If you’re like most drivers, you probably don’t know what to do when your car’s theft system starts flashing. This can be a very scary experience because your vehicle could either not start at all, or shut off while mid-driving.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to do when your theft system light comes on while driving.
If your theft system is lightning up while driving, scan the vehicles to determine that there are no trouble codes. If nothing comes up on the scanner, proceed to reset the theft system by turning the key into the ON position five times in five seconds. Then, leave the key in the ON position for fifteen minutes and the vehicle’s computer will reset the theft system.
Key Takeaway
Is Your Theft System Lighting Up While Driving? Here’s What to Do
- Scan your vehicle with an OBD2 scanner for trouble codes.
- Reset the anti-theft system by turning the key over to the ON position five times in under five seconds.
- Reprogram your vehicle’s key by inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to the ON position. Leave the key in the ON position for ten to fifteen minutes.
What is a Theft System in Vehicles
A theft system in vehicles is designed to protect your vehicle from thieves. There are different types of theft systems, but most of them work by recognizing the key. If the wrong key is used, the system will prevent the engine from starting. Some systems also sound an alarm when the wrong key is used.
Another common theft system is an alarm system. Alarm systems make a loud noise when someone tries to break into your vehicle, which hopefully will scare the thief away. Some alarm systems also have features that will disable your car if the alarm is triggered, making it harder for the thief to drive away with your car.
Other less common theft systems include GPS tracking devices and kill switches. GPS tracking devices can help law enforcement track down your stolen vehicle, and kill switches can prevent thieves from being able to start your car.
Not all vehicles have a theft system built-in. However, many newer vehicles do have some sort of anti-theft device installed from the factory. These devices can include things like engine immobilizers, alarm systems, and tracking devices. If your vehicle does not have a theft system installed, there are aftermarket options that you can purchase and install yourself.
Is Your Theft System Lighting Up While Driving? Here’s What to Do
If you’re driving and notice that your theft system is lighting up, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do to reset the theft system in your vehicle.
1. Scan your vehicle for trouble codes
The first thing that you need to do when your theft system is lighting up while driving is to scan your vehicle. To do so, you will need to connect your scanning tool to the OBD port located underneath the steering wheel.
There are a few different theft system-related trouble codes that can pop up in vehicles. P1629 is a code for a problem with the vehicle’s Immobilizer System. This code usually indicates that there is an issue with the transponder key or the transponder key coil.
P1630 is another code related to the Immobilizer System, and it typically means that there is a communication error between the ECM and the transponder key.
Finally, P1631 is a code that indicates a problem with the vehicle’s Ignition Key Lock Cylinder. This code typically means that there is an issue with the ignition switch itself.
However, keep in mind that you won’t always get trouble codes from the theft system. Sometimes there is a problem with the theft system but it won’t trigger any trouble codes.
2. Reset the theft system
If there are no trouble codes when you scan your vehicle, but your theft system keeps lighting up when driving it means that your vehicle has gone into what’s called a learning mode. A learning mode is when your vehicle is scanning and trying to recognize the key. There are other systems that can get the vehicle into learning mode. However, when the learning mode is activated due to the theft system, your vehicle will need some time to learn and recognize the key.
There is a way to reset your theft system and get your vehicle out of the learning mode. In order to reset the anti-theft system, you will need to insert your key into the ignition and turn it over to the ON position five times in under five seconds.
By turning the key from OFF to ON position five times in five seconds, you will be able to reset the anti-theft system in your vehicle. After that, you will be able to start your vehicle without any issues. Also, if the theft system was lighting up while driving, you won’t have that issue anymore.
However, if you are still experiencing some kind of issues with the theft system, continue to the next step.
3. Re-program the key
If your security light is flashing
on the dashboard and you are unable to start your vehicle. You will need to reprogram your key. Theft system keys are a little different from regular keys. They have a transponder chip inside them that sends a signal to the car’s computer. This tells the car that the key is authorized to start the engine. Over time, for some reason, the vehicle forgets the key and doesn’t recognize it.
To reprogram your vehicle’s key, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the ON position. Leave the key in the ON position for ten to fifteen minutes. During this period, your vehicle will relearn the key and will recognize it the next time you try to start your vehicle.
You will know that the vehicle’s computer has reprogrammed the key when the security light stops flashing on the dashboard. Once it stops flashing, turn the key to the OFF position and from there try to start your vehicle.
What Does It Mean When The Theft System Light Comes On?
Theft system lights are usually located on the instrument panel of a vehicle. It is usually a ”security” light that ignites on the dashboard and indicates that there is a problem with the theft system.
Theft systems are designed to deter thieves from stealing your vehicle. The system does this by making it harder for the thief to start the car. When the theft system is activated, a sensor is triggered that sends a signal to the engine computer. This tells the computer not to start the engine unless the correct key is used.
If you see the theft system light illuminated on your dashboard, it means that there is a problem with the system and it is not working properly.
You can get a better understanding of why the theft system is ignited by scanning your vehicle with a scanning tool. If there is something wrong with the anti-theft system, the scanning tool will pick it up. Otherwise, if there are no codes and you have trouble starting your vehicle, you will need to reprogram your key.
