I'm struggling to understand this too. So you can't really ever take it off without ruining it, and potentially ruining the port too?

Pretty much every time my cars go in for service, the tech plugs in to the port to check for codes/diagnostics. I also use the port to set my preferences on various settings.

The only vehicle of mine that sits outside is my Tundra. I can't lock out that port because I hook my ScanGauge into it to monitor temps while towing.

 

You can remove it. Yes. There is a very small precision cut key. You then need to tool to insert the key into. as it screws into the port, it’s can only unscrew to remove. Otherwise it’s designed to damage the port so a OBD reader cannot be plugged in.

It can definitely be removed. It’s not permanent.


It is simple to steal a Toyota with a computer and a blank yet. It is unbelievable how simple it is.

 

Ah, okay, that's good to know.

 

The OBD lock shown in this video is interesting. It screws onto the OBD port and then the screws are hidden by a sliding cover/plate accessible only via a key. I'm sure if a thief wanted to steal the car enough, they would still be able to yank it off... but it's better than nothing I guess.

 

I see that now (found some high-res pictures). If I were a car thief, this would probably confound me the first time. Then I'd do a little research, and add a handful of low-quality 8mm and 9mm sockets to my toolbag. Tap one onto the screw with a hammer or ratchet, then back it out in 2 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Total time elapsed about 15 seconds.

 

Seen this one. Better than nothing

 

A smart thief would move on. That is the idea. To stop the initial theft. If someone were to break in and try to return. I’d likely install a kill switch

 

What I mean is, presumably you are not the only person in the world who will install such a thing. Professional car thieves steal a LOT of cars, so if they ran into this once, they will likely run into it again. They will be prepared and undeterred the second time they see one.

 

Perhaps. So installed a 2nd alarm as well, with a battery cut off protector and two way radio as well as knock protection. . . A thief needs about 15 minutes to program the car to have a new key. Any thief sticking around is pretty dumb IMO.

In theory…I could even install a fake ODB port and relocate the original port….and install a kill switch.

 

As someone whose car has actually been stolen who therefore knows first hand what a PITA it is, I still can't understand subjecting myself to this much time, effort, expense, and inconvenience to prevent it from happening again. Just doesn't seem like a worthwhile tradeoff to me. I love my car, but my insurance will get me another car that I love.

 

A friend had his Highlander stolen, saw the video on Ring camera at 4AM... It is so easy to steal. It is like unprotected sex. That said, a port lock, and a 2nd alarm make it just a little more difficult as you'd hope they'd move onto another 4Runner. The factory GPS does not deter either.

 

Sorry to hear that. Did the police recover it (damaged or undamaged), or was it a write-off casualty? At least, if the latter, you usually get a KBB-value check from the insurance company, which you can use to (partially) cover the cost of getting something new.

IMO, part of the problem with auto thefts is the way we actually deal with criminals, but I'm hesitant to go into any more details, because that might (?) be considered politics.

 

​​​​​​ Where I live you have to worry more about your catalytic converter being stolen then your car. There are so many of them that your wait for a new one can be 3 months

 

This exact theft happened to someone near my parents house.

 

I get it, trust me I do. My car was stolen during my engagement dinner. It sucks.

Did your neighbor get a new car (or are they getting one)? Are they going to spend thousands putting two alarms, a secondary immobilizer, battery disconnect, OBD lock, two way radio and aftermarket GPS tracker on the new one? If not, why not?

It was recovered. Clutch was blown, lots of body and some interior damage, smoke smell everywhere, all my stuff obviously gone. Insurance fixed it up literally as good as new and I drove it for another 10 years.