Protecting my new 4Runner
- Thread starter alaskaman
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rolla_dink
New member
layers of security
The best bet is layers of security, immobilizer, steering lock, kill switch, alarm, tracking device, and etc. Also a little common sense and extra effort of where you park your car makes a difference.
I've personally gone with a glorified kill switch, and tracking device with the stock immobilizer. but really if someone really wants the car they are going to haul if off and take it anyways.
The best bet is layers of security, immobilizer, steering lock, kill switch, alarm, tracking device, and etc. Also a little common sense and extra effort of where you park your car makes a difference.
I've personally gone with a glorified kill switch, and tracking device with the stock immobilizer. but really if someone really wants the car they are going to haul if off and take it anyways.
Uneek
Super Moderator
Just the OEM system. I think the stolen 4Runner thread recently involved the keys being stolen. Which in that case would not be preventable even with an aftermarket alarm system (since most people keep the remote/fob with the vehicle keys).
We can only slow them down or make our 4Runners a less ideal target so the theif will move on to an easier vehicle. A determined theif will take get it no matter what. Like mentioned above, if they're going to steal it, they'll either flatbed it or carjack it. Just like sportbikes, if it's locked with disc brake locks, they'll just put it in the back of a truck.
We can only slow them down or make our 4Runners a less ideal target so the theif will move on to an easier vehicle. A determined theif will take get it no matter what. Like mentioned above, if they're going to steal it, they'll either flatbed it or carjack it. Just like sportbikes, if it's locked with disc brake locks, they'll just put it in the back of a truck.
dingo
New member
I have an Autolock bar braced between the floor and the arm of the brake pedal. It basically prevents any brake pedal travel so you can't shift out of Park. It's probably unnecessary with the immobilizer system, but I figure I'd use it anyway since it was left over when we got rid of our sedans. It's big, bright, and red so it also serves as a visual deterrent of sorts I guess. I am still considering installing LoJack though. I also make damn sure my truck keys are secured on my person, in my pocket, while tethered to my belt loop with a lanyard before I walk away. I know it's overkill, but I'll go with the seemingly stupid idiosyncrasies if it means preventing my $30k+ trucks from driving away by themselves.
dingo
New member
In a nutshell, the immobilizer checks the inserted key's electronic ID/transponder chip. This chip is housed in the thick rubber head of the key. If the ID checks out then the associated ECU allows the authorized key to start the engine. If you cut a copy of the key but have no chip, you can still open the doors but will NOT be able to start the truck with it. You still need a chip AND electronically register its ID to the immobilizer ECU in order to start the truck. So in theory, if someone (god forbid) ever tried to hot wire your truck, they would be out of luck because no chip, truck no likey, no starty.
