As the anti-theft or security system is designed to keep your car safe from vandalism and worse – theft. It works by having the electrical circuit disconnect as soon as it detects suspicious activity. The power supply is interrupted and then the car won’t start — security light would be on. Unfortunately the system can also be triggered even without any real threat, immobilizing the engine.
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So although most anti-theft systems do a pretty good job of doing what they should do, some security systems can also cause a lot of annoying issues when they act up. It's possible that your vehicle will not start. Alternatively, the system could turn off the ignition while you're driving, causing your vehicle to stall. Alternatively, the alarm may sound if you open the door with the key and do not close it. Alternatively, the alarm may sound for no apparent cause. We will talk all about the car won’t start — security light is on issue in this article.
How Anti-Theft System Works In A Car
Vehicle alarms are intended to deter car burglaries and alert the owner if a theft attempt is attempted. When an automobile alarm system is triggered by vibration, closed or opened trigger switches, or sensing of minor and quick changes in battery voltage, it usually emits a high-pitched sound. In the event of unlawful towing, car alarms can additionally monitor sensors like infrared, microwave, ultrasound, or tilting of the vehicle.
In the event of a breakdown or theft, some cars feature alarm systems that send out SOS signals to a cell phone number. To strengthen the security of the vehicle, alarm systems are also integrated into navigation systems. To allow the automobile to be detected, the navigation system will send out a ping signal.
Using the conformation chirp on the remote fob, the security system can also be utilized to locate the car in huge parking lots. When a car alarm detects the vibrations of thunder or a passing truck, it may issue a false alarm. Sensors must be properly set, or the gadget will be triggered even if a person accidentally touches the vehicle.
A police tracking system is available for those who desire additional security for their vehicles. These systems include an additional fee that must be paid on a recurring basis.
A remote controller (key fob) is used in security systems so that a user can turn off the alarm from afar. If the system is triggered by a false alert, the remote control capability is extremely useful. A key fob can include a variety of features, such as an LCD screen that can display an image of a section of a car that is being targeted by a thief.
Issues When Car Won’t Start — Security Light Is On
When you try to start your car, the security or anti-theft light flashes, but the engine does not crank or start, you have an anti-theft problem. Anti-theft systems installed by the manufacturer are usually more reliable and less likely to malfunction than aftermarket anti-theft systems. The way the system is put in the car is one of the reasons for this. The factory systems, which are normally integrated into the body control module (BCM) and powertrain control module (PCM), are meant to prevent the vehicle from starting if the key is removed.
If someone opens a door without first unlocking it with the key or keyless entry fob, many factory systems will sound an audible alarm (the horn or a second concealed horn) and flash the lights. Most aftermarket systems are designed to perform the same thing, but they may additionally incorporate remote starting, GPS tracing, and even remote disabling if a car has been stolen.
The installer is the biggest issue with aftermarket installations. As long as the individual who wires the anti-theft system into the vehicle is adequately trained and does a competent job, you should have no problems with the system. However, if the installer splices into the wire in a haphazard manner, he risks causing a slew of issues. By tapping into the wrong power circuit, you risk robbing electricity from a critical system, which could result in other issues that appear to be unconnected to the anti-theft system. Security systems have been known to trigger engine misfire codes as a result of shutting out the ignition for a fraction of a second or two while the car was being driven.
Another problem with some aftermarket anti-theft systems is the quality or durability of the anti-theft module's circuitry. A lot of electronics these days originate from China, and a lot of it uses recycled chips and other components, or ones of extremely poor quality. As a result, after a year or two, the electronics degrade and the system begins to malfunction or break totally. The only solution is to get a system with the longest warranty possible and hope that the manufacturer is still in business and will honor that warranty if you have a problem later.
What To Do When Car Won’t Start — Security Light Is On
As previously stated, the security system has the ability to set off the vehicle alarm or prohibit the engine from starting for no apparent reason. If it isn't operating properly, you must turn the security system off. The car will not return to normal operation till the anti-theft device is repaired and the car starts.
These are the most common solutions for car won't start — security light is on. At least one of these methods is likely to elicit a response from the majority of the vehicles:
- Look Into the Battery
When your anti-theft system automobile won't start, the first thing you should check is the battery. It could be dead or low on power and needs to be recharged. The car's system won't be able to read the security code from the key fob in that instance. Make sure the battery connections are secure. If all goes well, try to jumpstart it. It has a good chance of resolving the issue.
When inside the car or have access to the car interior with theft or security light is on then do this: Place the key in the ignition slot and turn it slightly to the right. Keep it in that position for at least 10 minutes. It is most likely that the light will be turned off and the vehicle will be started.
Keep in mind that this is the situation in which the car is turned on but the engine is turned off. All relevant components, such as the radio and dashboard lighting, will be turned on, allowing the theft alarm to be bypassed.
When you're outside the car, put your car key in the driver's side door slot and keep it there for a few seconds after turning it to unlock the door. This approach can let you get past the factory alarm in some cases. It enables the car's system to recognize that you are in possession of the original key. It is usually compatible with Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW models, and it may be used even if the key fob is damaged or the battery is dead.
If you're driving a Honda Accord, the technique will need to be tweaked somewhat. Turn the key to unlock, lock, and then lock position after entering it into the driver's door lock. The alarm should now be disabled if you turn it back to the unlock position. After starting the automobile, leave it running for at least 10 minutes to allow the alarm to reset.
- When Car Won’t Start — Security System is On Then Reset the Car Computer
Resetting the Car Computer is another way to solve the problem of the car won’t start — security light is on. For a minute or two, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. Reconnect it, making sure the anode and cathode terminals are securely connected. It will reset the computer system, and your vehicle will most likely start. If the technique doesn't work, use the factory alarm's built-in kill switch to reset it.
- Make use of the steering wheel's key trick
The anti-theft system can sometimes jam the steering wheel and prevent the key from turning inside the slot. Hondas are mostly affected by this vexing issue. It usually happens when you turn off the vehicle and rotate the steering wheel. It locks the steering wheel in that position and prevents you from moving it the next time you try to start the car.
The steering wheel is most likely stuck in one direction. It will budge if you move it in the opposite direction. Pull the automobile in that direction and see what happens. Insert the key into the ignition slot and try to turn it at the same time. If the key refuses to turn, pull on the wheel as hard as you can and try again with the key. You will be able to turn on the ignition and start the engine at some time.
In most cases you will not be able to bypass the anti-theft system. The main PCM and BCM, which manage a large part of the vehicle's operating system, are designed with security systems in mind. Many systems, such as fuel and ignition, are turned off until this system is enabled.
- Examine the key
The key itself could be the reason why your car's anti-theft system isn't working. When you place the key into the ignition, it has a built-in chip that sends a code to the alarm system. If the key is destroyed or damaged, the chip will not work so the car won’t start — security light is on. If one key isn't working, try the other. If nothing happens, take them to the dealer to have their transmission system scanned to ensure it is in functioning order. The key fob may also have weak batteries so check those.
Another trick you might attempt is to start the engine with the key. Leave the key in that position for 10 minutes if the engine does not react or dies after cranking it up. Turn off the ignition when the security light comes on, wait 20 seconds, and then start the engine.
- Reprogram Your Anti-Theft System
If you have a defective key, have misplaced your keys, or have changed the anti-theft module, the anti-theft system will need to be reprogrammed to recognize and accept the new keys or replacement module. The ignition keys are paired to the PCM on some Mercedes vehicles. This implies that if you lose your keys, you must also replace the PCM because reprogramming is not feasible!
Only a dealership technician with a factory scan tool, or an authorized locksmith if you can find one who can do computer keys, can reprogramme your car. Depending on how long the treatment takes, the cost could range from $75 to $150. The reprogramming or relearning of some anti-theft systems can take 20 to 30 minutes or more. Time delays are incorporated into the procedure to deter someone from accessing your car's anti-theft system and reprogramming the keys with a manufacturer scan tool and access codes.
Your anti-theft system may fail for a variety of reasons, and you may need to disable it at times. Fortunately, now that you've read this, you know how to disable your anti-theft system in a few different ways. You can look into the car battery, reset the computer, turn it off with the key fob button, or you could have a weak battery on your key fob. If it's not those things, double-check that you're using the correct key and that the door lock cylinder isn't broken.
After you've checked these two things, you can try to reset the system with the key in the door lock or the key in the ignition. If both of these methods fail, the last option for resetting the system is to detach the battery. Hopefully, this resolves the issue, but if your anti-theft system continues to malfunction then it’s time to ask help from the experts.