Chevy Traverse Remote Start Not Working (How To Fix)

It’s not uncommon for your Chevy Traverse remote start feature to stop working. You may use it without any issues one minute and the next minute it won’t work. If this is the kind of problem you’re currently dealing with, this guide will share with you helpful insights on how to fix it.

Chevy traverse remote start not working most common causes include a dead key fob battery, too many start attempts, improper remote use, check engine light, valet mode, active hazard lights, disabled remote start feature, leaving the key in the ignition, coolant temperature and oil pressure issues, leaving the key fob inside your vehicle, open hood or doors, etc.

This article takes a closer look at all the likely culprits making your Chevy remote start malfunctioning. Moreover, we’ll offer you solutions for each of these problems to help you diagnose and fix your remote start so that it can resume working flawlessly.

Chevy Traverse Remote Start Not Working Causes:

Here are the key culprits that could be making your Chevy Traverse remote start fail to work:

Weak or dead key fob battery

If your vehicle remote start is malfunctioning, the first thing you should always check is whether the battery inside your key fob is dead.

Most people are unaware that the remote has a battery that powers its system and enables it to send signals to the car to engage the auto start.

If this battery dies, your remote is rendered powerless, and therefore it can’t communicate with your car.

Solution: Get a replacement battery for your remote to see if it resolves the problem. Here are the simple steps for remote battery replacement:

• Remove the battery cover by simply prying it using your finger
• Take out the old battery by pushing on it and then sliding it in the direction of the key blade
• Now insert your new battery, with the positive side facing up. Be sure to push the battery in until it’s properly seated in place
• Lastly, snap back the battery cover on the back of your remote and test if it’s working

If the battery replacement doesn’t work, check whether your remote battery contacts are rusty and clean them.

Also, ensure the contacts are loose. These additional remote issues could cause it to malfunction.

If the contacts are okay, your remote system may be faulty and needs to be checked by a professional and replaced if necessary.

Check engine light

When it comes to remote start systems, the rule of thumb goes that if the light is illuminating, the remote feature automatically gets disabled.

This safety feature serves to protect your vehicle engine from further damage since the light usually warns you of issues with your engine or car system.

Solution: If your Chevy engine light is flashing, you should have your car scanned for any troubled diagnostic trouble codes.

These will help you understand the source of the issue you’re experiencing so that you can fix it and hopefully restore your automatic start functionality.

Too many start attempts

The remote start also has the maximum number of times you should try it. In most cases, it should only be two times. If you try using it for the third time unsuccessfully, it just won’t work!

This is often overlooked but it turns out to be the culprit as most people will go on retrying and retrying their remote starts if they fail at the first attempt.

Solution: Once you have started your car too many times, you’ll need to consider manually starting t by turning the key on.

This helps reset the temporarily disabled automatic start feature so that you can try it two more times.

Wrong remote start sequence

You may also be unknowingly using your remote start feature incorrectly, thus causing it not to work. This is common for people who are new to this feature or those who already use it to start their cars.

Solution: Confirm whether you’re using the correct activation sequence for the remote start system. You can consult your user manual for the exact procedure.

Ideally, you’re supposed to press the lock button once, followed by pressing and holding the remote start button for at least 2 seconds until the signal lights flash and your engine starts.

Doors aren’t locked

If one of the doors in your Chevy Traverse is not properly locked, the remote start will also likely fail to engage. The system assumes that when you’re starting your car, there are no occupants inside.

Therefore, if it turns on the car with one of the doors open, there could be potential hazards like unauthorized access to your vehicle, your vehicle starting to move unexpectedly, etc.

Solution: Check if all your Chevy doors are properly closed and locked. If possible open and close them again and then try to remote start your vehicle again.

Key in the ignition switch

Do you have a key inside the ignition switch? If yes, this could be another reason why your remote start isn’t working.

In some cases, there might be some dirt deposited in the ignition switch. This may fool the sensor into thinking a key is inserted in the switch and make the remote start stop working.

Solution: Remove the key from the ignition switch before you attempt to remote start your vehicle again.

If there’s no key, inspect the switch for any mud deposited inside it and clean it to see if your remote start works.

Hood open

This is a common cause of remote start malfunction in most cars. You may get a “hood open” error when you attempt the remote start attempt.

This is a safety precaution that keeps the engine from running if the hood isn’t properly closed as it assumes someone is checking the engine.

Improperly latched and closed hood may also fly up and cover your windshield when driving.

A malfunctioning hood switch sensor can also cause the hood open error. The switch may be corroded.

Also, if the switch wire becomes loose or the switch mounting slips, it may cause the switch to malfunction.

Solution: Confirm whether you have properly closed and latched your car hood. Open and close it again to see if it helps.

If the error doesn’t go away, inspect the condition of the hood switch. If it looks rusty, clean it as necessary. However, if it’s broken or missing, replace it with a new one.

The key fob is in the vehicle

Just like a key in the ignition switch, a key fob left inside your vehicle will also keep the remote start from working.

This is also a safety feature for many remote start systems as it assumes that the key fob should be outside the vehicle for you to remote start your car.

Solution: Check whether you have left a key fob inside your vehicle and remove it before attempting to remote start your vehicle again.

Vehicle not in “Park” mode

Another requirement for your Chevy Traverse to start is that your vehicle must be in “Park” mode. This is another safety precaution that helps ensure your vehicle doesn’t start moving after starting and you aren’t inside.

Solution: Check whether the shift lever in your car is in park mode. If not, move it to park and try remote starting your vehicle to see if it will work.

Valet mode is on

Your Traverse could also be stuck in valet mode, and this is another potential cause for the remote start to malfunction.

This mode is usually engaged by pressing a combination of buttons on your remote. In so doing, it temporarily disables remote starting capabilities, when you hand over your car keys to a valet or mechanic for serving.

However, it may only allow remote starting through the smartphone app. If you forget to exit the valet mode afterward, you’ll have trouble trying to remote start it.

Solution: Disengage the valet mode in your car and then check if your remote start function will continue working fine.

If you’re not sure how to exit this mode, be sure to consult your user manual for the exact procedure to follow.

Hazard lights are ON

Your remote will also fail to engage as a safety precaution if your hazard lights are on. Likewise, if the hazard lights switch is in the ON position, your auto-start feature will also fail to engage.

Solution: Turn off the hazard lights or the hazard switch and try to remote start your car again.

Coolant and oil pressure issues

Your coolant temperature getting too high or the oil pressure dropping too low will also disable the remote start in your Chevy!

This is a safety precaution to prevent potential; damage to your engine due to overheating issues.

Solution: Double-check your coolant temperature and oil pressure levels. If they are not at their recommended levels, you may consider letting your car cool down for about 10 to 15 minutes before you start it again.

Remote start is turned off

This issue is often overlooked but it’s a high possibility for your remote start failing to engage. You may have intentionally turned off the remote start in your car drive information center settings.

Solution: Check if your remote start feature is turned off in the settings on your dash. If yes, simply turn it back on and then try the automatic start again.

Check your user manual

If you have tried all the above fixes and none of them has helped fix the problem, then you might want to consult your manual.

It may contain helpful info on the various reasons that may cause your remote start system to fail.

Check all the requirements for the automatic start to work and ensure they’re present.

Why Your Chevy Traverse Remote Start Is Not Working After The Vehicle Battery Change

You may also be facing an issue where your Traverse remote start fails to work after you change your car battery.

Other car owners have experienced this issue as you can see in this forum thread. When this happens, there are several factors to consider:

• The remote start may require reprogramming to help resynchronize with your battery
• You may have a weak key fob battery that needs a replacement
• Consider resetting your remote start system to help clear any temporary glitches or errors that may have occurred following the battery change
• Check if your remote start feature has been disabled in your car settings and turn it back on

If you’re unable to fix this issue, consult your mechanic or Chevy technician for further assistance.

While Chevy Traverse owners navigate the maze of remote start intricacies, it’s beneficial to broaden the perspective by understanding that various brands, both within and outside the GM umbrella, encounter similar challenges. If you’re curious about the luxury realm of General Motors, our guide on Cadillac STS remote start problems offers a deep dive into the technical nuances and solutions of this elegant sedan. On the other hand, those leaning towards the rugged appeal of off-road vehicles might find our comprehensive article on Jeep Wrangler remote start issues to be a valuable resource, providing insights into the challenges faced by this iconic model.

Conclusion

Chevy Traverse remote start may malfunction due to many potential causes. These include a weak or dead key fob, improper remote use, check engine light, valet mode, active hazard lights, disabled remote start feature, leaving the key in the ignition, coolant temperature and oil pressure issues, leaving the key fob inside your vehicle, open hood or doors, or too many start attempts.

Troubleshooting your remote system for each of the above issues will help you discover and fix the exact culprit causing your car not to start. We have already discussed the solution for each problem, so you should be able to easily fix the underlying issue. If you’re unable to diagnose your system by yourself, reach out to a reliable Chevy technician for professional assistance.