Few modern conveniences beat warming up your 2023 Traverse on a cold morning from the comfort of your home. When remote start stops working, it feels like a major setback. Let's run through the common causes and get you back to pushing buttons from your couch.
Remote Start Prerequisites
First, understand what conditions must be met for remote start to work:
- Vehicle must be locked
- Hood must be fully closed (hood latch sensor engaged)
- Check engine light must not be illuminated
- Sufficient fuel in tank (typically above 1/8)
- Key fob must be outside the vehicle
- No active security alerts
Common Reasons Remote Start Fails
- Hood ajar sensor: Even slightly out of adjustment, the system thinks the hood is open
- Key fob battery low: Weak signal prevents proper communication
- Check engine light on: Any active powertrain code disables remote start
- Vehicle not locked: A door or the liftgate is detected as open
- myChevrolet app issues: Phone app glitches or connectivity problems
- Subscription lapsed: Connected Services subscription may have expired
Troubleshooting Steps
- Try the key fob first: Press lock, then press and hold the remote start button. If this works but the app doesn't, it's a connectivity issue.
- Check for warning lights: Any illuminated warning (check engine, service, etc.) can disable remote start
- Verify the hood is latched: Press down firmly on the hood to ensure it's completely closed
- Replace fob battery: Even if other fob functions work, remote start requires more signal strength
- Check myChevrolet app status: Ensure your Connected Services subscription is active
- Perform a fob reset: Lock and unlock the vehicle multiple times to resync
Fixing the Hood Latch Sensor
This is the most common culprit. The sensor can become misaligned or dirty:
- Locate the hood latch sensor (small switch near the latch mechanism)
- Clean the sensor and surrounding area
- Check that the hood striker properly depresses the sensor when closed
- Adjust if necessary—some sensors are adjustable
Repair Costs
- Key fob battery: $5-$10 (CR2032 typically)
- Hood latch sensor: $100-$200
- Fob replacement: $200-$400
- Remote start module: $300-$600 (rare failure)