Taken Right Out of My Driveway...

OP, sorry to hear that. Good luck and hopefully it comes back as it left (nothing missing/stripped).

Think I'd like to see something like what Chevorlet used to use on their berettas back in the 90s. It was a programmable key that you slid into a slot below the dash. Car would run without the key but you couldn't start it without that extra key. That 2nd key with turn offs for fuel pump and starter motor would be ideal, and I think that's what it actually did. Of course losing the key would effectively brick the vehicle until you could get another already programmed key but should be effective. Programming another key was as easy as starting the car then removing the programmed key and inserting a "blank" key. The car would then "program" that key as a valid starting key. Don't think the car would accept or program an already programmed key. Only work around I could see would be the need to handle valet parking.

 

Don't forget this:

"When I walked out that morning to see my truck missing from my driveway, I immediately pulled up the footage from my 4k cameras. It took them 45 minutes to steal my truck. They began to try and boost my key fob signal which obviously didn't work. They pulled out crowbars and bolt cutters and proceeded to hack at my door for 10 minutes. The thieves entered from the rear door to not trigger the alarm, and proceeded to re program the key. I did not know that the rear doors were not connected to the alarm which is ridiculous. I am infuriated thinking that these assholes were 20ft from my daughters window especially for that period of time."

If thieves want something, they'll do everything they can to get it. The fact that they went this route means you were specifically targeted. They tried for 45 minutes. I'm not sure what else Toyota could have done for you in regards to security.

This sucks, and I hope it never happens to me. Stories like this are why I always park my truck in my garage. I also set the alarm even though it's in the garage. Because, hey...you never know!

 

These people have no place in society. I'm disappointed with our sissy governments that have been going too easy on crime for far too long.

 

Castle doctrine should be universal. Another reason I will stick to my MT with basic key. It could still be stolen but much less likely. Did you have a motion sensor light where they were? If not, it would be a good idea to hopefully spook them in the future.

 

It's funny that you ask this because I have a flood light that was on them the entire time that they were there. There were two thieves, and while one was programming the key, the other was standing right under the camera lit by the flood light, and looking directly into the camera lens. They obviously knew that I live in a quiet area, and that it would be unlikely for someone to drive by at that time early in the morning. They were both wearing masks so there's no chance of identification.

It actually took ten minutes for them to break in my truck using manual tools. If it hadn't been for my faraday pouch, they would have been in my car at the press of a button. The issue with Toyota's security is the reprogramming of the key. European obd2's do not allow for a new key to be programmed and the original to be disconnected from its identity. Once they do this, it's as if your truck is a new unit and not even able to connect to "Toyota Connect." You are also incorrect as to how the alarm is triggered. Both of my dome lights were turned on, along with my bed light which they immediately turned off. That in itself would be a major security issue if the alarm would only sound if the lights were illuminated. You are a special human being to insinuate that someone's truck being stolen is, "on them," even if I were to have left my lights off. (Not the case)

A kill switch is definitely on my list of theft prevention for the next truck. However, it wouldn't be a deterrent for theft as they wouldn't be aware of its existence. I plan on doing this as well on the next one, but the key is to discourage them entirely so that they do not damage your truck.

 

I'm so paranoid, and do use the Faraday pouch, but apparently it isn't enough. Only safe solution is my garage.

 

That sucks to hear.

If they want your truck they will take it. You can have have ecu disable, starter relay disable, fuel pump relay disable. And they will still hook up to the truck and tow it away. If they want it, they will get it.

 

Sorry to hear this.

 

Wow, I guess it might be best for me to start using my ‘Club’. So bummed for you.

 

Man that’s sad, wish you luck man.

Look at those pieces of shit, fuckers. I hate thiefs!

 

Ok it took them 45 minutes to steal your truck. Expecting toyota to make a truck thats thief proof is unreasonable. What triggers the alarm if its not the doors?

Ill find out tonight and lock myself in my truck (back seat) and see if that triggers a standard alarm.

 

Maybe @daveeasa @kmorgan3 @caribe makaira can get get the team together to make a plug and play, hidden, non intrusive kill switch?

 

Oh I have DM’s with a guy who specializes in this stuff. He’s next level compared to me. Has friends in the biz.

I think people mostly steal keys these days, way easier.

 

I just tried this. I was just as curious as you were and this is what I found out: It doesn't make the alarm go off!

I hopped in back seat on the drivers side, hit the "lock" button on my remote twice, waited 15 seconds then opened the door (I had to manually move the lock on the door panel to get out). When I did, no beeping alarm!

I thought, okay, maybe it will if the FRONT door opens. I tried the same setup. I hopped in the drivers seat, pressed the "lock" button twice, waited... Then opened the door. NO SOUND.

 

very strange

 

Most of the time there’s a X amount of seconds time out. Did the alarm LED change state?

 

How is that going to stop a tow truck from hooking up and going?

Repo companys hook up and go really fast, they can then drive else were to secure it.

 

My ranger was the same. You could set the factory alarm and easily open any doors from the inside. Dumb dumb dumb.

 

I think it's safe to say this isn't a "real" security system/alarm. It's a glorified door locker/unlocker!

 

Years ago if you flaunted your freshly bought new iron in quebec it was an open invitation for getting ripped off. Sounds like this hasn't gotten any better.