remote start makes starting your car easier than ever. Just press the lock button on your key fob, hold the Remote Start button for at least 4 seconds, and your GMC Sierra will run up to 15 minutes without a driver.

You can picture it now—kids running late for school, Pop-Tarts idling in the toaster, frost on your windshield. Luckily, the GMC Sierra remote start has your back. Use this feature to get out of a pinch or warm your engine on frigid days.

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How to remote start your GMC Sierra

GMC recommends starting your Sierra within 195 feet. Any farther and you risk malfunctioning the remote start process. Use the following steps to begin the Sierra remote start procedure.

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Starting the car

Press the lock button on your

key fob

Hold the remote start button. Continue holding for at least four seconds.

Wait for your GMC Sierra 1500 to flash its lights. Signal lights mean the engine will turn on.

After the remote start, your GMC Sierra 1500 will run continuously for 15 minutes. If a driver is not detected within 15 minutes, the engine will automatically shut off.

You can also start your GMC Sierra 1500 using the

myGMC app

. Here’s how:

Download the “myGMC app” from the App Store or Google Play

Enter your region and sign in to your GMC owner account

Add your Sierra using the vehicles VIN

Press and hold the power button on the home screen

Your GMC Sierra 1500 will last for 15 minutes when it has been remote started from the app. Thanks to a countdown timer on the power button, you'll know how long the vehicle will continue to run.

Pro Tip The myGMC app only works with vehicles model 2010 and up. GMC unveiled remote start features in 2003, so there’s still a chance to find a vehicle without app functionality.

Turning off the engine

Hold the remote start (power on mobile) button.

After three seconds, your GMC Sierra 1500 will shut off its engine, hush the parking lights, and keep the doors locked. That makes it unbelievably easy to turn off the car (wherever you are) or undo a mistake if you’ve accidentally activated remote start!

MORE:

How long should you let your car warm up in winter?

GMC Sierra remote start tips and tricks

That’s not all—your GMC Sierra might be easy to turn on (and off), but there’s more to it than a few presses and holds. The following tricks can keep you safe when remoting starting your vehicle:

During a remote start, your climate control system automatically springs to life (depending on weather conditions). Rear defog and ventilated seats may activate, depending on your vehicle package.

To enable the remote start of ventilated or heated seats, adjust settings, or change the temperature limit, visit your vehicle’s onboard personalization menu.

Though you can extend the remote time (by repeating a remote start), your GMC Sierra 1500 will automatically shut off after 30 minutes. Additionally, safety shut-offs will occur when coolant pressure is too high, oil pressure is low, or the security alarm is triggered.

Common causes of failed remote start include open hoods, hazard flashers, emission control system malfunctions, disabled park mode, open doors, and much more!

Key Takeaway Study up on your vehicle’s start-up handbook. If your remote start malfunctions, the cause (and fix) may be simpler than you think.

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Which GMC models come with remote start?

The Sierra is one of GMC's largest (and most luxurious) pick-ups on the market, but it’s not the only vehicle with a remote start. Here’s a handful of GMC vehicles sporting this helpful tech:

MORE:

Car loan for GMC 2022

How to save money on GMC Sierra insurance

Regardless of what you drive (or how you turn the key), one thing is certain:

Car insurance

is expensive. On a vehicle like the GMC Sierra, with premium upgrades like remote start, you’ll likely give an arm and leg before finding a reasonable deal.

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FAQs

Which GMC Sierra has a remote start?

GMC first unveiled remote start in 2003, lending the tech to only its most luxurious products. Today, you find remote start on a handful of GMC vehicles—from Yukons to Acadias. You can purchase aftermarket remote start upgrades for most vehicles.

How long does remote start take?

The GMC Sierra turns on four seconds after activating remote start. You’ll know you’ve completed the process correctly when your vehicle’s turn signals flash.

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