GMC Canyon intermittent starting issue with service theft deterrent system message on GMC Canyon

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some GMC Canyon owners report experiencing intermittent starting issues accompanied by a "Service Theft Deterrent System" message, which indicates a potential problem with the vehicle's anti-theft system. Common causes for this message include a dead battery or issues with the key fob, particularly related to the transponder chip that communicates with the immobilizer system. Additionally, a weak key fob battery may trigger the warning, prompting owners to check and replace it if necessary. Some owners have noted that incorrect or absent messages to the engine can lead to injector shutdown, although a PassLock issue typically does not prevent the engine from cranking. To resolve these issues, it is advisable for owners to inspect the key fob battery, transponder chip, and the overall condition of the anti-theft system.

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