With the recent growth of the car industry, we’ve seen some cool and unique improvements. Automobile companies have been paying a lot of attention to the safety features of vehicles regarding both accidental and theft security. One of these is the service theft deterrent system.
This feature has, without a doubt, proved to be a hidden blessing but this does not ensure the feature is faultless. A service deterrent system can sometimes malfunction and display a false warning dashboard light along with immobilizing the vehicle.
Are you thinking what does it mean when it says service theft deterrent system? Or what does the deterrent system light being on mean? The answers to all your questions are down below!
What Is A Service Theft Deterrent System?
The name of this system pretty much says it all. A service theft deterrent system is designed to protect your car from an intruder and to notify you in case of a break-in attempt.
An anti-theft system works through a range of protective mechanisms which may include sending out an alert by sounding an alarm and even immobilizing the car’s engine.
This technology is now available in a range of vehicles including multiple Chevy, GM, and Opel models. In several Nissan models, a car with a key symbol on the dashboard also indicates the activation of an anti-theft system.
What Does It Mean When It Shows Service Theft Deterrent System Message?
The theft deterrent system message you see on your Chevy Cruze, Camaro, Impala, or Malibu is designed to notify you of the potential security threat your car may be facing.
In some cases, the service theft deterrent system light goes on and puts your car in protective mode, shutting down several system functions.
4 Main Causes Behind The Service Theft Deterrent System Issue?
Don’t worry, we’ll provide you with a list of all the problems you need to look into while facing such an issue.
Let’s dive a little deeper into the details of the above-listed reasons for your better understanding:
1. Battery Problems
Since the service theft deterrent system is an electric component, it requires power from the system’s battery to work.
If the battery is not properly charged, is running low, or is not delivering a proper power supply then it can trigger a false danger sign in the vehicle system, in turn, immobilizing it.
2. Faulty Theft Deterrent System
The service theft deterrent system is made up of several sensors. Sometimes, these sensors can have issues, leading to issues with the system.
3. Malfunctioning Key Fob Transponder
The key fob transponder is a small chip located in the key fob responsible for communicating with the immobilizer. A glitch in this may cause the system to fail to recognize the actual key or fob, causing the system to activate again.
4. Dead Key Fob Battery
Usually, a key fob can be used to turn off the theft protection system when activated. Now with the above explanation, it is pretty clear that with a dead key fob battery, there is no way you can utilize this method to turn off the deterrent system.
Note: Own a Mazda? Then you should know that a low fob battery also causes your Mazda to beep.
How To Fix Service Theft Deterrent System?
Is the service theft deterrent light turned on? Seems like you’ll need to locate the problem and fix it. I’ll give you a walk-through on what to do in case of each issue, so pay attention and follow the guide.
1. Charge or Replace Car Battery
Firstly, check the battery charge level. You can check it by yourself by using a multimeter or you can always get it done at an auto parts store.
Found the issue to be related to the battery? In this case, you’ll either need to change the battery or replace it.
2. Check The Key Fob
When the key fob battery is dead or not installed correctly, your car might think someone is trying to break in. In this case, you need to get the battery replaced.
In some cases, a damaged key fob can also lead to these issues. This may require the key fob to be replaced and you’ll most likely need to visit the dealership for this.
3. Use A Physical Key To Open The Door
This method has been especially useful in Chevy models. Insert the key into the key cylinder and hold it in place for at least 45 seconds, this will allow the car to ensure that you have the right key.
4. Contact Experts
Hopefully, you would have resolved the issue before reaching this point. But in any case, if the above-mentioned solutions don’t seem to work for you then it is likely that you have a bigger problem at your hand.
In such a case, it would be better to let an expert deal with the issue.
Note: To make it easier for you, we have provided a video below. Take a look at it to know what’s to be done.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when you have an urgent task to do, and your car lets you down. In such moments, this guide will be there to help you out and get you back on the road.
In this guide, I provide you with all the information that you need to know about the service deterrent system. I hope this guide helps you out the next time you face an issue with your car’s anti-theft system.
Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions or queries.
