How to Shut Off the Anti-Theft Device in Your Car

Anti-theft systems are designed to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. These systems are constantly evolving. Essentially, how they work is by an electrical circuit disconnecting to prevent power from flowing in some fashion so your car won’t start or to die immediately. An anti-theft system may also integrate a car alarm or it might be just an engine immobilizer.

It’s possible that the anti-theft system in your car won’t function correctly at some point. This may be for many reasons including a dead car battery that loses its key memory or a dead battery in your remote. It could also be that your immobilizer chip is damaged in your key or the car door lock is damaged.

If your car’s anti-theft system isn’t working correctly, you’ll need to find a way to shut the system off so your car will return to normal operation.

Method 1 of 3: Check your key and cylinder

opened key fob showing battery

Step 1: Check your key fob battery. A car’s anti-theft system may activate if your key fob battery is dead and hasn’t disabled the system.

Make sure the battery is installed correctly in your key fob. If the battery is correctly installed, replace it with a fresh battery and try again.

scratched door handle

Step 2: Check your door lock cylinder. If your car has been damaged in an attempt to steal it or break into it, the anti-theft system may have been engaged.

Check for damage to the lock cylinder itself or under the door handle where would-be thieves may have punched through with a screwdriver. If the lock is damaged, try using the passenger side cylinder if your car has one.

  • Note: While the driver’s side door lock is damaged, typically the passenger side won’t also be.

two types of keys shown

Step 3: Check that you are using the proper key to start your car. Many cars have a “valet” key or a door key that only performs certain functions such as unlocking the doors.

“Valet” keys are often distinguished by a “V” on the key shaft or a different-colored key head. The key you are using may not have the chip required to start your car.

Method 2 of 3: Turn the ignition on

If the anti-theft system has locked up your engine, you won’t be able to start it. You’ll have to disable it with these steps.

Step 1: Check for the anti-theft light. It’s located on your dash and will have a blue or red light.

close up of ignition with key inserted

Step 2: Turn the ignition to the "on" position. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position, which activates your accessories but not the engine.

Leave the key in position for about 10 – 15 minutes.

Step 3: Check the anti-theft light again. If it’s no longer blinking, turn the key back to the Off position and allow it to set for a minute or two.

This gives the system time to reset or you won’t be able to start your car.

Step 4: Start the engine. Attempt to start your engine.

If it still won’t start, check to make sure the battery hasn’t been drained.

Step 5: Repeat the process. Try the process over again to see if it will work.

Method 3 of 3: Use the key in your car door

Step 1: Insert your key in the lock on the door. Use the driver’s side door and the physical key even if your vehicle is equipped with a keyless entry system.

key inserted into door

Step 2: Turn the key. Turn the key to unlock your car door, but don’t release it.

Hold the key in this position for 20 to 30 seconds. This lets the system know you have the correct key, and it can allow you to bypass the alarm system. Some vehicles recognize the key simply by turning the key back and forth in the door lock key cylinder.

  • Tip: Try turning the key both ways fully to disable the anti-theft system.

Step 3: Try to start the engine. Remove the key and try to start the engine.

Be sure to leave the key cylinder in the unlocked position.

An anti-theft system that prevents your car from running properly is a nuisance, and while you may be thankful for it in the event of a crime, it is now causing you a great deal of inconvenience, which these steps have hopefully helped you resolve. If your car still won't start, you should consult with a professional from YourMechanic to determine if there is another issue that is preventing your car from starting.


Next Step

Schedule Electric Problems Inspection

The most popular service booked by readers of this article is Electric Problems Inspection. Once the problem has been diagnosed, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $20.00 off as a credit towards the repair. YourMechanic’s technicians bring the dealership to you by performing this job at your home or office 7-days a week between 7AM-9PM. We currently cover over 2,000 cities and have 100k+ 5-star reviews... LEARN MORE

SEE PRICING & SCHEDULING

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Recent Electric Problems Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(808)

Rating Summary
754
19
10
7
18
754
19
10
7
18

George

34 years of experience
40 reviews
George
34 years of experience
Ford Mustang L4-2.3L - Electric Problems Inspection - Jacksonville, Florida
George was very instructive and professional. you guys should be very happy he is aboard. Will definitely use you again and refer. Shane
BMW X3 - Electric Problems - Atlantic Beach, Florida
MIRACLE WORKER!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GEORGE especially if you're not mechanically inclined lol. George came and restored our parking and brake lights and for that we will always defer to him before ever going to the dealership in the future. Thank you GEORGE 

Glenn

20 years of experience
86 reviews
Glenn
20 years of experience
Honda Accord L4-2.3L - Electric Problems - Fort Washington, Maryland
Great! Always on time or before! Explains everything he does and let's you know when you might want to take care of possible problems. Very kind and professional.

Jeremy

21 years of experience
802 reviews
Jeremy
21 years of experience
Volkswagen Jetta L4-1.4L Turbo Hybrid - Electric Problems - Lake Worth, Florida
Prompt, Professional, Skilled, Courteous & resolves the situation to your complete satisfaction. A Master Mechanic! Keep up the good work!

Ramiro

22 years of experience
103 reviews
Ramiro
22 years of experience
Suzuki Sidekick L4-1.6L - Electric Problems - Seattle, Washington
Ramiro is very thorough and went through all the systems to make sure that he came up with the best solution. He then explained all of the solutions to me in detail in a way that I could understand.

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Pick an Alarm For Your Car
Your vehicle is an important part of your everyday life. It is important to protect your vehicle from damage and burglary (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-prevent-having-your-car-stolen) using a car alarm. A car alarm is an excellent investment towards your vehicle’s security. It can: Prevent...
How to Disable OnStar
OnStar (https://www.onstar.com/us/en/home.html) is a subscription-based service that provides remote vehicle diagnostics, communications, security, and other features for vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of General Motors, and is popular for capabilities like turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling, and as a surveillance...
How to Reset a Car Alarm
A A car alarm that is not working at all or not working properly can be extremely annoying to you and your neighbors. It may also put your vehicle at an increased risk for theft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-keep-your-vehicle-safe-from-theft) or vandalism. Almost all...

Related questions

Car clicking when starting
Hi there. This sounds to me as like an issue in your anti-theft system. When your vehicle has its battery changed, the power is reset. This commonly triggers the anti-theft system which tell your computer to lock up. Have a...
Anti-theft preventing car from starting
Hello. The first thing I would do is try to reset or disable the anti-theft system. This can be done by locking the doors with the power lock, and closing all the doors and the trunk. Then you wait 30...
I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it's the computer but...
Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com