GMC Terrain Remote Start: The Full Rundown
Source: Flickr
Remote start isn’t exactly an “essential” feature for any vehicle, but many of you will agree that it’s sure nice to have. For instance, After a long day at the office, you step outside into the freezing night. You remember your car’s remote start feature and, from a distance, start your car. As you walk towards it, you smile, knowing you’ll be welcomed by a properly warmed vehicle, making your journey home much more comfortable.
Having said that, the remote start feature is widely available in many GMC vehicles, especially in newer ones. So, for today, we talk about the GMC Terrain Remote Start feature. What is it, and why is it nice to have? Which GMC Terrain model years have this convenient feature? How do you activate remote start on a GMC Terrain? We’ll answer these questions and more below.
What is Remote Start and Its Benefits?
Remote start is a feature that allows a vehicle’s engine to be started from a distance using a remote control, typically integrated into the key fob. This technology relies on a wireless signal to communicate with the car’s ignition system. When activated, the remote start system initiates the engine without the need for physical contact (i.e., key insertion) with the car’s ignition switch.
Remote start offers several benefits, especially in terms of comfort and convenience. It makes the car warm, defrosts the windows before the driver enters on cold days, and cools the interior in hot weather, making it more comfortable to get in. Moreover, it helps to maintain the engine’s health by warming it up before driving, which is particularly useful in colder climates where engines may not operate efficiently at low temperatures.
Furthermore, remote start systems often have extra security features. For instance, they generally do not unlock the car’s doors, maintaining security even when the engine is running. Moreover, these systems typically have a limited running time, ensuring that the car is not left running indefinitely if the driver is delayed or forgets to turn off the engine.
Does the GMC Terrain Have a Remote Start?
The GMC Terrain does have a remote start feature. You can use this feature with either a key fob or a mobile device. To use a mobile device, you need to subscribe to GM’s OnStar Remote Access Plan, which costs about $14.99 per month, and use the “myGMC” app.
Regarding specific model years and trims that include this feature, we found that the 2019 GMC Terrain comes standard with remote start. The remote start system is also available for the SLE and Denali trim levels. For the 2023 GMC Terrain SLE, the remote engine start is an optional feature. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a comprehensive list of all model years and trims with this feature.
We highly recommend consulting GMC’s official website, reading the Owner’s Manual, or contacting a GMC dealer directly for more detailed information. They should be able to provide specific details on which model years and trims include remote start.
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What About Aftermarket Options?
For the GMC Terrain, there are several aftermarket remote start options available:
- Fortin EVO 1-Way All-In-One Remote Starter Kit: This kit is part of the EVO 4 SERIES and operates on an FM 433 MHz communication platform. It includes an EVO-ONE module for high-current or low-current start and controls start, stop, lock, and unlock functions. Compatible with Terrain 2010-2020 models.
- CFR Performance Keyless Start System with Remote Start: This universal keyless start system integrates an anti-theft system immobilizer, which automatically enters arming mode 15 seconds after the vehicle ignition is turned off and cannot be started again without a transponder—universal fit.
- CFR Performance® CFR Keyless Start System with Push Start Button H8 8X8C: This system features an anti-theft system immobilizer with anti-scan and anti-grab code system technology, providing enhanced security against stolen or lost keys—universal fit.
These systems offer added convenience and security, allowing for remote start, stop, lock, and unlock functions and advanced anti-theft features.
How Does the GMC Terrain Remote Start Work?
There are two primary ways to activate the GMC Terrain remote start feature:
Using a Key Fob
To activate the remote start on a 2023 GMC Terrain using a key fob, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have a remote that includes the remote start feature. It should have a button with a circular arrow symbol on the left-hand side.
- First, press the lock button on the remote. You’ll notice that the vehicle locks.
- Then, press and hold down the button with the circular arrow symbol. You should hear the vehicle start up, and usually, the lights will flash, indicating that the car is running.
- To enter the vehicle, use the remote to unlock it.
- Once inside, although the vehicle is running, it won’t let you drive until you press the start/stop button on the car.
- After pressing the start/stop button, the vehicle is ready to drive.
That’s all there is to it!
HOW LONG DO GMC TERRAINS LAST?
If you’re interested in a used unit, you’re probably asking: how long do GMC Terrains last? Older and high-mileage Terrains can provide a good bang for your buck, but potential buyers should know about their lifespan.
Using the Mobile App
To access the GMC Terrain remote start using a mobile app, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Ensure you have a monthly subscription to GM’s OnStar Remote Access Plan, which costs about $15.
- Download the “myGMC” app from your mobile device’s App Store or Google Play.
- Launch the myGMC app.
- Select your region and country, then continue.
- Sign in to your GMC Owner Center account. Create a new one if you don’t have an account.
- Accept the User Terms and Privacy Statement.
- Add your Terrain to the myGMC app by entering your vehicle’s VIN.
- Press and hold the POWER button on the home screen of the app.
- The turn signal lights will flash, and the engine starts. The engine will run for 15 minutes and then shut down automatically, with a countdown displayed on the power button.
Please note that the provided instructions are general guidelines, and the exact steps might vary based on the model year and trim of your GMC Terrain. For more precise instructions and important safety information, it’s best to consult the manual that came with your vehicle.
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