Red
Immobilizer / Security
The anti-theft system does not recognize the key.
This symbol means your vehicle's security system does not recognize your key, which will prevent the engine from starting or cause it to shut down shortly after it turns on. It indicates a failure in the communication between the key's transponder and the car's computer.
What to do
- 01Pull over to a safe location away from traffic if the vehicle is already running.
- 02Turn off the engine and remove the key or key fob from the vehicle.
- 03Wait one minute before reinserting the key or pressing the start button again.
- 04If the car still refuses to start, call a roadside assistance service to have your vehicle towed to our shop.
Other common causes
Common causes include a dead battery inside your key fob, interference from other electronic devices, a damaged antenna ring around the ignition, or an electrical fault in the immobilizer module.
How we check it
We will perform a diagnostic scan of the immobilizer control module and test the signal strength of your keys.
Symbols vary by make and model — always confirm in your owner's manual. If the light is red, the car feels different, or the light is blinking, stop and call us before driving further.