Your Chevy Colorado push to start not working leaves you stranded at the worst moment. This guide walks through the most common causes, from a dead key fob battery to a failed brake pedal sensor, and shows how to test each one in minutes. You will learn the exact steps to diagnose the problem, the tools you need, and when to call a dealer.
Quick Symptom Checklist
Start by noting exactly what happens when you press the start button. The pattern points to the root cause faster than guessing.
- No lights, no sounds, likely a dead vehicle battery or blown fuse.
- Dashboard lights up but engine never cranks, often a brake pedal sensor or transmission range sensor issue.
- Colorado key fob not detected message, weak fob battery or antenna ring fault.
- Click from the starter relay but no crank, starter motor or solenoid failure.
- Engine cranks but will not fire, fuel or ignition problem, not the push-button system.
Dead Key Fob Battery, The Most Common Cause
A weak fob battery accounts for a large share of Chevy Colorado push button start problems. The transmitter needs enough power to talk to the vehicle’s receiver antenna.
How to Test the Fob
Hold the fob against the start button while pressing it. If the engine fires, the fob battery is low. Replace the CR2032 coin cell, available at any drugstore, and retest. Use the physical key blade to open the fob case; a small flat screwdriver helps pry the halves apart.
Spare Fob Verification
Try a second fob if you have one. A working spare confirms the first fob is the issue. If both fobs fail, the problem moves to the vehicle side, receiver module, wiring, or a blown fuse.
Vehicle Battery and Ground Connections
The push-button system draws very little current, but a weak main battery can still prevent the starter from engaging. Corroded or loose ground straps create the same symptoms.
Battery Voltage Check
Set a multimeter to DC volts. Touch the probes to the battery terminals. A healthy battery reads 12.6 volts or higher with the engine off. Below 12.2 volts means the battery needs a charge or replacement. Load-test the battery at any auto parts store for a definitive answer.
Ground Strap Inspection
Follow the negative battery cable to where it bolts to the chassis and engine block. Clean the contact surfaces with a wire brush and tighten the bolts. A loose ground on the 2015, 2022 Colorado often mimics a push-button failure.
Blown Fuses and Relays
Several fuses protect the keyless-start circuit. A single blown fuse kills the start button while leaving lights and accessories working.
Fuse Locations by Model Year
| Model Year | Fuse Box | Fuse Name | Amp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015, 2022 | Engine compartment | IGN SW / START | 30 A |
| 2015, 2022 | Instrument panel | BCM / KEYLESS | 10 A |
| 2023+ | Engine compartment | PUSH BTN START | 25 A |
| 2023+ | Instrument panel | RFA / FOB | 10 A |
Pull each fuse and inspect the metal strip. Replace any blown fuse with the same amperage. If the new fuse blows immediately, a short circuit exists, trace the wiring harness for chafed insulation.
Brake Pedal Position Sensor
The engine control module will not crank the starter unless it sees the brake pedal pressed. A faulty Chevy Colorado brake pedal sensor sends no signal or an erratic one, so the start button does nothing.
Symptoms of a Bad Sensor
- Brake lights do not illuminate when pedal is pressed.
- Scan tool shows “Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit” code (often P0571 or P0572).
- Vehicle starts only after pumping the pedal several times.
Testing Procedure
- Locate the sensor on the brake pedal arm under the dash.
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
- Set multimeter to ohms. Probe the sensor terminals.
- Press the pedal slowly. Resistance should change smoothly without jumps.
- Replace the sensor if resistance is open, shorted, or erratic.
The sensor costs $25, $45 and installs in 15 minutes with basic hand tools.
Transmission Range Sensor (Neutral Safety Switch)
The truck must be in Park or Neutral for the starter to engage. A worn or misadjusted range sensor tells the computer the transmission is in gear, blocking the start command.
Quick Neutral Test
With your foot on the brake, shift to Neutral and press the start button. If the engine cranks in Neutral but not in Park, the range sensor or its linkage needs adjustment or replacement. On 2015, 2022 models the sensor mounts on the driver side of the transmission; on 2023+ models it is internal to the valve body and requires dealer programming after replacement.
Steering Column Lock Module
The electronic steering column lock (ESCL) must unlock before the engine can start. A jammed or failed ESCL prevents the start sequence entirely.
Signs of ESCL Failure
- Clicking sound from the column when pressing the start button.
- “Service Steering Column Lock” message on the driver information center.
- Steering wheel feels locked even with the fob inside the cab.
Temporary Workaround
Turn the steering wheel slightly left and right while pressing the start button. This relieves tension on the lock pin and may allow the module to unlock. The fix is temporary, the module or its actuator gear usually needs replacement. GM extended warranty coverage on some 2015, 2019 units; check your VIN with a dealer.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Receiver Module
The RKE receiver picks up the fob signal and relays it to the body control module. Water intrusion, vibration damage, or a failed antenna coil can stop communication.
Diagnosis Steps
- Verify both fobs fail the “hold against button” test.
- Check for RKE-related diagnostic trouble codes with a scan tool.
- Inspect the receiver connector for corrosion, it sits near the base of the A-pillar or behind the glovebox depending on model year.
- Swap in a known-good receiver from a same-year donor if available.
Receivers are not VIN-locked on most years, but the fobs must be re-learned after replacement using a scan tool or the manual relearn procedure in the owner’s manual.
Body Control Module (BCM) and Software Updates
The BCM manages the start authorization logic. Corrupted software or a hardware fault can block the start command even when every sensor reads correctly.
Software Update Check
GM has released Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for certain model years addressing Colorado push start troubleshooting logic. Visit the NHTSA website or ask a dealer to run your VIN for open TSBs. A software reflash takes about an hour at the dealership and often resolves intermittent no-start conditions.
BCM Failure Indicators
- Multiple unrelated electrical glitches (power windows, door locks, interior lights).
- Scan tool cannot communicate with the BCM.
- BCM loses programmed keys after battery disconnect.
BCM replacement requires programming with dealer-level equipment, not a DIY job.
Starter Motor and Solenoid
If the dash lights stay bright and you hear a single solid click from the engine bay, the starter solenoid or motor may be at fault. This is not a push-button issue per se, but it mimics one.
Voltage Drop Test
- Connect multimeter positive lead to the starter solenoid “S” terminal.
- Connect negative lead to battery negative.
- Have an assistant press the start button.
- Reading should be within 0.5 volts of battery voltage.
Low voltage at the “S” terminal points upstream, fuse, relay, or BCM. Full voltage with no crank means the starter assembly needs replacement.
Emergency Start Procedure
When the push button refuses to work and you must move the truck, use the built-in backup method.
- Remove the physical key blade from the fob.
- Pry off the small cap on the driver door handle to expose the lock cylinder.
- Unlock the door manually.
- Hold the fob against the start button (backup transponder coil location).
- Press the brake pedal and push the start button.
This works even with a completely dead fob battery because the truck reads the passive RFID chip inside the fob at close range.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Simple habits reduce the chance of a future no-start event.
- Replace both fob batteries every two years, mark the date on the fob with a silver Sharpie.
- Clean battery terminals annually with a terminal brush and dielectric grease.
- Keep the brake pedal pivot lubricated with silicone spray to extend sensor life.
- Address check-engine lights promptly; some codes disable the start system as a safety measure.
- Store a spare CR2032 battery and a 10 mm wrench in the glovebox for roadside fuse checks.
When to Call a Professional
You have tested the fob, battery, fuses, brake sensor, and neutral safety switch. The truck still will not start. At this point, the fault likely involves the BCM, RKE receiver, ESCL, or a wiring harness short, all of which require scan-tool diagnostics and, in some cases, dealer-only programming. Continuing to swap parts without data wastes money and time.
Chevy Colorado Push To Start Not Working, Key Takeaways
- Start with the fob battery, it fixes the problem in minutes.
- Check the main battery voltage and ground straps before chasing modules.
- Verify the brake pedal sensor and transmission range sensor; both are inexpensive DIY repairs.
- Use the emergency start method to move the truck if stranded.
- Escalate to a dealer when scan-tool data points to BCM, RKE receiver, or ESCL faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Chevy Colorado say key fob not detected?
The message appears when the receiver cannot read the fob’s signal. Causes include a dead fob battery, a damaged fob circuit board, water in the receiver module, or a blown 10 A RFA fuse. Replace the fob battery first; if the message persists, test the spare fob and check the receiver fuse.
Yes. The brake pedal position sensor doubles as the brake light switch. If the sensor fails, the engine control module never sees the brake-pressed signal, so it blocks the starter. Test by watching the brake lights, if they do not illuminate, the sensor or its wiring is likely the culprit.
How do I manually start a Chevy Colorado with a dead key fob?
Remove the mechanical key from the fob, unlock the driver door, then hold the fob against the start button while pressing the brake and pushing the button. The truck reads the passive RFID chip in the fob at close range, allowing one start cycle even with a dead battery.
GM issued a special coverage adjustment (not a safety recall) for the electronic steering column lock on certain 2015, 2019 Colorados. Coverage extends to 10 years or 120,000 miles. Enter your VIN on the GM Owner Center or ask a dealer to confirm eligibility.
On 2015, 2022 models, check the 30 A “IGN SW / START” fuse in the engine compartment box and the 10 A “BCM / KEYLESS” fuse in the instrument panel box. On 2023+ models, look for the 25 A “PUSH BTN START” and 10 A “RFA / FOB” fuses in the same locations.
A low battery can prevent the starter from cranking even though the push-button system powers up. Dashboard lights may appear normal, but the voltage drop during cranking falls below the threshold the engine control module requires. Load-test the battery before replacing any start-system components.