Remote Starter Not Working and Check Engine Light

I have a 2007 Chevy Equinox 2wd. This morning I tried to start the vehicle using the remote car starter. The vehicle would not start after 2 attempts. I then started the vehicle using the key and noticed that the check engine light came on. The vehicle seems to be working alright. Any ideas what the problem may be?

Answer: On the newer GM vehicles that have the remote start function, if there is a check engine light related to the emissions system, or many other trouble code set in the computer system, it will disable the remote start feature.

That would be the reason your vehicle did not start when you tried it. Since the vehicle is running fine, the problem you have is most likely nothing serious, but it does need to get a computer scan and get checked out. If you have less than 100,000 miles on it, the issue will probably be covered by the manufacturer's powertrain warranty.


And just a reminder, after two attempts to remote start the vehicle, you need to have an ignition cycle with the key before you can try the remote start again.

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Comments (22)
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  • Guest - Timmy M.

    The problem is more than likely an O2 sensor. American cars are designed so that parts that could last forever, fail. Honda’s and Toyota’s don’t do this. They want you to take it in so they can get you to replace parts that are expensive and hard to get to. This is why you see more and more Japanese, German, and even Korean cars on American roads. American cars are good if you lease, or if you are a mechanic, but if you want something that can go 10-20 years without spending $1000’s replacing parts cars never used to need in the first place, buy Honda, Toyota or Suburu.

  • Guest - tech-junkie

    Everyone keeps saying its the check engine light thats causing the remote starter to not work but how can this be the case when the light only comes on AFTER a remote start failure. I believe its actually the remote start failure that is the cause of the check engine light in many cases. In my case, where temperatures just dropped to -37 celsius, attempting to remote start with a battery that is too cold to start immediately will fail thereby causing the computer to flag an ignition engine code and also disable any further attempts to remote start. Your vehicle manual should have instructions on how to clear the check engine light codes... at least temporarily for most codes. So... If your vehicle will not start up perfect for whatever reason remotely, it may just be the check engine light culprit!

  • Guest - Dorothy

    My 2016 Chevy equinox remote start stop working yesterday engine light is on and car wants and has died when stopping what could be pro 85000 miles I’ve only had car for 5 mos

  • Guest - alondra

    In reply to: Guest - Dorothy

    ill try to check the battery probably the same battery that the car came with when it was made

  • Guest - Derek

    So many people work in shops that comment and want to promote business instead of offering shortcuts. There are ways to override any command start with engine light active. So many people tell you to "JUST FIX THE PROBLEM CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT". Sad that no one likes to promote any engine or ignition bypassing if it is only emission issues causing the engine light. I have given up asking strangers on the web because you will always get the same answer. I won't get into details about how to override your command start, cuz I will make the "safety first" guys very sad. But what you need to do is each time before you plan to use your command start, whether it is the night before, (if you plan to remote start in the morning), disconnect then reconnect your battery before going inside for the night and your command will work for first run. Tedious but works.

  • Guest - Vicente baro

    I have a 2009 impala ss my remote to start was working fine early that day then next time I went to start it it wouldn't and the engine light came on what should I do?

  • Guest - Eric kirk

    Hi i have a 2014 chevy impala LT. i have my engine light on for 2 weeks . And it wont remote start . It will start with key . What can i do to fix it. And on the car remote starter i cant find a way to see if the little battery needs to change. Theres nothing on it to open .no screw or battery cover

  • Guest - Dustin arnold

    In reply to: Guest - Eric kirk

    It’s not your key fob, there’s something going on in the engine , most likely a sensor of some kind, take to local parts store and have them run diagnostics.

  • Guest - Michael

    A month ago my equinox boost air tube came off, reducing engine power and check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer, they installed a new metal clil toretain the boost tubing to the top of the carberator, they also removed the check engine light code. Later noticed the remote start does nott work. What is the cause?

  • Guest - Marquita

    I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox my automatic starter stop working the mechanic said it some kind of timing change cylinder he trying to charge me up just for the part

  • Guest - thom

    In reply to: Guest - Marquita

    did you ever get the problem fixed ?

  • Guest - Cindy Brown

    I have a 2016 traverse with 72,000 miles, my remote key will not start my truck. Engine light is on but runs fine. Code said it's a bank code flue senor. I'm very diappointed ,because it was a great feature to have when u have kids and cracking it b4 I get into a freezing truck to warm up was awesome, now I'm just disappointed

  • Guest - Dustin arnold

    In reply to: Guest - Cindy Brown

    Yes it will not work with engine light on.

  • Guest - Chris Haas

    My 2015 Chevy Camaro sat there for about a week without being used went to start it my check engine light came on drove it around running fine when home shut it off and try to remote start will not work

  • Guest - Kirk Ajram

    Installed a one way viper yesterday on 2005 dodge Dakota v8 magnum. Right after the check engine light comes on and doesn't go away

  • Guest - Kirk Ajram

    After installing a one way remote (viper) the check engine light comes on and wouldn't go away

  • Guest - Carol Phillips

    Will the auto start on 2011 Terrain cause the engine light to come on if the auto start is not working

  • Guest - bob

    In reply to: Guest - Carol Phillips

    Actually it's just the opposite. If the check engine light is on, it will disable the remote start system.

  • Guest - Tony

    I have a 2010 Chevy Equinox that had the same problem the remote starter would not work and the check engine light came on. My mechanic found out that I did not have the right amount of voltage going to my vent valve. Which is located down by the gas tank.

  • Guest - GA

    In reply to: Guest - Tony

    Thanks for the n4 but do u have to drop the tank

  • Guest - Christina Martinez

    In reply to: Guest - Tony

    What had to be done to get enough voltage to the vent valve??

  • Guest - RM

    The check engine light is on, battery, and oil, the my 2006 Ford Tarus will not start. What could the problem be?