Truck theft via cloned key fob

This seems to be getting more popular with any key fob vehicle. Allegedly they can now rip your fob signal from 200’ plus.
Is a faraday bag our best defense? Seems like Toyota could lock the vehicle down electronically once they were notified it was stolen, but anything to keep the vehicle from being stolen would be better.

 

Supposedly you can turn off the key fob by holding the lock button and pressing unlock twice. I don’t have the SmartKey option though so can’t really test it.

 

You're correct....this has been an issue for a while with the Hellcats.....well both that and simply busting out a window, disengaging the car into neutral and rolling it down the street to their buddies tow truck. Your best bet is faraday pouches for your FOBS, and buy the ole faithful club so they can't steer it. Or just put the truck in a locked garage works too.

- They'll most likely move on somewhere else as soon as they see the club in any case....

 

If that's true, it would be great! You can't do that on most newer key FOBS....they are always transmitting unless you remove the batteries.

 

It’s true for the wife’s ‘15 Camry with Smartkeys. I’ve shut my fob down a few times to save battery.

 

Here’s the procedure from a 2020 manual:

 

I forgot all about “the club”. I had one hanging in the garage, now it is hanging on my steering wheel!
First new truck in 15 years, I’d like to keep it a while.

 

Turning off the fob is a better idea, thank you

 

Great info! Never noticed that in my manual! - Wish my Dodge key fob could be disabled like that.

 

People steal Dodges?

 

Yep....

 

Nice
Just tested it and it works

 

I had a buddy who installed a boat key in the starters main line. No one knew where the hole was and who walks around with a boat key in their pocket unless your stealing boats as well.

 

Yes sir that it’s correct I do it all time…

 

Pretty common theft mechanism with Jeeps. My neighbor at my old complex had his well appointed Wrangler stolen right out front. They just walked up, unlocked, and were in Mexico 30 mins later probably ripping it all apart. He woke up and couldn't find his car. Thought he parked it somewhere else. Used the money to get into a new 4runner and immediately installed a Ravelco.

 

Yes you could turn it off, but it's pain to do this every time. It's a flaw in this system that the signal is not encrypted.

 

The club doesn't do much. Drill, bolt cutters, or just cutting the steering wheel can defeat it. Don't get me wrong, it's a deterrent, but it's not effective for a remotely determined dirt bag.

https://youtu.be/lU82KlRxS2w

https://youtu.be/23F9tFSmDGg

 

From the way I understand it, it can only be done to vehicles with push start. The remote fob from vehicles with push stat button/smart entry are always sending out a RF signal and trying to communicate with the vehicle. This is why as soon as you touch your door handle it unlocks right away. You will also notice that if the vehicle is running and you walk away it makes a noise telling you the fob isn’t being detected. With a regular fob that you have to insert into the ignition and turn, that key fob doesn’t transmit any signal till you push a button. So if you have a regular key fob, nothing to worry about on that end. But we all know that if they want it, they will get it.

 

This is true-most new cars have the push start-which is a really stupid gimmick IMO.

 

Depending on your routine you can get really used to this feature. In my lexus i'd walk around with nothing but the small key fob in my pocket and never take it out. Garage access to house, then touch to car and push to start was so convenient.
Moved and picked up the tundra, now I have a key ring full of keys(1 house, Truck, camper shell, remote gate fob).