GM First To Introduce Remote Vehicle Start Feature

GM First To Introduce Remote Vehicle Start Feature

DETROIT, Oct. 9, 2002 - General Motors Corp. announced today that a new remote vehicle starting feature will debut on a new GM car in 2003. The feature enables customers to start their vehicle engine with a remote key fob that has substantially increased range. This will be the first factory-installed remote start system that is integrated with the vehicle safety and security systems, and fully warranted by the vehicle manufacturer.

"This is an important feature in our continuing quest to provide customers safe and relevant technology, with superior quality and reliability," said Jim Queen, vice president of GM North America Engineering. "The GM remote start system will benefit customers in warm climates as well as cold, since the vehicle heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems can initiate to provide a more comfortable interior."

A remote start is activated from the remote key fob by first pressing the LOCK button, then pressing and holding the remote start button for one and one-half seconds. This two-step process will help to prevent inadvertent activation, causes the vehicle to be locked, and engages the vehicle anti-theft system. When a vehicle equipped with the GM remote start system receives the rolling code radio frequency remote start signal, the vehicle signal lamps flash once, and when the vehicle engine begins running the park lamps turn on. Each time the customer initiates a remote start the vehicle doors lock, however they may be unlocked with the fob at any time. A remote start will time out after 10 minutes, causing the engine to shut-off. At any time during the initial 10-minute run interval, the timeout can be restarted once.

"There is no other remote start system that can compare with the integration into the vehicle operating systems like the GM remote start system," said Scott McCullough, the GM lead subsystem engineer on the project. The GM system checks and/or monitors the status of the hood being closed via a hood switch, it checks the vehicle theft deterrent system, and if equipped the content theft deterrent system. Also, the system checks and monitors the engine oil pressure, the engine temperature, engine RPMs, the throttle position, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI), the vehicle speed, emission system on-board-diagnostics (OBD), battery voltage, the serial data communications links between modules, and the ignition switch integrity. All these systems must be within operating requirements for the GM remote start system to operate.

To drive away after a remote start, the vehicle ignition key must be placed in the switch and rotated to the RUN position. With the proper key passing into the RUN position, the vehicle theft password is sent to the theft deterrent system, and an electrical message is sent to the operating modules that the vehicle is now in a normal running condition. With these systems satisfied, the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) will allow shifting out of PARK.

A remote start can be stopped on the GM system a number of ways. Simply pressing the remote start button on the key fob will cause the remotely started engine to stop. Also, pressing the HAZARD switch will cause the engine to turn off. In addition, inserting the key and rotating the ignition switch out of the OFF position and then returning to OFF, will shut down a remotely started engine.

Market research studies indicate the remote start feature is valued across all market segments, and GM will be the first automaker with a factory-installed system integrated with the vehicle, and fully warranted by the vehicle manufacturer.

General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

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