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 icon) for at least four seconds. Your Equinox’s turn signals will flash, and the engine will start, running for a preset time, typically 10 minutes.
There’s nothing better than stepping into a perfectly warm car on a frosty morning or a refreshingly cool one on a scorching summer day. That’s the magic of your Chevy Equinox’s remote start feature. But if you’re staring at the key fob wondering which button does what, you’re not alone. Many drivers find new car features a bit confusing at first.
Don’t worry, I’m here to help. My name is Dustin Hall, and I make car care simple for everyone. Forget the complicated owner’s manual. We’re going to walk through this together, step by step. In just a few minutes, you’ll be using your remote start like a pro, making your daily drives much more comfortable. Let’s get that engine running!
What is Remote Start and Why Is It So Great?
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 a simple concept with some fantastic benefits. Think of it as your personal climate control assistant, getting your car ready before you even open the door.
The primary purpose is comfort. On cold days, it gives the engine and the cabin heater time to warm up. On hot days, it lets the air conditioning cool the interior down. It’s not just about comfort, either; it can also help defrost your windows, saving you valuable time on icy mornings.
Key Benefits of Using Your Equinox’s Remote Start:
- Climate Control: Pre-heats or pre-cools your vehicle to a comfortable temperature.
- Time-Saving: Helps melt ice and frost on your windshield, so you don’t have to scrape as much.
- Engine Care: Allows the engine oil to warm up and circulate before you start driving, which can be beneficial in extremely cold weather.
- Convenience: Gets your car ready to go while you finish your morning coffee or gather your things.
First Things First: Does Your Chevy Equinox Have Remote Start?
Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s make sure your Equinox is equipped with this feature. Not all trim levels come with it standard. Luckily, there are two very easy ways to check.
1. Check Your Key Fob
This is the quickest way to find out. Take a look at your key fob. If you have remote start, you will see a specific button on it. It’s usually a circular arrow icon, sometimes with “x2” or a similar symbol next to it. If you see that button, congratulations! You have remote start.
(Image: A typical Chevy Equinox key fob showing the lock, unlock, panic, and remote start buttons.)
2. Check Your Vehicle’s Settings Menu
If you don’t have your key fob handy, you can also check through the vehicle’s infotainment screen. Here’s how:
- Turn on your Equinox (you’ll need to be inside for this).
- On the center touchscreen display, tap the “Settings” icon.
- Look for a menu option that says “Vehicle” or something similar.
- Inside the Vehicle menu, search for “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start” or “Remote Start.”
If you find these menu options, your vehicle is equipped with the feature. If you don’t see the button on the fob or the settings in the menu, your Equinox likely does not have factory-installed remote start.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Auto Start on Your Chevy Equinox
You’ve confirmed you have the feature—now for the fun part! Using it is incredibly simple. Just follow these steps. For this to work, you need to be within range of your vehicle, typically up to 200 feet, but this can vary based on your surroundings.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Doors Are Locked
The remote start system has a safety feature that prevents it from starting if the doors are unlocked. So, your first action is always to lock the car. Aim your key fob at your Equinox and press the Lock button (the one with the padlock icon). You should hear the doors lock and see the lights flash once to confirm.
Step 2: Press and Hold the Remote Start Button
Immediately after locking the doors, find the Remote Start button on your key fob (the circular arrow). Press and hold this button down. You’ll need to hold it for about four to five seconds. Don’t just tap it—the system needs you to hold it down to confirm you really want to start the engine.
Step 3: Watch for Confirmation
You’ll know it worked when you see the turn signals or parking lights flash. Shortly after, you will hear the engine start up. Your Equinox is now running! The climate control system will turn on to its last used setting or an automatic setting, depending on your vehicle’s configuration. The doors will remain locked for security.
That’s it! You’ve successfully started your car without even being inside it.
What to Do After You’ve Remotely Started Your Equinox
Your car is running and getting comfortable inside, but you’re not quite ready to drive off yet. The vehicle is in a secure “remote start” mode. To take over and drive, you need to complete the startup sequence.
- Unlock the Doors: Press the Unlock button on your key fob or use the button on the door handle if your Equinox has keyless entry.
- Get Inside: Hop into the driver’s seat. You’ll notice the dashboard instruments are still off, and the center screen might be dark. This is normal.
- Complete the Ignition Sequence: With your foot on the brake pedal, do one of the following:
- If you have a push-button start, press the ENGINE START/STOP button.
- If you have a traditional key, insert it into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position.
Now, the dashboard and infotainment system will fully light up, and the vehicle is ready to be shifted into drive. You can’t just get in and drive away after a remote start; you must always complete this final step to transition the car from its secure state to ready-to-drive mode.
How to Turn Off Your Remotely Started Equinox
What if you change your mind or your plans are delayed? You can easily turn off the engine using the same key fob.
Simply press and hold the Remote Start button again for a few seconds. The engine will shut down. This is much better than letting it run for the full cycle if you don’t need it to.
Keep in mind that the engine will also automatically shut off after a set period, which is typically 10 minutes. This is a safety and fuel-saving feature.
Customizing Your Remote Start for Maximum Comfort
One of the best things about the Chevy remote start system is that you can often customize how it behaves. You can tell it to automatically turn on heated seats in the winter or ventilated seats in the summer. These settings are found in your infotainment system.
Accessing the Remote Start Settings:
- Get in your Equinox and start it completely (not just remote start).
- On the center touchscreen, tap Settings.
- Tap Vehicle.
- Tap Remote Lock, Unlock, Start (the name may vary slightly by model year).
Inside this menu, you’ll find several options you can adjust. Here’s a breakdown of what you might see:
| Setting | What It Does | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Start Auto Heat Seats | Automatically turns on the heated seats when it’s cold outside. | Set to On. This is a game-changer in the winter! |
| Remote Start Auto Cool Seats | Automatically turns on the ventilated/cooled seats when it’s hot outside (if your vehicle has them). | Set to On for ultimate summer comfort. |
| Remote Started Climate Control | Determines how the A/C or heat operates. “Auto” will adjust based on exterior temperature, while “Last Settings” will use whatever you had on when you last drove. | Set to Auto for the smartest operation. |
| Remote Start Auto Rear Defrost | Automatically activates the rear window defroster on cold starts. | Set to On to help clear ice and fog. |
By customizing these settings, you can ensure your Equinox is perfectly prepared for the weather every time you use remote start.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My Remote Start Working?
Sometimes, you’ll press the button and… nothing happens. Don’t panic! The system has several safety checks in place that will prevent the engine from starting under certain conditions. It’s almost always a simple issue you can fix in seconds.
Here are the most common reasons why your Chevy Equinox remote start might fail:
Common Problems & Easy Solutions
| Problem | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| The Check Engine Light is On | This is a major safety feature. The system will not start if the vehicle has detected an engine or emissions fault. | You need to have the vehicle serviced to diagnose the issue. Once the light is off, remote start will work again. |
| The Hood is Not Fully Closed | A crucial safety measure to prevent the engine from starting while someone is working on it. | Open the hood and close it firmly. Make sure you hear it click shut. |
| Low Fuel Level | The system won’t start the engine if the fuel level is too low to avoid leaving you stranded. | Add more gasoline to your tank. |
| The Doors Are Unlocked | The sequence requires the car to be locked and secure before starting. | Press the “Lock” button on the fob first, then try the remote start sequence again. |
| Low Key Fob Battery | The fob may not have enough power to send a strong signal to the vehicle. | Replace the battery in your key fob (usually a CR2032 coin battery). |
| You’re Out of Range | You might be too far away, or there could be obstructions like walls blocking the signal. | Move closer to your Equinox and try again. |
| You’ve Used it Too Many Times | Most systems allow for only two consecutive remote starts. After that, you must start the vehicle manually with the push-button or key. | Start the car normally from inside to reset the cycle. |
Safety First: Important Considerations for Remote Start
Remote start is an amazing feature, but it’s important to use it responsibly. The most critical rule is related to ventilation.
Never, ever use remote start in an enclosed space like a home garage. A running engine produces carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk. Always ensure your vehicle is parked outdoors or in a well-ventilated area before using remote start.
Also, be mindful of local regulations. Some areas have laws that limit how long a vehicle can idle. The 10-minute automatic shutoff on your Equinox helps with this, but it’s always good to be aware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long will my Chevy Equinox run on remote start?
Your Equinox will run for 10 minutes per remote start cycle. If you need more time, you can perform the sequence a second time to get another 10 minutes (for a total of 20 minutes). After two cycles, you must start the vehicle manually to reset it.
2. Can I use remote start if my check engine light is on?
No. For safety reasons, the remote start feature is disabled whenever the check engine light is illuminated. You will need to address the underlying issue and have the light cleared before the feature will work again.
3. Why does my Equinox shut off when I open the door after a remote start?
This is a security feature on many modern vehicles. It prevents someone from breaking in and driving the car away. Once you get in, you must press the brake and push the start button (or turn the key) to show that the authorized driver is present.
4. How do I know for sure if my remote start worked?
The most obvious signs are hearing the engine start and seeing the parking lights turn on and remain on. If you are too far away to hear the engine, the lights are your best indicator.
5. Does using auto start drain my car’s battery?
While starting the engine is the biggest draw on a battery, the alternator begins recharging it as soon as the engine is running. Normal use of remote start should not drain a healthy battery. However, if your battery is old or weak, any start—remote or manual—can be a struggle.
6. What if my Equinox didn’t come with remote start? Can I add it?
Yes, it’s often possible to add a remote start system. You can choose a GM-approved accessory system installed by a dealer, which integrates perfectly with your vehicle, or an aftermarket system from a reputable car audio and accessory shop.
7. Is it bad for my engine to use remote start?
No, quite the opposite, especially in cold weather. Allowing the engine to idle for a minute or two lets the oil warm up and circulate properly before you put it under a heavy load by driving. Modern engines are built to handle idling without issues.
You’re Ready for All Weather
And there you have it! You are now fully equipped to use the remote start feature on your Chevy Equinox. What might have seemed like a confusing button on your key fob is now a powerful tool for comfort and convenience. You know how to start it, how to get in and drive, how to customize the settings, and what to do if it doesn’t work on the first try.
Remember to always be safe, especially when it comes to ventilation. Now go ahead and enjoy that perfectly cooled or heated cabin on your next drive. You’ve got this!