The hack works by amplifying the signal from, and back to the car. If the key receives the signal, it will respond with the “unlock” code.
Keyless Entry Security
- Thread starter DampCat
- Start date
Keyless entry actually puts me off, never say never but I would defintiely think twice about buying a car with it if it couldn't be disabled unless there were no viable alternatives to that car (which is unlikely, given the fact the car industry is extremely competitive with numerous different models available).
You can't really avoid it now 
In years to come when technology moves on, the keyless cars which are around now will be so easy to steal. Just bring a mobile phone along and tadaa, probably won't even need the signal from the key eventually. I don't think they are even using strong encryption by current standards.
In years to come when technology moves on, the keyless cars which are around now will be so easy to steal. Just bring a mobile phone along and tadaa, probably won't even need the signal from the key eventually. I don't think they are even using strong encryption by current standards.
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This doesn't happen with mine, are you sure you're putting your fob in the right compartment? The one lined with the signal blocking material? Because with mine there is two compartments, but only one is lined with the signal blocking material.
This. I was going to send mine back to Amazon until I read the reviews and spotted the second 'compartment' in the bag.
I put my keys at the back of the house in the kitchen. Not sure how far the range is on these hacks, but it's better than leaving the keys by the front door next to the window.
I also live on a very open and visible road, next door to a police officer who has CCTV with a street light outside my house. Anyone who wants to snoop about will be easily seen.
I also live on a very open and visible road, next door to a police officer who has CCTV with a street light outside my house. Anyone who wants to snoop about will be easily seen.
As others have mentioned I don't leave the key anywhere near the front or rear of the house close to windows or doors. Not sure if this is enough to stop the key's signal being sniffed from relay equipment, but I drive a Skoda so nobody probably wants it anyway.
Problem is if they design a way to prevent this, theives will just go back to the old smash the window and grab keys trick.
What’s needed is the police force to get the manpower/inclination to tackle car crime.
End of the day only thing you can do is add physical barriers that will hamper /expose crims, I.e lockable gates/posts. Disco/pedal locks, cctv and flood lights.
What’s needed is the police force to get the manpower/inclination to tackle car crime.
End of the day only thing you can do is add physical barriers that will hamper /expose crims, I.e lockable gates/posts. Disco/pedal locks, cctv and flood lights.
You can pay for it to be retrofitted too, BMW covers something like 70% of the parts cost. I've seen someone mention it on one of the owner's groups on Facebook along with part numbers etc, but can't find it again!
For the Focus I keep the keys well away from the front door, as the MK2.5 ST is rapidly becoming one of the most stolen. Sadly that isn't a perfect solution as the OBDII port can for some stupid reason have another key programmed to it, which is the latest tactic from thieves.
JLR have half got there with the keyless system in that the ECU can only have two keys programmed to it at any one time, but that's of no help if the thief manages to replicate the signal.
JLR have half got there with the keyless system in that the ECU can only have two keys programmed to it at any one time, but that's of no help if the thief manages to replicate the signal.
Soldato
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I thought there was a way of coding the OBD port to be off when the ignition is off?
Soldato
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funny really, putting on a stoplock or keeping your keys in a special bag/tin seems like a much bigger inconvenience than just pressing a button when i want the thing to unlock.
Soldato
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My c250 diesel is key-less entry/start, it's more to insure than my old C63! It's got a 3rd the size engine, is it more expensive as it's easier to nick?
I guess thieves wouldn't take a C63 as they'd have to stop to fill up on their getaway
I guess thieves wouldn't take a C63 as they'd have to stop to fill up on their getaway
There is the aftermarket OBD ghost to prevent it from being used on the ST, although that isn't recognised by insurers. Trackers can be a good way to get a reduction on insurance, I have a multicar policy for the Focus & Monaro, the tracker on the Monaro whilst costing £143 a year knocked £500 off the insurance, I'm wondering what sort of difference it would make if I had one put on the Focus too.
Soldato
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How much is it, my wife's mk 3 st is around 300 for the year. Seems pointless to pay for a tracker on it.
I actually have no idea around the OBD ghost, I think there are a few kits on eBay and it is quite often discussed on the Focus ST owners club forums. It is something I'll be looking into at some point in the future for when parked away from home/work as it's a very secure car park at work and at home it is parked in a garage with CCTV and when it has to be in the drive it is blocked in by another car.
a quick Google led me to THIS
The tracker costs £500 for installation which includes a years subscription, so obviously the first year for me at least would be pretty pointless, thankfully it was on the car when I bought it so I just had the £143 activation cost to cough up.
a quick Google led me to THIS
The tracker costs £500 for installation which includes a years subscription, so obviously the first year for me at least would be pretty pointless, thankfully it was on the car when I bought it so I just had the £143 activation cost to cough up.