2015 Suburban with Theft Deterrent System

jmandish · February 18, 2016

I recently had some bodywork done to the front end of my 2015 Suburban and ever since I got the car back from the body shop, the alarm system randomly and intermittently goes off throughout the day and night. This issue was not present prior to it being repaired so I am trying to determine where the issue might be. The vehicle has the optional Theft Deterrent system and I am wondering if it just needs to be reset as I don't believe any of the components related to this system reside in the front end. Any feedback is appreciated.

The Zip · February 18, 2016

I recently had some bodywork done to the front end of my 2015 Suburban and ever since I got the car back from the body shop, the alarm system randomly and intermittently goes off throughout the day and night. This issue was not present prior to it being repaired so I am trying to determine where the issue might be. The vehicle has the optional Theft Deterrent system (TDS) and I am wondering if it just needs to be reset as I don't believe any of the components related to this system reside in the front end. Any feedback is appreciated.

On my gen 2 Tahoe (this new version is a gen 4), the bodyshop pulled the PCM and the TDS needed to be reset. Different types in GM vehicles, call the dealer to find out which system is in your truck (may even be on the window sticker). More than likely you have the Passkey II or III since this is the newest and latest GM TDS technology that uses the key (fob). The link explains reset procedure better than me if in fact you have the Passkey. You will need about 40 minutes for the reset, but if the work was done under warranty, why not let the dealer reset the TDS under warranty?

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/passkey-ii-reset-procedure-reset-security-system-on-chevy-buick-oldsmobile-cadillac-pontiac-saturn-hummer/

tbarn · February 18, 2016

Probably a hood latch issue.

jmandish · February 19, 2016

Thank you both for the feedback. I took it to the dealer today and they basically blamed the issue on my aftermarket rigid lighting that I had professionally installed a year ago and said they would need to remove it to find out the issue. The Service Adviser said that a loose door latch was causing the problem and that the lights were getting their power from a lead in one of the doors and I then immediately called bullshit on that because the lights are'standalone' and wired directly to the battery for power. (Never had the alarm go off until I had the front end bodywork done) told my wife to get out of there and we will address it with the body shop and insurance company.

They did not even bother to try and reset the TDS so I guess I will give it a try but I suspect the hood latch may be contributing.

When you say 'Passkey' you are referring to the key fob, correct?

Thanks again.

The Zip · February 20, 2016

When you say 'Passkey' you are referring to the key fob, correct?

Passkey is not a fob, but a type of TDS. A main portion of the TDS (chip) can be in a key or fob. If you have keyless start, the chip is probably in the fob. But if you don't have keyless start, the chip is probably in your key.

jmandish · March 16, 2016

Thank for the advice on the hood latch, Tom. The issue was the TDS sensor for the hood latch not being fully connected. We pushed the connectors together and heard a 'click' and ever since then, the alarm issue has disappeared.