Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Search Auto Parts

Service Deterrent System?


  Email This Post



b_oneself
User

Jul 21, 2012, 1:22 PM

Post #1 of 4 (20179 views)
Service Deterrent System? Sign In

It's a 2008 GMC Savannah van. The battery symbol just came on and I can see the alternator isn't putting out since this vehicle has volt meter in dash (less than 12 volts) -and since it is one of those vehicles that has the headlights always on I figured I wouldn't make it to my destination. So I stopped by my house and got a spare battery (known working, strong) and continued on my way. Subsequently, I changed the battery and now it won't start, (starter does not engage at all), and now a light appears in the dash that says, "Service Deterrent System". Is there some kind of reset button or other procedure one must do to get the starter working again? I am hoping this is just a "security" system I am unfamiliar with that requires a little trick to reboot my van. Any suggestions?


(This post was edited by b_oneself on Jul 21, 2012, 5:00 PM)


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jul 21, 2012, 1:45 PM

Post #2 of 4 (20156 views)
Re: Service Deterent System? Sign In

There aren't any tricks that I know for something like that. The theft deterrent module (TDM) must have detected a problem after your battery change. You'll have to have it towed to a shop that can use a high end scan tool to access the TDM to see what is going on.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


b_oneself
User

Jul 21, 2012, 4:59 PM

Post #3 of 4 (20116 views)
Re: Service Deterent System? Sign In

Hey D.S.,
Good news! ...and I almost never catch a break. Turns out the battery had run down so far that it lost the memory in the key, triggering the "Service Deterrent System" (TDM) light in the dash. Luckily, I took the advice of my older brother and immediately got a spare "memory" key from the dealer (ouch) after I recently purchased the truck - previously owned by Penske. After a tip from a friend, I tried the spare key and PRESTO it starts immediately. Furthermore, I learned an additional trick from the tipster that if you 1) start the car with the key that has not lost its memory first and then turn it off and 2) immediately insert the key with the lost memory into the ignition within 5 seconds and it starts you have then "reprogrammed" the key. And it worked! Now, I just have to get back to the bad alternator (I presume). BTW, in the interest of full disclosure, I must confess two things: #1 I am really a ghost poster. When I say "I", I really mean my brother who owns an independent furniture moving business. (It's just easier to speak in the first person on this forum.) and #2 "I" am the same person who posted on an earlier thread (titled "1998 5.7 GMC Van P1351, P0171, P0174 and first posted on Mar. 13, 2012 -around April Fool's Day in the TROUBLE FAULT CODES category). The reason "I" (my brother) gave up on the older 1998 GMC Savannah Van is because it continued to have recurring, perplexing problems. I will address this further in the near future only in the original thread as I am still stuck with the same issues with that other van that could not pass the smog inspection.
I would like to state again, in public, that you guys (the carjunky forum moderators/masters/teachers ) are the greatest when it comes to assisting the home mechanics and "lesser experts" as well. I can't thank you enough!
The older brother,
Bob


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Jul 21, 2012, 6:49 PM

Post #4 of 4 (20092 views)
Re: Service Deterent System? Sign In

Glad to see that you figured it out. I'll have to put that information to future use.

I remember that long thread and was wondering how that turned out. Will be looking out for your future posts. We try to help people out by giving them advice. Sometimes it goes beyond the home mechanic and I hope that people understand that. Helping someone figure out their problem is a good feeling and that is rewarding enough.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Jul 21, 2012, 6:50 PM)






  Email This Post
 
 


Feed Button




Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap