Question

How to fix your car's security light issue

For no apparent reason, the system may activate the car alarm or turn off the engine, causing the security lights to be turned on. The issue with the anti-theft system will prevent the car from starting. Until the issue is fixed, you won't be able to get the car to start again.  

What causes a security light to stay on?

Here are the various reasons why the security light stays on: 

• Sudden temperature changes
• Malfunctions or glitches in the system
• The sensitivity of the anti-theft systems is being set too high
• Electromagnetic Interference
• Battery issues
• Human errors, such as pressing the panic button on the key fob accidentally
• Interference from other vehicles or animals

What to do when there is an issue with your car’s security light

Here are the steps you should take when the anti-theft system prevents your car from starting. 

Verify the condition of the battery 

Check the battery if your automobile with an anti-theft system won’t start. It may be low or completely depleted and require charging. Unfortunately, the car’s system won’t be able to read the key fob’s security code in that instance. Next, verify the battery’s connection. If things pan out, you can try to get it going again.

Use the key properly

Whether you’re inside or outside the car, using your key correctly can return it to working mode.

When inside the car:

• Turn the key slightly to the right after inserting it into the ignition slot.  
• Hold that position for at least ten minutes. Then, likely, it will cause the light to turn off and the car to start. 

When outside the car:

• To open the driver’s side door, insert your key into the slot, turn it, and hold it for a few seconds. It’s how the automobile knows you’re using the original key when you try to start it.  
• This method helps some models and can be used regardless of the condition of the key fob’s battery or whether it is functioning. 
•  The method will need some tweaking to work with other models.  
• To lock the driver’s door, insert the key, turn it to unlock, lock, and finally lock the door.  
• The alarm should be off after you turn it back to the “unlock” position.  
• Crank the engine and let it run for 10 minutes to reset the car’s alarm. 

When the steering wheel gets locked 

The anti-theft system may lock the wheel and prevent the key from turning in its slot.

• First, try to get it to budge by moving it in the opposite direction and seeing if that helps.
• Next, pull the vehicle in that direction and see if that helps.  
• Insert the car’s key into the ignition and try to spin it at the same time. If the key is difficult to turn, try pulling the wheel as hard as possible while simultaneously trying to turn it.  
• Your time has come to turn the key and, thus, turn on the engine. 

Reset the computer system of your car 

If your car’s anti-theft system prevents it from starting, this is an alternative solution. After two minutes, reconnect the battery’s positive terminal. The anode and cathode terminals must also be reconnected and checked for a secure fit. This will clear the memory in your car’s computer, which can make it more likely to start up again. Reset the factory alarm in case the trick doesn’t work. 

Verify whether the key is damaged 

There is a possibility that the issue is with the key. When inserted into the ignition, the keys’ embedded chips communicate a code to the security system. If the chip is destroyed or damaged, the key won’t work. When one key fails to work, use another one. If that doesn’t work, have the transmission system scanned at the dealership. 

Alternatively, you could try turning the key to start the engine. If the engine does not respond to being started or shuts off right away, keep the key in the on position for 10 minutes. Then, when the alarm sounds, shut off the engine for 20 seconds and restart it.