Jeep models come with built-in anti-theft capabilities. Part of that includes an immobilizer that prevents the engine from being started by would-be thieves. Despite being the owner and driver, you must understand how to get your Jeep out of that anti-theft mode.
Get your Jeep out of anti-theft mode by power cycling the system. That means disconnecting the car from its battery and leaving it for 15 minutes to reset itself. Besides that, you can also perform the reset coding sequence to do it from inside the vehicle. Lastly, bring the car to its dealer so they can use professional equipment to reset the anti-theft mode.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your Jeep out of its anti-theft mode. You’ll also discover why that mode can be mistakenly triggered and how malfunctions can prevent you from exiting the anti-theft mode.
How To Disable a Jeep’s Anti-Theft Mode
You won’t be able to start your Jeep if its anti-theft mode is triggered for any reason. That’s the same whether it was triggered by a recent attempt to steal your car or if the anti-theft system malfunctions.
Thankfully, there are ways to disable the system and get your engine started. Doing so will allow you to get your car to where it needs to be, like taking it to the dealer or workshop for further repairs.
There are 3 ways to get your Jeep out of anti-theft mode which is the following:
Method 1: Power Cycling
The first method is called ‘power cycling’. You might be familiar with that term because it’s the same approach used to reset household appliances, computers, and other electronic devices.
Simply put, power cycling means turning something off for a moment and then turning it back on. Doing so clears the stored memory in any electronic components. It allows the device, whatever it might be, to reset itself.
You can perform power cycling on your Jeep by following these steps:
- Step 1: Disconnect your Jeep’s battery. Make sure the connectors don’t rest on any metal parts in the engine bay, as that could cause a short circuit. The safest option is to remove the battery entirely.
- Step 2: Remove the fuse for the ignition system. You’ll have to refer to the fuse box’s diagram to know which one that is.
- Step 3: Remove the battery from your key fob.
- Step 4: After removing all batteries, leave everything alone for at least 15 minutes. That’s done to allow any retained electrical power to dissipate naturally and will enable the reset to happen.
- Step 5: Lastly, restore all power sources. Put the battery back in the key fob, replace the ignition system’s fuse, and reconnect the car’s battery.
The process will reset the anti-theft system and allow you to start the engine.
Method 2: Reset Coding Sequence
A second approach for taking your Jeep out of the anti-theft mode is to use the reset coding sequence. You’ll need the key fob and the ignition key to perform this task.
When you’re sitting in the driver’s seat with both of those items, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Firstly, press the Lock button on the remote 5 times. All five button presses must be completed within 10 seconds.
- Step 2: Put your key in the ignition and turn it to Run. You’ll hear the car begin to chime for a few moments. Wait for that chiming to stop.
- Step 3: Once the chiming stops, press and hold the Unlock button on the key fob for 5 seconds. Then, press the Unlock and Panic buttons simultaneously. Hold both buttons and let them go after a second.
- Step 4: You’ll hear the car chiming again. Briefly press the Lock and Unlock buttons on the key fob when that happens.
- Step 5: Lastly, press the Unlock button on the key fob and release it immediately. When you hear the chime, take your key out of the ignition. The process is complete.
Method 3: Return To A Dealer
Suppose Methods 1 and 2 don’t work, and your Jeep still won’t start. In that case, your final option is to take the car back to the dealer so they can take it out of anti-theft mode.
The anti-theft mode prevents your car from starting, so you’ll have to get a tow truck to bring your vehicle to the dealer.
This option is necessary because the dealer will have the professional equipment to reset the anti-theft system.
More importantly, the technicians working there will be able to diagnose your Jeep’s immobilizer and other security components. Then, if the anti-theft mode is triggered due to a fault, they can troubleshoot and resolve the issues quickly.
Unfortunately, the design of Jeep’s anti-theft systems isn’t DIY-friendly. So, you can’t fix this yourself or at your buddy’s garage.
Here’s one thing to remember: before your vehicle is towed to the dealership, bring all your Jeep keys and key fobs with you. The dealer must have the complete set to ensure that they can reset your car’s anti-theft system correctly.
Why Did My Car Go Into Anti-Theft Mode?
Jeep’s anti-theft mode isn’t there to deliberately make your life difficult. Instead, it’s designed to protect your vehicle from attempts at stealing it. Thanks to the system, a would-be car thief can’t just hotwire your car and drive it away like in the movies.
Here are the things that will trigger your Jeep to active its anti-theft mode:
1. Tampering
The first trigger for your Jeep’s anti-theft mode is precisely what it’s designed for: tampering. That term refers to anyone trying to break into your vehicle and steal it away from you.
When the anti-theft system senses the tampering, it’ll activate and prevent the car from being started. Simultaneously, the alarm system might also be triggered to deter the thief and bring attention to what they’re doing.
2. Wrong keys
The same can happen if the system senses you’re using the wrong keys.
Remember: Jeeps with anti-theft systems don’t use regular keys like older vehicles. Instead, each key has a transponder chip inside that can communicate with the car. The chip allows the system to confirm whether or not the correct key is being used.
So, when the wrong keys are in the car, the system will sense it and go into anti-theft mode.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t just happen if you accidentally use the wrong keys. It can also occur if you’re using a key that’s not correctly coded for your vehicle.
3. Problematic transponder keys
Suppose you’re using the correct keys to start your Jeep, the same ones you use daily. In that case, the anti-theft system could be triggered by a fault developed in those keys.
For instance, the transponder chip inside your Jeep keys could have become problematic after many years of use. As a result, the symptom you experience is an anti-theft mode that won’t exit.
Can A Jeep’s Anti-Theft Mode Malfunction?
Yes, your Jeep’s anti-theft system can malfunction. That is likely why your Jeep entered its anti-theft mode even when it shouldn’t have. Worse yet, such a malfunction could prevent you from taking the Jeep out of that mode despite using all the correct methods.
As you read earlier, your best option is getting your Jeep to the dealership or a qualified automotive technician. Unfortunately, dealing with the anti-theft system requires professional equipment that only they will have.
Still, here are the reasons your Jeep’s anti-theft system can malfunction:
- Damaged module: Firstly, the immobilizer or anti-theft module could be damaged. This is most likely if your Jeep has recently been in a collision that caused enough damage to affect the module.
- Corrupt system: Unfortunately, the anti-theft system and its electronic components could also be corrupted. This electronic problem requires the attention of a qualified technician and their professional equipment.
- Corrupted transponder chips: As you read earlier, the problem might not even be on the car’s side of the system. Instead, the transponder chip inside your Jeep keys could send incorrect signals that mistakenly trigger the anti-theft system.
- Corroded wiring: Lastly, consider that the wiring for the anti-theft system could be corroded. When that happens, electrical power and signals don’t get sent to the system correctly, possibly triggering the malfunction.
When one or more of these malfunctions occur, you’ll find your Jeep enabling its anti-theft mode. Worse yet, they could prevent you from exiting that mode and leave your Jeep immobilized.
As a result, you won’t be able to start the engine and drive the vehicle. Instead, you’ll need to get a tow truck to get your Jeep to the technicians that’ll fix it.
Closing Thoughts
The anti-theft mode on your Jeep is there to serve a crucial purpose. Most of the time, it works precisely as it’s designed to. So, you won’t have any problems taking the Jeep out of that mode using the correct procedures described above.
However, remember that the anti-theft mode can also be mistakenly triggered by several factors, including faulty components.
On top of that, a problematic anti-theft system could also trigger itself and prevent you from resetting it to fix the problem.
At that point, you’ll need to get professional help as soon as possible. Doing so will reduce your vehicle’s downtime and get you back on the road.
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