check engine light is usually a general warning that doesn’t provide a specific diagnosis.
For this reason, you’ll need to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the error codes stored in your vehicle computer.
These will provide you with more precise info concerning the error, based on which you can then diagnose and resolve the issue.
Programming issues
Programming issues can also make your remote start fail to work. Loss of programming, for instance, can cause your key fob to become unpaired with your car
Your vehicle immobilizer may also be unable to recognize the proper key for activating the car, thus causing the engine to fail to start. This can be caused by loss of programming or incorrect programming of your car key.
Solution: You may consider having your dealer inspect your remote feature as reprogramming a new code usually requires using the dealer diagnostic software.
Vehicle is not in Park
Another common reason why your Equinox may fail to start is if you left the car in any other gear apart from the park.
This is a common requirement in many remote systems before they start the engine. It acts as a safety feature to prevent your vehicle from accidentally moving.
Solution: Double-check that your vehicle’s gear selector rests in the Park mode before you attempt to use the remote start.
Too many start attempts
In the process of trying and retrying your vehicle remote start feature, you may have tried starting your car too many times.
Unfortunately, your remote start system will be disabled if you try using it more than 2 times unsuccessfully.
Solution: For you to fix this issue and re-enable your remote start system, you’ll need to manually start your vehicle.
This is necessary to reset your vehicle system back to its normal functionality.
Hazard lights are flashing
Another condition that must not be present for your vehicle remote start to work is if the hazard lights are flashing.
This is usually a precaution since flashing hazard lights usually indicate a hazard or emergency situation on the road.
As a result, the driver must be present and aware of the situation so that they can effectively handle the situation.
If your hazard light switch is moving, it may also cause your hazard lights to turn on.
Solution: Simply turn off your vehicle hazard lights and then try to remote start your vehicle again. You may also want to check the condition of the hazard light switch.
If it looks stuck in the ON position or damaged, get it replaced by a qualified technician.
Valet mode is on
The valet mode is a safety feature that usually disables your remote start feature and only allows for locking/unlocking of the doors.
This mode is usually a safety feature to keep your car from moving when it is being serviced.
If your car is in this mode, the remote start won’t work. The mode is simply activated via your car infotainment system.
You simply top the settings and tap valet mode. You’ll then need to enter a 4- digit pin to validate this mode.
Solution: Check if your car is in valet and then deactivate it using the correct procedure (you may want to consult your user manual on how to exit this mode.
Generally, you’ll need to press the lock and trunk buttons continuously. If there are no other underlying issues, your remote start will resume normal functioning.
Alternatively, you can deactivate the mode on your infotainment settings by following the same steps we’ve discussed above.
The remote start is disabled in your car
In some cases, your remote start feature may be disabled and thus making your car remote start fail to start your engine.
The feature may be accidentally disabled or it may disable itself automatically if you stay for a long time without using it.
Solution: Check whether the remote feature is turned off in your vehicle personalization settings and turn it back on.
If this was the underlying issue, then your vehicle will continue with its normal functionality.
While Chevy Equinox owners address the specifics of their remote start challenges, it’s illuminating to realize that various models under the Chevrolet banner face analogous dilemmas. For those considering a transition to a compact sedan, our comprehensive guide on Chevy Cruze remote start problems offers valuable insights into the troubleshooting techniques and nuances associated with this urban-friendly model. On the flip side, if a robust pickup truck is more your speed, our in-depth article on Chevy Silverado remote start issues sheds light on the common glitches and solutions familiar to this iconic workhorse.Conclusion
If your Chevy Equinox decides not to work, the most likely causes to consider include a dead key fob battery, check engine light, programming issues, incorrect activation procedure, active hazard lights, the vehicle not being in parked mode, disabled remote start, valet mode on, too may start attempts, disabled remote start feature, open hood/doors/windows, or faulty key fob.
Diagnosing your car will help you pinpoint the exact issue causing your remote start malfunction. We have discussed the best solution for each of these potential culprits, so you should have an easy time resolving the underlying issue and restoring your remote function. If you have followed our troubleshooting tips above and still can’t find the problem, consult a Chevy technician for further assistance.