Antitheft System Diagnosis & Testing Cost Estimate

anti theft system failure can be extremely troublesome to diagnose without dealer software, however it is not impossible. When diagnosing the issue, a technician will use a computerized scanning tool to observe conditions within the anti theft system, identify where the miscommunication originates, and service that portion of the system. For instance, if the body control module is receiving correct information to signal the engine control module to start the vehicle, the engine should be able to start. If it does not signal the engine control module to start the vehicle in this case, the circuit, body control module, and engine control module will be tested to find which component is failing to interpret data. This can be a long and difficult process when intermittent issues are present, and, in some cases the dealership will need to perform the repair.

The anti theft system is meant for the protection of the vehicle and its contents. Although there are services which will remove these functions from the vehicle by reprogramming various control modules, this is not recommended. Removing anti theft features places the vehicle at risk of theft or burglary, and reprogramming control modules can cause software failures.

Replacing the anti theft system control module, body control module, or engine control module, even if that part is faulty, will not resolve an anti theft system issue alone. These control modules are keyed to the vehicle VIN, so they must agree when communicating. Some modules come ready to accept the parameters of the control module(s) they are in contact with, and this is a valid solution. Before purchasing these parts, ensure you understand whether the control module will need to be programmed by a professional after installation.

Repair of the anti theft system is best left to professionals. This is an intricate system which is designed with redundancies to prevent tampering. Also, many service manuals will not include some vital information needed for pinpoint testing of the system, so there may be a bit of assumed knowledge involved. Also, more simplistic diagnosis will require a scan tool or factory anti theft diagnostic software that is not typically available to consumers. Unless the issue is related to a lock cylinder, dead key battery, or fuses, leave repair and diagnosis to a professional technician.