Toyota RAV4: Security Light is Blinking and the Car Won’t Start? Cause & Fix

With tens of thousands of units sold annually, the RAV4 is the best-selling SUV globally and is renowned for its cargo space, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The RAV4 is one of the most dependable SUVs on the market currently.

But even RAV4s have had their share of problems over time. The blinking security light is one of them.

In this article, find out what is the security light, what is the cause behind its blinking, and what you can do to fix it.

What Does the Security Indicator Light Mean on a Toyota RAV4?

There are two possible situations and explanations for the security light in your RAV4. 

Keep reading to find out what the security light means in both situations.

You shouldn’t be concerned if the security light is on or flashing when the car is off, and you have no problem starting it.

Simply put, that is your car’s method of informing you that your anti-theft system is effective.

There is a problem with your anti-theft system if the security light is on while the engine is running or if the light is on and you can’t start the car.

Here are some potential reasons:

1. Your key has a dead battery,
2. your smart key has malfunctioned,
3. difficulties with locking or unlocking.
4. someone tried to open your using force.

That is the story behind the security light in your RAV4!

Security Light Blinking & RAV4 Won’t Start? Here Is the Solution!

The security light blinks, and the engine cannot start when the anti-theft system is activated.

The security light often indicates that the automobile no longer recognizes the key you are using. Therefore, you might be able to solve the issue by using a different key.

Call a dependable technician to assist you in diagnosing the problem and reprogram the anti-theft system if a second key doesn’t work to resolve it, and the light is still on.

If you want to find out about more solutions, keep reading.

How To Turn Off Security Indicator Light In Toyota RAV4?

Keep the key in the ignition and turn it to the “on” position if your Toyota RAV4’s security light is flashing and the engine won’t start.

Check whether the blinking light turns off after 10 minutes or turns on without flashing. Then, start the engine after turning off the ignition for 20 seconds.

If the engine turns on and operates, the issue has been resolved.

There is also another option, and that is using a different key since there is a possibility that your car saw the first key as a threat. 

However, you have a lengthy procedure if the engine starts, runs for a while, then dies or won’t start at all.

The anti-theft mechanism has to be reset, which will take 30 minutes. Three trips through the same processes mentioned above are required for this.

So, if you had a question about “How do you reset the anti-theft system on a Toyota RAV4?”, now you have your answer. Repeat the above-described actions three times.

You should be able to start the car after 30 minutes, with the security light going out shortly after.

If the car still won’t start, your only choice is to have it towed to a dealership, where a technician may carefully inspect the system to find the component or components that need to be replaced.

What Is the Cause for Blinking Security Light in RAV4?

We talked about the potential reasons why your security indicator light is on in your RAV4. To remember them, let’s write them again: 

1. Your key has a dead battery,
2. your smart key has malfunctioned,
3. difficulties with locking or unlocking,
4. someone tried to open your using force.

A lit security light indicates that the key you’re using to start the automobile isn’t trusted by the vehicle.

The immobilizer security system may theoretically be activated by a theft attempt, although battery issues are more frequently to blame.

To fix the issue go back to the previous paragraph and see what you can do to stop it. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Now that we talked thoroughly about the security indicator light problem and solution, let’s review some of the most asked questions about RAV4 besides the security blinking light!

Will a Security Blinking Light Drain the Battery?

Some vehicles’ security systems drain the battery.

With these methods, the battery is connected directly to the alarm, progressively starving it of power.

This may eventually result in the battery failing.

If you promptly take care of the issue, your RAV4 won’t have this issue. But, yes, there may be some battery drainage if you do not respond to the issue adequately.

What Does the Toyota RAV4’s Engine Immobilizer Do?

Modern anti-theft technology is used in the engine immobilizer.

Basically, the key communicates an electronic code to the car when you put it in the ignition or use a Smart Key fob to enter the vehicle.

How Can I Exit Security Mode on My Toyota RAV4?

The door key may also be used to disable the Toyota immobilizer; spin the key on the door without actually opening it.

Hold the lock’s immobilizer unit in place for around 30 seconds to confirm that you have the correct key.

Try locking and unlocking by rotating the key from both sides.