Immobilizer

[Freddymac]

At work today, we got the shock of our lives as our Payroll Person had her 92 Chrysler Lebaron stolen during daylight hours while it was parked right in front of of our busy Offices.

 

Sheesh, It could have been my Pathy!

 

I heard of an Immobilzer system that scans your personal code key and gives you 30 seconds to start your car or you are SOL.

 

http://www.bcaa.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/....ti-Theft+System

 

If this link doesn't work, Ive copied the principles of the device below:

 

BCAA Vehicle Anti-Theft System

 

The BCAA Vehicle Anti-Theft System uses a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to immobilize your car's starter system, making your car unstartable without your personalized encoded key tag. Once you pass your key tag in front of the reader, the code is recognized, and the immobilizer is deactivated, giving you 30 seconds to start your car. Visit your local BCAA office for a live demonstration.

 

Features

Arms itself automatically

Fits on any vehicle, domestic or import

Valet mode

Tested to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications

No batteries to wear out or moving parts to break down

Additional key tags available

Each key tag can be encoded for use on up to 5 family vehicles equipped with the system

 

Has anyone had any experience with this device?

 

How easy would they be to defeat by someone who knew the electrical system on a Pathy?

 

BTW: I not Para....oh Gawd those people REALLY ARE watching me...noid.

I just have the misfortune to work in an area close to a place deemed as the "Car theft capital of North America: Surrey BC... :help:

 

Thank you for your interest and input.

[Filthy Luker]

Why don't you just install a fuel pump kill switch?

[Terrano]

My dad installed such device on his 4runner. Here in Russia everybody has at least an alarm system on his or her car.

 

My Pathy is 1993, so I have an alarm system (not stock) + hood lock (a truly wonderful device!), because on diesel engines (especially old, non-EFI ones) electronic alarms are not very effective, while mechanical devices really help.

My father has 1998 4runner. His car is newer, so he had to install an alarm system, a hood-lock, a multi-lock on the transmission, and an immobilizer. This device is very effective, if you don't have it with you when you start the car, the engine will start, but will shut down as soon as you try to move. It is one of the best ways to protect the car.

 

The problem is that any car can be stolen. I know people who spent thousands of dollars on their cars (on security only I mean) - and still their cars got stolen, one guy's Land Cruiser 100 was driven away, while he left the car for only 10 minutes to but a pack of smokes )))

 

My idea of car security is as follows: your security measures must be one degree higher than the car requires. I mean, if you have a rather old Pathy, still do not get satisfied with a stock alarm. Install a immobilizer for example, or a lock on a transmission (if you already have an alarm system). There still exist thieves who can easily steal it, but they will not waste their experience on a, for example, 1993 pathy. The risk is not worth the profit. They will steal a 2005 Infinity, for example, or a Mercedes. At the same time, those who are interested in stealing a 1993 pathy, are just too dumb to bypass an immobilizer or a good security system.

 

I read about one totally amazing Russian car-thief... I cannot resist admiring his "professional skills"))) He was stealing only top-level cars, he even stole cars right in front of the police department just for fun)) Anyway, he was caught at some point. When he was interrogated, he said he could steal ANY car from ANY place. The police department chief said OK, show me. So they took a brand-new Nissan Patrol with numerous security devices, electronical, mechanical, etc. The car was parked in a garage with STEEL dors that had several locks (not the easiest ones also). Then this guy was given all his tools. Oh, they told him what type of electronic alarm system was installed just to save time. In a "normal" situation he would have to watch the car for days or weeks to find out what was installed.

 

Now check out the result.

 

Of course, the guy did break into the garage, started the engine, and successfully driven the car from the garage. Nobody expected otherwise. But the time. Damn, I was shocked: less than 7 (SEVEN) minutes!!!))) it is not a fairy-tale, it was written about in a credible newspaper.

 

Anyway, a guy like this will never even look at a pathy (even at a brand-new 2005 pathy, I think) . Why risk several years of freedom for this cheap junk))))? There is Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc.)) Again, a street punk who needs some bucks for drugs will not be able to drive your pathy away if you install something additional on it...

 

Best of luck in protecting your rig)))

[DSM_guy]

just either get an alarm and/or install a fuel pump or ignition kill switch somewhere. much cheaper than this fancy smancy deal your talking about. heck, my alarm even has a similar feature to what your wanting. you can program it to where you have 30 or so seconds to start the car from the time you open the door and if you fail to do so you must enter a code before your alarm controlled kill switch will disengage and allow the vehicle to be started. got it from crutchfield for 200 bones. came with everything i needed for the auto ignition kill switch, keyless entry, and a host of programmable features like i mentioned.

 

but even a mech switch for the fuel pump would be good ins.

 

the thing you also have to tell yourself tho..is if someone REALLY wants your car..they will get it. you can do your best and spend lots of money on protection, but the fact is that if someone wants it bad enough they will find a way, u just have to pray you dont end up getting hit.

 

also as i have stated before, alot of break ins arent to take your car, but rather to take your toys out of it. gauges, stereos, speakers, cb's...their looking for a quick smash and grab and for something to hock and ebay or at the pawn shop. thats why i also reccoment putting an alarm siren INSIDE the vehicle.

[Trainman]

I had that same BCAA unit installed in our Mystique in 1997 (unit may have changed a bit since then?).

 

No problems with it, still working (my sister has the car). Liked the valet mode. Plus ICBC gives you a discount for an immobilizer

 

The installer said it was easy to defeat if you had the time to find the wiring and could figure out the colour code.

 

I would recommend it.

 

No comment about Surrey!

Edited October 28, 2005 by Trainman

[Freddymac]

Again, a street punk who needs some bucks for drugs will not be able to drive your pathy away if you install something additional on it...

 

Best of luck in protecting your rig)))

Hey Terrano

 

Great story and wonderful insight. Thank you!.

 

This reminds me of a drinking buddy of mine who worked in Siberia for 3 months as a Diamond driller. When he returned, I asked him about his trip and the life in this remote region. His answer was, "If you have the money, ANYTHING, was available Such as:

 

- Dope of any kind

- Slave Women (or Men)

- Illegal Diamonds

- Children for sale

- Automatic Weapons in quantity

- Portable Rocket Launchers

- Explosives in any quantity

 

To say the least, I had to pick my jaw out of the front pocket of my Levis when I heard this. I looked for 'sh*t' in his eyes. There was none. In retrospect, your country is no different than mine or the US. Just because it's not advertised here doesn't means that it is not available...sadly.

 

I agree Terrano, if a Pro wants it, say Bye-bye. Yet, there is a deeper concern than simply collecting an Insurance settlement after the fact: I take my lovely wife and myself to some very remote places in British Colombia, Canada to prospect for 'Minerals'. We leave our life support system for hours on end as we track down an area for 'value'. If our vehicle was stolen, we could end up losing our lives.

 

As we travel alone, our choice of deterent system seems the right decision.

 

Будьте добром и процветайте, мой друг

 

Fred

Edited October 28, 2005 by Freddymac

[Freddymac]

...but even a mech switch for the fuel pump would be good ins.

 

Hey DSM

 

I agree with you and FL, yet it seems too simple. a switch would be felt if someone was 'feeling' under the dash.

 

As another deterent, a buddy of mine had a large capacitor hooked up to his gear shift. If you didn't deactivate it and started his Camaro and put it into gear, you would pass out with a monster headache... :asleep:

 

Hmm....Tasers. What a novel idea...

[Freddymac]

....The installer said it was easy to defeat if you had the time to find the wiring and could figure out the colour code.

 

I would recommend it.

 

No comment about Surrey!

Hey Trainman

 

Nice talking to you 'gain. I doubt that the colour coding could be figured out that quick...then again you never know. Nothing is bullet proof except bullets? The idea of a mech lock on the hood and the fuel pump switch in the bush might not be bad either. As a set it would deter at a higher level to buy us more time (IF).

 

I remember a story about a prospector who took two Geologists on a hunt. The weather turned to sh*t and they ended up spending the night in a snow cave. The next day he returned to his truck and found the battery stolen. He walked out 20 miles to the nearest town's tavern and overheard two locals brag about the dumb sh*t who left his truck unguarded as they used the new found battery on their tractor. He bought them both a beer and then went out and cut their battery cables and lifted one battery and walked back to install it in his truck...

 

Hmmm...Payback, me thinks.

 

I thought the discount was only for BCAA insured members. Thanks for the Icky Bicky input.

 

I intend to also add a unit to my wife's 93 BMW 325i. I know she would never ride with me again if I allowed her baby to get stolen. -thnkboutit-

 

As Finnigan, our 4 year old English Springer, loves that car, having him AND that car stolen would put me in the dog house well past the 2010 Olympics! -argue-

 

Hoping you are well and near to the only true desert in Canada.

 

(other than Palm Springs, CA from Nov. 1 through Spring break)

[Terrano]

Fred, about that line in Russian. Do you speak Russian, or was it done with the help of an online dictionary? )) My eyes almost fell out of the sockets when I saw it)) What was the English original of the phrase? It's a bit clumsy, probably as much as my English hehe, but thanks for the wishes, I got your point)))

 

Availability... yeah, if people shoot, explode, do drugs, etc. in US or any other country, it means there are ways to get it. There are places where it is easier, there are places where it is more difficult))

 

)) I can only imagine how shocked your friend was ... I mean, I would be shocked if I went to work as a diamond driller in Syberia, I would most certainly be))

 

OK, about the subject. I think that cars are more often stolen in cities, than in remote areas, but I wouldn't want to become an exeption from the rules, so I would install an alarm-system, and an immobilizer. A good thing to do is to install a hood-lock. This lock prevents thieves from unlocking your hood, so they can shut the alarm siren and try to disable the alarm system.

 

The first thing most car-thieves do is that they open the hood, cut the wires to the alarm siren or smash it with a hammer. First of all, it is annoying, second - the owner might be somewhere close and come back to his car with a double-barreled shotgun ready for some practice))

 

Some thieves use a crowbar to bend the edge of the hood close to the battery, so that they can disconnect the wires from it, thus cutting the power to the alarm siren. The alarm does not go off when they bend it, since the ... um... what's the word... ok, let's call it button... the button that clicks when the hood is locked\unlocked does not signal. Then they calmly work in silence. My friend had that experience last month. His car was parked under his apartment windows (he lives on the 2nd floor), so some [censored] thieves bent the hood a bit, disconnected the wires, then they carefully smacked the door window, got inside and took all the audio equipment (by the way, he had about $2.500 invested in the car's sound system). The alarm system had no way of informing him, as the siren had no power.

 

How can it be prevented? First, hood-lock. But it does not prevent the hood from being bent. So you can protect the battery. I don't know, make a case for it. Or protect the connectors in some way. My friend did a simple thing, I can't explain it, I can make a photo in a couple of days.

Third, there are alarm systems with independent power supply.

Talking about price... about $300 for the alarm system, $500 for the immobilizer, about $250 for the hood-lock. All prices in USD and as they are in Russia. Have no idea about prices in Canada)))

 

Well, I think that if you go to a remote location in your pathy equipped with an alarm-system, an immobilizer, and a hood-lock, you will be safe. OK, let me re-phrase it. The probability of somebody following you that far to steal a 95' pathy is minimal. Moreover, the probability of somebody experienced enough to bypass the alarm system and the immobilizer being present at that location is even lower.... it tends to zero, I would say. What you can expect in such places is an imbecile armed with a screwdriver that he would just ram into the ignition lock and start the engine. Then he would put the unprotected transmission into gear and drive away. If you do someting about protection, all you can expect is some things from the car to be stolen, or tires to be cut just because of embarrassment.But you can't protect yourself from such things, all you have to do is to believe in the probability theory))) It happens maybe once in a thousand cases, I think)))

 

My father is a hunting and fishing enthusiast. You know, in 25 years I live on this planet, and in really many years I conciously comprehend the life around me (what an interesing phrase, haha), he NEVER had any problems with his car in all of the trips to the most remote locations. *knocks on the wood three times*

So just do a bit of preparation and try to leave as few valuable belongings in the car as possible. I think then you will be absolutely fine))

 

Sorry for so much writing))) Hopefully, some of it will be valuable.

[Terrano]

Oh, Fread, I see you're still here))) I'll check this thread a bit later))

[Trainman]

Yep, mix them up, that will work. Make sure you put on the stickers. Idea is to make your truck harder to get than the guy beside you. And the bad guy has to know it has protection.

 

The discount is from ICBC, has nothing to do with BCAA (our Pathy and Sienna both get discounts because they have immobilizers built in). Only requirement be that it is professionally installed and is sets it self (the fuel pump kill switch would not qualify as you have to set it). May be a discount on the immobilizer itself for BCAA members? Can’t remember but I think there is/was.

 

-6 here this morning but clear. Winter in the desert, cool.

[94extreme]

that's pretty funny stuff.. in the woods i tend to take the coil wire off and i leave shotgun shells in the floor boards along with empties.. i have left my other vehicles unlocked too.. never had a problem.. unlocking saves your glass...

[merlinx]

In my old Trans Am I bought a remote switch. I installed it to an ignition kill and kept the car keys separate from the house keys. I carried the estra remote with the house keys that way in case of a car jacking I could kill the car with the remote. It also works as a kill switch.

[Freddymac]

Fred, about that line in Russian. Do you speak Russian, or was it done with the help of an online dictionary? )) My eyes almost fell out of the sockets when I saw it)) What was the English original of the phrase?

Aw shucks Terrano

 

I wish I could speak your lovely language. I speak German from birth and English by need since I was ten and emigrated to Canada with my Mother and Brother.

 

My phrase to you was: "Live well and prosper, my friend" (yes I had to use translation software).

 

(I'm amazed that the characters were recognizable as the fonts sometime do not get picked up that well over the Net (I work as a computer graphics specialist in the Printing Industry))

 

As for the phrase - I meant it! I sincerely hope that the message I set you was not percieved by you as a slight or insult to your great country of Russia. I also realize that your country and mine are at a great disadvantage: We circle the upper end of the globe; we own unbelievable resources in our quadrants....

 

yet we are not super power...

 

...or are we???

 

As both of our Ice shields melt, we are faced with a 'Catch 22' situation:

 

Do we allow foreign shipping to cross our national (natural) boundaries due to a new and quicker way to transport goods? If not invited, doing so, is considered an act of war under the Geneva Convention.

 

However, the lack of the ice barriers allows both our nations to exploit newly found resources that are highly precious to the world economy as we are (not that) slowly running out of minerals and petro finds.

 

I mention these political issues to you as we have the means and methods to explore some of these areas with our choice of vehicles. I would like to share with you what I can find hoping that you in turn can do the same regardless of hype and media.

 

In the long run, there is only a 20 mile piece of the ocean called the Bering Straights that separates us.

 

In truth, it's seems like such a tiny distance between likeminded individuals.

 

Fred

[Precise1]

I personally am a big fan of of custom disable switches. I believe them to be much more hidden or confusing than a market alarm system, but then I have never had problems with car thieves. One thing I do have is a shotgun shell/.357 mobile hanging from the rear view mirror. I figure it is fair to ask the would be thief if it's worth the possible trouble... The demon mask may help also.

As said before, if a pro wants it and has a few minutes to play with things, your baby is gone. The more odd ball (and effective) devices are going to annoy him the most. Again, how much finess goes into stealing a used Pathfinder ?

 

our Payroll Person had her 92 Chrysler Lebaron stolen during daylight hours

Who the hell would steal that vehicle ? Sounds more like drug related or a repo...

 

B

[Trainman]

Hey Freddy,

 

You could also try posting in the Canadian Driver forum here.

 

You should get lots of BC input.

[Terrano]

Precise1, that's exactly what I thought... who would try to steal such a vehicle in the middle of a day???? Who was willing to takes such risks for such a car??? maybe the owner got tired of it and conspired with someone to steal this car, so the owner can claim for the insurance later?)))

 

----------

Fred, the line sounded something like "be good and prosper..." )))) Well, nevermind, I understood that you meant "live well", not "be a good boy" )))))))

 

No, no offence taken. I can see the difference between insult and logic. I know, understand, and freely speak about all the facts you mention (and all other), this is reality, nothing to get insulted about

 

My friend now works toward his Master degree in economics (University of Claremont, CA), he told me that often when he tries to tell some stories about Russia to Americans, they just do not believe him)))))))

 

Yep, the distance is not that long, if you think about it))

Maybe in a year or two the distance will be even shorter, as I have plans to relocate to Canada. It takes time, moreover, it takes an awful lot of money (at least for a Russian citizen, something like $20,000 for the whole process), but I am working toward it. So if nothing goes wrong... )))

[Freddymac]

One thing I do have is a shotgun shell/.357 mobile hanging from the rear view mirror. I

Hey B

 

Would if I could Bro. Canada has a restricted firearm law. I can't own a personal firearm unless I was a trapper and made a living out of skulking the woods. Any firearm has to be registered here....

 

...unless I was a F****ng criminal. Then I simply trade 3 lbs of high grade pot for coke and guns.

 

To register all those illegal guns cost us a sh*t load of tax money in Canada. The End result is that any US Winnibago crossing the border has more fire power than most of us will have in our lifetimes.

 

However, there is a simple solution to this 'issue'

 

I owned a 27' sail yacht for many years. It was equiped with every safety device know to man (er, including a stainless steel 12 gauge Winchester, which of course I didn't own)

 

I was required by law to have a signaling device like a Very pistol aboard and the ammo to use in case of emergency.

 

A number of years ago, we went ashore in the dinghy to have lunch on a very remote inlet. We had the misfortune of getting between a Bear sow and her cubs as they wandered on the same beach. The adult bear charged us at full pace. I shot the bear in the face with the only thing I had to defend us. I'll leave the details out, as it wasn't pretty.

 

A Very pistol fires a small incenduary rocket.

 

Available from your local Marine supplier on both sides of the border.

 

Don't go offroad without it!

[Filthy Luker]

I'll leave the details out, as it wasn't pretty.

So... you could say you immobilized him real good?

[Freddymac]

Precise1, that's exactly what I thought... who would try to steal such a vehicle in the middle of a day???? Who was willing to takes such risks for such a car??? maybe the owner got tired of it and conspired with someone to steal this car, so the owner can claim for the insurance later?)))

 

Hey Dude

 

I assume yourt talking about the woman her who had her ride ripped. Well a 92 Chrysler is not worth @!*%. Over the past she just spent $1000 on trainsmission, 1000 for a major overhaul plus a $500 sound system.

 

It realliy sucks to have a 40 year Lady crying on your shouder as her car goes to @!*%.

 

We have chop shops here that reduse a car into parts.

[Precise1]

Any firearm has to be registered here....

Same here in Cali, but maybe the process is different... I have enough to make a burglar/car thief wonder if it is worth it. Hopefully I won't have a story to post...

LMAO about the Winchester 12 gauge... And the Very pistol. Glad it worked out with the bear !! I prefer more than 1 shot, but thats better than none by a long shot.. I'm going to look into them.

Personally, If I'm camping, I'm packing...

 

B

[k9sar]

I agree with you and FL, yet it seems too simple. a switch would be felt if someone was 'feeling' under the dash.

depends on where it was.

 

In my old honda, I mounted a tiny rocker switch in the glove box (which could also be locked). There was evidence that thre had been an attenpt to steal my car but the kill switch wouldn't allow the fuel pump to run.

 

hmm... I guess I should have told the new owner about the switch when I sold them the car.

[94extreme]

 

hmm... I guess I should have told the new owner about the switch when I sold them the car.

lol...

[TrailChaser]

Easiest mod I can recommend is to simply unplug the trigger wire for your starter and run a new wire from the battery to a push buttom that you'll hide somewhere in the cab.

 

Then you jump in turn the key to "ON" then reach down and push the button to crank it up. I did this on mine and it works great. Main problem is that now it'll turn over anytime you push that button, even if the keys aren't in the ignition. I can also start my truck in P, R, N, D, 2, or 1 now.

I did this because my ignition safety switch or something crapped out. I took the starter out of the truck and tested it and it was fine. So I just wired up a button instead of actually fixing the problem the "right" way. I like it better this way. After about a week I stopped turning the key all the way over trying to start it and got used to the button. I get a nice comforting feeling when a friend wants to use the truck and they come back in after about 3 minutes to tell me my truck won't start. I just tell'em "If you can't start it you can't drive it."

[Terrano]

Hey Dude

 

I assume yourt talking about the woman her who had her ride ripped. Well a 92 Chrysler is not worth @!*%. Over the past she just spent $1000 on  trainsmission, 1000 for a major  overhaul plus a $500 sound system.

Hi, Fred!

Well, of course, I was joking. I know how it feels to have your car stolen, and it surely is a crappy feeling.

 

So, now after hearing opinions on the topic, what is your decision about immobilizer? ))) What are you going to install? Or maybe you will just buy an illegal machine-gun and use it to immobilize thieves?