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How to Deactivate a Stolen Car Key Fob
Losing your key fob could be a terrifying occasion. Luckily, it is possible to disable the key fob that was stolen.
The procedure you follow will depend on your security system. For instance, the procedure for deleting an Fob on the 2GIG panel GC3 will be different than the procedure for a Lyric controller.
Stolen fobs are hacked by intercepting and amplifying signal. Here are a few tips to avoid it:
1. Retract Your Steps
Car theft used to involve smashing a window and hotwires. However, thieves are now utilizing technology to duplicate the key fob's signal to enter and steal your car. These tech-savvy thieves can simply be outside your home and take over the wireless signal which allows them to open and start your car without having any physical keys or even touching your key fob. This is referred to as "relay attack" and it's a growing issue for Canadian drivers and insurance providers alike.
The majority of modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry and ignition systems that utilize the wireless signal to open your doors and start the engine. The system works by transmitting a signal via the key fob to the vehicle, which is able to detect signals from sensors inside your car, which detect your presence and automatically lock the doors. However, thieves with a keen eye can employ relay attacks to steal the signal and take your vehicle, even if you have the key fob in your pocket.
Relay attacks operate by using an amplifier transmitter that collects and relays the signal from your key fob, thereby overriding the security system in your vehicle. This method is more efficient and more secure than stealing your actual key. It takes just 10 to 20 minutes to rob your car. Thieves can often use this method to target vehicles that use a remote starter, such as Honda's CR-V, Toyota's Highlander and Lexus' RX.
Fortunately, this issue is preventable by reprogramming the vehicle to turn off its anti-theft system. You can do this by following the steps in your car's manual or by consulting a professional technician.
When reprogramming your vehicle it is essential to follow the appropriate procedures for your make and model to ensure that the process is completed precisely. Inadequately following the procedure could cause the anti-theft system in your vehicle to reset and stop working.
If you're having trouble reprogramming your vehicle Try disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes before reconnecting it. This might reset the system which will allow it to recognize the new key fob. Also, be sure to insert the key into the door cylinder manually (rather than using the key fob) and turn it around.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
If your car is fitted with a key fob, then you must contact your insurance company as quickly as you can. Your agent will assist you in deactivating the fob and create the new one for you. It is also a good idea to call the police to report on the theft. This will help catch the culprits and get your vehicle back.
Take preventive measures to protect yourself against keyless car thefts in the near future. For instance, it's a good idea to not leave your key fob out in the open or on an open desk or table. Also, think about investing in anti-burglar letters boxes or Faraday bags. These items will stop hackers from gaining access to your vehicle through blocking the signals coming from your key fob.
A lot of car manufacturers have an option that allows you to turn off your fob when not being used. This means that you can still lock the car's door by using your remote, but the fob will no more work to unlock the car or start it. Check with your car manufacturer to determine if this feature is available for your vehicle.
Some manufacturers have even gone further, offering motion sensors that can deactivate the fob's function when it's not in use. BMW, Audi, and Ford are all examples. Jaguar and Land Rover, meanwhile, offer a fob that uses ultra wide-band radio technology to more info prevent thieves from being able block the signal from your vehicle.
It is also a good idea to be diligent about not putting valuables in your car and to consider keeping an RFID tracker tag on the fob of your key for added security. In the event that it is stolen, you will have a greater chance of getting it back since the person who stole it will be tracked and will have an easier time selling the fob on the black market. If you do lose your key fob, it is also a good idea to contact an area locksmith company for help deactivating it and arranging a replacement. They can offer this service for a lower price than dealers.
3. Contact Your Dealership
If you own a more modern vehicle, chances are that it has an electronic key fob that will open the car's door, start the engine, and set off the alarm. This innovation has improved antitheft by removing the need for keys. However, a savvy car thief can still employ techniques to gain access to your vehicle.
The signal from your key fob could be amplified by thieves. This allows thieves to open your doors and turn off the ignition from a distance of up to feet. They can then drive away. To prevent this from happening, a driver should always store their key fob in a metal or tin pouch that can block the signals from being amplified. This also applies to spare key fobs that one might have.
A professional locksmith can assist you to deactivate your car key fob. The first step is to read the manual for your specific model. Some models require you to bring the vehicle to a dealer for deactivation. A locksmith can deactivate and reprogram the car for a lower cost.
The dealer can also be a great resource for determining whether your vehicle was stolen by one of their employees. Utilizing inventory management systems to keep track of the movements of vehicles and keys inside the dealership is a great method to spot any discrepancies that could be a sign of internal theft. In addition, using cameras and other security measures around the facility can help decrease the chance of theft by employees or customers.
To protect yourself, be certain to park in a garage overnight and keep your key fob in a metallic pouch or a tin. These simple steps can increase the distance between your vehicle and your key fob, which will prevent thieves from stealing it through a technique called relay theft. Additionally, homeowners can enhance their security in their homes by installing motion detector lighting and CCTV cameras. This will stop criminals from pursuing your home or vehicle.
4. Reprogram your car
The final step in deactivating the key fob of a stolen car is to reprogram your car to ensure that the previous key won't work anymore. This can be accomplished by a locksmith or dealership, depending on your car model. It is a simple process. It will erase all codes from the old key, rendering it useless. This will stop thieves from gaining access to your vehicle.
Some car thieves use devices that capture and amplify the signal sent by the key fob on an automobile which allows them to open the doors, start the engine, and then leave the scene. This technique is called a relay attack. It's just one of the many high-tech methods criminals employ to steal cars today.
Criminals can also use devices to connect to the data port or onboard diagnostics (ODB) which is found in various locations on your vehicle. It permits them to download the key transponder fob's coding and then clone it on a donor key for the car model you have chosen.
You can reduce the risk of your car being taken away by taking the necessary steps to stop thieves from gaining access to the key fob's number. You can use a Faraday bag or pouch that blocks electromagnetic signals by using a material that blocks signals. You can also purchase an alarm for your car that will notify you when someone is interfering with your vehicle.
You may want to consider having your car resettled so keys from previous owners cannot be used. It can be expensive but it's better than losing your car.
If you've lost keys to your car, you should retrace your steps to determine if they were stolen or not. If they are, then the next step is to call your insurance company and the dealership. The dealership will then send you a the replacement key that will be programmed in order to replace the key that was stolen. Make sure you have insurance that covers the cost of replacing a car.