What to Do When the Buick Regal Anti-Theft System is Activated and the Car Won't Start?
3 Answers
Insert the key, turn it to power on the entire vehicle, then turn it off. Repeat this process three times consecutively. Wait approximately ten seconds to allow the engine's protection data to reset, then reconnect the battery and attempt to start the car again.
Back when I drove a Buick Regal, I also encountered the anti-theft system locking up, which was incredibly frustrating! That time, after turning off the engine at a gas station, it wouldn't start again, and the dashboard displayed an anti-theft activation warning. I asked a mechanic friend, and he advised me not to repeatedly turn the key. Instead, he suggested pulling it out and taking a moment to calm down. Try using the spare key—sometimes the original key's chip signal weakens, triggering the anti-theft system. If the spare key doesn't work either, it might be due to a weak battery or a fuse issue. Use a multimeter to check the voltage. I personally found that disconnecting the battery's negative terminal for about ten minutes and then reconnecting it essentially reboots the anti-theft system, solving temporary glitches. If disconnecting the battery cables still doesn't help, then you'll have to call a tow truck and take it to a dealership for computer decoding, since the anti-theft system involves the engine control module.
I've seen this Buick Regal anti-theft activation issue many times, and it's mostly a key signal problem. First, check if the key has been dropped or soaked in water - if the transponder chip is damaged, it won't deactivate the anti-theft lock. Then feel the key battery compartment; if the battery is dead, just buy a CR2035 button cell from the supermarket and replace it. If changing the battery doesn't work, unplug any aftermarket electronic devices in the car, like dashcams or phone chargers, as electromagnetic interference can cause the anti-theft system to malfunction. Finally, remember to press the unlock button on the door handle to reset the sensor - experienced owners all know this trick. Once the anti-theft is triggered, don't force ignition - three consecutive errors might directly lock the ECU module. It's safer to properly disable it using the dealership's diagnostic tool.
