2006 Cobalt won't start after stereo install
 

I installed a jvc stereo in my daughters car today and now the car won't start. The engine light is on and the anti theft light is on. We thought that the battery might be dead, but when we tried to back the car out of the garage to jump it, we can't even get the car in neutral. Anyone know what might be going on?? Thanks!

Probably tripped the security system somehow.

ya but something that would keep it from starting?

yes it will. It should keep it from cranking over at all.

Thanks for the replies! If I tripped the alarm........how do I reset it?

Not too sure. I've seen it happen before but idk how to fix it. Try checking your user manual, or giving the dealer a call, they might know the procedure to fix it. First thing I would try is unplug the battery for 15 min, plug it back in, and see if that fixes anything. That's how you do a hard reset of the cars computers.

I tried the battery thing, but it still wouldn't start. We bought the car used and not from a dealer, so not sure if a dealer would answer questions without charging for it!! Thanks for your help though!!

do you have the spare key? It could also be that they key got unlearned from the car somehow.

We don't have a spare key and the key that was given to us was not programmed to unlock the doors
Or do anything else.

unplug ur radio harness u just installed and see if it starts

oh and is ur harness blue or grey?

I unplugged the new radio from the harness and it still didn't start. The original harness on the car side is light blue.

Hook a battery charger up to it if you can't jump it. You're the 3rd person in 2 weeks that couldn't start their car after audio install lol. All dead batteries..

Quick question.......would a dead battery cause the anti theft icon and engine light to illuminate on the dash!! And, is there a reason why I can't put the car in neutral to push it out of the garage to jump it?? You are probably laughing....I am not a very good " car" person!!! Lol!

Yes a dead battery could do what you are describing. Also the key has to be on to allow you to shift the transmission into neutral.

alarm trip shouldnt make it not go into neutral or other gears. if the car has an aftermarket alarm then theres most likely some reset to it. ive had cars that you need to enter a code into the headunit, ive had a cressida that you had to unlock the passenger door with the key to reset it, or any number or things. if you have a voltmeter test the battery or if not you can always pull it out and bring it to a auto store, kragen autozone pepboys, and get it tested. or jus pull a batt out of one of ur other cars and see if it starts

my car doesnt make me have the key in to put he car to neutral? neither of the cobalts ive had

try hitting the brake and make sure the key is turned forward. If its on a slight incline it could make it hard to pull out of park also when its not running.

did u unlug it at the car harness side? and sorry i was asking about the new harness color

Thanks for your help and suggestions to everyone that responded!! After purchasing 20ft jumper cables, the car started!! That's the good news........the bad news.....TCM light is on and reduced engine power message is on the dic!! Any suggestions as to the next step I should take??

Wow thats alot of trouble after a stereo install. Maybe something got wired wrong or you have bare wire touching somewhere.

I touched my remote wire to the car on accident one time and blew a fuse in my main fuse box under the hood. Had no power steering or anything. Car would still run tho.

Sounds like it was just a dead battery. Let it charge up, then check all the fuses. Remember ther is a fuse panel under the hood also.