Your vehicle can be an expensive investment that you would, of course, want to keep safe. Over the years, with the progress in technology, we have also seen great progress in the security systems of automobiles. However, with advanced technology comes more advanced ways of theft. This is why your vehicle needs to have a good anti-theft system. Is your car engaging its anti-theft system without any reason? Well, here is how to disengage the anti-theft system in your vehicle.
As helpful as the anti-theft system, it keeps your vehicle from being stolen. However, it can also be quite a problem. It’s because there are times when the anti-theft system does not operate efficiently. Thus, leaving you with no other option but to disengage it or disable it.
To learn about how to disengage the anti-theft system, keep on reading.
Anti-Theft System
Before we get into all the technical parts about how to disengage the anti-theft system of your car or automobile, we should first take a look at how exactly your anti-theft system operates.
As we already mentioned, the anti-theft system in your car does exactly what it sounds like. It prevents your vehicle from being stolen. How this works is that if it notices that something is wrong and your car is being tampered with, your car will not be able to start anymore.
Most of the time, it works just as it should, and it activates whenever your car is being tampered with. However, there are times that you might see this anti-theft system activating even when you do not want it to. What this means for you is that your car’s alarm will go off, and your car will not start.
It can turn out to be a preeminent problem for you if you cannot shut off the alarm quickly. Luckily for you, we have brought together a few ways that will help you disengage the anti-theft system of your car if it goes due to a false alarm.
How To Disable Anti Theft System
There are tons of annoying problems caused by anti-theft systems, and these problems are commonly known. The anti-theft systems can cause a false alarm in your vehicle. This is why many people report their anti-theft system is turned on, although there were not any potential threats found.
Here are a few methods on how to disengage the anti-theft system to give yourself a hassle-free and relaxed driving experience.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #1. The Key Fob
One of the most common ways you can get the anti-theft system in your car to be turned off is by using your car’s key fob. You can press the alarm button. If you are at an acceptable range from your car, the anti-theft system should turn off.
You might notice that there are times when an accidental bump on your car makes the anti-theft system active. It’s because your car thinks it is being tampered with, and someone is trying to break in. If that happens to you, you can take your key remote and press the alarm button to reset it.
There might also be times that you notice your anti-theft system is set off by something else other than an accidental bump. If pressing the alarm button on the key fob does not work in that scenario, you need to opt for a different method than that.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #2. Key And Cylinder Check
It is also often seen that when the key fob battery is going down (and you need to worry about changing batteries in a key fob), your anti-theft system might go off. Your car mainly does this as a warning. This warning is to make sure that you do not let the battery get too low. Consequently, risk being locked out of your car or having to get into your car using the keys (and learning how to get into a locked car and how to unlock car with keys inside).
If you notice the anti-theft alarm going off at random times, one of the first things you need to do is switch out the battery in your remote with a new ones. Just wait a few more days after you do that to check if your problem is fixed. If it is not, then you are in for some further investigation into how to disengage the anti-theft system properly.
The next thing that you would want to make sure is okay is the door lock cylinder. You will find the door lock cylinder inside of your car. You will see that it is latched onto the body of your car. The cause of the alarm going off might be the door lock cylinder if it looks like it is not making a good latch or if it just looks damaged in any way. In this case, the alarm goes off because the car ends up thinking that your car door is being pried open by someone.
2.1. Securing The Door Lock Cylinder
You should make sure to check under the handle of your car door since it is an area where someone could jam a screwdriver or something similar to get your locked door opened. If that area looks damaged, then it might be triggering your anti-theft system. Check if the issue is fixed after replacing your door lock cylinder if it looks damaged.
The last thing you would want to check here is to ensure that you have the correct key. Some cars come with valet keys that are designed only to allow them to do certain things. You can set off your alarm by using the wrong key. It happens because your car thinks that someone is trying to get in your vehicle with the help of a fake key.
Some cars come with chips in one of the keys but not the others. You have to make sure that you are using the key that has the chip not to trigger your anti-theft system. Even though you might think that this is not something worth mentioning, many people often mix up their keys when they are in a hurry and accidentally trigger the anti-theft system in their car.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #3. Disabling The Ignition
Another method that you can use to fix the anti-theft system in your car is to turn on the ignition. It might make you wonder how to do that because isn’t your car not supposed to be starting when the anti-theft system is active?
Well, yes, you are correct. The car will not start. However, one way to reset the computer in your car is by trying to start your car. To do this, you need to look at your car’s dashboard to check if your anti-theft light is on. If you see that it is, then put your vehicle’s key into the ignition and turn it to the on position.
3.1. Turning On The Ignition
If you are unsure of what position that would be, then remember that this position is the one that turns on accessories in your cars, such as the radio and lights. After you do this, you should wait at least 10 to 15 minutes. This timing varies between each car. However, if it is your first time doing this and you are unsure, waiting at least 10 minutes would be ideal.
Once you have waited out the 10 minutes, look at the anti-theft system light again. If you do not see the light anymore, you can remove the key after turning back the key to the off position. Then wait a couple more minutes to ensure that the rest of your system is finished. Once you have done that, try to put back the key in again and start the car this time.
Your car should start now. However, if it refuses to start, make sure you do not drain all the juice out of your battery due to all the accessories staying on. It is pretty easy to identify a dead click of the battery. Hence, you should know it is a problem if that happens.
You could try to reset your computer again in the same method if your alarm goes off again or if your car does not start. If you give it a couple of moves and it still refuses to turn your car on or work, then it is time to move on to a different solution since your problem might be entirely different.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #4. Using The Key In Door
Another method of disabling your anti-theft system is for you to use your car key in the door of your car. If you want this to work, you should use the physical key to your car on the car door on the driver’s side of your car. Put your key inside the lock of your door.
Make sure that you have the key in all the way and turn around the key to unlock your car; however, you are not to release it. You will want to hold your key in that position for at least about twenty to thirty seconds. By doing this, you are allowing your car to recognize and register that you have the right key, and thus you will be able to disengage your anti-theft system and reset the whole system.
If you cannot make it work, then you should try to turn around the key back and forth into the lock quite a few times. It allows some cars to recognize and register the key if it is turned into the door lock cylinder. You can then attempt to start your car if this method helps you and disengages your anti-theft system.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #5. Disconnect Your Car Battery
Another thing that you can give a go is to take out the battery of your car. If you cannot get your anti-theft system alarm to stop, then if you can get under the hood of your car, you should disconnect your car battery. Your computer will also be reset just by having the car battery unplugged for a few minutes.
All you need to do is disconnect either the negative or the positive terminal and wait. You can check to see if your problem has been solved after you have done this.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #6. Locked Wheel
You might also notice that there are times when the anti-theft system of your car has gone off. However, you will not hear any alarms going off despite all that you can still see that your car will not start even though there are no alarms.
It happens because the steering wheel of your car gets locked. This sometimes also tends to occur before you turn off your car and the steering wheel might have gotten bumped a bit too many times. You will not be able to turn the key either when the steering wheel gets locked.
Even though this is generally somewhat of an easy problem to fix, this issue tends to arise more on some specific cars than the others. All you would need to fix this problem is to nudge the steering wheel for a bit. It will cause the anti-theft system to disable itself eventually, and you can also turn around the key to start your car just like you would typically again.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #7. Look For The Alarm Fuse
If you try to look below your steering wheel, you will see an alarm fuse on the left side of your car. It’s the case for almost any vehicle out there. Bear in mind, that you might also come across vehicles with three to four boxes for the compartment sections of their engines.
You will be able to see the fuse under the hood for aftermarket alarms or alarms that are installed. You will see it on the wire that connects the battery’s positive terminals. Now look at the fuse carefully and look for the label of your alarm.
You will notice that there is a diagram in the fuse box that can be helpful for you to work and navigate through the fuse box. You then need to pull out the fuse connected to the alarm of your car. If you pull out the wrong one and you hear the alarm still going off, then you can go for another fuse.
You do not have to worry about the wrong fuse that you had pulled out. It’s because pulling out the faulty fuse will not do much damage to your car itself.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #8. Checking the Ground Connection
A loose or corroded ground connection can sometimes trigger the anti-theft system. Your car’s electronic components depend heavily on firm and clean ground connections.
Ensure you inspect the grounding straps for the engine, battery, and chassis. Make sure they’re tightly secured and free of rust or corrosion. If they appear damaged or corroded, consider replacing or cleaning them. After doing this, if the anti-theft system remains active, you’ll need to consider other methods.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #9. Re-programming the Transponder Key
Modern vehicles use transponder keys, which possess a small chip inside that communicates with your vehicle’s immobilizer. If the chip’s programming becomes misaligned, it can trigger the anti-theft system.
To reset the transponder key:
- Insert the key into the ignition.
- Turn it to the “ON” position but don’t crank the engine.
- Leave it for 10-15 minutes.
- Turn back to the “OFF” position, then try to start the car.
If this doesn’t work, you might need to consult a locksmith or a dealership to reprogram the key for you.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #10. Scanning for Fault Codes
Your car’s anti-theft system might be triggered due to a fault in the system, and the fault codes can guide you on what’s amiss.
Connect an OBD2 scanner to the diagnostic port located under the dashboard, usually near the driver’s side. Scan for any fault codes. If you find any, clear them and see if the anti-theft system disengages. If the issue persists, these codes can give you or a mechanic a clue about where to investigate next.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #11. Consult the Owner’s Manual
Your car’s owner’s manual can be a gold mine of information. It typically contains a section dedicated to the anti-theft system and might have specific steps tailored for your vehicle model on how to disengage it. Always keep this manual handy, as it can offer immediate solutions and save you from potential headaches.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #12. Remote Starter Systems
Some cars come equipped with, or have added-on, remote starter systems. These systems can sometimes interfere with the factory-installed anti-theft system. If you’ve had a remote starter installed recently and are facing issues with your anti-theft system, there could be a connection.
Consider temporarily disabling the remote starter or consulting with the installer to ensure it’s not causing interference with the anti-theft system.
How To Disengage Anti Theft System, Methods #13. Resetting the Entire System
As a last resort, if none of the methods seem to work, you might consider resetting the entire system. To do this:
- Disconnect the battery as mentioned in Method #5.
- Leave it disconnected for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Reconnect the battery.
- Turn on the ignition, but don’t start the car.
- Leave it in the “ON” position for about 10 minutes.
Doing this can reset the entire electronic system of the car, including the anti-theft system.
In conclusion, there are multiple methods to disengage a car’s anti-theft system. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about any of these methods, always consult with a professional or your car’s manufacturer. Safety should always come first, and tampering with the system might invalidate some warranties or even make the issue worse.
In Conclusion…
As much of a help as the anti-theft system of your car is, it can also come as a massive problem if you are not familiar with disengaging the system. It can become your savior at extreme times when someone is trying to break into your car and steal it, but when it engages from a false alarm, it can be frustrating.
It’s why learning how to disengage the anti-theft system of your car is one of the most important things you can know as a car owner. We hope this helped you learn something useful for your use down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Since many car owners do not know much about disabling the anti-theft system of their cars, we have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions about the anti-theft system of a car.
1. How Do You Turn The Anti-Theft System Off?
Despite being the most popular and commonly asked question, this question still does not offer a proper answer. However, you will most likely find the solution to your problem with the methods we provided for you above. Just be patient and find the solution that works the best for you.
2. How Is The Anti-Theft System Triggered?
There are several things that could lead to triggering the anti-theft system of your car. The most common triggers that we know for electric vehicles are changing the car’s alarm, attempting a forced entry from the trunk, hood, or door, and of course, using copies of the primary key.
3. How Can You Turn The Ford Anti-Theft Alarm Off?
Turning off the anti-theft system on Ford is just as simple as the methods we explained before. One of the most commonly working methods for Ford is to remove the battery’s positive cable. You need to do this to insert the key in your vehicle safely.
The next step for you would be to turn the key to the on position. Once you have done that, you need to get the positive cable replaced. The final step would be to insert the key into the car door on the driver’s side and turn around the key a few times to be off and on. It helps in resetting the anti-theft system of your Ford.
4. Can Anti-Theft Systems Stop Your Car From Starting?
The main goal of an anti-theft system is to, of course, prevent your car from any chances of being stolen. The most efficient way to prevent this when your car detects that it is being tampered with is to disconnect your car’s power. In simpler words, yes, it does stop your car from starting so that it cannot be stolen.
5. What Does The Anti-Theft Light Blinking Mean?
There is nothing really to worry about this since the anti-theft light is meant to be blinking periodically so that you can know that the system is still running. It’s also helpful since the flashing light of the anti-theft system often tends to scare away the thieves as well.
But, you need to always keep in mind that the only way you can get the anti-theft system alarm to be activated is by locking the doors of your car correctly.
6. How Do You Know If Your Car Is In Anti-Theft Mode?
It is pretty easy to tell when your car is in anti-theft mode. One of the most common symptoms or rather problems that you would notice is that your car’s engine does not crank or start.
Another very obvious way of finding out if your car is in anti-theft mode is just to check if the anti-theft light on your car is flashing or not. If it is flashing or the security is active when you start up your vehicle, then your car is most likely in anti-theft mode.
It mostly ends up happening when the system cannot register or recognize the signal of your key or just the key itself. It is seen in a few cases that this problem tends to arise the most from a situation within a system. Or, it could also be due to keyless entry wiring.
7. What Is The Procedure For Resetting The Anti-Theft Deterrent?
A popular method for resetting the anti-theft deterrent is to unlock the doors using the keyless entry system. Again, before exiting the vehicle, car owners or drivers should leave the doors open so that they can lock the doors from outside by pressing the lock switch.
8. What Happens When The Immobilizer Is Turned On?
Now, this can get pretty annoying since the immobilizer means that your whole car is locked. You need to insert your key into your car’s ignition to turn it on. Let your key be in that position for about 15 minutes. It helps to disengage the immobilizer.
9. How Do I Reset The Anti-Theft System On My Dodge?
It’s simple to reset the anti-theft system on Dodge. After getting into the driver’s seat, close and lock all the doors. Then just open the driver’s side door and place the key into the ignition, turning it to ON. Restart it after that, and the anti-theft system is reset.
Alarm System Malfunction – Need-to-Know Facts
- A car’s anti-theft system can malfunction due to various reasons like a dead remote battery, a dead car battery, a damaged immobilizer chip in the key, or a damaged car door lock.
- A damaged car door lock can be fixed by hiring a locksmith to manually shut off the anti-theft system.
- There are three ways to shut off the alarm of an anti-theft system manually, which are discussed above.
- If the key fob battery is dead, it can trigger the anti-theft system. Check the battery or the key fob installation to avoid this.
- The anti-theft system might have been triggered by damage to the lock cylinder or attempted break-ins. Check the lock cylinder and underneath the door handle for any damage.
- Vehicles with a valet door or key can unlock the door, but they cannot start the car as they do not have a chip.
- To disable the anti-theft system and start the car, turn on the ignition without starting the engine, and then do a secondary check on the anti-theft light.
- Inserting the key into the car’s door and holding it for 30 seconds in the unlock position can signal to the system that the right key is used, which can bypass the car’s alarm system.
- Some cars recognize the key from turning it back and forth in the door’s cylinder, so try holding the key in the door and turning it both ways.
- If the issue persists or is a dead battery, contact a professional locksmith to help you fix the problem.
