Q: question

asked by on February 15, 2017

hi, when i turn my car engine on the security indicator light comes on just after 6 or 7 minutes. it was not on the dash board until i changed the ECU and the ignition. is this normal thing or the car needs to be checked and fixed? thank you.

My car has 95000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Warning Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The security system warning light should not illuminate once the vehicle is started and you are driving. If the light does illuminate, that means there is a malfunction in the security system. Obviously, if this problem started immediately after you changed the ignition switch and ECU on the car, it is probably a software related issue (in the ECU and/or in the receiver in the ignition switch if it is not properly programmed to the key) although, of course, there is always the possibility that what is occurring is just coincidental to the switch/ECU replacement and there really is a "new" problem in the immobilizer system and software. There are protocols in the Factory Service Manual to diagnose this and so you can request a warning light -immobilizer diagnostic and a mechanic will resolve this for you. In the course of that, the Mechanic will make sure the keys are programmed to the receiver and he or she might suggest re-flashing your ECU to the most current software version. If you request the warning light diagnostic the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here 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 I turn on the fog lights?
The fog lights can improve visibility in adverse driving conditions, namely rain and fog. To turn on the fog lights, rotate the fog light switch to the on position (the fog light switch is located next to the light switch,...
Air conditioning not cool
If your cars A/C is not very cold, and it is happening always, you might be low on refrigerant. The A/C system is a sealed system and if it is low, it usually means you have a leak. Seeking the...
Dashboard lights not working
Hi. The common problem with dash lights going out is a power inverter malfunction. The only fix is to replace the whole dashboard. I would check the fuses for the dash lights first and if they are okay, the problem...
Car shuts off while driving
Hello. This comes up often on your vehicle. The most common cause of your car suddenly shutting off is a bad main relay. This can also be caused by a failing sensor or distributor, but that is not as common....
I have a whining squealing noise coming from somewhere in my pulley system and serpentine belt.
If the noise changed when the battery was replaced, I would first suspect the alternator. Sometimes, when a bearing/bushing starts to go bad it will only make noise with the belt installed, as the tension can cause pressure to be...
Popping noise at low speed turns
Hi. This is a tricky one. In my experience, I have seen lower control arms (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement) cause this problem. The lower control arms have rubber bushings in them and sometimes those rubber bushings crack or become dry rotten and causing...
The oil pressure light comes on ONLY in park after getting oil changed. The car is full of oil.
This may very well be a faulty oil pressure sending unit. This is a sensor located down near the oil pan on your engine that monitors the oil pressure inside your motor. When this detects lower than normal oil pressure,...
Would the car tell the percentage of the life of the oil, my car includes oil changes but the dealer won't do it until the indicator shows the change oil soon message.
Hi there. There should be a select button with two directional arrows on the button. Push and hold the right directional arrow on the button and the dash should go from the odometer to the menu. Then scroll up by...
I got my a.c. serviced n alignment done after dat check light is blinking on the dashboard verna 2008
Hello, thank you for writing in. Without knowing what system's pressure is too high, or what the actual code was that set off the check engine light, it is almost impossible to give you direction on where to turn for...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Sentra
The The 2012 Nissan Sentra is one of the most versatile sedans in its class. Because it has such a wide variety of options available in its four trims, buyers can choose between a bare-bones version at a very affordable...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Gardener or Landscape Architect
Gardeners Gardeners and landscape architects need to haul around quite a bit of gear. As a gardener, chances are you will need to transport a variety of mowing equipment, along with smaller implements. You may also need to move shrubs,...
How to Disable OnStar
OnStar (https://www.onstar.com/us/en/home.html) is a subscription-based service that provides remote vehicle diagnostics, communications, security, and other features for vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of General Motors, and is popular for capabilities like turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling, and as a surveillance...