Cadillac SRX Anti-Theft System Problems: What Can Go Wrong?

Anti-theft system problems message highlights

• Common reasons:battery problems, security equipment issues
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes to know where to look
• Possible consequences:no serious consequences
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

Understanding the anti-theft system of Cadillac SRX

The Cadillac SRX is equipped with one of the best anti-theft systems in the industry. The system, called the Advanced Theft Deterrent, is meant to deter the theft of fuel, personal effects, wheels, or the car itself. When the anti-theft system is compromised, the horn will blare, the hazard lights will flash, and the alarm will go off.

To enjoy the benefits of the anti-theft system of your Cadillac SRX, you will need to read the user manual first. However, the system's basic features automatically activate when the car senses your presence. You should also beware that the anti-theft system can keep you out of your vehicle, make the car stall, or fail to start. In certain situations, an anti-theft system can lock you out, and you might need to convince the police that you are not stealing your own car.

The advanced anti-theft system of your SRX is meant to have all or most of the following features;

• Steering column lock
• Vehicle inclination lock
• Glass breakage sensors
• Electric fuel filler lock
• Interior movement sensor and Surround visual recorder
• Shielded, battery-backed alarm siren

How does the Cadillac SRX anti-theft work?

The anti-theft system will activate when you leave the vehicle and probably forget to arm the alarm. The system will arm the alarm after 30 seconds. However, if you press the 'lock' button before the 30 seconds are over, you arm the alarm then. A slow flash appears on the dashboard when the anti-theft system is activated. A fast flash on the dash means the car is unsecured. This could be because a door, lift gate, or the hood is opened.

Cadillac SRX anti-theft problems

General Motors arms all Cadillacs with state-of-the-art security features to help prevent theft of your car and whatever is inside it. The security features also help protect you from muggers, kidnappers, and other characters with bad intentions. But like every other system, machine, or app, the advanced anti-theft system has its fair share of problems. Some of the leading issues are;

1) Car not detecting the key and won't start

Cadillac SRX has a remote keyless entry gadget that you use to start the engine, lock the doors and even activate or deactivate the anti-theft system. Older SRXs came with keys that have a special chip on the side. When you insert the key or press the start button, the car won't start and seems not to detect the key.

The problem seems quite widespread, and on many online forums, the anti-theft system problems take the lead. When you start the car, a 'Starting Disabled' message appears on the dash, followed by a 'Remove Key' message.

Your vehicle's Body Control Module (BCM) receives signals from the chip on the key. Once BCM detects the key, it sends a command to a relay next to the fuse box under the hood. The relay then activates the starter. The key chip has to have a resistance of around 3 kiloohms to communicate with the BCM.

If the car doesn't start, you will need to measure the resistance of the chip using a multimeter. You can open the green starter relay next to the fuse box for the proper diagnostic test. If the relay is activating the starter alright, then the problem is with the key, not the starter.

Solution

Rather than tearing down the steering wheel system and the entire dashboard, some mechanics advise buying some resistors online to compensate for the lacking ohms. This trick is to help bypass the chip in the ignition key. Buy a 3-kilo ohm resistor or several that will add up to the required total resistance.

Under the steering wheel, you should locate two wires harnessed with an orange cover. Some expertise is required here to help you know which wires come from the key and which ones go to the instrument cluster. The resistor is bound into a loop to both the wires going to the instrument cluster. This is done to simulate the signal of the key.

You should have no problem starting the car after bypassing this chip. The other solution, which is obviously more expensive, is to replace the key. Unlike the resistor option, which will only cost you less than $10, replacing the ignition key will cost you significantly more.

2) Fobik key malfunctioning when outside

There are instances when your car might fail to unlock even when you press the unlock button on the Fob key. This can be caused by either a dead RKE key battery or a malfunctioning key. In many instances, however, the Fobik key will fail to open remotely because of a dead battery. As for a malfunctioning key, the Fobik gadget might be broken. Remember that it is a gadget with an electrical circuit board inside; if water or some wires disconnects, you may not be able to open or start the car.

Solution

The Cadillac SRX Fobik key has a small key inside it. You will need to press the indicated side to remove the key. There is a keyhole at the back of the driver's door handle. Once inside the car, locate the transmitter pocket located at the bottom of the console storage area. You should insert the transmitter or the Fob key into the pocket. The keyring should be pointing back, and the buttons should face up. Step on the brake pedal and start the car.

Replace the Fob key batteries immediately after conducting this emergency procedure. If the Fob has a problem, you will need to buy a new one and have it programmed to the car.

3) The car battery is dead

The car battery is responsible for powering all the car's electrical systems. You won't unlock the doors using the Fob key if the battery is dead. You also won't be able to start the car. If the vehicle was left unlocked, you will be unable to lock it with the RKE. However, the alarm horn works just fine even if the car battery is dead. It has its own power source.

Solution

You will need to replace the battery with a new one. Jumpstarting is the other option if the battery's voltage has dwindled due to operating the vehicle when the ignition is at ON. If the car is not properly grounded, the electrical systems and components will start acting up.

4) Damaged transmitter(s)

When you enter the car, press the start/stop button, or turn the ignition to start, the security light briefly comes on. You might notice, even when you start the car, that the security light continues to stay on. You should turn off the ignition and start again.

The Cadillac SRX is equipped with an immobilizer and a transmitter to ensure the car is immobilized when turned off. The immobilizer is disarmed once the ACC/ACCESSORY mode or the ON/RUN/START mode is activated. This can only happen when a valid transmitter is in the car.

Solution

A damaged transmitter means you may not be able to start your SRX. You should then visit a GM dealership and have the problem fixed.

5) A malfunctioning anti-theft system

Some car owners have reported that the ignition won't go through the ignition modes, i.e., ON/RUN/START, OFF. In some cases, the transmitter ends up being the one faulty. To diagnose where the problem is, you will need to place the transmitter inside the transmitter pocket inside the center console. If it fails, try another transmitter; if it doesn't work too, your car needs service.

Solution

To solve this problem, take your Cadillac to a dealership where a new RKE transmitter will be programmed for your vehicle. Your car's immobilizer has been designed to accept up to 8 transmitters. 

Conclusion

The anti-theft system features on your Cadillac SRX are numerous. You stand to enjoy a great deal of these features once you take your time to explore the user manual. Many anti-theft problems people encounter with their SRXs can easily be resolved. Fun features like knowing that you can unlock a single door of the car without unlocking the rest. Such features are the ones that will keep you safe inside and around your car. Remember, do not leave a gadget or key that can deactivate the anti-theft system inside your vehicle.