If you need to reset the anti-theft system on your Chevy Sonic, you can insert the key into the ignition to turn your car on (without starting the engine) and then wait 10 minutes. You should see the security light blink, then go off.

An anti-theft system can keep your car safe and prevent anyone from breaking in and getting to your things, or from stealing the car itself. While the Sonic itself isn’t as commonly stolen as, say, a Chevy pickup, the newer models are still vulnerable. The anti-theft system is a great safety feature, but it’s not so great when you accidentally set it off and need to reset it, fast.

When that happens, turn to

Jerry

the

car insurance

expert’s handy guide to reset the anti-theft system on a Chevy Sonic. Jerry can even keep your car as safe as your alarm does for cheap by helping you reduce your

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How to reset the Chevy Sonic anti-theft system

In most cases when your Chevy Sonic anti-theft system is going off, you can turn off the alarm by either pressing the unlock key on the key fob or starting the car with a recognized key. However, you may find that your car will not start at all after the alarm has gone off. There are a few culprits that could be to blame for this issue, and a few solutions you can try to reset your Chevy Sonic anti-theft system.

If you attempt to turn your car on and it will not start, but the security light is illuminated on your instrument panel, this indicates an issue with the anti-theft system. The system is designed to respond to your particular key, and will not start if there is damage to that key. This may result from an issue with your transmitter, and you may need to try a spare key.

If you don’t have a spare key, then it's time to try resetting it. There are two ways you might go about this. The first is to disconnect the negative battery terminal for between 15 and 30 minutes. You can then reconnect it and start the car.

If this doesn’t work, try putting the key into the ignition to turn it on without starting the engine. Wait 10 minutes, and eventually, the system should reset. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call out the experts or take your car to the auto shop.

MORE:

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

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

The Chevy Sonic utilizes what is known as a Passive Anti-Theft System, or PATS. This means that it does not have to be manually armed but instead turns on automatically.

The Chevy Sonic anti-theft system activates when you use your key to lock your car or press the “lock” button on the inside of the door with one of them open. Thirty seconds after you do this, the alarm system will be armed.

The key uses a transponder programmed to match the immobilizer control unit in the car so that the alarm is automatically disarmed when it is started with the right key. That means the car may not start if the key is damaged—and it may not work to disarm the system.

There is a security light on the dashboard that indicates whether or not there is an issue with the system. The light will come on for a moment when you are turning the ignition on but should go away. If it does not go away and the engine does not start, your anti-theft system may need to be reset.

How to program a new transponder key

If you need to get a new key for your Chevy Sonic, you’ll have to provide your car's year, make, model, and VIN to a dealership or a locksmith. Then, you will need to program it, which can cost anywhere from $75 to $275. However, there is a way to program it yourself to save a bit of money.

Manually unlock your door with your key.

Shut all doors, and insert the key into the ignition without turning it.

Hold the unlock button on the driver's door, and then turn the ignition on without starting the engine.

Turn the key back to the “Off” position, then “On” and then “Off” once again, quickly.

Let go of the unlock button, and you should hear the doors lock and unlock.

Hold the “Unlock” and “Lock” buttons down at the same time on your key fob, until you hear the door lock again.

Finally, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “On” position.

MORE:

How to report a stolen car

What can trigger the Chevy anti-theft system?

So, what exactly can trigger the Chevy anti-theft system?

There’s the obvious answer: anyone trying to break into your car will trigger the alarm, as it is designed to go off if the car door is opened without first being unlocked. However, you may be surprised to find that some other triggers can set off the alarm as well. Loud noises or a sudden and forceful bump to your parked car can lead to it sounding, as can:

Dead battery

Broken door handle

Faulty or failing transponder key

If your alarm is continuously going off and you can’t figure out why, you may need to take it to a Chevy dealership or your local mechanic to diagnose the problem.

MORE:

Does car insurance cover car theft?

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

Yes, having an anti-theft system on your Chevy Sonic can help lower your insurance rate. Often, anti-theft devices can lower your rate by anywhere from 5% and 25% when purchasing

comprehensive coverage

If lowering your rate is top of mind when choosing a car or customizing your current ride, there are a few other features you can look for that might lead to insurance savings in the long run. The maker's reputation for reliability, as well as the safety features included in the model you purchase, all factor into the insurance company's quote.

When shopping for your Chevy Sonic, you’ll be happy to find that the base LS trim already comes with plenty of safety features standard, in addition to the engine immobilizer anti-theft system. Those include:

OnStar Services capable

Back-up camera

Hill start assist

LED daytime running lamps

Plus, even though the LS trim isn’t the most luxurious, it is still a comfortable and beautiful model—and it comes at a lower cost than the top trims, which often means lower insurance rates.

MORE:

Are Chevrolets expensive to maintain?

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How to save on Chevy Sonic insurance

At the end of the day, an anti-theft system is a great feature designed to keep you and your Sonic protected. Another way to protect yourself on the road? With a comprehensive insurance policy, which can cover you in some cases of theft, and in plenty of other situations on the road.

To find that policy, you can count on trusted insurance broker

Jerry

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trustworthy insurance shopping super app

is easy to use and free to download, so all you have to do is fill out a quick profile to let them know what you need, including some details about your current policy, and voila! In less than a minute Jerry will bring you the top quotes from their network of dozens of providers.