Q: I have a anti theft system installed in my car where you need to have the key in it before u can start the car.

asked by on December 28, 2016

Alarm installed under ignition. I believe after having battery issues it may interfered with the anti theft .

My car has 260000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. Check the battery cables and make sure that they are tight and clean. If you had replaced your battery, then with an aftermarket alarm, it is best to disable the alarm before hooking up a new battery. This will prevent the alarm from suddenly setting it self off. Plus, by disconnecting the alarm you can re-enable the alarm as if it was installed. This will make the alarm be like new again but not go off. If you need further assistance with your anti-theft system, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do you turn on the rear defogger and heated mirrors?
Your car is equipped with both a front and rear defogger. The front defogger is tied into your air conditioning system, but the one in the back is different (and uses a different control). If your car is also equipped...
How do I check the oil?
Checking the engine oil is a very important part of having a vehicle. You should check your oil regularly, and always before and after a long drive. Here’s how to check the engine oil: 1. Drive your car to a...
Car is idling high, revving at RPMs higher than 2700
Hello. When this car idles high like this it is because there is a vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak). A vacuum leak will allow too much air to enter the engine causing it to idle too high. The most common place is...
Car overheats while not moving or moving very slow.
Hello. A temporary "hotter than normal" behavior like your are describing is likely to be a failed radiator fan switch. The switch (and fan) should power up when the engine temperature is hotter than normal - such as low air-flow...
Rod Knock
Hello. This engine does have a series of common issues that can cause a knock. I have seen quite a few of them with rod knocks, but most of the time the issue is the timing chain. The warranty company...
it over heat and now wont start and the engine oil looks like milkshake
Milky or milkshake-looking engine oil indicates the engine oil and engine coolant have mixed together. This can happen after a severe overheating of the engine. This mixing can happen from either the head gasket cracking, or the cylinder head itself...
My car has had trouble down shifting. Usually starts after a few minutes of driving. Codes: P07A4 and P2701
Hi there. On your transmission there is an actuator (solenoid) for the Overdrive clutch. The code is coming as P2701 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p2701-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-friction-element-b-apply-time-range-performance-by-jay-safford) for the Overdrive clutch actuator (solenoid) not working and is your main cause of the transmission shifting issue. The...
Hard to get into first gear
This may suggest failing transmission synchros. As you may know, when a clutch drags, it is not letting go of the disk fully which overloads the synchros and burns up the friction surfaces quickly. Synchros work by speeding up or...
Why does my 2007 GMC Sierra Classic shifts from 1st gear to overdrive?
Hello. Most of the time this is caused by a pressure issue within the transmission. It can also occur of there is a major internal failure as that is what the computer does to try and protect the transmission. I...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
How to Report a Vehicle Break-In
Having Having someone go through the contents of your car and take your personal belongings is a huge violation of your privacy. The act of breaking into a home or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime or theft...
How to Reset a Car Alarm
A A car alarm that is not working at all or not working properly can be extremely annoying to you and your neighbors. It may also put your vehicle at an increased risk for theft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-keep-your-vehicle-safe-from-theft) or vandalism. Almost all...