So, nearly all modern Cadillacs have a special system that is aimed to prevent car theft. Yes, it's not perfect and it doesn't protect the vehicle from professional thieves, but still, it can work in many situations. But what should you do if you have your Cadillac turned into theft mode and not letting you even get into the car without causing the alarm to go off?
Body control module problems highlights
- Module's importance:High
- Prone to failure:Nounless damaged by water
- Reasons for failure:Water, physical damage, connection problems
- Ways to reset:Only scanner tool
- Sphere of control:Car body, safety, comfort, settings, etc.
- Symptoms of failing:Errors and warnings, functions not working
- Price to repair:$150 - $300
- Price to replace:$550 - $1,100
Why is my theft deterrent system activated in Cadillac?
One of the reasons why the system may have been activated is that someone tried to break into the vehicle. For example, a foreign object was inserted into the keyhole in the door of your car or someone tried to unlock the vehicle and didn't have the correct key in their pocket.
Another reason is that there is a glitch in the ECU or in the theft deterrent system itself. It can be activated and then not allow you to start the vehicle or even to get into it.
Unfortunately, the second option is much more common for Cadillac cars, especially for those that had water damage like the flood in their records. Also, the ECU may glitch just because it has been damaged by the wrong electric power or is physically impacted. If this is the case, you will need to diagnose the vehicle and replace the unit that was damaged and stopped functioning correctly.
But at first, you may want to reset the system and see if it's going to work.
How to open the car and start it if the theft deterrent system is activated?
Your Cadillac is well protected against all kinds of theft. So, if you understand that the vehicle doesn't react on your try to get into it and turns on the alarm all the time, you may be sure - the theft deterrent system is on and protecting the car from being broken into and robbed.
To deal with this problem, you should do the following:
- Take the metal key out of your key fob.
- Put the fob into your pocket so that the fob is near the vehicle.
- Use the key to open the driver's door - insert the key into the hole, turn it as if you are trying to open the door, and hold it there for 30 seconds approximately.
- Then close the door just by turning the key in a different direction and holding it there for another 30 seconds.
- Then open the door again and get into the vehicle. Now, your Cadillac should see the key fob and understand that there is no danger anymore.
- The theft deterrent system may be off and you can drive the vehicle. If not, you will need professional help.
The best way to deal with the situation if this guide didn't help you is to go to the dealer and ask for help. These guys have some special equipment that will help them diagnose the issue and find the exact reason why the theft deterrent system is activated even when the vehicle sees the correct key.
What NOT to do to reset the system?
When we were researching for more information, we found out that nearly all forums give such advice: you should turn on the ignition, open the hood, find the theft deterrent system fuse, take it out, wait for 10 minutes, and then install the fuse back. DON'T DO THIS!
In most cases, your ECU will just go to limp mode and send you dozens of different error messages on the dash in this case. Also, you may just damage your ECU if you follow this recommendation.
So, doing anything that you don't know a lot about is dangerous. Your Cadillac should have proper care if something like this happens. Never rely on any suspicious recommendations from online forums and always think of what can go wrong if you follow such recommendations.
Final words
We are sure that many Cadillac owners have problems with the theft deterrent system. But this is what it takes when we are talking about modern cars with all their security systems. If you happen to find your Cadillac closed with the alarm on, just follow our simple guide on how to deal with the problem. And don't mess with the safety system fuse because this can lead to even more problems.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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