To use the auto start on your Chevy Equinox, first press the “Lock” button on your key fob. Immediately after, press and hold the “Remote Start” button (the circular arrow symbol) for about four seconds. Your Equinox’s lights will flash, and the engine will start, running for a preset time, typically 10 minutes.
There’s nothing better than stepping into a perfectly cooled car on a blazing summer day or a toasty warm cabin during a winter freeze. The remote start feature on your Chevy Equinox is designed for exactly that—comfort and convenience. But if you’re new to the Equinox or have never used this feature before, figuring out the right button sequence can feel a bit tricky.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many drivers find themselves fumbling with the key fob, wondering why it’s not working. The good news is that it’s incredibly simple once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use your remote start, customize its settings, and troubleshoot common issues. Let’s get your Equinox ready for you before you even open the door.
What is Remote Start and Why Is It So Useful?
Remote start, also known as auto start, is a feature that allows you to start your car’s engine from a distance using your key fob. It’s more than just a cool gadget; it’s a practical tool that makes driving much more comfortable. When you remote start your Equinox, it doesn’t just turn on the engine. It also activates your climate control system.
Here’s how it helps you throughout the year:
- In the Winter: It warms up the engine, heats the cabin, and can even turn on your heated seats and defrosters. No more shivering while you wait for the car to warm up!
- In the Summer: It starts the air conditioning, cooling down the interior before you get in. Say goodbye to scorching hot seats and a stuffy cabin.
The system is designed with safety in mind. Even though the engine is running, the doors remain locked, and the vehicle can’t be driven until you get inside and complete the startup process. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and security.
Your Chevy Equinox Key Fob: The Buttons You Need to Know
Before we start the engine, let’s get familiar with your key fob. While designs can vary slightly by year, most modern Chevy Equinox fobs have a similar layout. You’ll typically see four or five buttons.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the important ones for remote start:
| Button Symbol | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| A padlock icon that is closed | Lock | Locks all the doors. This is the first step in the remote start sequence. |
| A padlock icon that is open | Unlock | Unlocks the driver’s side door or all doors. |
| A circular arrow | Remote Start | This is the button you press and hold to start the engine remotely. |
| A car with the trunk open | Trunk/Liftgate Release | Opens the rear liftgate. |
| A red bell or “Panic” text | Panic Alarm | Activates the car’s alarm system in an emergency. |
The two buttons we’ll focus on are the Lock button and the Remote Start button. You need both to get the magic to happen.
How to Use Auto Start on Your Chevy Equinox: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to give it a try? The process is simple and takes just a few seconds. Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
- Check Your Surroundings: First, make sure you are within the operational range of your key fob. For most factory systems, this is around 200 feet. Also, ensure your vehicle is in a well-ventilated area, never in an enclosed garage.
- Press the Lock Button: Aim your key fob at your Equinox and press the Lock button once. You should hear the doors lock and see the parking lights flash once to confirm. Your vehicle must be locked for the remote start to engage. This is a critical security step.
- Press and Hold the Remote Start Button: Immediately after locking the doors, press and hold the Remote Start button (the one with the circular arrow).
- Wait for Confirmation: Continue holding the button for about four seconds. You will see the turn signal lights flash, and then you’ll hear the engine turn over and start. Success!
Your Equinox will now run for a default period of 10 minutes. The climate control system will automatically adjust to either heat or cool the cabin based on the outside temperature and your last used settings.
What to Do After You’ve Remote Started Your Car
So, the engine is running and the cabin is getting comfortable. What’s next? Getting in and driving away is just as easy.
- Unlock the Doors: Your doors remained locked for security. Press the Unlock button on your key fob to get in.
- Get Inside: Sit down in the driver’s seat. You’ll notice the engine is running, but the instrument panel and radio might still be off. This is normal.
- Press the Brake and the “START” Button: To take full control of the vehicle, press your foot down on the brake pedal and then press the “ENGINE START/STOP” button.
The dashboard will light up, the infotainment system will turn on, and you can now shift into gear and drive away. If you don’t complete this step and try to shift gears, the engine will shut off as a safety measure.
How to Turn Off Your Remotely Started Equinox
Changed your mind or just wanted to pre-cool the car for a minute? You can easily turn the engine off without getting inside.
- Simply press and hold the Remote Start button again for about four seconds. The engine will shut down.
- If you do nothing, the engine will automatically shut off after the 10-minute cycle is complete.
Need More Time? How to Extend the Remote Start Duration
Ten minutes isn’t always enough, especially on very cold or hot days. Chevrolet thought of that! You can extend the remote start time for another 10-minute cycle.
- After the first remote start sequence has begun, wait about 30 seconds.
- Repeat the same steps: Press the Lock button, then press and hold the Remote Start button for four seconds.
- The parking lights will flash again, confirming that the timer has been reset for another 10 minutes.
You can do this once per ignition cycle, for a total of 20 minutes of remote run time. After that, you’ll need to start the vehicle manually from inside.
Customizing Your Remote Start Experience
One of the best things about the Chevy Equinox is how you can tailor its features to your preferences. You can adjust the remote start settings through the infotainment screen. This allows you to enable features like automatic heated or ventilated seats.
Here’s how to find the menu:
- Turn on your Equinox fully (not just with remote start).
- On the center touchscreen display, tap “Settings.”
- Select the “Vehicle” tab.
- Look for a menu item called “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start” or similar.
Inside this menu, you’ll find some exciting options. Here are a few you might see, depending on your model year and trim level.
Common Remote Start Settings
| Setting | What It Does | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start Auto Heat Seats | Automatically turns on the heated seats for the driver and front passenger when it’s cold outside. | Toggle this setting to “On.” The system uses an ambient temperature sensor to decide when to activate it. |
| Remote Start Auto Cool Seats | If your Equinox has ventilated (cooled) seats, this automatically turns them on when it’s hot outside. | Toggle this setting to “On.” It provides immediate relief on sweltering days. |
| Remote Door Unlock | Lets you choose whether pressing the unlock button once unlocks only the driver’s door or all doors. | Select “All Doors” or “Driver Door Only” based on your preference for convenience and security. |
| Passive Door Unlock | Controls how the keyless entry button on the door handle works. | You can set it to unlock all doors or just the driver’s door when you press the button on the handle. |
By customizing these settings, you make the remote start feature work even harder for you. Imagine getting into a car where not only the air is warm, but your seat is too!
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Remote Start Working?
Sometimes, you’ll press the buttons and… nothing happens. It can be frustrating, but there’s usually a simple explanation. The vehicle’s computer runs a safety check before starting the engine remotely. If any of these checks fail, it won’t start.
Here are the most common reasons your Chevy Equinox remote start isn’t working:
- The doors are unlocked. The system requires the vehicle to be locked first. Always press the “Lock” button before trying to remote start.
- The check engine light is on. This is a major one. If your Equinox has an active engine fault code, remote start will be disabled as a safety precaution. You’ll need to have the issue diagnosed and repaired.
- The hood is not fully closed. There’s a sensor in the hood latch. If the system thinks the hood is open, it will prevent a remote start to protect anyone who might be working on the engine. Make sure your hood is securely latched.
- The key fob battery is low. If the battery in your fob is weak, the signal may not be strong enough to reach the car. You might see a “No Remote Detected” message on your dash when you’re inside the car.
- You’re out of range. Try moving closer to the vehicle. Obstacles like walls and other buildings can also interfere with the signal.
- The vehicle’s main battery is weak. The system needs a certain amount of voltage to start the engine. If your car battery is dying, the remote start may not have enough power to work.
- You are low on fuel. If the low fuel light is on, remote start is often disabled to conserve what little fuel is left.
Safety First: Important Remote Start Precautions
Remote start is a fantastic feature, but it’s essential to use it safely. The most important rule is about ventilation.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
A running engine produces carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is poisonous. Never use remote start if your Equinox is parked in an enclosed space like a home garage, even with the garage door open. Fumes can build up to dangerous levels very quickly.
Always ensure your car is parked outdoors in a well-ventilated area before using the remote start. For more information on carbon monoxide safety, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. It’s a simple precaution that can save lives.
Remember, the system is designed with other safety features built-in, like keeping the doors locked and requiring you to press the brake to drive away. These help prevent theft and accidental movement of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long will my Chevy Equinox run on remote start?
Your Equinox will run for 10 minutes by default. You can extend this for one additional 10-minute cycle, for a total of 20 minutes, by repeating the remote start sequence after the car has been running for at least 30 seconds.
2. Why won’t my auto start work if the check engine light is on?
This is a safety feature. The check engine light indicates a potential problem with the engine or emissions system. The vehicle disables remote start to prevent any further damage and to ensure the vehicle is inspected by a person before being driven.
3. What is the range of the Chevy Equinox remote start?
The range for a factory-installed system is typically up to 200 feet (about 60 meters) in an open area. The range can be reduced by obstacles like buildings, trees, and other electronic interference.
4. Do I need to buy a subscription for my remote start to work?
No. The remote start feature that operates from your key fob is included with the vehicle and does not require a subscription. However, Chevrolet also offers remote start through the myChevrolet mobile app, which is part of a paid OnStar connected services plan.
5. Can I install remote start on an Equinox that didn’t come with it?
Yes, it’s often possible. You can purchase a genuine GM remote start kit and have it installed and programmed by a Chevrolet dealership. There are also aftermarket options available, but using a genuine GM part ensures seamless integration with your vehicle’s systems.
6. Is it bad for my engine to use remote start frequently?
No, using remote start is not bad for your engine. In fact, in very cold weather, allowing the engine to warm up for a few minutes helps the oil circulate properly before you start driving, which can reduce engine wear over time. Just be mindful of not letting it idle for excessively long periods unnecessarily.
7. How do I change the battery in my key fob?
Most Chevy Equinox key fobs use a common CR2032 coin battery. You can usually pry the fob open with a small flathead screwdriver in the designated slot. Carefully separate the two halves, swap out the old battery for a new one, and snap the fob back together. Be sure the positive (+) side of the battery is facing the correct way.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Comfort of Your Chevy Equinox
Mastering the remote start feature on your Chevy Equinox is a small step that makes a huge difference in your daily driving experience. What once seemed confusing is now a simple, two-button process: lock, then press and hold. It’s your ticket to a comfortable cabin, no matter the weather outside.
By understanding how to use it, customize its settings, and troubleshoot common issues, you’re now in full control. You can step into a perfectly prepared vehicle every time, saving you from the discomfort of extreme temperatures. So go ahead and enjoy that little bit of everyday luxury—you deserve it!