GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2007 🢒 STS 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Remote Functions 🢒 Remote Vehicle Start Inoperative

Diagnostic Aids

Important: If the vehicle has a current vehicle DTC that illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), the cause of the DTC must be diagnosed before proceeding with the Remote Vehicle Start Inoperative diagnostic.

The remote vehicle start (RVS) will not operate under the following conditions:

    • A current vehicle DTC that illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
    • A keyless entry transmitter is in the vehicle.
    • Vehicle is in valet mode
    • More than 2 remote start have been attempted
    • The hazard switch is in the ON position.
    • A current hazard switch DTC is set.
    • The vehicle hood is ajar.
    • A current hood ajar switch DTC is set.
    • The content theft deterrent system detects an alarm trigger
    • Excessive engine RPM
    • Excessive coolant temperature
    • Low engine oil pressure
    • Excessive engine crank time
    • Accelerator pedal position great than 0 percent
    • Vehicle not in park
    • Vehicle theft deterrent malfunction
    • A current automatic transmission shift lock control system DTC is set.
    • A vehicle speed signal is detected by the engine control module (ECM).

Poor performance or intermittent failed remote vehicle start attempts may be due to one of the following:

    • Insufficient connection of the external RF antenna to the RCDLR
    • Low transmitter battery
    • Low vehicle battery
    • Radio Frequency (RF) interference from aftermarket devices such as 2-way radios, power inverters, cellular phone chargers, computers, etc...
    • High RF traffic areas, such as gas stations which use pay-at-the-pump RF transponders

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. The remote start enable procedure is contained in the Keyless Entry Description and Operation.

    2.

  2. The RVS Disable History parameters display the causes of up to eight failed or aborted remote start attempts.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics , Remote Function Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Electrical Connector End Views , Remote Function Connector End Views

DEFINITION: The remote vehicle start function does not operate.

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Press the lock button on the remote keyless entry fob.

Do the vehicle doors lock?

Go to Step 3

Go to Keyless Entry System Inoperative

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Enter the driver information center (DIC). Scroll the menu button until Remote Start appears on the display.
  3. Observe the DIC display.

Is remote start enabled on the DIC?

Go to Step 4

Go to Keyless Entry System Description and Operation

4

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Observe the RVS Disable History parameters in the engine control module (ECM) data list.

Does the scan tool indicate any disable history causes?
    • Go to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run for the 3.6L (LY7) engine
    • Go to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run for the 4.6L (LH2) engine
    • Go to Engine Cranks But Does Not Run for the 4.4L engine (LC3) engine

Go to Step 5

5

Observe the Alarm Trigger menu in the RIM data list.

Does the scan tool indicate any alarm triggers?

Go to Symptoms - Theft Deterrent

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Inspect the external RF antenna connection at the RCDLR. First, gently pull on the coax connector at the module. If the coax comes out, then it wasn't seated properly. Remove and carefully inspect the coax connection for bent blades or a bent center pin. Fix coax connection if necessary and re-seat connector until a "click" is heard. Gently pull on the coax connection to make sure it is seated properly. Was there an issue with the connection?

System OK

Go to Diagnostic Aids