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Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working: Troubleshooting Guide

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Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working

The Chevy Cruze is a cool compact car that has been around since 2008 with cold performance. But sometimes, the remote can act up and cause some headaches. Dealing with problems when your Chevy Cruze remote start isn’t working can be super annoying if you don’t know why this happens. 

Why is the Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working? Keep an eye out for any warning lights related to coolant or oil pressure. Because they might be triggering a safety feature that disables remote start. Also, if you’ve been hitting the start button too many times in a short period, it may temporarily stop working.

There are some other additional reasons why remote start may not work. In this study, we will try to know the reasons as well as what can be the potential solution. So, keep on reading!

Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working: Potential Causes and Fixes

Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working

There are some potential reasons that may cause your Chevy Cruze remote start not to work. Let’s have a quick look at them first.

No.ReasonsFixes
1.Coolant and fluid pressureStop the car and let it cool
2.Unlatched hoodCheck the hood
3.Illuminated Engine LightCheck the gas cap
4.Valet modeDeactivate valve mode

These are a few of the main causes. We will briefly discuss these along with any suggested solutions. So let’s get going!

Cause 1: Coolant Pressure

Coolant and fluid pressure play a crucial role in the functioning of your Chevy Cruze’s remote system. To serve safety, the remote capability is disabled if the engine temperature and oil pressure is excessive. 

This is because starting the engine in such conditions could potentially cause damage or lead to further issues.

Chevy Cruze Coolant Pressure

Fix:

In this case, adjusting oil and coolant levels are required. Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

  • Step 1: Check oil and coolant levels, adding fluids if necessary.
  • Step 2: Allow the engine to cool down.
  • Step 3: Recheck and adjust oil and coolant levels as needed. Follow the correct starting procedure in the owner’s manual.

Cause 2: Unlatched hood

When the hood is not securely closed, the start function is disabled for a cautious measure. If you find that your remote key is not working, ensure that the hood is firmly closed before attempting to use the remote to start again.

Cause 3: Illuminating Engine Light

Another possible culprit could be the illuminated Engine Light. However, there is no need to panic. One common reason for this to light up is a problem with the gas cap. Additionally, vacuum leaks, malfunctioning catalytic converters, and O2 sensors can cause the problem.

It’s important to note that the Check Engine Light can indicate various issues with your vehicle, ranging from minor to more significant problems. In the case of a gas cap that is loose, it triggers a sensor that detects a potential issue with the fuel system and illuminates it.

Chevy Cruze Illuminating Engine Light

Fix:

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Check if the gas cap is tightly secured. If it’s loose, tighten it until you hear a clicking sound, indicating it’s securely in place.
  • Step 2: Turn off the car’s engine completely. Wait a few moments, then restart the engine. 
  • Step 3: After restarting the car, use your remote key to initiate the start process. 

Cause 4: Valet Mode

One potential cause for remote keys not working is the activation of valet mode. Valet mode is a safety feature designed to disable all remote functionalities except for locking and unlocking the doors. 

Fix:

  • Check if your remote is in valet mode. 
  • Then, deactivate valet mode by pressing the lock and trunk buttons simultaneously.

Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working: Additional Lookups

Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working

Some measures may help the remote function well. The precautions are as follows:

  • Follow the Correct Starting Procedure: Press the lock switch and then the start button for some moments before the turning signals blink. Continue holding the start button until the vehicle starts.
  • Ensure Proper Proximity: Keep the remote operation device within a reasonable distance from the vehicle to ensure the signal reaches it.
  • Check Vehicle Status: Confirm that the Chevy Cruze transmission is in the ‘PARK’ mode before attempting a remote start.
  • Verify Door Status: Ensure all doors are closed properly to enable the start function.
  • Avoid Multiple Attempts: Limit remote start attempts to a maximum of two within a short period to prevent system overload.
  • Check Key Fob Location: Never leave the key fob inside the vehicle, as it can interfere with the remote function.
If you’re facing issues with the remote start feature in your Chevy Cruze, you may also be interested in our article on Chevy Equinox remote start not working. This article discusses common problems with remote start in Chevy Equinox vehicles and provides potential solutions. Additionally, if you own a Chevy Traverse and are experiencing remote start issues, our article on Chevy Traverse remote start not working might be helpful.

FAQs

Don’t keep your eyes away! Know something more here with the frequently asked question about the issue. 

Q: Does remote start work in extreme weather conditions?

Yes, remote start is usually designed to operate in extreme weather conditions. It allows you to start your Chevy Cruze’s engine and pre-condition the interior for optimal comfort. But it is recommended to start it in an open-air condition, not in a garage, or a place like that.

Q: Will the remote drain my car’s battery?

Remote start utilizes a minimal amount of battery power to initiate the engine start. However, it should not significantly drain your car’s battery as long as the vehicle’s electrical system is in good condition. If you have concerns about battery life, it is recommended to have your battery tested regularly.

Q: Is it possible to disable the start feature temporarily?

Yes, you can disable the start feature temporarily. Refer to your Chevy Cruze owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to enable or disable the remote functionality as needed.

Final Words

In summary, troubleshooting Chevy Cruze remote start issues isn’t something really difficult. Oil pressure, unlatched hood, and engine light issues are all common causes of your Chevy Cruze remote start not working. 

To fix them, ensure proper coolant levels, securely close the hood, and deactivate valet mode if needed. Follow the correct starting procedure, maintain proximity, and check the vehicle and door status. Also, avoid excessive start attempts, and keep the key fob outside the vehicle. 

Finally, the weather isn’t a big deal for remote keys. Remote start works in adverse weather conditions with little battery loss.