Remote Start

JoJoSilverado · December 20, 2016

I was reading a thread awhile back and somebody was inquiring about installing remote start to their W/T model. Another user had mentioned that the remote start was programmed into something that every truck uses and that you just had to program a compatible fob, not needing to do any modifications to the truck as they apparently come pre-set up for remote start.

I was curious if anybody knew if it was possible to use the OnStar Remote Access (remote start feature) as a substitute for trucks that didn't come with a remote start fob??

Andy Seibel · December 20, 2016

Interesting idea. I'm going to guess you can't do that just because onstar is only out to screw people out of money, not actually help Chevrolet vehicle owners.

Are you saying you have an onstar subscription? without that you are probly out of luck. Did you buy your truck new? did you get the 3 or 5 year free trial of the onstar app? (for you would only operate the door locks)

I've tried looking into how to extend the app beyond the trial period and it seems that you can continue using it if you pay for a subscription, which I will not be doing just to have an app that does the same thing as my key fob. Now if you could get the app to serve all functions without having a key fob, it would be worth trying. I'm going to follow along to see what else people know about this. I would be willing to pay a couple bucks a month just to have the app work for the life of the truck, but no other onstar services are worth a dime to me.

Skeeter McSkeet · December 20, 2016

If you're referring to the onstar app I don't think it will work. Dealer didn't set my buddies app up so I helped him do it. There was no remote start option in his app since the truck didn't come with it.

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JoJoSilverado · December 20, 2016

Darn. I was hoping it'd be a fairly simple "work-around". I swear I thought I read in another thread a week or so back that all the vehicles came compatible with the remote start from factory and that it was fob-based.

But no, I didn't intend on paying for OnStar, just using the trial. In my opinion the only useful feature is the remote start (if it works with a vehicle that doesn't have a corresponding remote start fob). I plan on checking into the trial this afternoon and I'll let y'all know if I end up getting the remote start as well.

Even though it's a long shot, I'll probably just give it a try and see what happens. Can't hurt if it's just a free trial.

cbrsilv15 · December 20, 2016

Onstar is free for 3 years. You can use the app to remote start but you have to have the paid subscription to get vehicle updates. Google it. 3 for free.

Coby7 · December 20, 2016

Remote start will only work if you have RPO code AP8 and if is enabled in BCM.

Andy Seibel · December 20, 2016

Onstar is free for 3 years. Google it. 3 for free.

I think that 2014 models came with 3 years free. I got 5 years with my 2015. I cannot verify what newer model years are offering. But since the OP has a 2014, its likely that his free trial has already or is about to expire.

I think if you buy used, you can get a shorter free trial period, like 6 months. don't quote me on that.

cbrsilv15 · December 20, 2016

Bought my 14 used in March of this year. Called onstar and they gave me 3 years for free.

Rolling Thunder · December 20, 2016

Onstar Basic plan for 2016 is five years at no extra cost which includes Remote Access (lock - unlock). Any other feature on any other plan can be bought individually for just a month if desired (Wi-Fi, navigation, etc.), if taking a trip. The value of these plans are in the eyes of the payee.

JoJoSilverado · December 20, 2016

Remote start will only work if you have RPO code AP8 and if is enabled in BCM.

So nothing needs to be "installed" into the truck, a dealership would just have to hook up their programmer and "activate" the code within the system in order for remote start to function??

Andy Seibel · December 20, 2016

So nothing needs to be "installed" into the truck, a dealership would just have to hook up their programmer and "activate" the code within the system in order for remote start to function??

RPO = Regular Production Option. Sorry that is not something that can be activated. Its either installed in your truck or its not. You would have to look in your glovebox at the sticker with all the codes to see if your truck has it. I'm guessing as a work truck it does not.

Skeeter McSkeet · December 20, 2016

My 2015 came with 5 years of basic as well. The navigation section of the app was listed as an upgrade on mine after the initial full onstar trial went out; I just looked before posting on here and it's now an option available. Was able to send directions from app to in dash navi, didn't know that was in the basic plan.

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KaptKyle · December 21, 2016

It seems like I am the only one here who has actually done this, so I can settle the debate.

Bought my 2016 WT in september.

I had my dealership order the GM remote start capable starter and install it, they flashed the BCM and got me new key fobs with the remote start option.

Remote start not only works with the fob, but also works with the Onstar app.

It does work, exactly as designed.

SILVER SLED · December 21, 2016

Not all work trucks are the same. Some come capable of remote start but don't have it it's simply a key fob and programming update, and some don't come capable of remote start and can't get it.

KaptKyle · December 21, 2016

Not all work trucks are the same. Some come capable of remote start but don't have it it's simply a key fob and programming update, and some don't come capable of remote start and can't get it.

Gonna need some explanation on this, that doesn't make any sense.