All you need to do to disarm your 2014 Cruze’s anti-theft system is to start the vehicle with the key that came with it. The transponder in the key should automatically disarm the system.

Once you own a vehicle, keeping it safe from bad actors is very important. Chevrolet vehicles, including the Cruze, often make it on lists of most frequently stolen vehicles in the US. It’s a good thing, then, that Chevrolet takes vehicle security very seriously and gives the 2014 Cruze features such as an alarm system and an immobilizer.

But when these features malfunction, your car may not start when you want it to. If your engine won’t turn on and you know there can’t be any issues with the battery, ignition coil, or other components, the problem may be quicker to solve than you think.

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How to reset the 2014 Chevy Cruze anti-theft system

Turning off the anti-theft system in the 2014 Chevy Cruze is very straightforward. Your Chevy Cruze has two anti-theft precautions you may need to deal with: the vehicle alarm system and immobilizer.

The vehicle alarm system won’t stop you from getting into your car, but you may need to turn it off if it goes off accidentally. All you need to do is unlock the car using either the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or Keyless Access system and start the car. Unlocking the driver’s door with the key itself will not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.

On the other hand, the immobilizer is the feature that stops the vehicle from being moved if it senses a threat. It is automatically activated once you remove the key from the ignition. To disarm the immobilizer, all you need to do is unlock the car with the ignition key and start it. To reset it, press the unlock button, then get out of the car and press the lock button on the door—but leave the door open the whole time.

If your car still won’t start, check to see if the security light is on in the information cluster (it looks like a lock placed on a car icon). If this light is on and not flashing, there is a problem with the system itself. Chevy recommends turning the ignition on and off twice if the light comes on. If the engine still doesn’t start, use the other key that your Cruze comes with—the first key may be damaged.

If this still doesn’t work, you will have to have your anti-theft system serviced by a dealer.

MORE:

The best car anti-theft devices to keep your vehicle safe

What does the anti-theft system on a Chevy Cruze do?

The 2014 Chevy Cruze is equipped with what Chevy calls a “passive theft-deterrent system.” This system is called passive because it does not have to be armed or disarmed manually—it automatically arms itself the moment you take your key out of the ignition.

There are two important components to this system, the key and the immobilizer control unit in the vehicle. The key has a transponder that matches the immobilizer control unit so that when it starts the vehicle, the control unit automatically disarms the system.

This means that only an authorized key—that is, the two that you got when you bought your 2014 Cruze—can disarm the system. You cannot disarm the system properly if the key is damaged or you had a new key made without programming it properly.

How to program a new transponder key

To program a new key, you’ll have to keep one of the original ones on hand. You can get a new key through your dealer, who can also do the programming for you. There can be up to eight RKE transmitters matched up to the Cruze at any time.

Here’s how to program a new key if you want to do it yourself:

Insert the original key (the one already programmed) in the ignition. Turn it to the ON/RUN position

Turn the key to LOCK/OFF and remove it

Insert the new key that you want to program and turn it to the ON/RUN position within five seconds

Your key should now be programmed. You can check this by seeing if your security light has turned off.

MORE:

Does renters insurance cover car theft?

What can trigger the Chevy anti-theft system?

The passive theft-deterrent system is designed to stop unauthorized attempts to start your vehicle. If the car is moved, bumped, or opened without a key, the sensors in the theft-deterrent system will detect it.

Other potential triggers of your anti-theft system include:

Damaged key

Damaged transponder in your RKE transmission

Issues with the car’s battery

The best way to fix any of these issues (if you can’t diagnose them yourself) is to have a dealer look at your vehicle.

MORE:

Cars most targeted by catalytic converter thieves

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Can the 2014 Chevy Cruze anti-theft system lower your insurance rate?

On top of the anti-theft systems that the Cruze already comes with, there may be ways for you to enhance your car’s security by using aftermarket anti-theft devices. These range from physical immobilizers to electronic alarms and more.

For example, mechanical immobilizers like tire locks, gear locks, and steering locks are great ways to stop the car from being moved anywhere and deterring any bad actors from trying to steal your car.

Installing anti-theft devices that limit the potential situations where you’d have to file an insurance claim may earn you a discount with your car insurance provider. Ensuring the safety of the vehicle is as important for the insurer as it is for the vehicle owner—and it’ll save both of you money in the long run!

How to save on 2014 Chevy Cruze insurance

Even if your car has a good anti-theft system and you’ve added aftermarket deterrents, there’s always a chance someone could steal, vandalize, or otherwise damage your car. This is why it’s so important to get a car insurance policy that includes

comprehensive coverage

, which protects your car in the case of non-collision events.

By using Jerry—the insurance brokerage app

trusted by over 2 million drivers

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All you need to do is download the Jerry app, take 45 seconds to enter your information, and wait for real-time customized quotes to be delivered to your phone. If you find a policy you like, Jerry can help you switch over and even help cancel your old policy.

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