Anti theft system preventing car from starting

MICHELLELONG741

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.4L
4 CYL
4WD
193,000 MILES

My car lock was going up and down by itself and all of a sudden my battery acted like it wanted to die before I got home, but once I got home and shut the vehicle off it wouldn’t start anymore. I tried to get a jump that didn’t work either. So I tried to start it again once the cables was off the battery and it started but wouldn’t start anymore after that. How do I get the anti theft system off?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Honestly, what you described sounds like the battery was dying as you were driving. Most often, that indicates a bad alternator. What I need you to try first is this.

Disconnect the battery and recharge it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

If you don't have a charger, remove the battery and take it to a parts store. Most will charge it and then load test if for you at no charge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Once we confirm the battery is charged and the terminals are clean and tight, start the engine. If it starts, we need to check the alternator output which is very easily done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

__________________

If this doesn't indicate a bad alternator, let me know. If it does, here is a link showing how to remove and replace an alternator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Here are the specific directions. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

Generator Replacement (LE5) (2.4L Non Hybrid)

Removal Procedure

picture 1

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LZ4, LY7, and LE5) (See: Battery Cable > Removal and Replacement)Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LAT) (See: Battery Cable > Removal and Replacement).
2. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (LAT) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Drive Belt Replacement)Drive Belt Replacement (LE5) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Drive Belt Replacement).
3. Disconnect the generator electrical connector (1).
4. Reposition the rubber boot (3).
5. Remove the engine harness terminal lead to generator nut (2).
6. Remove the engine harness terminal (4) from the generator stud.

picture 2

7. Remove the generator fasteners (1,3, 4).
8. Remove the generator.

Installation Procedure

picture 3

1. Position the generator to the engine block.
2. Install the generator fasteners (4) loosely.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (See: Vehicle > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Fastener Caution).

3. Install the fastener (1) and tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb in).
4. Install the fastener (3) and tighten to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).
5. Tighten the fasteners (4) to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

picture 4

6. Install the engine harness terminal (4) to the generator stud.
7. Install the engine harness terminal lead to generator nut (2) and tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb ft).
8. Position the rubber boot (3) over the stud.
9. Connect the generator electrical connector (1).
10. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (LAT) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Drive Belt Replacement)Drive Belt Replacement (LE5) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement > Drive Belt Replacement).
11. Connect negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LZ4, LY7, and LE5) (See: Battery Cable > Removal and Replacement)Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LAT) (See: Battery Cable > Removal and Replacement).

_____________________

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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