Can the LaCrosse be driven without a key after remote start?
3 Answers
After remote starting the LaCrosse, it cannot be driven without the key. The car must detect the key to be driven. Remote start method: Press the lock button on the car key, then hold down the 'C' button on the car key, and the car will automatically start. Remote start is the process of starting the engine remotely using the key fob. When using this feature, owners should note that the remote start function works within a 50-meter range. After the car is remotely started, the door should be opened and waited for a short while to allow stale air to circulate out. Remote start precautions: Owners should use this function regularly to check if it is working properly. If the engine is started remotely using the key fob, the driver must enter the car within 10 minutes. At this time, although the engine is running, the dashboard remains completely dark. The driver must press the brake pedal and then press the engine start button located below the right side of the steering wheel. Only then will the dashboard light up, and the car will be ready for normal driving.
As a Buick LaCrosse owner with over a decade of experience, I once tried to remotely start the car and immediately hopped in to drive away, only to find the steering wheel locked and no response when pressing the accelerator. It turns out that the LaCrosse's anti-theft system requires the key to be inside the car for movement. Without the key, the car will start but automatically shut off after a while to prevent theft. There was a time I forgot to bring the key into the car and had to go back to retrieve it. This design is quite thoughtful, enhancing security, especially in crowded urban areas or public parking lots, reducing the risk of theft. The LaCrosse uses General Motors' OnStar system, similar to other keyless entry models, where the key's presence is detected via sensors to avoid mishaps. My advice is to always ensure the key is on your person or nearby before remote starting, ensuring a smoother driving experience without any awkward situations.
I think this is quite straightforward, but it's important to understand the underlying principle. The LaCrosse's remote start feature is convenient for warming up the car in winter or cooling it down in summer, but you can't drive away without the key due to a built-in security mechanism. Even if the engine is running, the system will detect the absence of the key signal as soon as you touch the gearshift or press the accelerator, immediately locking the steering wheel and cutting power output—rendering the car immobile. This design primarily serves as an anti-theft measure to prevent someone from stealing your car while it's warming up. At a community event, I heard several neighbors share similar experiences, and they all agreed this protection is crucial for avoiding property loss. Of course, if you accidentally leave your keys at home, the quickest solution is to have a family member bring them or try restarting the car via the mobile app. But it's best to develop the habit of checking your key location before leaving the house.
