By the way - I do have the key code that came with the fobs. I made a point of noting that very early on "just in case."

 

Remote start isn't the same running mode that will allow driving the car. I've gotten in the vehicle while it's remote-started and still have to press the brake and power buttons before you can go anywhere.
At which point it will notice that you don't have a key, and won't let you take off.

You might be able to convice OnStar who you are, and they might start it for you. Not sure on that though.

 

1) I've left volt about 80 miles from my house at my in-laws, so I can't test this myself. Is it possible to remote start the Volt with my iPhone and drive it home (or to a dealer), or is there something that will preclude the volt from actually driving if it doesn't have a key in it? If I had thought of this while still at my in-laws I would have given it a try. Instead I borrowed someone elses car home since I have to work on Wednesday.

No. You can NOT drive a car that has been remote started. You must have the key/fob to complete the start then put it in Drive. (Once you enter the car that has been remote started you still have to press the start button with your foot on the brake, without the fob present you get the dreadded message, "Fob Not Detected").

 

No, as others have stated you cant shift out of Park after a remote start, and Onstar wont be able to help much other than get a tow.(which you're going to require)
Your dealer will have to get you 2 new keys (more importantly 2 FOBs) and reprogram them to your car.
WOT

 

IIRC, the car must be and will lock itself before a remote start so you couldn't get in it anyway to drive it (even if you could which you can't as has been stated).

 

I sure hope you are right about the cost of the key fobs. If you don't mind, please let us know how costly this can be.

 

Where do you find these key codes for the fobs - do you get from the dealer or are they on the fobs? Just want to be prepared just in case.

 

Not only new fobs, but you'll have to have new keys cut or lock changed if you ever want to be able to use the regular key or have to use it.

 

You should have gotten a tag with a bar code on it when you took delivery from the dealer. With that bar code (and proper ID) you can get a key made at the dealer.

 

Is it possible to remote start the Volt with my iPhone and drive it home (or to a dealer), or is there something that will preclude the volt from actually driving if it doesn't have a key in it?

Hi pavers123,

As others have mentioned, the RemoteLink app will allow you to start and unlock the vehicle, however the vehicle is not able to be driven at this point. OnStar can arrange to tow the vehicle to a dealership if you need. Good luck.

Corbin, OnStar Advisor
Social Media Team