Service theft deterrent system is a crucial feature of modern cars that control ignition system, active fuel management system to prevent unauthorized use. However, service theft deterrent system can malfunction due to using the wrong key, unauthorized activity, a blown fuse or wire, or a damaged anti-theft system.
So you won’t be able to start your vehicle. In this case, you can troubleshoot the car using a scan tool, fix the underlying issue, or reset the system to start your vehicle.
Article Summary
What Does Service Theft Deterrent System Mean?
An anti-theft system is an extremely helpful protective system of modern cars that prevents vehicles from being stolen. This system uses several sensors and electronic modules to read the signal from the key and compare it with the vehicle’s expectations.
So if you use the wrong key to start the vehicle, your car will display a service theft deterrent system warning message. If there is an issue with the anti-theft circuit or electronic components and sensors related to the system, your vehicle won’t be able to confirm the signal from the key. Hence it can activate service theft deterrent system error messages and prevent your car from turning on.
In this case, you will need to diagnose the car using a scan tool to determine the underlying issue. In most cases, faulty key system sensors trigger service theft deterrent system warning messages. The key sensor is mounted on the steering column of most vehicles.
Why Does Service Theft Deterrent System Warning Message Come On?
Your car can display a service theft deterrent system error message due to plenty of reasons including a faulty fob, damaged reader antenna, wrong key, or loss of key registration. Let’s explain:
1. Car isn’t Identifying Fob Or Key
Modern vehicle design with a sensor inside the fob or key that verifies the inserted key and allows starting the car when determining the right one. If you insert the wrong key or the sensor gets damaged, it won’t be able to recognize the key and can display the error message. So your car won’t start and its key light may start popping on the dashboard.
If you break the window or try to open doors without using the proper key, your car’s anti-theft system can display a service theft deterrent system error message. If your car detects any unusual vibrations, it can also display a warning message.
3. Damaged Anti-Theft Circuit
If the anti-theft circuit wears out, the sensor won’t be able to read the inserted key properly. so it can set the error message and prevent the car from starting. Faulty wiring between the anti-theft system and the car computer can also disturb communication when trying to start the vehicle.
4. Key Fob Issue
Your car’s anti-theft system may also fail to recognize the key fob due to improper programming and can display a warning message. If so, you will need to reprogram the key fob.
5. Blown Fuse
Blown car fuses related to anti-theft systems can wear out and disturb the functionality of the system. It can also set the service theft deterrent system error message.
How To Reset Service Theft Deterrent System Car Won’t Start Problem?
You can reset the service theft deterrent system to fix the error and start your vehicle successfully. Before doing so, make sure the car battery is fully charged as the process can take around 30 minutes. The PCM must be in good condition and you will require a passkey system to start your vehicle.
Use Right Key
Use the right and factory-issued key to start your vehicle.
Reset The System
Insert the key into the ignition switch, turn it to the on position and try to start the engine. then release the key before cranking. It will illuminate the security light. Wait for around 10 minutes or until the light turns off. The service theft deterrent system will turn off during the period.
When the light goes off, turn the key to the off position and wait around 10 seconds. You should also monitor the car, particularly the dashboard indicator during resetting the anti-theft system.
Again turn the key to on position and try to start your car. If the engine starts and runs, the service theft deterrent system is reset successfully. If the engine doesn’t start, release the key to the on position, wait around 10 minutes, and turn off the key. Repeat this process three times.
Turn On The Car
When the security light is turned off for the third time, a new key will be programmed into your car computer. So you should be able to start the vehicle. To do so, remove the key, re-insert it into the ignition switch system and start the engine. resetting the service theft deterrent system will erase all stored codes in the computer.
How To Troubleshoot For Service Theft Deterrent System?
You will need to inspect lots of components as these can trigger a service theft deterrent system message on your vehicle. In this case, you can start with the battery:
Inspect Battery
A weak or dying battery can cause electronic malfunctions and trigger an error message. So check your car battery and make sure it is in good condition and has full charge. If the weak or dead battery triggers a service theft deterrent system issue, you can jump-start the car.
You can also disconnect the car battery from the negative terminal, wait a few minutes, and reconnect it to reset the whole electrical system. This may help you remove the error message and start your car.
Check The Key
The chip inside the car key can wear out or get damaged and trigger a warning message. If so, you will need to use a spare key to see if the issue persists. If you can start the vehicle using a spare key, your primary key gets damaged and needs replacement.
Check Starter
If your car isn’t cranking while trying to start it, it can be the result of the faulty ignition switch or starter switch. If so, you will need to repair or replace the starter switch.
Check Fuse
Carefully check all the fuses related to the anti-theft system and ignition system and make sure these are in good condition.
Scan For Codes
If you can’t find any problem by physical inspection, use an ODB2 scanner to get the trouble codes and discover the faulty parts. After running the scan tool, read the trouble codes and view data in the anti-theft module to determine the input or output recognized by the module.
This way you can find out if there is a problem with the key, module, receiver, or other parts of the anti-theft system.
FAQs
Why Does My Theft Deterrent System Keep Coming On?
A dead battery can trigger a service theft deterrent system in your car frequently. If your car battery is dead, the computer will lose key memory and won’t be able to recognize the key.
Can You Bypass Service Theft Deterrent System in Your Vehicle?
You can’t bypass the service theft deterrent system in most cars. A theft deterrent system consists of complicated software and doesn’t have any physical switch to disable it. If you bypass the service theft deterrent system in your vehicle with the aid of a mechanic, it will encourage theft to break in and take your car out.
What Are The Symptoms Of Bad Service Theft Deterrent System?
If your car’s service theft deterrent system gets damaged, you will struggle to start the car and experience insufficient ignition power. Your car will also display flashing lights and unjustified alarms.
Final Words
Service theft deterrent system is a vital feature of modern cars to ensure smooth and less frustrating driving. If you don’t want to experience service theft deterrent system issues, always use the factory-issued key to start the vehicle and keep the key fob battery in optimum condition.
If your car still doesn’t turn on after resetting the service theft deterrent system, seek expert mechanic help. Don’t disable the service theft deterrent system to avoid stealing the car.
