Anti Theft System Car Wont Start: Clever Tricks to Solve!

Sometimes, the anti theft system can be triggered without any threat and immobilize the engine. What should you do when facing the problem of the anti theft system car wont start? Let’s follow along with Car From Japan.

Anti Theft System Car Wont Start: The Reasons

The anti-theft system is designed to protect your car from theft and vandalism. Its mechanism involves an electrical circuit that disconnects in the event of a suspicious activity. It interrupts the power supply in a fashion that your car won’t start or even die anytime soon.

So what are the reasons behind this issue of anti theft system, learn more with the following notices:

A key fob or transponder key with a dead or weak battery
Because of improper programming, damage, or other difficulties, the system does not recognize the key fob or transponder key, leading to some anti theft system errors.
Alarm system that has been activated and must be disabled
Issues with wiring or connections that prohibit communication between the anti-theft system and the vehicle’s computer
Anti-theft module or sensor failure
A blown fuse
Interference from other electronic equipment that are too near to the automobile Problem with the starter or ignition system
Inadequate or out-of-date anti theft system
Mechanical issues with the locking mechanism or its associated components

Anti Theft System Car Wont Start: What To Do?

What should I do when the anti theft system won’t let my car start? It is possible that the system can trigger the car alarm or prevent the engine from running without any apparent reason.

You have to shut it off if it is not working properly. The car won’t return to normal operation unless you fix the issue.

How to disengage an anti-theft system? These tricks will help:

Check the battery

The first thing you should take a look into when the anti theft system car wont start is the car battery. It could be dead or low and needs charging. In that case, the car’s system won’t be able to read the security code off the key fob.

Check the battery connections. If they turn out alright, try to jumpstart it. It is likely to solve the problem.

anti theft system won't let my car start — Battery could be the source of the problem. (Photo: Western61)

Theft System’ light ON

Apply this trick when you have access to the car’s interior and the ‘Theft System’ light on the dashboard is ON.

Insert the key in the ignition slot and turn it to the right slightly. Keep it in that position for 10 minutes or a little more. It is likely to turn off the light and start the car.

Remember that this is the state where the vehicle is on but the engine is off. All the necessary components like the radio and dashboard lights will be powered up, which makes it possible to bypass the theft alarm.

Use car key on the side door

Use your car key in the slot on the driver’s side door and hold it for a few seconds after turning it to unlock the door. This trick works sometimes and helps going past the factory alarm. It allows the car’s system to detect that you have the original key.

It works mostly in models of Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW and is applicable even when the key fob is damaged or has a dead battery.

In case you face an issue of Honda Accord anti theft car wont start, the trick needs a bit of modification. After inserting the key into the driver’s door lock, turn the key to unlock, lock and then lock position again.

Then, turn it again to the unlock position and the alarm of the anti-theft system is likely to be disabled now. Run the car for at least 10 minutes after cranking the engine to allow the car to reset the alarm.

car anti theft lock — Use the key on the side door and run the car for 10 minutes after engine cranking to reset the alarm. (Photo: alum.mit.edu)

Reset the car’s computer

This is another way to solve the problem of the anti theft system car wont start. Disconnect the positive terminal of the battery for a minute or two.

Reconnect it and make sure that both the anode and cathode terminals are tightly attached. It will reset the computer system and your car is likely to kick off. In case the trick fails, reset the factory alarm by activating its built-in kill switch.

Use the key trick with the steering wheel

Sometimes, the service theft deterrent system locks the steering wheel and does not let the key turn inside the slot. This annoying problem is mostly exclusive to Hondas.

It mainly happens when you move the steering wheel after turning off the car. It locks the wheel in that position and does not let you move it next time you try to switch on the car.

>> Check now: Keep Car Thieves Away With These 5 Tips!

The wheel is likely to be locked in one direction. Try moving it to the opposite direction and it will budge. Try pulling the car in that direction. At the same time, insert the key into the ignition slot and attempt to turn it.

service theft deterrent system car won't start — Move the wheel and keep trying the key. (Photo: Scoop)

If the key is stubborn, pull on the wheel harder as much as possible and keep trying with the key. At one point, you will be able to switch on the ignition and start the engine.

Check the key

The key itself could be the culprit for the anti theft system car won’t start. The keys have a built-in chip that sends a code to the alarm system when you insert it into the ignition.

That chip won’t work in case of a broken or damaged key. If one key does not respond, try the other one. If nothing happens, take them to the dealer to scan if their transmission system is working.

Another trick you can try is to use the key to start the engine. If the engine does not respond or dies immediately after cranking up, leave the key in that position for 10 minutes.

When the security light goes off, turn the ignition off, wait 20 seconds, and then start the engine.

Check with code reader

If you are still struggling with the issue of car anti theft lock, try checking and reading the car code.

A code reader, like a check engine light, will inform you why the light is on. It’s possible that the receiver isn’t receiving a signal from the key, or that your receiver isn’t receiving any power.

Code reading will not tell you the exact part or sensor to replace, but it will put you on the proper path for a more suitable solution after sticking with directions without any possibility of success.

theft deterrent system car won't start — If you are still struggling with the issue of car anti theft lock, try checking and reading the car code. (Photo: The Car Stuff)

FAQs On Anti Theft System Car Wont Start

1. What are the symptoms of a bad anti theft system?

Trouble starting, lack of ignition power, and unjustified alarms and flashing lights are all common warning signs. These issues might arise if a system was not installed by an expert with extensive electrical understanding of your car.

2. Will disconnecting battery reset anti theft?

Resetting the anti-theft system and the car’s computer system requires disconnecting the battery connections for 5 to 10 minutes. While this may assist to resolve issues with your anti-theft system, it is not guaranteed to work if there are additional concerns.

3. How to perform GMC theft deterrent system reset?

Take these below steps as the reference for your GMC vehicle anti-theft resetting.

Use the GM key or keyless remote to unlock the door, turn the ignition on
Leave the car and let the car door open
For typical key, wait for the light of security stop blinking
For keyless remote, after closing the door, press the Lock button on the key. This also activates the theft-deterrent alarm system.
The theft-system will be activated if you do not open the doors or click the unlock button on the keyless remote for 10 seconds.

These are the most popular ways to solve the problem of anti theft system car wont start. Most of the cars are likely to respond to at least one of these tricks.

For more car maintenance tips, follow Car From Japan today!