I just bought a 2010 Impala LS from CarMax, but it only came with one key. When I asked for another, the salesperson said, “Your key doesn’t have a chip, so you can get one made anywhere.” I went to Lowe’s and had a key made, but when I tried to start the car with it, nothing happened. I thought maybe the battery was dead, but the car started fine with the original Chevy key. Now, though, the “Service Theft System” message and icon are showing up.
The car still runs fine with the original key, and I tried the 30-minute reset, but nothing changed.
Any idea how to get rid of this message? Is there anything wrong with my car?
I had the same problem with my 2012 Impala. The thing with these cars is that they do have a chip in the key, and it sounds like the salesperson might have been mistaken. When you tried to start the car with the Lowe’s key, the system probably recognized it as an unauthorized key, triggering the Service Theft System warning.
You have already done the 30-minute reset, which is usually a good first step, but since that didn’t work, it might be worth visiting a dealership or a locksmith who can reprogram the key fob or disable the theft system warning. It’s annoying, but they can usually clear it up quickly.
In the meantime, I would stick to using the original key. You’re not alone in this. These systems can be finicky! Let me know how it goes.
Great. I am forced now to go to see the dealership . I was hoping to avoid that, but I guess it’s the best way to get this sorted out. Thanks for your help.
It appears that the problem lies in the detection of the key chip. The original key is equipped with a transponder chip that enables communication with the car’s ignition system. Since the car failed to recognize the Lowe’s key, it triggered a warning. My suggestion would be to get in touch with a dealership or an automotive locksmith who can program the new key and possibly reset the theft system.
I had the same issue and ended up with the same result. Strangely, no one has replied to you. If you see this, could you let me know what you did to fix it?
I am frustrated that I couldn’t program the fobs myself. It cost me over $40, and now they want $150 to fix the Service Theft light at the dealership. I sometimes stay up late on this computer and remember seeing something about shorting pins 4 (GND) and 8 on the OBD connector. Some diagrams mention something called a CCM, but I can’t find any details on it.
I am not suggesting you try shorting the pins since I only saw it once, but it might work. I’m also looking for a wiring diagram for the OBD connector to see what’s connected to pin 8.
I would call CarMax and let them know the key advice didn’t work and ask for compensation.
For the fix, get a chipped key on eBay and have the dealer clear the code.
It might cost a bit, but CarMax should be informed about their salesman’s mistake. If they refuse to help, tell them to educate their staff better.
Also, I wouldn’t try grounding pins at the OBD connector—sounds risky and unnecessary. It seems GM removed fob programming from the instrument cluster in newer models.
. I was hoping to avoid that, but I guess it’s the best way to get this sorted out. Thanks for your help.