It happened on the first freezing morning of the year. I looked out the window at my 2014 Silverado. It was covered in frost. I grabbed my coffee and pressed the lock button, then the start button. I waited for that familiar roar of the V8.
Nothing happened. The lights flashed, but the engine stayed silent.
It is incredibly frustrating. You buy a truck like this for comfort, especially in hot summers or cold winters. When that feature fails, it feels personal. But here is the good news: you are not alone. This is a very common issue with the 2014 model.
I have spent hours troubleshooting this myself. I learned that most of the time, the fix is simple. You usually don’t need a mechanic. This guide covers the common causes I found. I will show you easy checks and tell you when you actually need a pro.
How the Remote Start System Works on a 2014 Silverado
Think of your remote start like a strict bodyguard. It has one job: keep the truck safe. It will not let the engine run if it senses even a tiny threat.
It’s a chain reaction. You press the button on your key fob. The signal goes to the truck’s computer, known as the Body Control Module (BCM). The BCM then does a quick roll call.
It checks the hood latch sensor. It checks the engine sensors. It checks the doors. If everyone says “safe,” the truck starts. If just one sensor says “no,” the whole system shuts down. It’s annoying, but it protects your engine.
Most Common Reasons a 2014 Silverado Remote Start Is Not Working
Check Engine Light Is On
This is the number one culprit. If your Check Engine Light (CEL) is on, remote start is disabled. Period. The truck’s brain thinks, “I am sick. I should not run without a driver watching me.”
I once had a minor issue with an oxygen sensor. The truck drove perfectly fine. But because that little yellow light was on, my remote start refused to work.
If you see that light on your dash, that is your problem. You need to scan the codes to see what is wrong. Even if the truck feels fine, the computer is playing it safe.
Hood Switch or Hood Latch Sensor Failure
This is a classic 2014 Silverado problem. The hood latch sensor tells the truck if the hood is closed. If this sensor breaks or gets dirty, it lies to the computer. It says the hood is open even when it is shut tight.
The truck will never remote start if it thinks the hood is up. It is a safety feature. It prevents the engine from starting while a mechanic has their hands inside.
Symptoms of this issue:
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You press the remote start buttons.
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The parking lights flash once.
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The engine makes no sound.
My buddy Mike had this exact issue. He told me, “I slammed that hood down ten times, and it still wouldn’t start. Turns out, it was just a $40 sensor.”
Weak or Dead Key Fob Battery
We often overlook the simplest things. A weak key fob battery can still unlock your doors. But sending a remote start signal takes more power. It is like trying to shout when you have a sore throat. You can whisper, but you can’t yell.
The 2014 Silverado usually uses a CR2032 battery. They are cheap and easy to find. If you haven’t changed yours in a few years, do it now. It is the cheapest fix on this list.
Door, Brake, or Safety Switch Problems
The bodyguard system checks everything. Are all the doors fully closed? Is the hazard light switch off? Is the key out of the ignition?
If a door switch is sticky, the truck thinks a door is ajar. The system will abort the start. The same goes for the brake pedal sensor. If the truck thinks the brake is being pressed, it won’t start remotely. It assumes someone is already in the car.
Aftermarket Remote Start or Alarm Conflicts
Did you buy your truck used? It might have an old aftermarket alarm hidden under the dash. These systems often fight with the factory computer. It is like having two captains trying to steer one ship.
I once helped a neighbor remove an old, cheap alarm system. As soon as we disconnected it, the factory remote start worked perfectly. If you have non-factory wires under your dash, suspect them first.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps I Recommend Trying First
Before you spend money, try these free steps. I do this every time my truck acts up.
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Replace the key fob battery. It costs $5. It fixes 50% of issues.
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Check the hood. Open it and slam it shut firmly.
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Check all doors. Open and close each one to reset the switches.
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Look at the dash. Is the Check Engine Light on?
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Use the spare key. If the spare works, your main key is broken.
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The 30-Second Reset. Lock the truck. Wait 30 seconds. Try again.
How I Fixed My 2014 Silverado Remote Start Issue
Here is my real story. My remote start quit on me last winter. No check engine light. Doors were shut. Key battery was new. I was stumped.
I decided to look at the hood latch. I popped the hood and looked at the latch mechanism near the radiator. It was covered in road grime and grease.
I realized the little switch inside wasn’t clicking. It was stuck. I didn’t even replace it at first. I just cleaned it. I sprayed some electrical contact cleaner on it and worked the latch back and forth.
I closed the hood. I hit the lock button, then held the start button. Vroom. The engine fired right up.
Cost comparison:
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My DIY Fix: $8 for a can of cleaner.
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Dealer Quote: $150 for diagnosis + $80 for the part.
That little cleaning job saved me over $200. It taught me to always check for dirt and grime before buying parts.
When to Visit a Dealer or Mechanic
Sometimes, you can’t fix it in the driveway. If you have replaced the fob battery and cleaned the latch, but it still fails, you might need help.
Go to a pro if:
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The Check Engine Light is on. You need to know why.
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You suspect wiring issues. Rats can chew wires. That is a nightmare to trace.
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The BCM is acting up. If other electronics (like windows or radio) are weird, the computer might be failing.
A dealer usually charges about $100 to $150 just to look at it. To avoid upselling, ask them specifically to “scan for remote start inhibit codes.” This tells them you know what you are talking about.
Preventing Remote Start Problems in the Future
I hate being cold, so I take care of my remote start now. Here is how I keep it working.
Keep it clean. Every time I wash the truck, I wipe down the door jambs and under the hood latch. It keeps sensors happy.
Change batteries early. I swap my key fob battery every two years. I don’t wait for it to die.
Scan it. I bought a cheap $20 OBD2 scanner. I plug it in once a month just to check. Sometimes codes sit in the system without turning on a light. Catching them early saves headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why won’t my 2014 Silverado remote start but still locks and unlocks?
This usually points to a safety sensor. The key works, but the truck is refusing the start command. Check your hood latch or look for a Check Engine Light.
Can a check engine light disable remote start on a Silverado?
Yes, absolutely. It is the most common reason. The truck disables remote start to protect the engine from damage. You must fix the engine code first.
How far should the remote start work on a 2014 Silverado?
The factory range is about 200 feet. But real life is different. Walls and other cars block the signal. If you are close but it fails, hold the remote under your chin. It sounds crazy, but your head acts as an antenna!
Will disconnecting the battery reset remote start?
Sometimes. It can reset the computer (BCM). Disconnect the negative terminal for 15 minutes. It might clear a glitch. But if a part is broken, the problem will come back.
How much does it cost to fix remote start on a 2014 Silverado?
If you do it yourself, it can be $5 for a battery or $40 for a hood latch. If you go to a dealer, expect to pay between $150 and $300.
Final Thoughts – Don’t Ignore the Small Signs
A broken remote start is not just about comfort. It is often a warning sign. It tells you your truck has a small problem, like a bad sensor or a dying battery.
Don’t ignore it. I learned that fixing it early is cheap. Waiting usually makes it expensive. Take a Saturday morning. Check your key. Check your hood. You can likely fix this yourself.
There is no better feeling than hearing that engine start from inside your warm house. You’ve got this.
Do you have a trick that worked for your Silverado? I’d love to hear about it.
Jake Elston
I am Jake Elston, the founder of CarDetailFlow. I have eight years in car work. I hold a post-grad cert in Automotive Materials and Design Engineering from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. My goal is to share true, simple car help with all drivers.