Hi all, I’m new here and not super car savvy so bear with me. I took my 2016 Malibu LT to a dealer to see if I could get remote start added. On my first trip, they said they didn’t have the right file to activate it. The second time, they called me saying my car doesn’t have a module that connects to the body control module for remote start to work. They quoted around $800 for parts and labor. Is this right? I’m trying to figure out if the LT model has remote start capability by default and if I really need this extra part. I bought the car a couple of years ago and the original fob didn’t have a remote start button, if that helps. Thanks!
That sounds about right. Your Malibu likely isn’t ‘remote start ready’ so it needs some extra work for the installation. The missing button on the fob is a clue too. I had a similar issue with my 2019 Equinox LT. They put in an aftermarket remote start, but it messed with my OnStar diagnostics, so I had to remove it and get a factory one. The price might seem high, but if the labor is involved, I get why it’s more.
Remote start has been available on most Chevrolets since about 2010. It’s a module that plugs into the body control harness and needs to be programmed to your car’s systems. If it didn’t come with your vehicle, it should’ve been a dealer-installed option. Honestly, $800 sounds fair for the module, fob, and labor. They probably want to clear out parts they have lying around.
Just a thought, but you might want to consider an aftermarket autostart instead of going through all that hassle for OEM parts. It could save you a lot of cash, maybe even less than half the price.
To wrap this up, I actually canceled the work order. They wanted me to buy a $900 file to install on the BCM, which seemed off. I’ve seen others get remote start activated on their Malibu for way less, and I wasn’t about to pay $200 just for a fob.
Wow, that sounds a bit sketchy with the $900 file! It’s always good to get multiple opinions. I’d suggest checking out some forums or local shops that specialize in Chevrolets to see if they have better options.
@Ann
Thanks! I’ll definitely look around for other options. Just trying to avoid getting ripped off.