Do all 2009 Vibes have an engine immobilizer?

[kimbob]

This is a “simple” question but I’m having a very difficult time getting an answer. I’ve called six different dealers with the question with no conclusive answers. The owner’s manual states on page 2-9 under the heading Immobilizer Operation, “This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system”. It does not say ‘on some cars’ or ‘as an option’ but “This” vehicle.Get the 2009 manual from the top of this forum:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1010)Also on page 2-9 and 2-10 the manual talks about a security light that comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system. It states this light flashes when the system is armed and you should call the dealer if the following occurs:“The security light does not start flashing when the key is removed from the ignition.”Mine has never flashed nor have I ever seen the light illuminate. My car does not have the “Content Theft-Deterrent” system but the immobilizer operation is supposedly not part of this system (per owner manual).The only way I can be certain the immobilizer exists or is working is to get the ignition key duplicated and see if it will or will not start the car. If it does start then the question still stands, are all 2009 Vibes suppose to have an engine immobilizer?Advertised literature mentions the immobilizer but I’m skeptical it exists.Thanks

[northvibe]

it may be referring to the "chip" in the key. All vibes (99% sure) have the key with the chip. If they are copied they will open the doors but do NOT start the car. Maybe its referring to that....Otherwise my stock 2004 had a light on the HU radio that flashed once I locked the car and had no key in the ignition. But I did not have antitheft...just a light...to fool people Welcome to genvibe!

[kimbob]

You may to beleive this but my 2009 Vibe does not have an engine immobilizer. I had a plain duplicate key made and it started the car. The hardware store that made the key had a tester which could check for the presence of a chip in the key and it confirmed it didn't exist.Does this not bother any 2009 Vibe owners that were told the car had an immobilizer by brochures, dealers, and the owners manual, but it actually doesn't exist so the car is vulnerable to theft? This is a false sense of security.I believe Pontiac should be confronted on this one.

[ColonelPanic]

None of the older Vibes had transponders in the keys, looks like the new ones don't either then...But it could still have some sort of immobilizer. I had a '98 Malibu with a factory passive theft deterrent system that apparently didn't have any transponder in the key - I had a regular key cut at a hardware store and it too started fine. I know too well that it did have an immobilizer,as it threw several episodes where it would think it was being stolen and would not start with the original keys. I really don't know how that system worked but apparently it did something! Hard to say, but if the manual says it has that feature and it doesn't that kinda sucks. Of course Pontiac will cover their (removed) and say that specifications and features are subject to change without notice...

[gimmegimme]

My '09 GT has the security light. It's in the same display where the passenger airbag lights are. It says PASSENGER at the top and SECURITY at the bottom.In this picture, see the display just to the left of the stereo. The red security light is to the right of the word SECURITY.Maybe it's a Canadian thing? When I was searching for a picture, I found several that did not have the word SECURITY in that display.

[Whelan]

My 2002 Civic had immobilizer on it. the good thing about that system was when you put in the key and turn one notch, a little Green Key symbol would appear on the dash confirming the key code match. If you attempt to put the wrong key or object in the ignition to start the car, the key symbol flashes red and immobilizes. Then you get the fun task of having your car towed to a dealership to have it fixed.

[kimbob]

Maybe it is a Canadian thing, mine does not have the word SECURITY but again I don't have the GT. Does your GT have a "content" theft deterent system where the alarm goes off if a door is opened. If, not is your Vibe "Canadian"?

[gimmegimme]

The content theft deterrent system was an option that I didn't get. My car is Canadian... I can tell because I have the "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" message in both English and French.

[star_deceiver]

It's the same type of immobilizer as my Sunfire has. Sentry key. Just like the deadbolt you can only turn it with the right key. But in this case, if you use a screwdriver to break the lock and turn it, or try to hotwire the car the immobilizer catches it and shuts off the fuel pump or cuts the ignition. Either way if the criminal wants your car that bad, he's already stolen a tow truck, cut your ebrake, and is 5 miles down the road.

[SpeedEng]

I just cut a key blank (tr47) yesterday on my machineand was at least expecting a alarm to go off on my 09 1.8nutting car opened up and started sucks I had to dig out "the club" lol and slap it on

[star_deceiver]

Yup, just enough immobilization for insurance purposes. Just park beside an older civic and you won't have a problem!

[kimbob]

Same as my experience, the plain key worked as well as the original.From the 5 Pontiac technicians I’ve called they don’t seem to know this.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by SpeedEng »sucks I had to dig out "the club" lol and slap it onthe club.... seriously, you still believe in the club.... look at some of the youtube videos of how "safe" the club is... Less than a minute and thief can hack through the STEERING WHEEL and have the club out of the way and off with your car... Wanna talk about a false sense of security that made someone FILTHY rich.. lol.. I'm not dissin ya, but, the club is laughable at best... Now, the "club" with the built in tazer... that's what I want... lol...

[Kari]

Well, I daresay that someone sawing through a steering wheel in a parking lot is far more likely to garner attention that simply getting in it and driving away...

[star_deceiver]

That's why you always park by an older civic. I mean, why take saws and slide hammers when all you need is a pair of scissors!

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Well, I daresay that someone sawing through a steering wheel in a parking lot is far more likely to garner attention that simply getting in it and driving away...True, but seeing a thief in action doesn't mean anything is going to happen... people are dumb(most, not all)... I mean seriously... By the time an even concerned citizen see's something makes the call, they are GONE... Unless it's someone willing to get involved, and who's honestly going to run up to a possible crack-head and say "stop taking that strangers car, and please don't shoot me" Not many.. theft deterrents are about buying TIME... and getting attention during that time... If they really want it, there isn't much you can do... especially if you don't know the time it takes to saw through a steering wheel.. lol.. But, I do like the parking next to the Civic idea... they are one of the most stolen cars out there... I guess the scissor things works to someones advantage.. .lol.. In my short 2yrs of being here, i've read of one Vibe being stolen, from an actual member... and it was recovered...

[silvrhawk7]

My 2006 Vibe doesnt have the chip in the key, had a duplicate made at a locksmith, and it doesnt have the chip in it...the 2009 and up may have this feature now.

[SpeedEng]

lol trust me I know how easy it is to break it..if a pro car thief really wants my car, they will get it.. im just hoping that kids/amateur will just pass on mine and just look for a easier target

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »Now, the "club" with the built in tazer... that's what I want... lol... Wire the prongs of the taser to the door handle. Either way, you'd only forget to turn it off once!!

[gooddriver]

I just confirmed what you said, I have a 2009 Vibe, 2.4 engine, and the manual says the same, but I see no lights flashing, in addition I just bought a blank uncut key, supposedly with a transponder that I don't need. I am planning to install a remote starter and now I am not sure if I need the bypass module and a key left in module or not. What a scam. Yesterday I called Pontiac customer care and after a day, they returned my call and left a message saying that the key does have a immobilizer. Who do we believe. I like the idea of getting the key checked by a good locksmith.

[j42.snyder]

From what I've read and seen on here, it's fairly easy to tell.Where your ignition key goes in, there is writing around it (OFF, ACC, etc.). If this writing is on a Plastic piece, you most likely have the immobilizer as that's the piece that has the antenna built in. If the writing is on Metal, then you do not.It seems that most U.S. cars only came with one if a security package was ordered - including the vehicle security system. If yours doesn't have that, it likely doesn't have the immobilizer either.Somewhere on here I believe is a posting of what build code to look up on the sticker in the glovebox that will tell you whether it's equipped or not. That would be a last resort, but it would be a definite answer. All of your car's build codes are printed on that sticker.John

[kimbob]

Interesting information, mine is metal which confirms NO IMMOBILIZER. As I've mentioned, my duplicate key which doesn't have a chip will start the car. I believe the Canadian cars have the immobilizer feature even without the security system option (“Content Theft-Deterrent” system).

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by kimbob » I believe the Canadian cars have the immobilizer feature even without the security system option (“Content Theft-Deterrent” system).That would be correct.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=36050I posted that pic of the order codes in the glovebox, here it is again. http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...20541 The immobilizer code is BAE

Attached files

[beemerphile1]

When I had my remote start installed the first two shops insisted I needed a bypass.The third shop agreed to install the alarm without the bypass and would only install the bypass if needed. No bypass was needed!I think the confusion is because we have Toyotas in Pontiac disguise. I am guessing that all Pontiacs have immobilizers but our Pon-otas don't.

[gooddriver]

Thanks Kimbob, this is good info. I just confirmed that I have the metal ignition on my 2009 2.4 Vibe, and also confirmed that I don't have BAE code on the sticker in the glove compartment. I do have a simple duplicate key that would open the door, but have not tried to start the car as I have been told if the car does have immobilizer, it will screw up the system, and car has to be towed the dealer, not sure if that is true. In any case, with the info you had provided, and the fact that I have never seen the security light flash, I am leaning towards the fact the this car does not have immobilizer. Now why the stupid Pontiac customer rep would tell me that my car does based on the VIN number I gave them, I can't tell. Other than I was talking to an 18 year old who had no clue and had to call me back, which she did, and said yes my car does have immobilizer, but then again, they may be covering their scam. Any suggestions?

[star_deceiver]

Go start the car with your duplicate key and find out.Quote, originally posted by gooddriver »but have not tried to start the car as I have been told if the car does have immobilizer, it will screw up the system, and car has to be towed the dealerThat sounds like much bull to me.

[jake75]

I had a duplicate key made at Menards just to have in an emergency or for when I misplace my keyless entry key - always find it but . . . That simple $2 key works fine. But when you squeeze it the doors do not unlock.

[gooddriver]

The information you had provided is correct, my 2009 Vibe does not have immobilizer, and I was able to start the car with a simple $2 key. But before I did that, I open the ignition cover and saw what is in it. I did not see a plastic surrounding the ignition key. I also called two dealers, and they both confirmed that if the car did not come with the option for theft deterrent system it does not have immobilizer. One dealer also checked the VIN and confirmed that. I also looked at the original window sticker and under safety and security, it did not mention anything about security or immobilizer. Having said that the idiot at GM customer service who checked my VIN told me that it does have an immobilizer. not sure what she checked, but she was wrong. Sounded like a young kid. In any case, I will installing a remote starter this weekend by myself. It should be simple since I don't need a bypass module. Thanks for everyone's input. I Hope this will help everyone to determine what they have in their car.