How to Get Your Infiniti Out of Theft Mode: A Step-by-Step Guide
If your Infiniti has been stolen and then recovered, it’s possible that the vehicle’s immobilizer system may have gone into theft mode, making it difficult to start the car. This is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to get your Infiniti out of theft mode and back on the road.
What is Theft Mode?
Theft mode is a security feature that is activated when the immobilizer system detects that the vehicle has been tampered with or stolen. When a vehicle is stolen, the immobilizer system sends a signal to the engine control module, which prevents the engine from starting. This is done to prevent the thief from hot-wiring the car and driving it away.
Symptoms of Theft Mode
If your Infiniti is in theft mode, you may notice the following symptoms:
- The car will not start, even with the correct key
- The dashboard lights will flash or stay on
- The car may make a series of beeping sounds or produce a loud alarm
- The car may not respond to the key fob or remote start
How to Get Your Infiniti Out of Theft Mode
To get your Infiniti out of theft mode, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Vehicle’s History
Before attempting to start the car, check the vehicle’s history to ensure that it has been recovered and is not still in the possession of the thief. You can check the vehicle’s history by contacting the police department or the insurance company.
Step 2: Check the Immobilizer System
Check the immobilizer system to ensure that it is functioning properly. The immobilizer system is typically located under the steering column or on the dashboard. If the system is functioning properly, it will detect the presence of the key and allow the engine to start.
Step 3: Try to Start the Car
Try to start the car using the correct key. If the car does not start, it may be in theft mode. If the car starts, but the alarm sounds, it may be a sign that the car is still in theft mode.
Step 4: Check the Anti-Theft System
Check the anti-theft system to ensure that it is not activated. The anti-theft system is typically located on the dashboard or on the steering column. If the system is activated, it will prevent the car from starting.
Step 5: Contact a Professional
If the above steps do not work, it may be necessary to contact a professional locksmith or a dealership to help get the car out of theft mode. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the issue.
Common Causes of Theft Mode
The following are some common causes of theft mode:
- Incorrect Key: If the key is not programmed correctly, it may trigger the theft mode.
- Faulty Immobilizer System: If the immobilizer system is faulty, it may not detect the presence of the key, triggering the theft mode.
- Tampered with Vehicle: If the vehicle has been tampered with, it may trigger the theft mode.
- Stolen Vehicle: If the vehicle has been stolen, it may be in theft mode.
Prevention is the Best Solution
To prevent your Infiniti from going into theft mode, follow these tips:
- Always keep the car locked: Make sure to lock the car doors and trunk to prevent unauthorized access.
- Use a steering wheel lock: A steering wheel lock can prevent the car from being driven away even if the thief has the key.
- Install a car alarm: A car alarm can alert you if someone is trying to break into the car.
- Keep the car in a secure location: Keep the car in a secure location, such as a garage or a well-lit parking lot.
Conclusion
Getting your Infiniti out of theft mode can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to get your car back on the road. Remember to always take precautions to prevent your car from going into theft mode in the first place.
