Car has tried to start on its own

2013 GMC TERRAIN
98,500 MILES • 2.4L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DAVID GRAY2
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  • 1 POST
On two separate occasions I have left the key in the ignition and while I was outside the vehicle with the key in the ignition in the off position it has tried to start. Both times, once I heard it try a few times and realized what was going on, I went and removed the key from the ignition, and it stopped trying to start. Any ideas what might be causing this?
Oct 12, 2021 at 9:58 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is the first time I heard of this type of issue. Does the vehicle have a remote starter? If it does, is it an aftermarket system or from the manufacturer?

When you say you hear it try to start, do you actually hear the starter engage? I'm asking because the starter switch isn't where the key inserts. So, that is confusing me a bit. There could be an issue with the switch where it's shorting internally.

Regardless, let me know about the remote starter. Also, let me know as many details as possible. For example, it does it only happen when the engine is warm.

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 12, 2021 at 6:27 PM
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REEBAA66
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My 2014 Terrain is doing this too! I do not have remote start. I took to the dealer and they couldn't find the problem.
Oct 27, 2022 at 1:51 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Hi,

They never got back to me. Does your vehicle have a remote start? Also, does it only happen when the key is in the vehicle? Does it have to be in the ignition?

Let me know about the remote starter. If it is an aftermarket one, something may have been wired wrong or failing.

Also, the starter relay may be failing, or an issue could be coming from the body control module. You may want to switch the relay to see if it may be the problem. It is in the under-hood fuse box. See pic below.

I have one more question. Does the vehicle actually start or does the starter just engage?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Oct 29, 2022 at 10:26 PM