2008 Remote Start Problem

drewmorran · January 8, 2010

Hey guys just wondering if anyone else has had this same problem and any info on the cause or fix.

I have a 2008 Sierra with factory remote start. I plug in over night due to the fact that its -40C here in manitoba right now. When I got up last week and started the truck it started fine with the remote start. after 10 minutes I tried to restart with the remote again. The truck would not turn over or even try. I went out and started it with the key and to my surprise there was a code up. I took it to the dealer and they removed the code which was a cold start malfunction Code 4100 I beleive. They charged me for a new air filter which they said was the problem. Next day same thing. Took it to the dealer and they have no idea. I figured it was due to the power smart plugs that the hotel im staying at uses.

Last night I plugged into a regular plug. The truck started right up but after 10 minutes would not start with the remote a second time. This time no code was brought up. If not plugged in the truck will start and run twice with the remote.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Drew

hullzy · January 17, 2011

Don't know if you guys has figured this out yet but I'm having the same remote starting problem, only when I plug the vehicle in for more than an hour. BTW, I'm not at all very good with vehicles so I won't try to pretend I do.

I believe the problem is caused by the coolant heater being to close to a temperature sensor.When the remote start is used, the temp sensor figures the thermostat should open right away, this sets off a computer error or something and the Check Engine light comes on. Once that light is on it disables the remote starter. You should be able to start it twice, for 10 minutes each time before a key would be required. Anyway, the only time I have trouble is when I plug the truck in for more than an hour. Otherwise it starts up no problem. As cold as -32C so far.

When the truck fails in this situation, it will run OK for 5-10 seconds, then starts to sputter slower and slower until it just stalls turning on the check Engine light. When I go out with the key it fires right up.

The dealership has been unable/unwilling to fix it in over a year so far. GM hasn't issued a fix. I was going to suggest the dealership move the coolant heater away from the sensor but I'm not having much success with them. I'm sure they think I'm lying. The only thing I haven't tested is how it starts with the key if it's been plugged in for a while. Probably the same thing I'm going to guess.

Hope you guys are still on this forum! I'm running out of ideas!

hullzy

brims · January 8, 2010

If you start the truck with the remote and let it time out, I don't think you can restart again without using the key first, or if you remote start it and reset the timer with the remote you can run it 2 intervals but then you have to start with the key, if I'm remembering correctly.

I have no idea about the code, sounds like they were BSing you about the air cleaner, but I could be wrong.

drewmorran · January 14, 2010

Anyone else got any ideas?

drewmorran · January 14, 2010

Hey guys just wondering if anyone else has had this same problem and any info on the cause or fix.

I have a 2008 Sierra with factory remote start. I plug in over night due to the fact that its -40C here in manitoba right now. When I got up last week and started the truck it started fine with the remote start. after 10 minutes I tried to restart with the remote again. The truck would not turn over or even try. I went out and started it with the key and to my surprise there was a code up. I took it to the dealer and they removed the code which was a cold start malfunction Code 4100 I beleive. They charged me for a new air filter which they said was the problem. Next day same thing. Took it to the dealer and they have no idea. I figured it was due to the power smart plugs that the hotel im staying at uses.

Last night I plugged into a regular plug. The truck started right up but after 10 minutes would not start with the remote a second time. This time no code was brought up. If not plugged in the truck will start and run twice with the remote.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Drew

What are you plugging in, a block heater or battery charger? I think you should reset your remote starter to run longer, so you don't have to hit it twice. Once it times out, it should reset itself. My factory starter is an Audiovox, is yours? I'd contact the starter manufacturer not the dealer, they're useless with aftermarket accessories (even though it's factory installed)

Hey thanks for the tip. The two dealers I have been to have no idea whats going on. Not sure what the brand of the remote start is. Not around the truck right now. I will have to check this weekend when i get back home.

Its the block heater that I am plugging in.

Silverado4x4 · January 14, 2010

It might be set up like that, 1st time for it to run to bring the engine up to temp but with it still plugged in there is no reason to start it again as the motor temp may damage the block heater or just plain get to hot. Safety feature.

MDelgado · January 14, 2010

Hey guys just wondering if anyone else has had this same problem and any info on the cause or fix.

I have a 2008 Sierra with factory remote start. I plug in over night due to the fact that its -40C here in manitoba right now. When I got up last week and started the truck it started fine with the remote start. after 10 minutes I tried to restart with the remote again. The truck would not turn over or even try. I went out and started it with the key and to my surprise there was a code up. I took it to the dealer and they removed the code which was a cold start malfunction Code 4100 I beleive. They charged me for a new air filter which they said was the problem. Next day same thing. Took it to the dealer and they have no idea. I figured it was due to the power smart plugs that the hotel im staying at uses.

Last night I plugged into a regular plug. The truck started right up but after 10 minutes would not start with the remote a second time. This time no code was brought up. If not plugged in the truck will start and run twice with the remote.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Drew

What are you plugging in, a block heater or battery charger? I think you should reset your remote starter to run longer, so you don't have to hit it twice. Once it times out, it should reset itself. My factory starter is an Audiovox, is yours? I'd contact the starter manufacturer not the dealer, they're useless with aftermarket accessories (even though it's factory installed)

drewmorran · January 9, 2010

If you start the truck with the remote and let it time out, I don't think you can restart again without using the key first, or if you remote start it and reset the timer with the remote you can run it 2 intervals but then you have to start with the key, if I'm remembering correctly.

I have no idea about the code, sounds like they were BSing you about the air cleaner, but I could be wrong.

Thanks for the info. When Not plugged in the truck will run two intervals just not when plugged in. could be programmed that way i guess. The dealership showed me the print off of the code and possible causes. The filter was one cause mentioned but i check the filters regularly and didnt think it was that bad.