keyless entry theft
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 286
Likes: 82
From: ca
keyless entry theft
With all of the thefts people are doing using the keyless entry theft from your key FOB, I was wondering how people are addressing this. I turned off a setting in my car setup that I thought would disable it, but it didn't work. I'm driving a 2020 ES350 UL. I know some people keep their FOB in tin cans when home or wrapped in foil but there has to be a better way. I also saw a procedure to disable the FOB from sending out a signal all the time but was unsuccessful in getting this to work.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 286
Likes: 82
From: ca
Thats what I did and it didn't work. Maybe I will try it again. Is that permanent until you make a change? I assume you can turn it back on by doing the procedure again?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 994
Likes: 565
From: CA
You turn it back on by pressing any key on the fob. Until you do, it's not sending out a signal or receiving a signal. If you do the procedure and try to open the door or start the car, it won't work.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 933
From: CA
■ Turning an electronic key to battery-saving mode
...
Press (unlock icon) twice while pressing and holding (lock icon). Confirm that the electronic key indicator flashes 4 times. While the battery-saving mode is set, the smart access system with push-button start cannot be used. To cancel the function, press any of the electronic key buttons.
...
Press (unlock icon) twice while pressing and holding (lock icon). Confirm that the electronic key indicator flashes 4 times. While the battery-saving mode is set, the smart access system with push-button start cannot be used. To cancel the function, press any of the electronic key buttons.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 37
Likes: 19
From: CA
I got the above box for my ES350. It works really well. If you put a key in it, close the lid and walk up to the car, the key can't communicate with the car at all. Doors remain locked.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 562
From: PR
This should be better than a tin can or foil: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W94QLKM
I got the above box for my ES350. It works really well. If you put a key in it, close the lid and walk up to the car, the key can't communicate with the car at all. Doors remain locked.
I got the above box for my ES350. It works really well. If you put a key in it, close the lid and walk up to the car, the key can't communicate with the car at all. Doors remain locked.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 562
From: PR
Be aware the faraday box only protect against the relay attack. There is another type of attack that involves a connection directly to the car computer circuitry (CAN Bus Attack). So, get a good steering wheel lock. It's not a bullet proof deterrent, but it will slow a professional thief a few extra seconds and the amateur will probably think twice.
Finally, get an Apple Airtag, Samsung SmartTag or similar. If stolen they are really good vehicle trackers as thief's usually remove the onboard GPS module.
Finally, get an Apple Airtag, Samsung SmartTag or similar. If stolen they are really good vehicle trackers as thief's usually remove the onboard GPS module.
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Driver
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 59
Likes: 18
From: Oregon
I saw a video where someone did this. It wasn't hard, but it required them to go on the dark net and purchase a device for about $5,000. This is probably why you don't hear about many cars being stolen that way.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 19
Likes: 5
From: none
Therefore, the question is how to deactivate keyless entry from the car and not the key.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 562
From: PR
- CAN Bus - Directly interfering with the computer by using a device connected to the car's bus cables (usually headlights). No way to protect other than safe parking or a steering wheel lock to dissuade.
- FOB Relay - Extend the frequency FOB range to open the car like a nearby FOB. You can protect by deactivating the FOB or storing it in a Faraday Box.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 731
Likes: 294
From: MA
I don't understand why the FOB has to always be transmitting to the car without the need to press a button. A garage door opener or TV remote transmits only when the buttons are pressed. Why is there constant two way communication with the car, thus allowing this attack vector?
Last edited by hotwings; Mar 5, 2024 at 09:59 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,988
Likes: 1,623
From: MI
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 284
Likes: 110
From: California
I don't understand why the FOB has to always be transmitting to the car without the need to press a button. A garage door opener or TV remote transmits only when the buttons are pressed. Why is there constant two way communication with the car, thus allowing this attack vector?
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,868
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
The car and the fob are always trying to communicate with each other. When they get close enough, the car knows it's OK to turn on some lights and allow the doors to be unlocked with a touch, etc. This means that a key fob that is unused will deplete its battery eventually. For this reason, if you have a fob that is not used and just kept as a backup, it's a good idea to deactivate the fob to keep the battery fresh for when it's needed (Lexus calls this "sleep mode," as I recall).
Also, a fob should be stored far enough away from the car to prevent the communication, which will drain the fob battery fast, and eventually could drain a weak car battery. This is why you are advised not to leave the fob in the car or on a shelf in the garage, etc.
Also, a fob should be stored far enough away from the car to prevent the communication, which will drain the fob battery fast, and eventually could drain a weak car battery. This is why you are advised not to leave the fob in the car or on a shelf in the garage, etc.