For all its security and peace of mind, failure of the alarm system can be a very obnoxious and irritating fault that is sometimes very difficult to get rid of.
Its failure is almost always accompanied by the alarm repeatedly going off.
In this post, I will try to identify the usual culprits for the alarm going off in Chevy Cruze and how to deal with it. So tag along and hold tight.
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Disarming And Resetting the Alarm
Before we look at the reasons that cause alarm system failure, I am going to share a couple of ways in which you can reset the alarm system.
- On the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter, press the unlock button
- If your car is equipped with the Keyless Access System, use it to unlock it.
- Start your car.
- On the RKE, press the unlock button. If you are in the car, step out of it, and leave the door open. Press the lock button on the door and shut it.
- Insert key in driver’s side lock. Turn it both ways and then leave the key in the unlock position for 30 seconds. Take the key out.
- Insert the key into the ignition and turn to the ‘Accessory On’ position.
- Ensure that all doors, trunk, sunroof, and hood are shut.
- Remove the negative terminal of your car battery and then the positive terminal. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before connecting the cables back on, first the positive one and then the negative. Make sure that the connections are tightly screwed. Caution: This will reset settings for Bluetooth, radio, etc.
It is possible that even after resetting the alarm using the various methods outlined above, the alarm buzzer will keep going off, which can be very annoying, to say the least.
These steps take away the deterrent, and your car will become vulnerable to theft or break-in, so use them as a last resort.
Visit your dealer or a qualified technician to have the issue resolved and the deterrent restored.
- Identify the fuse that energizes the alarm deterrent system and take that out. There would be no indication in case someone tries to break into your car.
- Identify the fuse for the horn and take that out or disconnect the cable that is connected to the horn. In this case, the deterrent is still on, but there would be no audible warning.
What Causes the Alarm to Keep Going Off on Your Chevy Cruze?
After all has been said and done, the alarm is still persistently sounding off; it is time to get down and find the cause of this problem. Be forewarned, tracing this fault is not going to be easy.
Faulty sensors
Based on the model and trim, your Chevy Cruze may have a host of sensors, such as door and hood sensors, tilt sensors, glass temper sensors, and proximity sensors that are designed to monitor specific activity.
Faulty sensors can generate false signals that can trigger the alarm. An over-sensitivity sensor can also cause the alarm to trigger. While you are at it, look out for rusting of the point of contact also.
There are four of them, one for each door, but the front ones are more likely to cause an issue.
Check for rust, as it may cause poor connectivity and cause the alarm to keep going off.
Faulty Trunk Latch Switch
A faulty trunk latch switch will trip the alarm. Similar to the door, there is a switch that is either open or closed, and with the alarm active, an open switch will set the alarm to go off.
Check for any signs of rusting that might have occurred.
Clogged Sunroof
Clogged sunroof drains cause water to find whatever path it can to flow, and in doing so, it can cause sensors and switches to short out.
So if the sunroof of your Chevy Cruze is clogged, cleaning them will save you a lot of headache and money.
Loose Connections or Broken Wiring
Essentially the deterrent system relies on detecting the flow of current between itself and all monitored elements, such as the door, hood, etc.
Any disruption in this circuitry is considered a break-in, and the system goes off.
So check for loose connections or worn out or broken wiring because it can lead to triggering the alarm.
Weak Car Battery
A weak car battery can also cause the alarm to keep going off.
As indicated above, the system relies on monitoring a certain level of current flow between the elements.
If it drops below the threshold, the deterrent system will consider it as a possible break-in.
Weak or Depleted Fob Battery
A weak or almost empty fob battery is a common reason for the alarm going off because the fob is then unable to send signals correctly.
If the battery inside the key fob is empty, it should be replaced. You will need a flathead screwdriver or any prying tool to replace it yourself.
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How to Replace the Key Fob Battery on The Chevy Cruze
- Release the ignition key using the button located on the fob
- Insert the edge of the pry tool into the small slit at the bottom edge from behind the battery cover, and pry it open. To remove it safely, you may need to repeat this at the other cover ends.
- Using your pry tool, gently remove the battery from the fob, taking care not to damage any electrical circuits and wires.
- The Chevy Cruze key fob uses a CR2032 3V battery. Take the new battery and gently place it into the socket, with the side displaying the ‘+’ sign facing towards you.
- Once the battery is in place, reinsert the back cover on the fob, ensuring it is properly secure.
Poor Installation of The Deterrent System
Poor installation of the deterrent system can be a cause too, so if all else fails, have a qualified technician look at the system’s installation.
You might also find interesting:
- Chevy Cruze Remote Start Not Working (14 Reasons & Solved)
- Chevy Cruze Key Fob Not Working (6 Reasons & Solved)
Conclusion
In this post, I have hopefully provided an answer to a very common issue reported by owners of the Chevy Cruze — the anti-theft deterrent alarm keeps going off.
There are no two ways about it; it is a very irritating and annoying problem.
Not only do you know that you have a problem, but the neighbors also know and feel the problem too.
So all the more reason to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Sometimes it will go away by following one of the many reset procedures I shared in the post. At other times it will keep coming back and need a thorough look.
The interim solution is to either pull the fuse on the system itself or the car horn.
With the deterrent not in place, it is a no-brainer that the root cause needs to be identified and fixed.
The post lists the most common pain points to look for and how to fix them.
Sources
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/chevy-cruze-resetting-the-theft-deterrent-system
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/chevy-cruze-how-to-reset-the-theft-deterrent-system
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-turn-off-your-cars-alarm
https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/car-alarm-keeps-going-off/
https://manual-directory.com/view-manual-pdf/?mid=4778
https://www.fixya.com/cars/t22853221-2001_chevy_s10_alarm_going_off_randomly
