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Remote Start & On-Star resolved

17840 Views 24 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  3rdgenfan
So two months ago I had remote start programmed to OEM key fobs as have many here. In fact I read about doing it here.

I have read that it is possible get get the remote start feature added to the MyChevy app by simply calling onstar and letting them know once you’ve had it done. I’ve also read that it’s not possible unless the remote start was installed at the factory...

Two months OnStar has been telling me they are working on it. Last week I called again (they never call me) to see what the progress was to be told by the gal that no I can’t have it since BCM programming isn’t enough, the “kit” had to be installed. When I asked what the difference between what the dealer “installed” and what would be included at the factory was she said “I can’t tell you that, have your dealer call us and we will let them know to talk to GM.”

So.... Friday I was getting my oil changed and talked to the service manager about this. He said “bull shiz” your VIN shows up in the database as having remote start. I told him OnStar says my truck is not remote start capable. Bull shiz he says again...

He gave me a bulletin from GM (document ID 46000640 bulletin number 16-NA-335) that says

“ whenever a customer purchases a GM accessory remote start kit, has it installed on any of the vehicles listed above, and has the vehicle program to activate the remote start, the related VIN is added to a list which is fed to the on star team on a weekly basis. Within 10 days of vehicle programming, the on star team then enters this VIN into their database, which will then automatically enable the myBuick, myCadillac, myChevrolet, myGMC phone applications once the customer downloads them to their device, open an account, and excepts the terms and conditions.”

I called Onstar on Friday where I was told again that no my truck was not remote start capable and no I can not have remote start added to the app. I read them the above, gave them the document numbers and told them that it wasn’t my truck or GM’s problem, it was theirs and they had better update their database per the bulletin. I think I also said something about their tech support team sucking and how OnStar could kiss my... well you get the point. I was a bit pissed after arguing with the twit, the same twit I always seem to get when I call them...

This morning I get a call from onstar (yup her again) telling me that my app has been updated and remote start should now work. I ask her what changed since Friday when she told me no... she asks if there is anything else she can help me with... “nothing I expect you’ll be able to actually do anything about” & then I hang up, update the app and tada there it is, and what do ya know, it works.

So if your having problems getting OnStar to add remote start let them know about this bulletin and demand they update their database.

I can scan the document and post it here if any would like to have a copy...

F OnStar. They suck.
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Thankfully my experience was better, I just had to call them about 3 different times. Then again, they said they would contact me when it was done and I still haven't heard anything, but the myChevrolet app works (albeit a bit slow).
When I bought my Silverado, it didn't have remote start. However I asked about getting it installed and they checked my VIN to see if it was compatible. Everything checked out, so I left my truck at the dealership for an extra day to have everything installed. I just paid for the remote start (which included an extra set of key fobs). Only kicker was it took almost a week for Onstar to update my VIN into their database. Once everything was updated in their system, the app refreshed itself and showed the remote start options for the truck. Up till that point I had to use the key fob to use remote start.
imo not worth paying to have the app start your vehicle. unless you pay for the services the app is pretty worthless.
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My OnStar button has never been pushed and probably never will. :D
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My Onstar is deleted and always will be.
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imo not worth paying to have the app start your vehicle. unless you pay for the services the app is pretty worthless.

I don't have to pay a service fee for the Onstar remote start feature. It's part of the standard free Remote Link package - key fob functions. Lock/unlock is also built in. (2016 Z71)
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GM just needs to drop Onstar entirely. JMHO! OLDDUDE:frown2:
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imo not worth paying to have the app start your vehicle. unless you pay for the services the app is pretty worthless.
Don’t have to pay. The remote link app is free for five years after which you have to have OnStar to have it. I’ll have moved on to the next truck by then...

Working downtown where just about everyone has to use a parking structure makes the remote start feature desirable. Get ready to head out for the day, start the truck and when I get to it she’s all warmed up and ready to go.

I never jump in an ice cold truck and just go. Always let it warm up some first and now I won’t have to wait to hit the road.

Screw OnStar though I’m canceling that as soon as the trial runs out.
It sounds like a great feature, I guess. Only time I would use it would be out hunting. Getting out of stand and get into a warm truck, but alas, where I hunt there is no cell signal.

But when I am with in 150 yards of the truck I can remote start it, and by the time I get my gear put away the truck seats are all warmed up for me.....
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Nope nope nope to ONSTAR. Don't like the fact that even IF you don't pay the service fee, it's always on and they can track you. That's why I bought a 2018 W/T with V6 and tow. I'll add the upgrades I want without being forced the ONSTAR in LT. Cell phone and Garmin does most of the same thing except remote disable and the airbag thing. Great idea in the 90s and early 2000s, but not now. Can it GM, and give us remote start for free.
This morning I get a call from onstar (yup her again) telling me that my app has been updated and remote start should now work. I ask her what changed since Friday when she told me no... she asks if there is anything else she can help me with... “nothing I expect you’ll be able to actually do anything about” & then I hang up, update the app and tada there it is, and what do ya know, it works.
F OnStar. They suck.
can you call onstar and request a new twit? >:)
Its amazing that people do not know how to do their job.
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"request a new twit".........that made my day.
Just talked with OnStar about adding my recently installed Remote Start to the MyChevrolet App. After giving a short life history to them they said it should be added to the app within about 2 weeks. We'll see if I get it added on on the first attempt.
imo not worth paying to have the app start your vehicle. unless you pay for the services the app is pretty worthless.
>:) Hell .....If I lived in Florida, I wouldn’t need it either!!

So, for the rest of us who live in the colder climates, Remote start is frigin AWESOME!!! When its 20 degrees outside and I have to walk 10 minutes to my truck at the end of a work day - and the truck is already defrosted and warmed up . HELL Yeah!!

I’m too old for that cold ****..... :wink2:
It’s free for 5 years. If I still have the truck in 5 years, I’d gladly pay to renew it, pending the cost of course. I’m sure they’ll rape you into purchasing a full package - of which, I’ll refuse to do.
Anyone have to renew that yet? ONLY the remote start ...?
>:) Hell .....If I lived in Florida, I wouldn’t need it either!!

So, for the rest of us who live in the colder climates, Remote start is frigin AWESOME!!! When its 20 degrees outside and I have to walk 10 minutes to my truck at the end of a work day - and the truck is already defrosted and warmed up . HELL Yeah!!

I’m too old for that cold ****..... :wink2:
It’s free for 5 years. If I still have the truck in 5 years, I’d gladly pay to renew it, pending the cost of course. I’m sure they’ll rape you into purchasing a full package - of which, I’ll refuse to do.
Anyone have to renew that yet? ONLY the remote start ...?
i was too old for cold **** at 25 years old. hello florida.



i use remote start here to cool the truck in 9 months of summer but use the key fob. its good for a couple hundred feet distance. is all i need but yeah it takes longer to heat up than cool down



5 yrs must be new or a special deal. my free version onstar was short-lived and remote start on the app maybe a year or so. don't remember. the only thing that works on the unpaid app is parking location which pretty useless.


i actually told onstar i dont want its services and quit sending me monthly vehicle service status updates. they even offered free basic service extension but never got it. sirius too finally quit robo calling and mailing after 2 yrs. no use for that either
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Just talked with OnStar about adding my recently installed Remote Start to the MyChevrolet App. After giving a short life history to them they said it should be added to the app within about 2 weeks. We'll see if I get it added on on the first attempt.
Are you still within the 3 month free Onstar (full access)? Or are they still giving out free 5 year basic Remote Start access?

I wasn't sure if any of you guys who are adding this feature, are getting charged for Onstar coverage?
Are you still within the 3 month free Onstar (full access)? Or are they still giving out free 5 year basic Remote Start access?

I wasn't sure if any of you guys who are adding this feature, are getting charged for Onstar coverage?
I'm still in the "trial" period of Onstar until the end of this month. I'll be calling them today / tomorrow to insure that its canceled. Had to put a CC in their system to get the trial which I've already removed.

The myChevy / GMC app is free as is the remote access for 5 years. BUT you have to have an active OnStar account to add it if it doesn't automatically get added like it's supposed to. With OnStar I'm sure nothing works the way it's "supposed to".
Are you still within the 3 month free Onstar (full access)? Or are they still giving out free 5 year basic Remote Start access?

I wasn't sure if any of you guys who are adding this feature, are getting charged for Onstar coverage?

I didn't renew the full on star after the free 3 months. I have the basic for 5 years free. My Chevrolet app has the remote door locks and lights n horn already. I just ask them to add remote start to the app. They said sure and no mention of the paid upgraded service, but I'll keep and eye on my CC for any charges.
I'm still in the "trial" period of Onstar until the end of this month. I'll be calling them today / tomorrow to insure that its canceled. Had to put a CC in their system to get the trial which I've already removed.

The myChevy / GMC app is free as is the remote access for 5 years. BUT you have to have an active OnStar account to add it if it doesn't automatically get added like it's supposed to. With OnStar I'm sure nothing works the way it's "supposed to".
I'm 2.5 years in.....I do not pay for Onstar and never have. My Onstar & GM app / remote start has been working since I bought the truck. I didn't have to do anything or call anyone. Everything was setup thru the dealership when I bought the truck. It just works.....always has.

I didn't realize that Onstar is a *subsidiary corporation of General Motors*

Surely - your 'truck' will have an account with Onstar. Even after you've made an attempt to delete everything and remove your account..... big brother is still connected to your truck. :) They've only removed YOUR access. :grin2:
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