Anti-theft suggestions

Hi Everyone,

Was wondering if there are some suggestions around some anti-theft measures I could take - I have a '21 4R with the push button start. Am staying overnight at a hotel - the hotel's parking is outside and I believe they have cameras - however - if they want the truck they will get the truck. I know Toyota has tried to deter theft with the key fob - i.e. as long as you have the fob and it's protected in theory there's no way someone can intercept the signal. However, thieves are becoming smarter - if they can get into the truck and on board computer they can in theory make another FOB? I was thinking of getting some low tech like the club that would at least somewhat deter them and they may move on to the next car. Does anyone have any other ideas - is there a part in the truck such as a fuse that I could take out and put back in relatively easily and be on my way?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The Chew.

 

This subject was recently covered in some depth.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/ignition-kill-switch.40523/

But ultimately you’re right when you say if they want the truck they’ll get the truck.

 

Take the tires in the hotel with you.





sorry couldn’t help that wise answer, I woke up way too early this am

 

Chew,
The 'low tech' device like the club is good. There has been talk on the forum about ways to implement certain ignition/fuel pump disconnects before. While I'm NO electronics guru, it shouldn't be to difficult to render the ignition or fuel pump inoperative via fuse or switch which you could mount in a 'secret' spot. The electronics crew on the forum will be able to help...I hope. Sometimes one good deterrent is parking in a garage. Thieves suck!

 

Thx I saw that thread but sounds too complicated, I thought I read that with the push button ignition that is somehow already tied into the fuel pump?

 

This is incorrect. A common attack on these keyless entry systems is to use a relay to fool the car into thinking the key is next to the car while it is elsewhere. To counter this attack you can put a key into a signal blocking pouch OR turn off the key (hold the unlock button and press the lock button twice).

Another attack is to gain access to OBD port and simply add another key to the authorized key list. This is because Toyota foolishly designed "security" system to allow configuration changes without first getting authorized unlock. Yes, you read it correctly - your 4Runner would allow adding another key while it is technically still locked.

 

My buddy had his Silverado 2500 stolen out of a manufacturing plant where he was doing electrical work in Detroit. They never found the truck.

After he found another truck to buy he went with an old school tech alarm and nobody and I mean nobody has touched his truck now in some of the highest crime areas.




Just place in the seat and don’t forget it’s there yourself. Carry a sturdy rod to release before getting in

 

That's what I thought - i.e. via the OBD port.

 

He could sell the 4Runner and buy a Honda Ridgeline. NOBODY will want to steal that freakin' thing. No one.

 

So if I understand this correctly - if you use the lock button on the door (vs. locking the doors with the fob) this disables the signal?

 

Funny - I had looked at one of those....for one thing...fugly...and the cylinder deactivation took it off the list when we were looking for a mid size truck....

 

There are a few low-tech ideas:

1) The club.
2) De-activate the keyfob from transmitting so it can't be cloned. The downside is, you have to manually unlock/lock the truck.
3) A hidden kill switch.

But like you said, if a thief wants it, they'll find a way. Just make sure you have lots of insurance and remember....it's just metal and glass. It can be replaced.


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fRB7hxa9b_c

 

No, lock as normal, then you can “shut off” you key fob, by pressing the buttons in the correct pattern.

 

Take the battery with you inside your hotel room?

 

I was going to suggest this, but wheels are easier to roll.

 

You are correct. But it would take longer to jack up the truck, remove, and put back on/torque all the lug nuts.

On second thought, your way would prevent all wheels/tires to be stolen. Most thieves like to take a full set so they can sell it. This is a common problem here in SoCal.

 

And you might have to reset your clock as well if you take the battery, hotel staff might think you have an acid problem too if you’re carrying a vehicle battery around. Taking off the tire is just practice for flat tire emergencies.

 

I put an atomic bomb in the drivers seat & tied to the drivers door. When they open the door, it pulls out, and BANG!

 

An Altoid can works for a poor man's faraday box.

 

@Borracho Loco made the best suggestion with a kill switch. Easy to do, easy to hide, and very effective.

Second, have good insurance with a low comprehensive deductible.

What hotel are you staying at that has you worrying about this?

 

Shut off your keyfob, use OBD port lock (or relocate it), install good physical steering wheel or pedal block, install kill switch. If you're going to buy a steering wheel club, check out yotube reviews first, some of them can be defeated in few seconds.

 

Regardless if ignition key/fob push button:
Engine bay fuse box.
Fuse puller underside lid.
Top left fuse is EFI (white/25 amp). Keep an extra in vehicle in inconspicuous place.

Fan of obvious steering wheel locks as well simply to keep amatures moving along to easier target before breaking a window. The Club isn't fire engine red by accident.

 

Layers of protection is key. I have a remote start with an alarm and it will communicate to the key fob when it goes off (glass break, doors, shock). This way i know when someone is breaking in and run out to kick there ass.
I also run security cams in it and have a flip down visor, warning would be thieves of the live video/audio monitoring. I can also watch that video from in the hotel or on my phone.

 

A couple of layers of aluminum foil works fine.

 

Security cameras inside your 4Runner? Really?

I understand the need and desire to protect a vehicle that you worked hard to pay for. But I'm driving a 4Runner, not a Bugatti. That's like using a bazooka to kill a fly.

 

Technically sophisticated dash cams, but yeah.

I kill fly's with those Bug-A-Salt guns, so the bazooka analogy is not that far off my style. The security is more for what's inside and no so much the 4Runner itself.

 

Disconnecting the plug from the brake pedal is a rather quick and easy solution, in a bind.

 

What's wrong with using a bazooka??? It doesn't matter that it is just a fly - rather the exhilaration of the explosive result!!

 

Not to mention, taking out any of its buddies flying around with it.

 

Hate to say it but I think you are being a bit paranoid. How many thieves carry equipment to make a new keyfob?

Kevin