Remote Start Question

Willyone · October 14, 2016

2016 Z71 Cebby 5.3

Hey guys... Is there a way to lengthen the time the truck stays running when it's started with the Fob Remote? I haven't timed it but mine seems to run for about 5 maybe 10 minutes then shuts off, then I have to restart it. It would be nice for winter if the truck would stay running for 20 minutes or so non stop, w/o needing to restart.

Thanks in advance.

pgamboa · October 14, 2016

I believe if you follow the remote sequence twice, it will stay on for twice the time. That's the maximum though... if I recall from the manual.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Silvern Sentry · October 14, 2016

If you read the manual it states first time is 10 mins, second time is 10 mins. There is no 3rd time it must be started with key after that.

As far as increasing that ... good question but probably not easy sounds like it is a programming thing.

tmo · October 14, 2016

It would be nice if you could make it go off after it hit a certain temp. For instance, make it go off at 200 so the truck is warm for a bit after.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · October 14, 2016

Run time is 10 minutes. To do it for 20 you need to wait until just before it cuts off at the end of the first 10 and then do the remote start sequence again. If lets say you do the 2nd one after only 5 minutes then it will only run for 15. So the 2nd time just restarts the 10 minute time.

redwngr · October 14, 2016

I've seen this discussed on several GM related forums over the last 8 or 10 years.

Two 10 minute intervals is all that GM makes available.

qwank · October 15, 2016

It's safety thing, It's to prevent a truck from running in a garage for more than 20 minutes.

x219c · October 15, 2016

I have the factory remote start and this is one of the most annoying things. I installed a remote start on my last car and had it set to run for an hour.

I never let it in that long, but if I wanted to, it would.

I wonder if I put another one in here if it'd run longer. It would basically control the factory, as I don't think it requires tapping the ignition wires in these trucks. Maybe worth some research.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Z45 · October 15, 2016

Also its a matter of various local laws which ban letting vehicles run unattended for more than a short time so they have to consider that factor as well.

j-ten-ner · October 15, 2016

I, too, use the remote start to warm up the engine a little.

But I'd rather have the engine block heater to kick in at higher temperatures than -18 degrees Celsius.

Or even better, a factory option of an external engine heater.

Like this one

https://www.webasto.com/int/markets-products/light-duty-vehicles/heating-systems/

so long

j-ten-ner

Silvern Sentry · October 15, 2016

I, too, use the remote start to warm up the engine a little.

But I'd rather have the engine block heater to kick in at higher temperatures than -18 degrees Celsius.

Or even better, a factory option of an external engine heater.

Like this one

https://www.webasto.com/int/markets-products/light-duty-vehicles/heating-systems/

so long

j-ten-ner

Most newer gassers do not need a block heater as the operating temperatures are much greater than in the past. Probably better starters these days too. All I know is I live in Canada and have not had a block heater since 2006 and this included Calgary and Edmonton winters. Never ever even once had a problem starting. My truck does not have one and not even worried. Diesels are a different story.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · October 15, 2016

From my understanding, with modern engines letting it warm up is pretty much just for cab comfort for when you get in. An engine will also warm up a lot quicker when driving than just sitting idle for 10-20 minutes. I'm not sure how important it is to let it warm up for somewhere like Canada, Alaska or the northern US states. But, for somewhere that doesn't get below 0°F much, the longest you need to let it warm up in my opinion is about 5 minutes. For somewhere like Alaska or Canada you might need to warm up for about 10 minutes, but I think it's still mainly for the cab to be comfortable when you get in. My rule of thumb is when it's cold to wait for the idle RPM to drop to normal idle RPM. When it's cold the RPMs will be about 250 more and then drop down to normal which is 500. So as long as idle RPM is 500 then you're fine to go.

Donstar · October 16, 2016

The warm up is for cab comfort. It also allows for better defrost/defog when first driving on a cold Canadian winter morning! However, I can't imagine needing to leave my car idling for more than 10 minutes. To me, this is unnecessary and a waste. I know my father use to go out and start his car in the morning, then come back in the house and have his breakfast and get ready for work. This caused many a family dispute with his teenage, earth-loving sons in the 60's!

j-ten-ner · October 16, 2016

Most newer gassers do not need a block heater as the operating temperatures are much greater than in the past. Probably better starters these days too. All I know is I live in Canada and have not had a block heater since 2006 and this included Calgary and Edmonton winters. Never ever even once had a problem starting. My truck does not have one and not even worried. Diesels are a different story.

I agree. For me it's more for comfort and defrosting purposes.

Same in the summer. It's nice to enter the cab with the AC already on.

Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt the engine to be pre-heated in cold temperatures. That's why I'd like to use the engine block heater instead of idling of the engine.

But since the block heater is useless for the climates in my area, I'd rather have the external heater instead of the block heater.

so long

j-ten-ner

PaddyO · October 17, 2016

I have the factory remote start and this is one of the most annoying things. I installed a remote start on my last car and had it set to run for an hour.

I never let it in that long, but if I wanted to, it would.

I wonder if I put another one in here if it'd run longer. It would basically control the factory, as I don't think it requires tapping the ignition wires in these trucks. Maybe worth some research.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I once owned a malibu with an aftermarket remote starter. Unbeknownst to me the remote automatically fired the car up when the resting motor hit a specific cold temperature. The cool timer allowed you to select from four different low temp thresholds. Once the temp reached the designated temperature my vehicle automatically fired up to prevent fluid freeze-up. The same Cool Timer module also allowed me to cause the car to start every two or four hours. This program remained in effect until the car was manually started or the program was physically cancelled. I only found this feature out after returning in the early morning hours from a day and night of riding snowmobiles in Old Forge NY. In returning I found the car running which caused me to research how that could have happened. Additionally you could program the car to run for 12, 24, 36, and 48 minutes before turning itself off. I wish the GM remote would allow these options.