How to solve the problem when the GL8 shows locked and cannot start?
3 Answers
Solutions for Buick GL8 being locked and unable to start: 1. Check if the battery of the remote key has sufficient power. If the battery is low, replace it with a new one. 2. If the smart password of the vehicle key does not match the anti-theft system password, re-pairing is required. First, open the door and step on the brake, then restart the engine. Next, hold the lock button on the door for more than ten seconds, and try again. 3. Go to a 4S store to seek professional help. Introduction to the car electronic anti-theft system: The car being locked and unable to start indicates that the vehicle is equipped with an engine electronic anti-theft system, also known as chip-type anti-theft. Its basic principle is to lock the car's engine, circuit, and oil circuit, making it impossible to start the vehicle without the chip key. The car anti-theft lock being locked is a common fault of the car anti-theft lock.
As a Buick owner, I've encountered situations where the GL8 displayed a lockout and wouldn't start. Generally, the issue lies with the anti-theft system. A dead key fob battery or signal interference can trigger the anti-theft lockout; an aging car battery or low voltage can also cause the system to misjudge; it could also be an electronic control unit failure. During regular maintenance, it's important to check the battery life and key fob condition. If you encounter this situation, don't panic—first try restarting the system: turn off all power, remove the key, wait a few minutes, then reinsert and start. If that doesn't work, check the key fob battery and try replacing it with a new one. If it still won't start, don't force ignition—call for professional assistance or go to a 4S shop for inspection immediately, as excessive attempts can damage more components. Safety first.
Having driven for over a decade, I've found that key-related issues account for the majority of common reasons why a GL8's anti-theft system locks and prevents startup. If the chip inside the key gets damp or wears out, weakening its signal, the system will lock to prevent theft. When troubleshooting, I usually start by replacing the key's battery and ensuring there are no electronic devices interfering with the signal source. If that doesn't work, try using the spare key. If the problem persists, it's likely a battery or electronic system failure—loose battery terminals or insufficient voltage can trigger the lock. In such cases, use a multimeter to check if the voltage drops below 12 volts or attempt a jump start. Don’t delay; it’s best to visit a repair shop as soon as possible to read the fault codes with a diagnostic tool.
