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How to Deactivate a Stolen Car Key Fob
It's a bit scary to lose your key fob. It's a good thing that you can disable the key fob you've stolen.
The exact procedure will differ depending on your security system. For instance, the procedure to delete a Fob an 2GIG panel GC3 will differ from the procedure for a Lyric controller.
Hackers can steal fobs and hack them by intercepting the signal and amplifying it. Here are a few suggestions to avoid it:
1. Retract Your Steps
Car theft used to involve smashing windows and hotwires, but criminals are now utilizing technology to duplicate the key fob's signal to get in and steal your car. These thieves are able to walk around your house and intercept the wireless signal, allowing them to gain access to and start your car without having any physical keys or touching your key fob. This is a trend called "relay attacks" and is becoming an increasing concern among Canadian motorists and insurance companies.
Modern vehicles are equipped with keyless ignition and entry systems that open doors and begin engines with a wireless signal. The system operates by sending an electronic signal from your key fob to the vehicle. It can also read signals that sensors send out inside your car, which detect your presence and then automatically secure the doors. However, savvy thieves can make use of relay attacks to sabotage the signal and take your vehicle even if you've got the key fob in your pocket.
Relay attacks are based on the transmitter booster which captures and relays the signal from your key fob, thereby overriding the security system of your vehicle. This method is a lot quicker and less complicated than stealing a physical key, since it takes only 10 to 20 minutes for thieves to take your vehicle. Thieves can often use this method to target vehicles that have a remote starter, such as Honda's CR-V or Toyota's Highlander and Lexus' RX.
Fortunately, this issue can be avoided by reprogramming your car to disable its anti-theft system. This can be done by following the directions in the manual of your vehicle or by consulting a professional technician.
When reprogramming your vehicle it is important to follow the appropriate instructions for your particular make and model to ensure that the process is carried out correctly. If you don't adhere to these guidelines, your anti-theft device may reset and become unusable.
If you're having difficulty reprogramming, disconnect the battery for a few minutes before reconnecting it. This may reset the system and enable it to recognize the key fob. Also, insert the key manually into the door cylinder (rather than using the key fob), and turn it backwards.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
If your car is equipped with a key fob then you need to call your insurance company as soon as you can. Your agent can help you remove the key fob from your car and set up a replacement for you. It's also an excellent idea to call the police to make a report on the theft. This will assist in catching the thieves and help you get your car back.
Consider taking preventive steps to guard yourself against keyless car thefts in the near future. It is not a good idea, for instance to leave your key fob on a table or desk which is open or in plain sight. Consider investing in a letterbox to are able to deter burglars, or a bag equipped with a Faraday. These products block signals from the key fob and stop hackers from getting access to your vehicle.
Many car manufacturers now offer a feature which allows you to disable your fob when it is not in use. You can still lock the door of your car using your remote control but the fob won't work to unlock or start the car. You should consult with your car manufacturer or dealer to determine whether this feature is available for your particular model of car.
Certain manufacturers have gone further, offering motion sensors that can deactivate the fob's key when it is not in use. BMW, Audi, and Ford are just a few examples. Jaguar and Land Rover, meanwhile, provide a key fob that utilizes ultra wide-band radio technology that stops thieves from being able make the signal invisible to your car.
It's also a good idea to ensure that you are not putting valuables in your car, and to consider keeping a tracker tag on the fob that you use for keys to give peace of mind. If it's stolen, it will be easier to retrieve it since the person who stole it isn't able to sell it on the black market. If you lose your key fob it is also a good idea to contact an area locksmith company to help you deactivate it and arranging for an alternative. They will be able to provide this service at a more affordable rate than dealerships.
3. Contact Your Dealership
If you own a newer vehicle, the chances are it comes with an electronic key fob that can unlock the car door, start the engine, and set off the alarm. This technology has enhanced antitheft by removing the requirement for a key. However, a savvy car thief can still employ tricks to gain access to your vehicle.
For instance, thieves could amplify the signal sent from your key fob to your vehicle. This allows them to open your doors and unlock the ignition from a distance of several feet. Then, they can drive off. To avoid this, a driver should always store their key fob in a tin or a metal pouch to prevent the signals from being amplified. This also applies to spare key fobs a person may have.
A professional locksmith can assist you deactivate the stolen car key fob. The first step is to go through the instruction manual for the model you are using. Some models require that you take your car to a dealership to deactivate the car. However, a locksmith can usually perform the deactivation as well as programming at a lower cost.
The dealer is also an excellent source for determining if your vehicle was taken by one of their employees. Utilizing inventory management systems to monitor the movement of keys and vehicles within the dealership is a great way to spot any discrepancies that could be a sign of internal theft. By installing cameras and other security measures around the dealership will also aid in reducing the chance that customers or employees be able to steal.
To protect yourself, be sure to park in a garage overnight and keep your key fob in a metallic pouch or a tin. These simple steps can increase the distance between your car and your key fob, and prevent thieves from taking it away using the technique known as relay theft. Installing motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras can also improve your home security. This will hinder criminals from attempting to attack your property and vehicle.
4. Reprogram Your Vehicle
The final step to deactivate a stolen car fob is to reprogram the vehicle so that the original key will not work. Depending on your car's model it is possible to have a locksmith do this or an auto dealer. This can be a very read more simple procedure. It will erase all codes from the old key, making it inoperable. This will prevent thieves from stealing your car.
Some thieves use devices that record and amplify the signal coming from the key fob of a vehicle, allowing them to unlock the doors, turn on the engine, and then leave the scene. This technique is known as a relay attack. It's one of numerous high-tech methods criminals are using to steal cars these days.
Criminals can also use a device to plug into the data port or onboard diagnostics (ODB) which can be found in different places on your vehicle. This allows them to download your key transponder's code and then copy it onto a car key from a donor.
If you're looking to reduce the chance of your car being stolen, it's best to take the steps necessary to stop thieves from obtaining the code to clone your key fob. One methods to do this include using a Faraday pouch that blocks signals or bag, which is lined with a conductory metal to block electromagnetic signals. You can also buy a car alarm to alert you when someone is playing with your vehicle.
Have your car resettled so keys from previous owners can't be used. It can be expensive, but it is better than losing your vehicle.
If you have lost your car keys, you should go back and trace the steps you took to determine if they were stolen. If they were, the next step is to call your insurance company and the dealership. The dealership will then provide you with an alternative key that can be programmed to replace the one stolen. Verify if you have insurance that covers the cost of replacing your car.