Chevy Cruze Won’t Start Anti-theft (Quick Fix)
The Chevy Cruze is a popular compact choice of four-door sedans in the market. It offers reliability and style and comes with a ton of great safety and security features. But with every new feature, there is one more thing that you need to learn how to deal with. One such feature is the theft deterrent system.
We can all agree that the anti-theft system in the Chevy Cruze offers some peace of mind when it comes to potential theft. Unfortunately, false alarms are bound to happen from time and time, and if your vehicle features the engine mobilizer kind of response system, your Chevy Cruze will not start. Whether it is an actual threat or a false alarm, the system is designed to keep the car from moving when it is set off. This explains why your Chevy Cruze does not start.
This article digs deeper into the topic explaining how the anti-theft system works, and what you can do to get your car going in no time.
How Does the Theft Deterrent System Work?
The anti-theft system consists of a set of sensors in and around the car, complete with a response system. The sensors are tasked with detecting when the car is bumped, if the car is moved, or if someone tries to forcefully open the car door. The response system works as a simple alarm system, flashing lights, or blasting the horn. Even more common these days is the response by engine mobilizer, where the car will not move until the rightful owner comes back and identifies themselves using the key or key fob.
The specifics and details of the theft deterrent system vary from car to car. There are also aftermarket systems that will not exactly match the one found in a similar make and model. However, they all share one thing in common, they come with two main components: sensors and response systems.
Chevy Cruze Won’t Start Anti-theft
One of the reasons why your Chevy Cruze may fail to start is because of the anti-theft system, and you will soon how.
The system works by monitoring the vehicle’s key and immobilizing it when it detects an unauthorized key. As mentioned above, different systems come with different response systems. They can range from the more basic alarm that flashes the light and blares the horn to an engine mobilizer. Nowadays, the common one is the engine immobilizer which prevents the car from moving until the owner disarms the system using the right key or key fob. The system may go off from the obvious reason of forceful entry, but false alarms are also common. Whatever the case, resetting the anti-theft system will do the trick.
How to Reset the Anti-theft System on the Chevy Cruze?
The first step when it comes to resetting the anti-theft system in the Chevy Cruze is to determine the cause. Some causes may necessitate resetting the system as an easy fix, while others may require a little bit more. For instance, a dead battery can cause the system to require resetting. Any attempt to open the trunk or enter the vehicle with the system armed can trigger it as well. Whatever it is, once you have determined the cause, you can go ahead and reset the alarm.
In the first method, you are required to insert the key into the driver’s side door lock. Then, turn the key both ways and leave it in the unlock position for around 30 seconds before removing it.
The second method involves inserting the key into the ignition. When the alarm is triggered, you will not be able to start the vehicle but only see a flashing alarm light on your dashboard. Turn the key to the Accessory On position and wait 10 to 15 minutes with the key in the ignition. Then, turn the key back to the Off position to reset the system. It will take approximately two minutes before the dash light goes off and you are able to start your car again.
The last method involves unhooking the battery and allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, reattach the battery cables. This also works to reset the theft deterrent system.
What Can Trigger the Chevy Anti-theft System?
The anti-theft system plays a very important role in keeping thieves at bay. However, false alarms can happen from time to time. In case of loud noises such as fireworks, thunder, or gunshots can trigger the system. This is because the system can mistake these sounds for an attempted break-in. Other possible triggers include a dead battery, damaged car lock, defective immobilizer, and faulty RKE transmitter battery.
If you are unable to trace what triggered the system, it is advisable to have your car checked at a local Chevy dealership. You can also employ a diagnostic scan tool to find any mechanical issue.
FAQs
Can the Anti-theft System Drain the Battery?
Unfortunately, the anti-theft system can drain your battery. It works to continuously monitor the vehicle for any unauthorized access even when you are not using the car. This drains the battery power. There are also some systems that work to lock out all keys from unlocking the car until a specific key is used. This extra security increases power usage.
How Much Does It Cost to Service the Theft Deterrent System?
This cost will vary depending on the condition and type of system. It does not usually exceed $200, but it could be more expensive in some cases. The price is inclusive of parts replacements, diagnosis fees, labor costs, and other services needed to repair the system.
Conclusion
The anti-theft system is put in place to help keep your car safe from thieves. It monitors and responds to any unauthorized access by alerting you or disabling the engine, as is often the case. Thankfully, regardless of what triggers the system, a system reset can get your vehicle back in working order.
