Every car owner understands the importance of keeping their vehicles safe and secure. Thankfully, today’s cars have several security features to prevent theft. One of the best theft technology cars offers is the theft deterrent system.
But like many other sophisticated features in your car, this anti-theft system can malfunction, preventing the car from starting. When this system malfunctions, it may display the service theft deterrent system notification on the infotainment system.
So, what causes this system to malfunction and immobilize your car? What can you do about it?
Herein, I examine the theft deterrent system and its causes. You’ll also learn how to reset the theft deterrent system message on the dash.
Question: What Does Service Theft Deterrent System Mean?
The theft deterrent system is a car anti-theft feature that prevents break-in attempts. Your car will notify you when thieves or unauthorized people try to break into it. This system works harmoniously with various sensors to detect attempts to break into or move the car.
If it detects such issues, it immobilizes the vehicle by disabling the starter and fuel system to prevent movement. The system triggers a beeping alarm to scare the thief and draw your attention. This loud alarm doesn’t go off until you turn it off manually with your key fob.
This innovative feature is common in GM, Opel, and Chevrolet cars. It uses a combination of other high-tech features to ensure only authorized people access and start the vehicle.
Despite being sophisticated, the theft deterrent system has its fair share of hitches. The system can malfunction over time, triggering a “Service Theft Deterrent System” alert on the dash. The worst part comes when the car displays this message and fails to start.
Thankfully, this message indicates a security issue with the car that needs rectifying. During this time, your vehicle stays in protection mode to ensure no one starts the engine until you resolve the root problem.
Question: What Causes Service Theft Deterrent System Car Won’t Start?
The theft deterrent system can malfunction due to issues with the vehicle’s battery, key fob, or the system itself. Below, we’ll detail the most common causes of system failure to help you know what to fix:
Car Battery Problems
Like other electrical components in your car, the theft deterrent system relies on battery power to work. A functional battery lets the system receive a signal from your key fob or vehicle’s key to operate the car.
If the system’s battery is running low or dead, it won’t power the system, leading to a warning notification. Other battery issues, like faulty connections and corroded terminals, will affect how this system works.
Consequently, your car won’t start despite using a functional key fob. This is because the system doesn’t have enough power to read and verify your key fob’s access code to start the car.
Dead Key Fob Battery
A key fob is an electronic remote control device that controls your car’s remote keyless entry system. You can access your vehicle without needing a physical key by pressing a fob button.
This device works in harmony with the theft deterrent system. It uses short-range wireless communication to transmit unique codes your anti-theft system requires. The key fob must have a functioning battery to ensure the smooth transmission of these codes.
Generally, key fob batteries last between two and three years with regular use. If your fob’s battery is weak or dead, there’ll be insufficient signal strength to allow communication with the system.
An attempt to use this key fob can trigger the service theft deterrent system message. In this case, the system thinks a thief is trying to use a different fob to unlock the car.
Defective Key Fob Transponder
A defective key fob transponder is another common reason for a malfunctioning anti-theft system. The transponder is an electronic authorization device in your key fob that allows communication between the key and the system. It uses a chip to transmit a unique embedded code to the system to verify authorized access.
Over time, this transponder and its chip can get damaged through wear and tear, especially when used for an extended period. Other issues like exposure to extreme temperature, vibrations, or moisture can damage the transponder.
If you use the key fob, the anti-theft system won’t recognize the transponder chip. The system will interpret this as an attempt to unlock the car with a different fob. As a result, you’ll get the theft deterrent system message, and your car won’t start.
Faulty Theft Deterrent System
If you diagnose the car battery and the key fob and they all check out, the system could be to blame. The theft deterrent system works with sensors, wires, and connectors. The system is likely to malfunction if any of these components are defective.
Moreover, the system can experience software glitches and fail to recognize your key or fob. If you use the key or fob to access the car, the system will interpret this as a break-in attempt. As a result, it’ll trigger the warning notification and put the vehicle into protection mode.
Answer: How to Reset the Service Theft Deterrent System
If a break-in attempt activates the system and triggers the beeping alarm, all you need to do is reset the system. Here are the steps to reset the theft deterrent system:
Method 1: Switch on the Ignition
- Check for the warning light on the dashboard. A blinking light indicates you have an engaged anti-theft system.
- Insert the key to switch on the ignition without cranking the engine. You’ll need to leave it in the ON position for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the system to reread your car key.
- Turn off the ignition once the anti-theft light stops blinking. Then, remove the key and give the car a few minutes to reset the system.
- Insert the key again and start your car.
Method 2: Use the Physical Key
- Insert your physical key into the driver’s door lock. Hold the key for 30-45 seconds to allow the system to detect that you have the correct key. In some cars, you’ll need to turn the key back and forth to enable the system to recognize it.
- Start the engine without locking the door lock. This process might convince the system that you’re an authorized user.
If resetting doesn’t clear the service theft deterrent system warning light, you’ll need to identify and fix the root problem.
Answer: How to Fix Service Theft Deterrent System
The first step to fixing this problem is using an OBD-II scanner to check the error codes. The scanner will scan for the codes, causing the system to malfunction. This step helps you identify the causative factor so you can know what to do about it.
Here are ways to fix the service theft deterrent system notification:
Examine the Car Battery
With the help of a multimeter, check the vehicle’s battery charge to see if it’s dead. Charge the battery if the multimeter’s reading is below 12.6 volts.
Check for loose connections or corroded terminals if the battery fails to charge. Tighten the terminal connections and ensure the wires are in good shape. Then, clean any corroded terminal. Also, ensure the alternator charges the battery as expected.
Alternatively, remove the battery and leave it to charge in your garage over the night. If the battery fails to hold a charge, it may be faulty, so replace it.
Replace the Key Fob Battery
A dead key fob battery is easier to detect if the fob won’t perform other functions like locking and unlocking car doors. It may also have reduced signal strength. Moreover, you may need to press the button repeatedly to ensure communication between the fob and the system.
If your fob’s battery is dead, replacing it with a new one will help. You must install the new battery correctly to ensure it powers the fob.
Replace the Key Fob
If the key fob’s transponder is defective, you’ll need to get a new fob from the dealership. The new fob requires special programming to ensure it works with your car’s system.
Seek Professional Help
If none of the above works, the theft deterrent system might have glitches that require professional diagnosis. A qualified mechanic will inspect the sensors, wires, and connections to identify the root of the problem. Your mechanic may clean or replace damaged sensors, wires, and connections.
Final Thoughts
The service theft deterrent system car won’t start is an all-too-common issue many drivers face. Performing a quick reset to the system can help you access and start the vehicle. However, if your car has battery issues, a faulty key fob, or a defective anti-theft system, a reset won’t help.
Always determine the cause of this issue and fix it to take control of your vehicle’s security. You can also seek help from the dealership or a certified mechanic to diagnose and fix the system.