Since car theft is on the rise, car manufacturers came up with an idea to include a security feature that can prevent or reduced theft. Anti theft system has been a car feature for ages and it is the security that deters people from stealing your vehicle. Once the system detects a possible theft, it triggers the alarm to go off using the car’s horn.
However, anti theft system comes with a light that shows when it’s active. This light is in every car and is usually red or yellow in color. So the question is, why is the anti theft light blinking when car is off?
The anti theft light blinking when car is off is normal indicating that the anti theft system is active and working in the car. It is designed to blink when the car is off with all the doors locked to let potential thieves know that the system is active and the car is protected.
Why is the Anti Theft Light Blinking When Car is Off?
The reasons why the anti theft light is blinking when car is off are:
1. It is Built to Blink When Car is Off
One of the many reasons why car anti theft light is blinking when car is off is because it is built or designed to blink when car is off. Especially when no one is inside the car and the doors are locked from outside.
If you’re inside the car with the key with you. The anti theft light will not blink because you’re there with the key. As long as that transponder key is inside the car, the system senses no threat and believes the owner is inside the car so need for the security.
However, once you step out of the car and locks it, the light comes on and continues to blink until you open the car door again. Therefore, it is designed to blink when the car is off.
2. To Indicate the Activeness of the System
The anti theft system that blinks when the car is off indicates that the anti theft mode is activated and it’ is working. It is to tell you that your car is secured, you can go your way.
However, if after locking your car and the light fails to blink or even come on, it means that there’s something wrong with the anti theft system. You can start by checking the anti theft fuse from the fuse box or try disconnecting your battery to see it will reset. You could also check if your battery is dead.
The blinking light indicate that the system is at work. It’s not something you should worry about because it is designed to blink like that. Don’t worry, it won’t drain your battery.
3. To Deter Car Thieves
Since the light blinks whenever the car is tuned off and locked, it indicates the activeness of the anti theft system to the thieves who might want to get away with your car. The blinking light tells them that the anti theft is on thereby preventing them from stealing your car.
As reiterated earlier, it should be a thing of concern if the light is not blinking when the car is off. It means that the security system is tampered and your car not safe. There are couple of things you can check. They are:
- Check the Anti Theft Fuse: You can check the anti theft fuse from the fuse box to be sure it’s still in good condition. If the fuse has cut, it will prevent the system from working, thereby preventing the light from blinking.
- Check Your Battery: You can check your battery. If the battery is dead, nothing in the car will work electrically, including the anti theft system. If the light is not blinking, it could be that your car battery is dead. You can either jumpstart the car or replace the battery to get the function back to normal.
- Disconnect the Battery: If the battery is not dead and the system is not working, you can disconnect the battery for 5 to 10 minutes, reconnect it back and see if the problem is solved.
If the problem is not solved after all these quick fix, then you need to contact your dealership or auto technician to diagnose the system for a possible fix.
How Do I Stop Anti Theft Light from Flashing
You can stop the anti theft light from flashing by disconnecting the battery or removing the anti theft fuse from the fuse box.
Meanwhile, why would you want to stop anti theft light from flashing? It’s not as if it’s affecting your car in anyway. It does not drain your battery that much and it’s not something you should worry about. So why avoiding the blinking light.
The only time you should worried about the anti theft light is when the light flashes on your dashboard and prevents you from starting the car even when you’re with the key. That is the light/notification you should be worried about and not the one that blinks when the car is off. It is harmless.
Is it Normal for Theft Light to Blink?
Yes, it is completely normal for the anti theft light to blink when the car is off as a sign of warning to anyone trying to steal your car.
Why is the Red Light Blinking in my Parked Car?
The red light blinking in your parked car means that your car is locked and immobilizer system is up for protection.
Conclusion
Seeing the anti theft light blinks when the car is off is normal. It’s not something you should bother yourself with. As a matter of fact, it is designed to blink when the car is off and the doors locked to deter theft or unauthorized use of your vehicle.
