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eliasschneider50

Dead GMC Sonoma Security System Needs Revival

My anti-theft system seems to have failed completely. The security alarm isnt responding and theres a stored error in the system. Driving a 2012 GMC Sonoma (gas) with 120000km. Got burned by my last mechanic visit, so hoping to hear from others who dealt with similar alarm sensor issues. Anyone have experience with this problem and can recommend what to check first? Most concerned about the immobilizer potentially being affected since the whole alarm control system seems dead.

4 comment(s)

nele_blaze53

Had the same issues on my 2009 GMC Canyon a while back. The security alarm system completely stopped responding, no indicator lights, no chirp, nothing when locking. The anti-theft system showed multiple fault codes during diagnostic testing. The root cause turned out to be a failed alarm control module, which also impacted the immobilizer function. These symptoms match what you describe. The module handles both the security alarm and the immobilizer, so when it fails, the whole system goes down. Key signs that confirmed the diagnosis: No response from door sensors, Central locking worked but without visual confirmation, Immobilizer warning stayed on after starting, Multiple stored fault codes in system The repair required: Full diagnostic scan, Replacement of main alarm control module, Reprogramming and coding of new module, Testing all alarm sensors and immobilizer function This was a serious repair that needed specialized diagnostic equipment and dealer-level programming. Going to an independent shop without proper GMC diagnostic tools often leads to incomplete fixes and false alarms recurring later. Would suggest having the system properly diagnosed before replacing parts. The module is the most common failure point, but faulty door sensors or wiring issues can show similar symptoms.

eliasschneider50 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed reply about the GMC alarm system issue. Glad to hear I'm not alone with these anti-theft problems. The symptoms you described match mine exactly, especially the immobilizer warning staying lit. My battery issue last month might have contributed to damaging the alarm control module. I worry that a full system replacement could be expensive though. Did you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the complete repair? Also wondering if youve had any alarm sensor problems since getting it fixed?

nele_blaze53

Since having the security alarm system repaired on my GMC, everything has worked flawlessly. No more false alarms or power failure issues with the anti-theft components. The fix included a complete alarm control module replacement and proper coding for the optical locking signals. The total repair cost was 45 Euro which covered both parts and programming. This was significantly less than expected, especially considering the alarm system needed full recoding to restore all functions, including the indicator flash when locking. For over 6 months now, the alarm sensors have worked perfectly, no warning lights, no system errors, and the immobilizer functions normally. The car alarm responds correctly every time I lock and unlock. Getting it fixed by a certified technician who could properly diagnose and program the system was key to resolving all the anti-theft issues permanently.

eliasschneider50 (Author)

Thanks everyone for the insights. After dealing with my failed car alarm situation, I finally took it to a certified GMC dealer last week. The alarm control module was indeed toast, just as suggested. The technician found the security alarm had completely failed due to water damage from a leaky windshield seal. The repair ended up costing 520 Euro, which included replacing the module, reprogramming the anti-theft system, and fixing the seal. More than I wanted to spend, but at least all the alarm sensors are working properly now. No more immobilizer warnings or system errors. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who just kept clearing codes without fixing the actual power failure to the alarm control unit. Next time I have security system issues, I will definitely go straight to a certified shop with proper diagnostic equipment.

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