How To Use The GMC Sierra Remote Start


in Model Info and Features
GMC Sierra in a showroom
Source: Flickr

While the Chevrolet Silverado gets most of the attention as General Motors’ best-selling vehicle, the GMC Sierra (the Silverado’s corporate twin) receives a solid second-place status for the automaker. One of the available features that Sierra owners have come to appreciate is remote start, a significant convenience when dealing with unfavorable weather. Keep reading as we explore everything there is to know about GMC Sierra remote start. We’ll examine the fundamentals, like how to use the different remote start options, and then review the pros and cons of using a remote start system.

What is Remote Vehicle Start? 

Remote vehicle start, or “remote start,” allows a driver to start their car’s engine from a distance, typically using a key fob or smartphone app. With remote start activated, the vehicle’s engine will turn on, and interior features like the climate control and heated seats will begin operating. This allows the cabin to reach a comfortable temperature when the driver enters the vehicle. The engine will usually run for a predetermined period (10-20 minutes, depending on the manufacturer) with remote start before automatically turning off to prevent excessive idling.

Overview of GMC Sierra Remote Start

Many newer GMC Sierra models come equipped with a built-in capability to start the vehicle remotely via the key fob or GM’s myGMC smartphone app. Like most OEM systems, The GMC Sierra’s factory remote start feature will run the engine and activate pre-set interior features for 15 minutes before shutting off automatically depending on the outside temperature. 

The system has an effective line-of-sight signal range of up to 200 feet from the vehicle when using the key fob. The myGMC app can control the Sierra remotely from much greater distances if the truck has built-in 4G LTE capability, allowing it to connect to the cloud.

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Key Fob Use for GMC Sierra Remote Start

Using the key fob remote remote start function on a GMC Sierra (when equipped) is straightforward. 

  1. Stand within 200 feet of the vehicle and confirm you have a line of sight to the Sierra. Obstructions like walls or buildings may interfere with the signal.
  2. Press and release the round padlock button (a locked padlock icon). 
  3. Immediately after step 2, press and hold the circular arrow button (looping arrows icon) for at least four seconds, then let go.
  4. Within a few seconds, the side turn signal lights should flash twice, confirming the activation of remote engine start.

The remote start feature can be activated a second time (for a total run time of 30 minutes) if you need to extend remote engine operation. If the Sierra fails to start, try again from a closer distance or a different position.

Smartphone App Use for GMC Sierra Remote Start

Newer model-year GMC Sierras with built-in 4G LTE connections can be remotely started via the myGMC smartphone app. The steps are:

  1. Ensure your Sierra has an active OnStar data connection or in-car WiFi enabled. This allows communication between the vehicle and the app via the cloud.
  2. Open the myGMC mobile app on your phone and log in.
  3. From the main screen, select the “Remote Commands” function.  
  4. Choose the “Remote Start” option from the next menu.
  5. The app will activate your Sierra’s remote start and confirm the status on screen.

In addition to enabling remote starting, the myGMC app allows owners to check vehicle status such as fuel level and tire pressure readings. The system can also show maintenance alerts when service is due. 

Customizing GMC Sierra Remote Start Settings  

An additional feature on GM’s remote vehicle start is the ability to customize the vehicle’s climate and comfort settings. 

  1. From the infotainment screen, press the “Settings” icon.
  2. Choose “Vehicle” from the next menu, then “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start” from that screen.
  3. Here, you can enable applicable options, like heated seats and heated steering wheel, or set climate control preferences to better match weather conditions (warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer). 

These settings become the default mode for future remote starts. 

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Understanding the Pros and Cons of GMC Sierra Remote Start

Like most things in life, remote start (on a GMC Sierra or any vehicle) has pros and cons. Here’s what to consider.

Advantages of Remote Vehicle Start

  • Comfort: As mentioned, remote start enables the vehicle’s climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior so that the cabin temperature is comfortable by the time you get in. This is very convenient in extremely cold or hot weather conditions. You don’t have to bear the frigid air or stifling heat for several minutes waiting for the climate system to catch up.
  • Defrosting: Along with warming the interior, remote start can help melt frost, snow, and ice that’s accumulated on the vehicle’s windows and windshield. It will activate the heated mirrors and rear defroster as well. This saves you time in the morning scraping ice and snow so you can be on the road faster.  
  • Increased Engine Life: Allowing your vehicle and engine to warm up slowly via a remote start is beneficial compared to cold starts, where you turn the key and immediately start moving.  A gradual warm-up puts less strain and stress on mechanical components, which over months and years, leads to an extended engine lifespan.

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Disadvantages of Remote Vehicle Start

  • Cost: Installing an aftermarket remote start system can be expensive, usually between $200-$400 for the components plus professional installation. Some modern vehicles have built-in OEM remote start capability, but app-based systems usually require paying for an ongoing subscription after a few years. 
  • Wireless Range Issues: Key fob-based remotes have a limited effective wireless range. Being outside this range, having an obstructed path, or other interference can prevent the lock/unlock/remote start signal from going through. Mobile apps do overcome these issues but still require a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
  • Excessive Idling Concerns: Although most factory systems automatically shut down after 10-20 minutes, any prolonged idling creates additional emissions, wastes fuels, and adds unnecessary wear on engine components like pistons and bearings.

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