Remote Start Troubleshooting

petethepug said:

Tech2 map may get you there. If you download it to a desktop PC you can search with a keyword by holding down the control button then the F key.

A menu will pop up to type and search out a particular word or DTC code with laser beam accuracy so every search you make counts.

Post in thread 'BCM and Tech2'
https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/bcm-and-tech2.149479/post-1893704

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Sounds good, I'll do some sleuthing. Great link to the pathing document, thanks!

I want to derail the thread a little bit but, it's still related to the topic... lol Where is the remote antenna located on a 2011 Tahoe?

Number 1 is the Remote Control Coor Lock Receiver. (RCDLR?)
One of the cables that plugs into is (to?) antenna.

ya it's in the rear drivers area behind the panel, might be as pictured above or more forward near the wheel well I have seen pictures of it, definetely rear drivers side though
it could vary possibly depending on the year and if it is swb/lwb. or it could be there on all of them, hard to say from the pictures I have seen
pretty sure it requires programming as well if replaced.

Thanks that gives me a great place to start looking. I insulated that whole area with a foil lined insulation, I wonder if that is why my reception went way down..

I'm getting back to working on this after a long hiatus - winter's here.

I've checked/done pretty much everything listed in this thread. Some of them multiple times. Recently went back to the very basics: made sure Remote Start is turned on in DIC - check. Made sure I have AP3 RPO - check. No CEL. No funky electrical gremlins of any kind. The only codes I get from all Tech 2 diagnostics: 1) lost connection with radio (aftermarket) and 2) B2555, which is covered from this TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10051905-4497.pdf

The main things I know:
1. Both remotes will initiate the sequence. Parking lights flash, fuel pump primes for a second, a relay clicks under the hood.
2. Tech2 tells me there is an "ECM Crank Abort" on the remote start screen. I have had zero luck in finding any cause of that abort.

I have not found a way to actually use the Tech 2 to perform the remote start. It allows me to test all the buttons on the remotes, and all buttons including RS register a push. So I'm convinced it's not the remotes. Tech2 has also allowed me to rule out door locks, rear lift gate and hatch, and hood ajar. Everything is testing properly.

What could cause the ECM crank abort method without a CEL or other codes?

@swathdiver (or anyone else) does the AllDataDIY have a diagnostic procedure? I wouldn't mind paying for the short subscription if there is one available. I did purchase the $10 ebay service module that comes in like 30 different files. It's a good copy and will be useful eventually, but I can't find a single thing about remote start in there. There doesn't seem to be a master index that covers all the different files. (or really any index at all)

Here's a video with some info..


Sounds like this guy had an engine code that prevented it from starting, but he does go over some requirements for remote start to work..

Also seen a thread about a bad hood latch wire which prevented remote start.
Looking at the diagram below, it appears there is a switch for hood closed as well as ajar.
I'm guessing if the 'closed' switch isn't active, no remote start and no hood ajar message.

I don't know but sub'd to find out
I read there could be a ground issue that could cause a ECM abort
I think a little more probing with the tech2 might point you in the right direction
compare data from before start attempt to after start attempt, you will want to attach a external 12v power adapter so it doesn't reboot while testing.

mikez71 said:

Here's a video with some info..

Sounds like this guy had an engine code that prevented it from starting, but he does go over some requirements for remote start to work..

Also seen a thread about a bad hood latch wire which prevented remote start.
Looking at the diagram below, it appears there is a switch for hood closed as well as ajar.
I'm guessing if the 'closed' switch isn't active, no remote start and no hood ajar message.

View attachment 443003

Click to expand...

Thanks, the video was helpful. Yes, his solution ended up being pretty easy since he had a CEL, but it confirmed some things for me - in particular, with a RS request, BCM first does its set of tests, then if all pass, it sends the request to the ECM which also does a set of tests. Since I'm getting an "ECM - Crank abort" error, I'm pretty sure BCM tests pass, but something fails at the ECM. Did another ECM diagnostic tonight - zero codes.

Regarding the hood switches. The remote start screen on the Tech2 makes it look like there are three: hood ajar, hood open, and hood closed. (But maybe open and closed are just one switch) In any case, they are all behaving properly according to the Tech 2. They change status as expected when opening and closing the hood. Plus, I think those tests are in the BCM, and I think I'm getting past that. But all helpful, thanks.

Doubeleive said:

I don't know but sub'd to find out
I read there could be a ground issue that could cause a ECM abort
I think a little more probing with the tech2 might point you in the right direction
compare data from before start attempt to after start attempt, you will want to attach a external 12v power adapter so it doesn't reboot while testing.

Click to expand...

Yeah a ground issue is about all I can come up with now too with the symptom of a crank abort but with no codes or CEL. I did a little playing around with the charging info screen before and after a regular start tonight. Is that what you're suggesting? I didn't see anything abnormal either before or after an engine start. I did recently replace the positive cable from battery to starter (was hoping that would solve this problem - no luck). Perhaps I should replace the negative cable too. But like I mentioned, no noticeable electrical issues anywhere else.

DaveO9 said:

Thanks, the video was helpful. Yes, his solution ended up being pretty easy since he had a CEL, but it confirmed some things for me - in particular, with a RS request, BCM first does its set of tests, then if all pass, it sends the request to the ECM which also does a set of tests. Since I'm getting an "ECM - Crank abort" error, I'm pretty sure BCM tests pass, but something fails at the ECM. Did another ECM diagnostic tonight - zero codes.

Regarding the hood switches. The remote start screen on the Tech2 makes it look like there are three: hood ajar, hood open, and hood closed. (But maybe open and closed are just one switch) In any case, they are all behaving properly according to the Tech 2. They change status as expected when opening and closing the hood. Plus, I think those tests are in the BCM, and I think I'm getting past that. But all helpful, thanks.



Yeah a ground issue is about all I can come up with now too with the symptom of a crank abort but with no codes or CEL. I did a little playing around with the charging info screen before and after a regular start tonight. Is that what you're suggesting? I didn't see anything abnormal either before or after an engine start. I did recently replace the positive cable from battery to starter (was hoping that would solve this problem - no luck). Perhaps I should replace the negative cable too. But like I mentioned, no noticeable electrical issues anywhere else.

Click to expand...

no I would probably be looking at security data, ignition status, bcm. I don't know if there is a remote start section in there or not.
does it work if you have it running, press the remote start button, then remove the key? if so see if after it times out the 1st time, see if will remote start on the 2nd time
(2 remote starts are allowed without a key cycle)
I would also be looking at brake pedal status & accelerator pedal
maybe something below will help?