How To Remote Start A 2017 Chevy Silverado

The 2017 Chevy Silverado doesn’t need a red carpet. It needs a cold morning, a frosty windshield, and a remote start button that actually works. When the factory system does its thing, the truck wakes up with a soft rumble while you’re still inside.

Not every 2017 Silverado left the factory with remote start. Some trims and packages included it, while others left it off the menu. The quickest clue is your key fob, so give it a look before you give it a press.

First, Know What You’re Working With

Factory remote start typically appeared on higher trims or as part of a convenience package. If your fob has a circular arrow button, you’re probably in business. If it doesn’t, don’t sulk; you still have options.

You can also check the RPO code sticker inside the glovebox. Codes like AP3 or BTV often point to remote start capability, depending on the build. A dealer can confirm by VIN while you wait, probably with complimentary coffee.

OnStar is another path. If your truck has an active subscription and the right hardware, the app can start it from anywhere. That’s handy when the fob is lost in a gym bag or a coat pocket.

The Key Fob Two-Step

Step One: Lock

Start by aiming the fob at the truck from a reasonable distance. Press and release the lock button first. This tells the Silverado to arm itself and prepare for the start.

Step Two: Hold

Then immediately press and hold the remote start button for about four seconds. The parking lamps should flash, and the engine should turn over. If nothing happens, pause and reset instead of mashing the button like an arcade game.

On many 2017 models, the engine runs for 10 minutes before shutting off automatically. You can usually repeat the sequence once to extend it for another 10 minutes. That’s enough time to load the dog, scrape a window, or finish your coffee.

The truck will also shut off if you open the hood or press the brake pedal without the key in the ignition. Safety first, even when convenience is the star. Think of it as the Silverado keeping you honest.

How to use remote start in chevrolet - YouTube

If You’re Using the App or Aftermarket Kit

Some 2017 Silverados can be started through the OnStar Remote Access app if the truck is equipped and the subscription is active. Log in, enter your PIN, and tap the start button. The app is a quiet flex when you’re inside a restaurant and the fob is buried.

If your truck didn’t come with factory remote start, an aftermarket system can add it. A reputable installer will wire it safely and may pair it with your existing fob. Avoid bargain-bin wiring; your Silverado deserves better than electrical spaghetti.

Aftermarket remotes vary, so read the manual for your specific kit. Some require a lock-press-unlock sequence; others use a dedicated button. The core idea is the same: tell the truck to wake up without turning the key.

Why It Sometimes Won’t Start

Safety Checks

Remote start is picky about safety. The hood must be closed, the transmission must be in Park, and the doors should be locked. The brake pedal shouldn’t be pressed, and the key shouldn’t be in the ignition.

Low fuel can also stop the party. Many systems won’t start if the tank is below a certain level, so keep it above a quarter tank in winter. A check-engine light, weak fob battery, or extreme cold can interfere too.

If you’ve tried twice and nothing happens, use the key. No shame in it. A truck that starts manually still beats a truck that doesn’t start at all.

How to use your Chevy key fob to remote start your Silverado and lower

Practical Tips for Silverado Life

Before you shut the truck off, set the climate control to auto or leave the defrost and heated seats on if it’s freezing. Remote start often wakes those features up with the engine. In summer, set the A/C low so the cabin isn’t a convection oven.

Never remote start in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide doesn’t care how cool your truck is. Also check local laws; some places frown on idling unattended, even if your intentions are cozy.

Keep the fob clean and replace the battery every couple of years. Range fades when the battery gets tired, and so does your patience. A little maintenance keeps the magic trick reliable.

Once you’re inside, turn the ignition to ON and press the brake before shifting. That final step tells the truck you’re the rightful driver. Skip it, and the engine may shut off as a theft deterrent.

A Small Ritual for the Road

Remote start is a tiny luxury, but it changes a morning. You slide into a Silverado that’s already breathing, already warming, already ready. It’s not about being fancy; it’s about making the ordinary commute feel a little more human.

So the next time you press that curved arrow, enjoy the small pause. The truck rumbles in the driveway, the day waits, and for ten quiet minutes, you’re ahead of schedule. That’s not just convenience. That’s a lifestyle.