FOB keys and theft

Fisherman wrote:
I would like to see actual verifieable data of the number of times ANYONE has been able to intercept the signal from a car remote, then unlock the car, let alone drive it away. (other than some demonstration using exotic equipment costing way more than the car to show it is possible)


Well how about asking the people that have their vehicles stolen and shipped overseas never to be found again. We have had a rash of them where the thieves get close to the front door of the house, manage to intercept and clone the FOB and leave with the vehicle. One case was actually video taped and shown on the news.

theft of vehicles

There is at least one inaccurate statement in that article: That the vehicle will run indefinitely without the fob in it, once started. That is not correct. My Toyota Sienna and my friend's RAV4 will only run 10 minutes without the fob inside. If you leave the vehicle running and walk off with the fob, the car beeps at you several times, and then shuts down in 10 minutes.

You also have to be in the car with foot on the brake and pushing the start button, before it starts. And the fob has to be really close. Sometimes mine won't start if my purse is in the back seat.

The diagram in the article also states that the thief's transmitter "pings" the car locking system. How does it ping the locking system unless it's set up correctly?


I personally do not leave my fob anywhere near the front door. It's in my purse, which hangs on a hook in the hallway in the middle of the house. That's a much more simple solution than a blocking envelope and having to remove the key from it for use.

I feel that when I'm away from home, my personal security is enhanced by having the car door open for me, instead of having to stand and fumble a key in the lock. So the slight chance of some sophisticated ring operating is worth the trade-off to me.