Remote start question -- sort of

R

rodslinger

Member
Question about it

I didn't see this in the user manual so I'm wondering if is maybe a hidden feature.

I have remote start on my wife's Mazda. It will allow you to press the start sequence on the keyfob just before taking the keys away from the car and it will keep running for up to 10 minutes. Allows you to walk away from the car with your keys for a minute or two and leaving it running if necessary.

Just get back in the car, put the key in the ignition again and go. Will the GM system allow this?
 
U

USAnarchy

New member
If you leave the A/C set to be on when you leave the car, it will be on when you remote start it.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
 
C

Cinsue

New member
USAnarchy said:
If you leave the A/C set to be on when you leave the car, it will be on when you remote start it.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

I tried this -- twice. One time I turned the car and AC on, let it run for a couple of minutes, turned off the car, got out and used the remote start while standing next to the car and the AC didn't come on UNTIL I put the key in the ignition and turned it on. If that's how it's suppose to work, then it seems like the remote start is a waste. We had such a mild winter I didn't use the remote start then, so I don't know if it works differently with the heat/defrost.
 
CoHPhasor

CoHPhasor

Active member
There is another reason for remote start - To warm up the car without having to wait for it.

I don't drive any vehicle after I turn the key.
All machines have a "standard operating temperature" and it's best to use them only after they reach it.

I prefer for all metal to be up to temp and the oil flowing properly before I put a load on the drivetrain.
(You don't need 5-10 minutes or anything like that, but at least a minute or so)

I grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and the people who turned and burned were the ones with bad gas mileage, premature engine wear and disappointment.
(Winter is a real b***h!)

Use your remote start just before you go out to you car and it will thank you for a long time to come. ;)
 
G

gsxr1000

New member
warming up the engine in the winter would maybe be better for the engine (since it can be agrued either way) but in no way in below 50 degree air temp could that be a bad thing for the engine... i do wonder how much stress idleing in 105 degree with ac (prewarming air into the radiator) on could be... but hey you could save alot more money by far by not running ac in your house.. one day would pay for a year of gas for prerunning your car.. so i guess comfort wins.
 
U

USAnarchy

New member
Cinsue said:
I tried this -- twice. One time I turned the car and AC on, let it run for a couple of minutes, turned off the car, got out and used the remote start while standing next to the car and the AC didn't come on UNTIL I put the key in the ignition and turned it on. If that's how it's suppose to work, then it seems like the remote start is a waste. We had such a mild winter I didn't use the remote start then, so I don't know if it works differently with the heat/defrost.
Click to expand...

Tried my air just now. Let it run for 5 minutes and the air was coming out nice and cold. Does it show up that A/C is turned on? No. But then again, almost zero status/indicator lights turn on until the key goes in the ignition. Its on and running for me. Maybe your car takes a while to get the air cooled down?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
 
C

Cinsue

New member
gsxr1000 said:
warming up the engine in the winter would maybe be better for the engine (since it can be agrued either way) but in no way in below 50 degree air temp could that be a bad thing for the engine... i do wonder how much stress idleing in 105 degree with ac (prewarming air into the radiator) on could be... but hey you could save alot more money by far by not running ac in your house.. one day would pay for a year of gas for prerunning your car.. so i guess comfort wins.
Click to expand...

I don't know about anyone else, but I tried to use it once when I was helping an overheated dog, now it's become a crusade to have my car perform as it's suppose to!
 
C

Cinsue

New member
USAnarchy said:
Tried my air just now. Let it run for 5 minutes and the air was coming out nice and cold. Does it show up that A/C is turned on? No. But then again, almost zero status/indicator lights turn on until the key goes in the ignition. Its on and running for me. Maybe your car takes a while to get the air cooled down?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...

Ahhh, I bet that's it! Thanks!
 
C

Cinsue

New member
Just got a call from the dealer (car is there now). He said they had to reprogram the AC to come on with the remote start AND I have the sway bar problem a lot of other people have.
 
U

USAnarchy

New member
What swaybar issue? I guess i need to be on the lookout for potential issues.

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C

Cinsue

New member
USAnarchy said:
What swaybar issue? I guess i need to be on the lookout for potential issues.

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Click to expand...

I've seen some postings here and on Chevy Sonic FB. If your car is making a lot of creaking noises in the front end, it's probably the sway bar. Maybe if you do a search you'll find more info on it. I can't remember what the exact issue is, just that the sway bar has to be replaced.
 
Chevrolet Customer Care

Chevrolet Customer Care

New member
I do hope your concerns are resolved quickly at the dealership. Please let us know how your experience goes and if there is anything else you're concerned with. I hope your weekend goes well.

Matt (Assisting Vanessa)

GM Customer Service
 
C

Cinsue

New member
Chevrolet Customer Servic said:
I do hope your concerns are resolved quickly at the dealership. Please let us know how your experience goes and if there is anything else you're concerned with. I hope your weekend goes well.

Matt (Assisting Vanessa)

GM Customer Service
Click to expand...

Thanks Matt!

They fixed the sway bar today and no more creaking! AC was fixed yesterday. It does feel like there is something loose under there (still some clunking), but maybe I'm over-analyzing this. I'm taking a road trip tomorrow and will see how it does then.
 
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