GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions, including lock, unlock, remote trunk release, vehicle locator/panic alarm and remote vehicle start, if your vehicle has this feature, will work up to 195 feet (60 m) away.

If your vehicle has the remote vehicle start feature, you will be able start your vehicle with the RKE transmitter. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running and you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off than you were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System .

You will have one of the RKE transmitters below.

With Remote Start (Without Remote Start Similar)


Object Number: 1500704  Size: A3

With Remote Start (Without Remote Start Similar)


Object Number: 1657535  Size: A3

The following functions are available with your vehicle's remote keyless entry system:

(Remote Vehicle Start): Your vehicle may be started from outside the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. See "Remote Vehicle Start" later in this section for more detailed information.

[block ] (Lock):  Press the lock button to lock all the doors. If enabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking lamps may flash once to indicate locking has occurred, or the horn may chirp when the lock button is pressed again within five seconds from the previous press of the lock button. See DIC Vehicle Customization for additional information. If the vehicle has the content theft-deterrent system, pressing the lock button may also arm it. See Content Theft-Deterrent .

(Unlock): Press the unlock button to unlock the driver's door. If the button is pressed again within five seconds, all remaining doors will unlock. The interior lamps will come on and stay on for 20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled through the DIC, the parking lamps can be programmed to come on for a set amount of time when the vehicle is unlocked using the RKE transmitter. See DIC Vehicle Customization . Pressing the unlock button on the RKE transmitter may disarm the content theft-deterrent system. See Content Theft-Deterrent .

(Remote Trunk Release): Press and hold this button for about one second to release the trunk lid. The transaxle must be in PARK (P) for this feature to operate.

(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm): Press and release this button to locate your vehicle. The turn signal lamps will flash and the horn will sound three times. Press and hold this button for more than two seconds to activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps will flash and the horn will sound repeatedly for 30 seconds. The alarm will turn off when the ignition is moved to RUN or the alarm button is pressed again. The ignition must be in OFF for the panic alarm to work.

Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle

Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another transmitter from unlocking your vehicle. If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your GM dealer. Remember to bring any additional transmitters so they can also be re-coded to match the new transmitter. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle. The vehicle can have a maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See RELEARN REMOTE KEY under DIC Controls and Displays .

Battery Replacement

Under normal use, the battery in your RKE transmitter should last about four years.

The battery is weak if the transmitter will not work at the normal range in any location. If you have to get close to your vehicle before the transmitter works, it is probably time to change the battery.

The REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY message in the vehicle's DIC will display if the RKE transmitter battery is low. See "REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY" under DIC Warnings and Messages for additional information.

Notice: When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static from your body could damage the transmitter.


Object Number: 1562525  Size: B3

To replace the battery in the remote keyless entry transmitter, do the following:

  1. Insert a flat object with a thin edge into the notch on the side of the transmitter and separate the bottom half from the top half.
  2. Remove the old battery, but do not use a metal object to do this.
  3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the positive side of the battery facing down. Use a type CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.
  4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter together tightly so moisture does not get in.
  5. Test the operation of the transmitter with the vehicle.

Object Number: 1711321  Size: B3

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter do the following:

  1. Use a flat object with a thin edge into the notch, located above the metal base, and separate the bottom half from the top half of the transmitter.
  2. Remove the old battery , but do not use a metal object to do this.
  3. Slide the new battery into the transmitter with the positive side of the battery facing up. Use a type CR2032 battery, or equivalent type.
  4. Snap the front and the back of the transmitter together tightly so moisture does not get in.
  5. Test the operation of the transmitter with the vehicle.

Remote Vehicle Start

The remote vehicle starting feature allows you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle. It also starts up the vehicle's automatic climate control system. When the remote start system is active, the climate control system will heat and cool the inside of the vehicle according to the previous settings of the system before turning the vehicle off. The rear window defogger will be turned on by the climate control system when it is cold outside. If the vehicle has heated seats, they will also turn on. See Heated and Cooled Seats for additional information. Cooled seats are not activated during a remote start. Normal operation of the climate control system will return after the key is turned to RUN. See Dual Climate Control System .

Laws in some communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws may require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view when doing so. Check local regulations for any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.

Your RKE transmitter, with the remote start button, provides an increased range of operation. However, the range may be less while the vehicle is running. As a result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.

There are other conditions which can affect the performance of the transmitter, see "Remote Keyless Entry System Operation" listed previously for additional information.

(Remote Start): Press and release the lock button and then press and hold this button to use the remote start feature.

To start the vehicle using the remote start feature, do the following:

  1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
  2. Press and release the transmitter's lock button, then immediately press and hold the transmitter's remote start button until the turn signal lights flash or if the vehicle's lights are not visible, press and hold the remote start button for at least four seconds. The vehicle's doors will lock. Pressing the remote start button again after the vehicle has started will turn off the ignition.
  3. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on and remain on while the vehicle is running.

  4. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle has been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is still running, to extend the engine running time by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.

After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert and turn the key to RUN to drive the vehicle.

If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done.

To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the following:

    • Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press the remote start button until the parking lamps turn off.
    • Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
    • Turn the ignition switch on and then off.

The remote vehicle start feature provides two separate starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running, or it provides one start with 10 minutes of engine running that may be extended 10 more minutes. If you press and release the transmitter lock button and then press and hold the remote start button on the RKE transmitter again before the first 10 minutes of engine running time has expired, 10 minutes are added to the remaining minutes. For example, if the lock button and then the remote start buttons are pressed again after five minutes of the engine run time, 10 minutes are added and you now have 15 minutes of engine running. The added ten minutes are considered a second remote vehicle start.

Once two remote starts or a single start with a time extension have been used, the vehicle must be started with the ignition key before you can use the remote start feature again.

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if the key is in the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there is an emission control system malfunction.

The engine will turn off during a remote vehicle start if the coolant temperature gets too high, or the oil pressure is too low.

Your vehicle was shipped from the factory with the remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may be disabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC). See "REMOTE START" under DIC Vehicle Customization for additional information.

See Engine Exhaust for important safety information when using remote start in a closed garage.

Remote Start Ready

If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature. See your dealer if you would like to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle start feature to your vehicle.