Asked a cop friend how to steal a 4Runner

[Seymore Butts]

The local Fbook group's Denver area "stolen" posts gave me nightmares, so I started to explore some ways to harden the theft deterrent features of my 4th Gen. I asked a friend in the police department to check with auto theft and find out if there is now some easy way to defeat the venerable immobilizer.

Turns out, they're not aware of any cases where a Toyota immobilizer was somehow bypassed. The most effective way to do that is by replacing the ECM with one matched to a thief's own key, but that's a whole different level of preparation and technical skill that's usually reserved for extremely expensive vehicles.

Most of the thefts were a result of an extra key or key fob, in the case of push button starts, which the thief found in or on the vehicle.

While I feel better now, my deterrent project is still proceeding with some new ways to disable essential systems that make the 4Runner go. Of course, if they just show up with a tow truck, I'm screwed...

 

[Drcoffee]

You can splice a switch into the fuel pump circuit thru the inspection hole in the backseat. Use a relay and run a wire up to the front seat area. The trick is hiding it.

 

[JuniorPigeon]

With those throttle response controllers like the Sprint Booster I've read that you can set the pedal to "off" essentially. If you hid the switch you'd have to turn it on/off yourself, but so would a would be thief.

 

[benztech82]

There is another way, cutting a starter wire and routing it away from steering column and adding a switch so truck won't start unless circuit is complete.

 

[BackOff]

Could pull the EFI fuse in the engine bay.
Will turn over but not start.
Might confuse would-be thieves.

To fight the tow truck.
Pull all the wheels off and put it on blocks.
Might deter some...:hiding:

 

[Timboat]

What about lowjacks? Are they still a deterrent?

 

[Montego Murph]

You can splice a switch into the fuel pump circuit thru the inspection hole in the backseat. Use a relay and run a wire up to the front seat area. The trick is hiding it.

Just hide it in plain site using a switch marked "Aux Work Lamps" or something like that.

 

[RedSled]

You guys are really helping out the poor guys trying to steal these rigs, I’m sure they appreciate it.

 

[Steve Theodore]

What is the theft rate like on our 4Runners anyway? I'm not aware of them being easy or popular theft targets at all, other than their catalytic converters.

 

[pmoneys]

If someone wants to show up with a tow truck to steal my 4Runner with 255k miles, they are welcome to it. They hold their value well and I'll just be patient and find a deal when gas prices go back up.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Its real simple, just park beside a beater and don't leave the keys in your car.

 

[zig553]

You might not have to worry about your 4th gen as the need for a physical key could be a theft deterrent these days. It looks like up north here they're going after 5th gens/Lexus GX's without keys as they can easily clone the fobs for them.

Toyota, Lexus owners warned about thefts that use '''relay attacks''' | CBC News

Canadian Gangs Stealing Toyota Trucks And SUVs With Ease | CarBuzz

 

[SurferUK]

The local Fbook group's Denver area "stolen" posts gave me nightmares, so I started to explore some ways to harden the theft deterrent features of my 4th Gen. I asked a friend in the police department to check with auto theft and find out if there is now some easy way to defeat the venerable immobilizer.

Turns out, they're not aware of any cases where a Toyota immobilizer was somehow bypassed. The most effective way to do that is by replacing the ECM with one matched to a thief's own key, but that's a whole different level of preparation and technical skill that's usually reserved for extremely expensive vehicles.

Most of the thefts were a result of an extra key or key fob, in the case of push button starts, which the thief found in or on the vehicle.

While I feel better now, my deterrent project is still proceeding with some new ways to disable essential systems that make the 4Runner go. Of course, if they just show up with a tow truck, I'm screwed...

The Japanese market cars have a speed limiter of 112mph required by law, and I've read that Toyota are the hardest if not impossible to crack.

Hopefully that says something for the integrity of the anti-theft systems too.

 

[War_Paint]

You could always slap a Ford Triton V8 badge on it, ain't nobody going to steal that.

 

[Ralph Blake]

I am more worried about the theft of my spare wheel&tire and the Cats.

 

[Hyde802]

On 1/2nd gens, you can pull the EFI fuse under the hood and it wont start.

There must be something like that for this gen. Should be simple to wire that to a hidden switch.