Archive for May, 2011

EVERY 33 SECONDS, A CAR IS STOLEN IN THE UNITED STATES

Business is booming for car thieves.

In a  down economy, more people are keeping their old cars running longer than in previous years; hence, driving up the demand for repairs and parts. Old cars are easier to steal for parts because they may not have the best anti-theft systems.

Two Layer Security

It is difficult to steal modern cars equipped with complex two layer security, but not entirely imposible. Computer hackers may try to beat the transponder security features with sophisticated programs to hack into your cars computer. But they also have to get around the physical protection:ignition lock, steering column locking mechanism, gear selector lock, and protected ignition switch.

However, it takes 20 minutes or more to hack into a keyless system and the hacker has to be in a secluded area and in close proximity to the vehicle.

I was recently amused by an article that described a low tech means of masking your transponder key signal, so that a hacker would be unable to intercept the signal with a reader equipped, laptop computer. Simply, wrap your car keys in aluminun foil to mask the radio signature of the chip and pray that it works.

Physical protection

Pull out your car keys, and examine your ignition key closely, notice that it consists of a metal blade and a hard plastic or rubber casing. Inside that hard casing is a transponder chip, better known as RFID chip. RFID is a two way Anti-Theft Security that prevents thieves from stealing your car. Transponders in your car keys provide electronic security.

Take a closer look at the metal blade, notice how the theeth are cut, if the teeth look jagged like a sharks teeth, then any locksmith can cut this car key because it’s not laser cut.

Volvo car keys on the other hand are laser cut, only the dealership can cut those. Laser keys have a smooth cut, both on the edge as well as on the sides. The laser cuts on the sides of the Volvo car key have a fancy design that can only be done by a high tech laser cutting machine. Laser cut car keys provide an extra barrier of physical security that thiefs have to beat.

Now, a car key that has been cut can both open the car doors and turn in the ignition, but will not start your car. This is because the car key has not been programmed to your car. The vehicles computer does not recognise that car key.

What is a Transponder – Electronic Security

A  transponder is a two-way (sending and receiving) electronic security device. Examples of a transponder are: Wireless car remotes, wireless garage door openers, and chipped keys.

Transponder Keys, also known as Chip Keys and Ignition keys

This type of car key reduces the chance of theft and increases the difficulty of getting a duplicate set of keys.

How a Transponder Key Works

Whatever you wish to call it, ignition key, transponder key or chip key; this is a key equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID Chip).

The transponder chip is embedded within the head of the ignition key, allowing the driver to carry a vital component of the car security system with him or her.

When activated, the transponder or radio transmitter/ receiver sends a coded signal to your engine. If the code is correct your car will start. But if the code is wrong your car will not start.

The secret code is a random set of numbers and letters transmitted to a transceiver (transmitter-receiver), a reader within the ignition module.

The ignition module comprises of a ring antenna, around the outer ignition lock where the car key slides in or mates with the ignition lock.

When the ignition key is mated with the ignition lock and rotated, the vehicle electronics and systems are activated. This action completes a circuit and a signal is sent: first to the transceiver, then to the ring antenna, and finally to the transponder, embedded in the head of the key.

The ring antenna, acts like an induction coil or electromagnet around the transponder car key. The ensuing electromagnetic field around the transponder key energizes the transponder – chip key.

The excited transponder sends a return signal back to the ring antenna, completing the circuit and your car starts right away.

Conclusion

What you see here is a two way radio frequency communication between the ignition key and steering column.

• First, the ignition computer asks the transponder key to identify itself.
• Secondly, the transponder chip replies by sending out the correct code and the reader (transceiver) checks it’s memory for a match.
• Finally, if the code is a match made in car heaven, the marriage will be consummated and the car will start.

The transponder system provides a sophisticated electronic anti-theft deterrent, and only a highly skilled professional thief (hacker) with programming knowledge and tools has any hope of beating the system. By any chance, if the hacker is succesful it will take far too long to be worth his time to hack into the system.

USE COMMON SENSE WHEN PARKING AND EXITING YOUR VEHICLE

CAR KEY TIP

Ladies, have your car keys on-hand when walking into an isolated parking spot at night, press the panic button if you have reason to fear for your life or to prevent a sex crime from happening.

Your car keys are a security system that you have on hand and that can be deployed at short notice by pressing the panic button. keep your car keys beside your bed at night, just incase you hear a noise outside, like someone trying to break into your house or if you see some suspicious activity outside. The loud car alarm will scare off a burglar.

Sources

NHTSA

Forensic Auto

Replacing lost car keys and key fobs is not only expensive, but will also leave you stranded, marooned, vulnerable, helpless, inconvenienced, and unsafe.

If you are traveling or have no spare key you will have to be towed to the nearest dealership and wait several days for a blank key to  be ordered and programmed for you. Most important, your wallet will be $500 lighter at the end of the ordeal.

Volvo’s like most modern cars uses special Anti-Theft keys known as transponder keys or chip keys, your car most likely has one too.

New Volvo ignition keys costs between $180 – $200 and a flip Volvo car key about $380 . A  Volvo Key fob, clicker or car remote costs about $280 and requires seperate programming for both the remote and the key.

In addition, you have to factor in the cost of having your car towed to the dealership if you have no spare car key. In total, you are looking at spending about $400 to replace your lost car key and another $100 to have your car towed to the dealership.

The price includes parts, labor and programming:

A blank key is laser cut to specification by a high tech laser key cutting machine; the car key is then programmed to the car through VIDA (Volvo Diagnostic computer);programming enables the car key and the car to talk to each other through a code (special sequence of numbers and letters).

The Volvo ignition module allows a total of five to six keys to be programmed to your car.

How to order a new car key

• Call the dealership and set up an appointment for a replacement car key.
• Parts department will cut you a new car key if you have a spare key by using the vehicle identification number or VIN number to reproduce a new key. If you have no spare key, have your car towed to the dealership.
• A blank car key has to be ordered if you don’t have a spare car key and this takes two to three business days.
• The new key is cut and programmed to your car. This costs about one labor hour.
• Alternatively, a locksmith may cut you a new key but only a Volvo Dealership can program the key for you.
• Test your new key, make sure it works.