Anti-Theft recurring issue

[mattsypek]

Hey forum,

So about two weeks ago I had a very strange issue with my Sonic. I went to unlock my car with the remote and the lights and locks began tweaking out. Got in the car and it wouldn't start; the anti-theft light on the dash came on and wouldn't go out.

Towed it to the dealer and they told me it was the key fob that was bad. They said if I came down with my second (never used) key fob the car should accept it and it would clear the problem. The second key didn't work; they told me that it wasn't programmed to my vehicle (which didn't make much sense). I paid to have them reprogram that second key, and I was off and back on the road again.

Zero issues until just a few moments ago. Get in the car, turn the key, and nothing. Same as before. I give it a second try, and it starts, but the indicator light on the dash was staying lit. I'm worried this is going to happen again when I'm NOT at home and I'll be stuck.

Any thoughts on what the issue can be? Surely this new fob can't be going bad this soon considering it only has about a week's worth of use under it.

Thanks in advance,

-M

 

[gnonne]

Even if you never used it, the battery could be bad. How old is it?

 

[mattsypek]

Got both the keys in 2013 when I bought the car. Can a bad battery in the fob cause that anti-theft malfunction?

 

[gnonne]

I have a 2012 and a 2013, both LT sedans. Had a 2012 LT Hatch as well. Never any problems, replaced battery every few years. Cheap insurance.