How do I know if my impala has remote start?
Remote start on a Chevy Impala is typically available either as a factory option with the key fob or via OnStar. To know for sure, inspect your fob, check for OnStar remote start options, and consult your owner’s manual or a dealer using your vehicle’s VIN. If neither option is present, you may not have stock remote start (though aftermarket systems are possible).
Quick checks you can perform
Use these fast indicators to determine whether your Impala has remote start, whether from the factory or via a connected service.
- Look at the key fob for a dedicated remote-start button. It often shows a circular arrow icon or a label such as “Remote Start.”
- Try the standard remote-start sequence: press the Lock button, then press and hold the remote-start button (or the button with the circular arrow) for 3–5 seconds. If the engine starts, you have remote start.
- Check whether you have OnStar remote start through the mobile app or the OnStar system built into the car. This option requires an active OnStar subscription and the vehicle model year.
- Look in the vehicle’s settings or instrument cluster for a Remote Start option or status. Some models display remote-start status or enable/disable it from the menu.
- Review the window sticker or the owner’s manual for a factory “Remote Vehicle Start” option or related RPO (options) codes.
- If none of these indicators exist, your Impala may not have factory remote start, or the feature could have been removed or never installed.
These checks cover both factory-equipped remote start and OnStar-based options, as well as the possibility of aftermarket installations.
How the two main methods work
Understanding how each method works helps you confirm what you have and how to use it safely and effectively.
- Factory remote start via the key fob: With the vehicle in Park and doors closed, press Lock, then hold the remote-start button for a few seconds. The engine should start and climate control should engage. The system will shut off automatically after a set run time, or you can stop it by pressing the brake pedal or pressing the remote-start button again.
- OnStar remote start via app or service: Use the OnStar app or your OnStar account to start the engine remotely. The vehicle must be in a safe state (in Park, doors closed, etc.), and the option requires an active subscription and vehicle registration.
If either method does not work, verify that your vehicle is equipped for that particular option and that the service is active, up to date, and properly paired with your vehicle.
Factory vs. aftermarket: what to check in documents
Distinguishing between factory remote start and aftermarket installations helps you understand capabilities and potential warranty implications.
Factory remote start versus aftermarket systems
Factory remote start is documented in the original window sticker or build sheet and is usually integrated with the key fob or OnStar system. An aftermarket system is installed after manufacture by a third party and may require additional wiring or bypasses to the vehicle’s immobilizer; it can affect warranty and insurance, and may not integrate seamlessly with factory features.
- Look for confirmation in the window sticker, owner’s manual, or the vehicle’s infotainment/menu system that remote start is included from the factory.
- If there is no factory indication, ask the dealer to check the VIN for remote start eligibility or any OnStar-enabled services that enable remote start.
- If you have an aftermarket kit, ask the installer for documentation and ensure it is properly integrated with the vehicle’s anti-theft system.
Knowing whether the feature is factory-installed or aftermarket helps you understand how to use it and what to expect from support or warranty coverage.
How to get a definitive answer (VIN and dealer steps)
If you still aren’t sure, use official channels to confirm remote start status for your exact vehicle configuration.
- Call or visit a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN. They can pull the exact build sheet and confirm whether Remote Vehicle Start was included at the time of manufacture and whether OnStar remote start is active for your vehicle.
- Check the owner’s manual or a printed vehicle build sheet (often available at the dealer or via GM’s online VIN tools) for listed equipment language like “Remote Start.”
- Ask about OnStar service status and whether your plan includes remote start features and the current subscription status.
Verifying with the dealer using the VIN provides the most reliable confirmation, especially for older Impala models where features varied by trim and market.
Summary
To determine if your Chevy Impala has remote start, inspect the key fob for a dedicated remote-start button, try the standard fob sequence, and check for OnStar remote start via the app. If those don’t reveal anything, consult the owner’s manual, window sticker, or a Chevrolet dealer using your VIN to confirm whether remote start was included from the factory or added later. If no option exists, you may still add an aftermarket remote-start system, but review warranty and compatibility considerations with a professional installer.
