CTS anti theft or imobilizer system

stephenray5252 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 09:26 PM

My wifes 2004 CTs will not start. The theft light comes on solid and locks the key in the cylinder. You have to use the manual release in the steering column to get the key back out. It is no time related. We waited 24 hours to see. We have a second key but I am not sure we have ever tried it. We bought the car from family and only she drives it. The battery is OK. I pulled it and had it tested a two different locations. I have tried the lock the vehicle and then unlock with a key with no success as well as the unlock with the wireless remote.

The system seems normal otherwise. The anti theft lights blinks until you put the key in and start to turn it. Then it goes on solid and all other lights on the instrument panel go off. After manual extraction of the key it goes back to blinking. There are no blown fuses realted to the theft system.

I am guessing both keys are bad or the sensor in the cylinder has failed but would like to get a second opinion before having it towed.

Steve

Bluehaze07 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 10:03 PM

Try using the instructions for programming a new key. hopefully it works. Here you go.

IF NO OTHER WORKING KEY FOR THE CAR IS AVAILABLE:

1. Put the newly cut Master key into the ignition and turn it to the ON (RUN) position. A "Security" indicator light on the dashboard will stay on for 10 minutes.

2. Within 1 minute after the indicator light goes off, turn the ignition to "OFF" then return to the ON (RUN) position. The indicator light again will stay on for 10 minutes. (DO NOT REMOVE THE KEY)

3. Again, within 1 minute after the indicator light goes off, turn the ignition to "OFF", then return to the ON (RUN) position. The indicator light again will stay on for 10 minutes. (DO NOT REMOVE THE KEY)

4. When the light goes off for the third time, the new key is programmed into the computer and will start the car. Remove the key and then re-insert it into the ignition lock and start the car.

All previously stored codes will be erased. To stop the process at any time, simply remove the key and use an existing key to start the car.

stephenray5252 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-09, 12:25 AM

Thanks for the input. I tried this on both of the existing keys with no luck. The first time I had left the door open and the security light had not gone out after 12 plus minutes.

However; if I close the door and insert either existing key and switch to on (accessory; I can not get the starter to go) the security light goes out after about 5 seconds. However the car still will not start and as soon as I try the security light comes back on solid.

I will see if I can get a new key in the morning to try. However it seems to me the problem is the sensor unless both keys are dead.

Is there any system to test the keys to see if the transponder is responding?
I am a technical person and have test equipment like spectrum analyzers available.Ii assume the car emits a magnetic field that powers the transponder in the key similar to controlled door entry systems. Basically a RFID system.

Steve

Kingoftypos · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-09, 02:25 AM

Here is a question, does the car have a remote starter installed?

If it does, and that works. Then you must find the key that is allowing it to start. I should be in a black box under the steering wheel area.

KOT

stephenray5252 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-21-09, 10:17 PM

Just for an update this vehicle is now at the dealer. They towed it in Monday morning and it would start when it got there.

Today the technician came back after lunch and got the same errors I had and is trying to figure it out. They evidently have a 2008 Cadillac in the shop that has the same problem.

Kingoftypos · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 12:27 AM

If I were you, I'll ask them to do it for free or at a cheaper rate. Since basically they don't know and such. Specailly since they have an 08 with the same problem and trying to figure it out.

Also, ask them to tell you what they did to fix it.

KOT

stephenray5252 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 09:54 PM

It apparently was the ECM module or "the computer". It amazingly is still under warranty. It was ready this afternoon and we will pick it up in the morning.

I am sure there are labor charges plus we had the oil changed etc.

If it runs for six months without a lockout I will know they were correct. I work on electronics systems and there is nothing more frustrating than an intermittent like this.

Kingoftypos · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-09, 04:33 AM

I work on electronics as well, slot technician to be exact. With over 8,000 slot machines and to have one have an intermittent problem, really bugs me. :-/

But there shouldn't be any labor charges, because it's the ECM and still under warranty. The reason why it's still under warranty is because the ECM is apart of the emission control. Which by federal law is either 80,000 or 100,000 miles. I forget which.

KOT

travelinman · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 06:50 PM

I too am having theft deterrent problems with my 2005 CTS. I backed the car out of the garage and shut it off on the driveway; a couple of hours later, I went to put the car back in the garage and it would not start or let me pull the key out of the lock and the theft deterrent icon appeared on the dashboard. At first I thought it was a dead battery and called out AAA who found the battery to be in good condition. I am looking for a solution to get my CTS started without towing the car to the dealer. Any ideas? Thanks.

Kingoftypos · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 07:48 PM

well it sounds like you have the same problem. question is, how many miles is on the car? because the warranty for the ecm should 8 years or 80,000 miles.

z06bigbird · #11 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 08:09 PM

Similar symptoms if your battery is dead or weak.

travelinman · #12 (**permalink**) 07-30-09, 11:37 PM

Thanks for the reply King. I tried a method suggested in an earlier post where you turn the key to the "on" position for 10 minutes three consecutive times and it worked. Then the radio/info panel remained blank but after sitting for a couple of hours it came back on. So, hopefully, I am back in business. I did not realize the ECM had that long of a warrantee. My 2005 CTS has 26,500 miles on it so I had better look into how the ECM is covered. Thanks.

Art (Travelinman)

txbest1980 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-13-09, 06:25 PM

question for some of you guru's out there...

if your anti theft light is on and the car will not turn over to start and you cant get the key out, what do you do. better yet, how do you unlock the anti theft system? could this be done with the OBDII or what?

Kingoftypos · #14 (**permalink**) 09-13-09, 09:16 PM

From what I read somewhere, there is a hole under the steering column that will allow a small screw drive in. Which unlocks the igintion switch to allow the key to come out. As far as the anti thief, something to do with the ECM and or battery not being charged good enough. So if I were you, change the battery first.

KOT

txbest1980 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-13-09, 09:31 PM

battery is fully charged...