“Service Theft Deterrent System” in Chevy Malibu— What’s Wrong?

The sight of the Service Theft Deterrent System notification is a constant reminder that your car is in good hands. However, you can end up frustrated when you find this alert at unexpected times, but you have to rush for an important meeting or event, and your car won't start.

Service theft deterrent system 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

In 2020 alone, there were 810,400 vehicles stolen, according to the FBI. It would make a great difference to produce technologies that prevent crimes such as car stealing. The anti-theft system has been part of many manufacturers part in the movement.

However, this technology does not always work as soundly as we expect. Any technology is susceptible to malfunctioning, just like Chevy Malibu Service Theft Deterrent System. It could give wrong signals and tell your computer to immobilize, and you would end up with a car that does not show any sign of starting when you need it the most.

In this article, we will help you understand why this message comes along even without an event of theft.

What is Service Theft Deterrent System in Chevy Malibu, and How Does it Work?

A Service Theft Deterrent System is a technology activated to prevent car theft after being triggered by a break-in attempt. The system utilizes external and internal car sensors to detect attempts of breaking in. The usual break-in attempts happen on door locks and windows.

When the system is triggered, it will immobilize the engine and activate beeping alarms to discourage the thief from continuing his attempt to take anything on the car or the car itself.

Service Theft Deterrent System Alert: What's the Problem?

Finding a Service Theft Deterrent System message indicates n that your car has security issues. The alert makes it easy for us to address the issue. However, that is not the only case. It could light up even if there are no break-in attempts.

This message also displays when the system is malfunctioning. And when it does, it would surely immobilize your car. Good thing your vehicle comes with two key fobs. Your key fob should help start your car when everything else does not work.

Here are the possible causes why the antitheft-system alerts even without the event of theft:

• The Key Fob's Battery is Dead

A dead key fob battery is the common cause of why the keyless entry system cannot receive signals from the key fob. During this time, you may feel like you need to press the button a lot more to make it work. You'd be lucky enough if it responds even when you're a few feet away.

• Your Key Fob Immobilizer Chip Is Faulty

A defective key fob could be a result of wiring problems, water damage, or programming problems. When your fob behaves differently, your system will alert you of the problem.

• Your Door Lock Must Have Been Damaged

Thieves use different tools when trying to break into your car. This variety can be damaging to your door locks. Your system can detect if your door locks have been compromised. Therefore, the system will notify you of the service theft deterrent issue. If this is the problem, you need to replace your door locks.

• Wrong Key Used

It is not uncommon to pick up the wrong car keys. Inserting the incorrect car keys would send the wrong signals. And it may even pick up a break-in attempt if you carelessly try to open the car with an incompatible key.

• Your car battery is dead or low

Although this is unlikely, it could happen. You need a power supply to activate the deterrent system. Because if you have a dead battery, your car will surely not start and may not respond to the key fob.

• Keyless Entry System Issues

If you are still unable to start your engine, you could have a dead or low battery, electronic issues in the system, or your keyless entry system should be at fault. Your receiver or antenna may be defective. Sometimes, problems arise from your service theft deterrent system faulty wirings.

What is the First Thing To do When I See Service Theft Deterrent System Notice?

Find possible causes of this alert, so you can perform the necessary steps to fix it. Otherwise, you may not be able to open your car, or you cannot run your car for even an inch.

1. Check your Key fob.

Your key fob can also be the issue. It could have faulty chips or a dead battery.

And the problem here intensifies when you find out you only have one key fob. And now you are left with an immobilized car with a malfunctioning key fob.

For a key fob to work, the system should detect its presence. If it does not, your car will surely display a Service Theft Deterrent System.

How to Examine my Fob Keys?

It should work with one press. However, if you keep pressing it and it still does not work, you must have a dead battery.

If you must get near the car before the system responds, its battery is dying. If you have replaced the battery and it still doesn't work, you will probably need to replace or reprogram your key fob. Go to your trusted service dealer for this checkup.

2. Check your door lock cylinder.

Examine your door lock slot or try your keys. You can easily find if the door locks have been compromised when you see scratches or when you find inserting your keys difficult.

If your door is still locked, here's what you can do:

• Release the physical key on your key fob. To do this, press that button in the key fob for physical keys and take it.
• Insert the key into the door lock and hold it there for about 45 seconds. Doing this for 45 seconds will help the system understand that you are using the right key.
• Remove the key and keep it unlocked. You should be able to start your engine now. If this procedure does not start your engine, bring it to your service shop.

3. Check your car battery.

You can test your battery with a multimeter to see if there is a current in your car. If this is the case, you'll also find low-battery notifications.

When checking a battery, always turn the ignition off. Take the battery's positive terminal cover and clean it. Connect the positive lead to the positive terminal and the negative one to the negative terminal. A positive lead would have a red coat, while the negative one would have a black coat.

If your battery goes less than 11.9 volts, your battery is dead. The reading should have 12.7 volts or more.

4. Reset your Service Theft Deterrent System.

You may be able to start your engine when you reset your anti-theft system.

• Insert your key into the ignition and turn it on.
• Meanwhile, do not start your engine just yet.
• Hold the ignition on for about ten to fifteen minutes. This step will help your system detect the key fob again.
• Shut off the ignition. Wait for the light to stop blinking.
• Remove the keys and let the car sit for a few more minutes.

Repeat this process two more times. This should have reset your anti-theft system. If it doesn't work, check if your battery has power.

I'm still Unable to Start My Malibu-What can I do?

Other issues with your keyless entry system are software issues, a defective start button, or a damaged circuit board. But of course, you will never know this until you seek professional help.

In this case, you are trying to disable the system without a key fob. This step would be your solution for a dead key fob battery or only a faulty one.

Here's a temporary fix when you cannot reset your anti-theft system with a key fob.

• Take the fuse off

This method would disconnect any electronic connection of your immobilized engine to the system. Open your car's hood, find the alarm fuse, and remove it.

• Disconnect your battery

This method is your last resort if turning the ignition does not work. When your car won't start, or the alarm keeps honking, you may do away by going under the hood and disconnecting the cables on your battery.  The computer should reset when turned off for a few minutes. You have to wait longer when reconnecting it.

If it doesn't work, stop trying and contact your technician.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who owns a Chevy Malibu, your anti-theft system is one protective feature that can help you many times. Thieves will steal if they want to. When your car is in public parking or at home, there's nothing like having a car with self-protection from thieves. Even if your car only takes a few seconds to ring an alarm, it makes a huge difference and still discourages thieves from stealing.

Imagine if your car can immobilize during this undesirable event. It is such a relief when you can still find your car where you parked it safely. It is a security feature that all cars should have.