When the remote start feature of your 2013 Chevy Equinox stops working, you may be wondering what is wrong and how you can fix the issue. The good news is that it is relatively easy to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem. While there are other more serious issues, such as a damaged wiring harness or faulty control unit, most of the time the remote start feature will just need a quick reset and cleaning of the remote start unit. In this article, we will walk you through diagnosing and troubleshooting a 2013 Chevy Equinox remote start not working issue.
Table of Contents
Checking the Remote Start Unit Battery
When diagnosing a 2013 Chevy Equinox remote start not working issue, the first step is to check the battery of the remote start unit. The battery may have become weak or is no longer functioning and needs to be replaced. To check the battery, simply remove the cover of the remote start unit and inspect the battery. If the battery is corroded, replace it with a new one. Be sure to check the polarity as well as the voltage of the new battery.
Checking the Remote Start Unit Wiring
The next step in diagnosing a 2013 Chevy Equinox remote start not working issue is to check the wiring of the remote start unit. If the wiring is damaged or broken, then the remote start will not work. To check the wiring, start by disconnecting the wiring harness from the remote start unit. Inspect the wiring for any signs of damage, such as burnt wires or fraying. If the wiring is damaged, replace it with new wiring.
Cleaning the Remote Start Unit
Another common cause of a 2013 Chevy Equinox remote start not working issue is a clogged or dirty remote start unit. To clean the unit, use a compressed air canister to blow out any dirt and debris that may be clogging the unit. Be careful not to damage any of the delicate parts of the remote start unit while cleaning. Once the unit is clean, reassemble the unit and test it to see if the issue is resolved.
Resetting the Remote Start Unit
If the issue persists, then it may be necessary to reset the remote start unit. To reset the unit, open the hood of the vehicle and locate the reset switch. It should be located near the starter or near the fuse box. Once the reset switch is located, flip it to the “reset” position. This will reset the unit and should get the remote start working again.
Checking the Remote Start Unit Fuse
If the remote start is still not working after resetting the unit, then the next step is to check the fuse of the remote start unit. If the fuse is blown, then the remote start will not work. To check the fuse, open the hood of the vehicle and locate the fuse box. Once the fuse box is located, use a fuse tester to check the fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new fuse and test the remote start to see if the issue is resolved.
Replacing the Remote Start Unit
If all of the above steps have been completed and the remote start is still not working, then the last step is to replace the remote start unit with a new one. There are a variety of aftermarket remote start units available for the 2013 Chevy Equinox that can be easily installed in place of the old unit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the new unit to ensure proper operation.
