How To Reset the Anti-Theft System On a 2013 Chevy Malibu
To reset the Chevy Malibu anti-theft system, you’ll need to get your car to recognize your transponder key. Here’s how.
Written by Jaya Anandjit
Reviewed by Bellina Gaskey
To reset your 2013 Chevy Malibu anti-theft system, insert and turn the key in the ignition to turn on the car’s electrical systems without starting the engine. Wait for around 10 minutes, then switch the ignition off, remove the key, and let the car sit for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. The theft deterrent system should reset.
Anti-theft systems can be highly useful, especially if you have a popular vehicle. For example, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Chevy Malibu was one of the most stolen cars in 2021, with high reported incidents for the 2013 model in states including Nebraska and Delaware.
While the 2013 Chevy Malibu isn’t as commonly stolen as some of the newer models, it still pays off to have a theft deterrence system like the Malibu’s ignition disabling device.
Unfortunately, anti-theft systems aren’t always the most intuitive when it comes to false alarms or defects that cause your car’s engine to lock off and delay your trip.
To help you navigate your 2013 Chevy Malibu’s anti-theft system,
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There are four ways to reset the anti-theft deterrent system on your Chevy Malibu. You’ll want to have your key fob handy.
First, you can try standing around ten feet away from the vehicle and press down on the key fob’s panic button for five seconds before pressing the lock button twice.
If the panic button method does not work, try opening the car door with a physical key. Insert the key into the driver’s door and hold it for at least 45 seconds. Hopefully, the car will recognize the key and turn off the warning signal. You may have to turn the key back and forth, so try that if the light remains on.
If the physical key method doesn’t go through, get in the vehicle and insert your key into the ignition. Next, turn the ignition on without turning the engine on—this will allow the car to read the car key. Leave the key in the ignition for ten to fifteen minutes, then switch the ignition off. Let the car sit for a minute, then turn the car back on. This should reset the theft deterrent system and turn the warning light off.
Suppose the ignition method doesn’t work, and the alarm is going off. There could be an issue with the battery, in which case you can pop the hood and disconnect the positive battery cable. Leave it unplugged for around twenty minutes so the power can drain, which will force the system to reset when you reconnect the cable and turn on the car.
You could also quickly turn the alarm off by removing the alarm fuse from the fuse box. You can find the correct fuse on the fuse diagram or in your owner’s manual.
If nothing seems to be working, or if you don’t have an ignition key when anti-theft mode is triggered in your Chevy, it would be best to bring it to a dealership to disarm the system and program new keys. If you would like to completely disarm the anti-theft deterrent system, you’ll need the dealer to reprogram the control module.
What does the anti-theft system on a Chevy Malibu do?
The 2013 Chevy Malibu has an anti-theft deterrent system that uses an alarm system and disables the engine from starting if it anticipates or detects a vehicle intrusion with an unknown key. If the system is triggered, an anti-theft light will appear on your center display.
Your system may be triggered by unknown items or keys attempting to unlock the door, but it may also happen if your Chevy Malibu does not recognize the key you’re using. If you’re attempting to use a spare key but want to avoid setting off the anti-theft system, you’ll need to program it to the car and system.
How to program a new transponder key
To program a new key to your Chevy Malibu, you’ll need to bring the new key to your car and follow these steps:
- Unlock the car door with the physical key on your driver’s side
- Enter the vehicle and shut the doors
- Press and hold the unlock button on the drivers door while putting the key into the ignition
- Keep holding the unlock button and turn the key to “accessory mode” (don’t turn the engine on)
- Turn the key back and forth between the on and off position five times without turning the engine on
- Let go of the unlock button. Once you let go of the unlock button, your vehicle’s doors will lock and unlock
- Press and hold both the unlock and lock buttons on the key fob. You will hear the door lock and unlock
- Reinsert the programmed key back into the ignition and turn the car on
Once you turn the car on, your Chevy key fob programming process is complete!
What can trigger the Chevy anti-theft system?
The anti-theft deterrent system in your Chevy Malibu is a protective alarm and deterrence system that can definitely keep thieves away, but it may also be prone to false alarms.
Some of the potential triggers to your anti-theft system could be:
- Dead battery
- Old key fob
- Dead key fob battery
- Damaged door lock
- Defective key fob immobilizer chip
If you’re unsure what’s triggering your anti-theft system or can’t seem to solve the problem, take your Chevy Malibu to a dealership for a diagnostic.
Can the Chevy Malibu anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?
Yes—if you have an anti-theft system in your car, your insurance provider will appreciate the car theft risk reduction and may lower your rates correspondingly.
Thankfully, Chevy offers a number of safety features and their parts are pretty affordable, making their insurance costs typically average.
Your exact rate will depend on the trim and features included in your vehicle, but insurance providers may lower your comprehensive coverage by approximately 5% to 25% if you have an anti-theft device installed in your car, so be sure to mention it to your insurance agent.
How to save on Chevy Malibu insurance
While your Chevy’s anti-theft system can decrease the chances of your Malibu getting stolen, there’s always a risk of potential theft, especially as break-in technologies advance. You’ll need
comprehensive insurance coverage
if you want to be able to submit a theft or vandalism claim with your car insurance company. Comprehensive coverage will incur an extra expense on your insurance policy, but it covers a variety of non-collision events, from hail or lightning damage to accidentally hitting a deer. Luckily, making sure you’re getting the best rate for the coverage you need has never been easier.
To find the best rates on your
Chevy Malibu insurance
, download the Jerry
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