Remote Start Confusing Me

mgorsk02 · March 4, 2009

Hi -

I searched and didn't find anything on this. I have a 2008 Silverado LTZ extended. Sometimes when I remote start it, I notice that the heat is blasting and seat heaters are on the highest setting. Other times there is basically nothing happening even after 10 minutes. I noticed this recently and have been paying closer attention to it.

I am only talking about cold temperatures (always less than 32). For example, yesterday evening I came out of a store, remote started it and everything was full blast when I got in (it was about 20 degrees). This morning I remote started it and left it running for about 8 minutes and there was nothing happening inside when I got in (it was about 15 degrees).

I am trying to figure out if something is wrong or if there is a setting causing this to happen.

66nova · March 4, 2009

Hi -

I searched and didn't find anything on this. I have a 2008 Silverado LTZ extended. Sometimes when I remote start it, I notice that the heat is blasting and seat heaters are on the highest setting. Other times there is basically nothing happening even after 10 minutes. I noticed this recently and have been paying closer attention to it.

I am only talking about cold temperatures (always less than 32). For example, yesterday evening I came out of a store, remote started it and everything was full blast when I got in (it was about 20 degrees). This morning I remote started it and left it running for about 8 minutes and there was nothing happening inside when I got in (it was about 15 degrees).

I am trying to figure out if something is wrong or if there is a setting causing this to happen.

Were the seat heaters on in both cases? They should have been.

With the remote start and automatic climate control the heater will not start blowing until the trucks temp has warmed up. It does this so its not blowing cold air into the cab.

So what I am guessing happened is the 15degree morning the truck had not fully warmed up yet so it was not blowing yet. When you were at the store, the truck was already warm so it started blowing warm air.

Do you know if you have the aluminum block or steel? The aluminum block motors will warm up faster.

mgorsk02 · March 4, 2009

That makes sense. I will check the seats when I leave work today.

I guess I was just surprised that it didn't warm up in 8 minutes. Since you mentioned that I checked the weather this morning and I guess I was a little off. It was 2 around the time I started it. Its so darn cold it all feels the same now.

I'm not sure about the aluminum or steel. I will have to check the RPO codes I have.

bubba33 · March 4, 2009

Hi -

I searched and didn't find anything on this. I have a 2008 Silverado LTZ extended. Sometimes when I remote start it, I notice that the heat is blasting and seat heaters are on the highest setting. Other times there is basically nothing happening even after 10 minutes. I noticed this recently and have been paying closer attention to it.

I am only talking about cold temperatures (always less than 32). For example, yesterday evening I came out of a store, remote started it and everything was full blast when I got in (it was about 20 degrees). This morning I remote started it and left it running for about 8 minutes and there was nothing happening inside when I got in (it was about 15 degrees).

I am trying to figure out if something is wrong or if there is a setting causing this to happen.

Were the seat heaters on in both cases? They should have been.

With the remote start and automatic climate control the heater will not start blowing until the trucks temp has warmed up. It does this so its not blowing cold air into the cab.

So what I am guessing happened is the 15degree morning the truck had not fully warmed up yet so it was not blowing yet. When you were at the store, the truck was already warm so it started blowing warm air.

Do you know if you have the aluminum block or steel? The aluminum block motors will warm up faster.

What he said .Thats how it works. Your truck was most likely still warm when you were at the store.My fan doesn't come on until the temperature gauge has moved.

robot225 · March 4, 2009

Anyone have a truck yet with the cooled seats, or know if the coolers come on when it's hot?

DofD · March 4, 2009

I've got the cooled seats, but will have to wait till summer to see if they come on automatically with remote start. Far too chilly around here at the moment. I do know that they do work and cool the seats after pressing cool instead of heat once, and wondered why my butt was getting cold.

c4cruiser · March 4, 2009

When I use the auto-start on my 08 Silverado LTZ VortecMax with climate control, the heated seats will be on "High" setting and the CC system sets to defrost mode with the fan on the highest speed. The fan runs from the time the truck starts but I have never let it run long enough to see if it will turn off if cabin temp reaches what I have set.

Since I bought it it has always worked this way even if the morning temps are above freezing. It takes about three minutes of idling to see the coolant temp gauge needle move. This motor warms up much quicker than my old '99 Silverado with the 5.3L motor. That must be due to the aluminum block.

MarkD · March 5, 2009

That makes sense. I will check the seats when I leave work today.

I guess I was just surprised that it didn't warm up in 8 minutes. Since you mentioned that I checked the weather this morning and I guess I was a little off. It was 2 around the time I started it. Its so darn cold it all feels the same now.

I'm not sure about the aluminum or steel. I will have to check the RPO codes I have.

You should be able to pop the hood and tell if you have an aluminum block.