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How can I reset the security system on a Chevy Malibu?

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22 answers

★ Top Answer
Ged Sanderson

To start, park the vehicle and ensure all doors are closed and locked. Then, insert your key into the driver's side door and unlock the vehicle. Once it's unlocked, promptly insert your key into the ignition slot and turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the car. You'll know you've done it right when the accessories turn on but the engine doesn't. After the ignition is ON, turn off the car and repeat this process twice to reset the anti-theft system. If you encounter any issues, refer to your owner's manual for a detailed guide on resetting the anti-theft system on your Chevy Malibu.

More answers

  • Hubert B

    What should I do if my anti-theft light remains steady without blinking or turning off? I have attempted various methods, but the light remains on continuously.

  • Forrest T.

    To restart the security system in a Chevy Malibu, start by unlocking the door with the key fob. Once the door is open, press the lock button and wait for the security light to stop flashing. Finally, press the unlock button on the key fob one more time.

  • Virginia H

    Here's a paraphrased version of the text: "You need to insert the key, turn it, and keep it on for ten minutes. Then turn it off and repeat this process three times, with each session lasting thirty minutes.

  • Piers J.

    Does anything actually function properly?

  • Richie B

    I'm an owner of a 2014 Chevy Malibu, and all I did was lower the window, exit the vehicle, check if the door was locked, put the key halfway into the ignition for a minute, and then fully turn the key to start the car.

  • Instagingersnap

    Disconnect the battery and then reconnect it - this should make it start immediately.

  • Jenny F

    I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu. The only way I've found to successfully start my car is by rolling down the window, removing the key from the ignition, exiting the car and closing the door. I reach in through the window and turn the key to the 'half on' position instead of fully on. I wait for 10 minutes until the anti-theft light stops blinking. Then I reach in through the window, remove the key completely, reinsert it, and start the car from outside. This is the only method that has been effective for me.

  • Buddy C.

    I have a 2006 Malibu where the security light stays solid and doesn't blink at all. I've attempted turning the key to the "on" position, but the security light stays illuminated indefinitely. What other steps can I take to program my transponder key?

  • Tucker

    I tried doing that, but my car is still not starting. I even tried disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes and reconnecting it, but it didn't work. If anyone has any other suggestions to help me get my car running, please let me know. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

  • Floyd E

    How about the effort to begin the Malibu's engine without needing a key to turn an ignition?

  • Quinn

    To begin with, you don't have to stay outside of your car or lock the doors. This simple trick can solve the issue if your car won't start - just stay seated in the driver's seat and be patient. I want to clarify that I don't have a key fob, so this method is the only way I can start my Malibu when it's acting up. When your car refuses to start, you'll notice the theft system light flashing on the dashboard. From the OFF position, turn the key to the ON position (not START or ACCESSORY). Keep the key in the ON position until the theft light stops flashing, which typically takes about 10 minutes, then switch the key back to OFF. Afterward, start the car as usual. If done correctly, your car should start without any issues; there's no need to repeat this process three times.

  • Justin C

    You can remain inside your car instead of stepping out if your car won't start and the theft light is flashing. Turn the key to the ON position and keep it there for about 10 minutes. The theft light will stop flashing, indicating when to turn the key to the off position. Once the light stops flashing, turn the key off and then try to start the car - it should start easily if done correctly. Locking the door is unnecessary. There are instructional videos available to guide you through this process. Additionally, there are solutions available to address this issue, but I tried one suggestion and unfortunately, it did not work. Best of luck to everyone!

  • Alphabetical Bob

    What is indicated by the 2021 Malibu displaying a message regarding the theft deterrent system requiring service and prompting for a ballet code to be entered on the stereo system?

  • Kevin K.

    2008 Malibu available for purchase, currently experiencing a starting issue.

  • Ray W

    I am currently facing the same issue. I initially tried to change the passenger side headlight but it turned out to be a fuse problem. When I attempted to start the car, I heard a couple of clicks, the antitheft light started flashing, and the doors began locking and unlocking on their own before stopping. Even when I unlocked them from inside, they would lock themselves. I suspected the battery was dead, so I tried jump starting it without success as it seemed to lack power. I cleaned all the cables and then disconnected the battery to charge it, while also charging the jumper pack. I recalled a previous incident where someone had to jump start my car after I got locked out for four hours after work. Despite having the key, it wouldn't open the driver side door which was the only door with a keyhole. After struggling to get in and almost freezing to death, I managed to access the trunk and pull the safety latch, allowing me to crawl to the front seat. However, the car still wouldn't start. It was a distressing situation, and a security guard eventually gave me a ride home after seeing me stranded in the snow.

    I suspect that the issue may lie with the key, ignition, or the radio wire. My theory is based on the antitheft system's connection from the battery to the locks, ignition, and radio, with a particular focus on a red wire with a black stripe. It seems like the battery is being drained too quickly, and the key does not fit properly in the locks and ignition, as if the ignition is expanding. I humorously likened this to a scene from a movie with a hat that grows larger.

    I have now removed the radio and plan to reconnect the battery after letting it charge. If that does not work, I will attempt a jump start. If all else fails, I will remove the fuses for the radio and headlights to see if the car starts. I also noticed some anomalies in the fuse box under the hood, specifically two fuses in the far right row of four that are getting power when they shouldn't. Additionally, I found the ignition slot operating without a fuse, despite the car starting without any issues. This discovery makes me wonder if there are wiring or fuse box problems. If you have any insights or solutions, feel free to contact me at jamesrobert6979@gmail.com, as I believe I might be onto something.

  • Jasmine D.

    I've attempted all possible methods, but nothing seems to be effective. The only plausible explanations I can think of are that the key might have been cut incorrectly, or there could be an issue with the engine.

  • Juan W.

    I did all of that yesterday. I disconnected the battery, did the key procedure. My car showed a theft attempt warning, but the issue was just my key battery. (2014 Malibu). My key has a small plastic piece that pops off at the bottom on the back. So, make sure to check your keys before trying any of the steps mentioned.

  • Tim Drager

    I have a 2014 Chevy Malibu, and this happened to me yesterday evening, thankfully I was at home. I tried every trick, but the key was the issue. Instead of trying to fix it yourself, don't go under the hood - call a locksmith and get a new key. I had a key with the fob, but had to replace it because the chip went bad, triggering the immobilizer theft-deterrent system. A guy came, I paid $200, and in less than 30 minutes, I was back on the road. So, just get the key replaced and avoid trying all those tricks. The manual actually recommends seeking professional help in such situations!

  • John Herrera

    Hey Pete, I'm not a mechanic, but I suggest disconnecting the battery for about an hour and checking all the fuses first. Test the battery and charge it while it's disconnected from the car. I had a similar issue that was solved by doing this. If that doesn't work, try searching on Google or watching a YouTube video about the problem. Good luck!

  • Harry C.

    In 2004, I purchased a new ignition module for my Chevy Malibu Classic for $290. However, the problem persisted. I had the car towed to the shop a second time to have another ignition module replaced, costing $140. The alarm system's red light continues to illuminate, along with the orange ignition module. When the red light flashes, the car won't start. I have found that leaving the key in the on position for about 10 minutes works to start the car once the red light stops blinking. It's frustrating to have spent over $400 trying to fix this issue, only for the lights to remain on. Despite this annoyance, the car runs well considering it's a 2004 model with 99,000 miles.

  • Jeff Trompczynski

    Hey Marquita Jackson, what year is your Malibu? I have a 2019 and all it's showing is a message about the theft deterrent system needing service, and now the car won't start.

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