FOB keys and theft

otrfun wrote:

JaxDad wrote:
. . . I was shocked to discover this when I dropped my vehicle off for service work at the dealership, I forgot to put the key through the little depository slot. I stopped in the next morning to bring them the key it was rather surprised that my vehicle was already in the shop and on the hoist being worked on. The service advisor said it merely took them an extra 30 seconds to use their computer to bypass the key system entirely.

As the old saying goes, locks only stop on his people, they barely slow down a thief.

If the dealers have this technology, no doubt this same technology is readily available on the black market. Glad our new 2020 Camry has a real metal key along with the FOB chip. Two layers of security. Dealer would have no choice, but to call us. The metal key for our Camry looks like it was fabricated with a CNC machine--very different from a standard key. No doubt it can be copied by some locksmiths. However, the fact several locksmiths in our area couldn't copy it says something.

real key with a chip and keyless go rely on the same system to start the car, a very low power rolling code RFID. a real key adds one more layer of protection, but the keyless go fob's really have TWO separate systems. First one allows the car to be locked, unlocked, sometimes remote started etc. with a reasonably powerful RF signal. But intercepting and controlling that alone will NOT repeat NOT allow one to drive car away. That relies on the SECOND system in the FOB or key a very low power rolling code system and a remote RFID chip. In most cases even if the fob is hanging out the car window the car won't start. Same if the fob is in your jacket in the backseat.

Dealers may have a way to over ride the lack of RFID with the dealer diagnostics, but those systems are expensive and controlled.

Once rolling codes were added to garage door openers, the drive by open the garage door issue basically disappeared.

All that said, Personally I'm not a real fan of keyless go. 3 cars and a truck, 1 with keyless go, others with just regular keys with RFID chips. The keyless go FOB is noticeably larger than the onther remotes, and doesn't add any functions that the other remotes offer. I'd rather drive down the road with the key in the ignition than sitting in my pocket. Security wise Keyless go IMHO has a slight downside in security, lacking the need for a real key, but that is minor with the RFID rolling code security.

As for a duplicate key for your Camry. Did the locksmith say he couldn't cut a key or he couldn't PROGRAM a key? Local locksmiths here and even some ACE hardware stores have no problem cutting a key to match but can't PROGRAM the key.

As long as you have a vehicle with a RFID key, I'd advise going to the dealer and getting a couple of spare keys.