Kill Switch

[@WhiteBronze392]

I already had the Locking Hood Latches, installed the Mobilistics as well, thanks for the heads up, works like a champ...I'm going to put one remote behind something soft on the interior so it is hidden and easy to access....
View attachment 27701

I had a few instances initially of it not starting when pressing the button even though the light lit up on the remote. Pulling the relay and reinstalling cured that instantly but I put some dielectric grease on the terminals and have not had the issue since (knock on wood)

 

[LTZ470]

I had a few instances initially of it not starting when pressing the button even though the light lit up on the remote. Pulling the relay and reinstalling cured that instantly but I put some dielectric grease on the terminals and have not had the issue since (knock on wood)

Thanks! Haven't had any issues at all I tried it for the whole day in/out of the Jeep no issues worked perfectly...

I'm in the backwoods now, will install it before I go back to DFW...for the price can't be beat!

 

[Ted392]

On the TRX forum, a new company is offering single and double kill switches. I do not know the company nor have I bought their product. Just passing along another option.

2014-2023 Jeep Wrangler - All models Archives - JW² Innovations

www.jw2innovations.com

 

[Viking Jeeper]

On the TRX forum, a new company is offering single and double kill switches. I do not know the company nor have I bought there product. Just passing along another option.

2014-2023 Jeep Wrangler - All models Archives - JW² Innovations

www.jw2innovations.com

I have one of the original single but I really like the idea of double. Once they find one they might just give up.

 

[SunsetHill]

Wouldn't start quite often. Very frustrating. The remote didn't work but there was no way to know, so pressed it again and then still wouldn't start. I had the fuel pump circuit relay. Nearly wore out my starter and battery and my patience.

For the benefit of all here, the Mobilistics folks sent me this diagram in a PDF indicating their fuel pump relay is for manual transmissions while their start relay is for automatic transmissions:

The chart above says up to year 2023 but I have a model year 2024 and here is what they told me in an email dated Dec-22-2023:

Our information show there is no fusebox change from 2023 to 2024. I am sending a pdf of the fuse box for 2023, Your fuse box should be the same and describes the starter relay we show, on the inside of the fusebox lid. We are verifying applications for 2024 now.

Next, here is a YT video where some amateurs make quick work of defeating several popular physical anti-theft devices in spite of their 4 and 5 star ratings on Amazon:

Next, here is an informative article about the "CAN bus injection" method of stealing cars:

CAN Injection: keyless car theft

This is a detective story about how a car was stolen - and how it uncovered an epidemic of high-tech car theft. It begins with a tweet. In April 2022, my friend Ian Tabor tweeted that vandals had been at his car, pulling apart the headlight and unplugging the cables.

kentindell.github.io

Last, I have emailed an area installer of IGLA asking how effective IGLA is against CAN bus injections. I provided the company the above article to help them with their response to me. I can post here what they say. Although, they are a car audio company installing sound systems and were referred to me by the apparent manufacturer, author-alarm, so I've yet to ask these car stereo guys just how many IGLA units they have installed. Kinda nervous here.

Author-Alarm's website says they make the IGLA 200 and the IGLA 231 and I read on a RAV4 forum some comments that I have not vetted so take them for what they are worth:

"IGLA works fine with Hybrid, but it needs to be proper version with AR20 analog relay to protect against CAN bus shortcut attack."

"Do you have some links explaining why the AR20 is really required? I thought IGLA 231 would protect against CAN bus injection since it gets connected directly to the CAN bus."

"My IGLA installer told me that a CAN Bus attack does not work to get the car away but it might damage the cars controls."

Has anyone installed Autowatch Ghost II or IGLA in their...

Will be getting a 2023 rav4 xse hybrid in about a month and would like to install a true anti-theft system like Autowatch's Ghost II or IGLA. Has anyone with a Gen5 RAV4 Hybrid successfully done this?

www.rav4world.com

As you can probably tell I am researching how to protect my new 392, arriving to my dealer sometime this month. I am investigating two complementary concepts, before the theft and after the theft:

1) anti-theft systems - primarily Ravelco, IGLA (and I bought NorthRidge4x4 steel hood locks)
2) theft recovery systems - primarily RecovR, LoJack

Hope any of this is helpful.

 

[Jdub82]

Short explanation without reading the rest of my post…Mobilistics works on 2024 models.

I just took possession of my 2024 before Christmas and just installed the Mobilistics relay switch yesterday. The Jeep Won’t start without pushing the remote trigger. What’s interesting is you actually have to turn the vehicle on for the relay to work. This is explained in the directions. I press the Jeep start button and then the Mobilistics remote button starts the Jeep. I don’t like the other kill switch options at the push button switch as the thieves are accessing the CANBUS port behind the glove box. I looked at those TRX kill switch options and if I’m understanding it correctly they can still steal the Jeep. Push button kill switch option should work for those thieves that are cloning the key signal. USA Today just ran an article telling people to keep their keys in a faraday cage and to keep their keys far away from their vehicles parked inside your garage. Here I thought some people on this forum were tin foil hat wearing worry worts! Turns out the former Israeli Air Force expert recommended wrapping key with aluminum foil…not head

Why you should keep your key fob in a metal (coffee) can — USA TODAY

Crimes committed by tech-savvy car thieves using special tools purchased on the internet are contributing to a spike vehicle thefts.

apple.news

I installed the rugged ridge locking hood latches to prevent access to the fuse box. Yes you can open them with a couple of Allen keys as one member suggested. But it’s a Pain in the #$$ as you can’t get direct access to the rear Allen head. It just spins while turning the front. I haven’t tried, but that pin while latched is under preload tension and won’t be easy to remove. Hopefully this is enough deterrent and frustration that the thief moves on. If they really want it, they’ll just flat tow it

 

[Exec_392]

For the benefit of all here, the Mobilistics folks sent me this diagram in a PDF indicating their fuel pump relay is for manual transmissions while their start relay is for automatic transmissions:

View attachment 29747

The chart above says up to year 2023 but I have a model year 2024 and here is what they told me in an email dated Dec-22-2023:

Our information show there is no fusebox change from 2023 to 2024. I am sending a pdf of the fuse box for 2023, Your fuse box should be the same and describes the starter relay we show, on the inside of the fusebox lid. We are verifying applications for 2024 now.

Next, here is a YT video where some amateurs make quick work of defeating several popular physical anti-theft devices in spite of their 4 and 5 star ratings on Amazon:

Next, here is an informative article about the "CAN bus injection" method of stealing cars:

CAN Injection: keyless car theft

This is a detective story about how a car was stolen - and how it uncovered an epidemic of high-tech car theft. It begins with a tweet. In April 2022, my friend Ian Tabor tweeted that vandals had been at his car, pulling apart the headlight and unplugging the cables.

kentindell.github.io

Last, I have emailed an area installer of IGLA asking how effective IGLA is against CAN bus injections. I provided the company the above article to help them with their response to me. I can post here what they say. Although, they are a car audio company installing sound systems and were referred to me by the apparent manufacturer, author-alarm, so I've yet to ask these car stereo guys just how many IGLA units they have installed. Kinda nervous here.

Author-Alarm's website says they make the IGLA 200 and the IGLA 231 and I read on a RAV4 forum some comments that I have not vetted so take them for what they are worth:

"IGLA works fine with Hybrid, but it needs to be proper version with AR20 analog relay to protect against CAN bus shortcut attack."

"Do you have some links explaining why the AR20 is really required? I thought IGLA 231 would protect against CAN bus injection since it gets connected directly to the CAN bus."

"My IGLA installer told me that a CAN Bus attack does not work to get the car away but it might damage the cars controls."

Has anyone installed Autowatch Ghost II or IGLA in their...

Will be getting a 2023 rav4 xse hybrid in about a month and would like to install a true anti-theft system like Autowatch's Ghost II or IGLA. Has anyone with a Gen5 RAV4 Hybrid successfully done this?

www.rav4world.com

As you can probably tell I am researching how to protect my new 392, arriving to my dealer sometime this month. I am investigating two complementary concepts, before the theft and after the theft:

1) anti-theft systems - primarily Ravelco, IGLA (and I bought NorthRidge4x4 steel hood locks)
2) theft recovery systems - primarily RecovR, LoJack

Hope any of this is helpful.

You need an alarm there. LoJack is useless don’t waste your time or money. In the 90s almost every police dept had the transponder scanner system in their cars, now that number is ALOT less. The recovr system is nice you get the 5k if it gets stolen, but can be ripped out and is just a gps device designed for fleet management.

1) is good everything you have there
2) id replace LoJack with compustar (T13 remote kit, alarmit bundle and you’ll have drone mobile which is gps, ignition/start/shock/window break sensors alerts)

The key to the two phase approach is deterrent. Nothing you mentioned deters theft other than the hood locks but that’s a passive soft device, meaning it’s a visual deterrent, but that’s it, can be defeated.

The alarm, compustar, is important because it’s two way alerting and comms, 24/7 with your car. If someone taps the window to check if it has an alarm, which is now more apparent with thefts, it’ll go off. If they still decide to try and go to program a key, with IGLA they’ll get a “error” message since the pin hasn’t been enabled and the IGLA sits and blocks these commands without the PIN code being entered. If Ravelco, key can be programmed but everything else is a waste since without the plug the car is dead.

So two phase. One is active deterrent to prevent the theft attempt and communicate the attempt to you and others (compustar), and one is to prevent the actual theft, ie: Ravelco/igla.

One thing on the kill switch, that harness connects to the start button, is fine, it obviously can be defeated also but it’s a good low tech device. The guy on the TRX forums that makes it has sold a bunch including to me, I had one before I got the Ravelco in that. Hide the switch wherever. Good to produce more of the one enemy to the thief, time.

 

[SunsetHill]

The key to the two phase approach is deterrent. Nothing you mentioned deters theft other than the hood locks but that’s a passive soft device, meaning it’s a visual deterrent, but that’s it, can be defeated.

Kinda sounds like you've added a third phase to my plan:
1) deterrence - hood locks, Ravelco window stickers, etc. (Does the Compustar T13 belong here?)
2) actual prevention except for towing - Ravelco, IGLA
3) recovery after they tow it - RecovR, LoJack (can you mention others, anybody?)

You mentioned the dronemobile. It, like many other devices I've checked into, seems to try to sell me a lot of unuseful product. Read below my responses to their selling points from their website to get a gist of where I'm at with all of this:

What is DroneMobile?​

Vehicle Control App
DroneMobile gives you the power to remote start and secure your vehicle from virtually anywhere!
I don't need or want remote start. I've already got that in the 2024 392 and I plan to disable it. And I can manually lock my vehicle each time I leave it, like I've been doing for 40+ years. I have that power already.

GPS Car Tracker
Find your parking spot or stay connected with other drivers in your family.
I've never had a problem finding my car after 40 years and at my age I don't need to be connected with family members while I drive. Besides, isn't that what Android Auto is for?

Vehicle Monitor
Keeping tabs on your vehicle has never been easier.
I've never misplaced my vehicle. I'm the sole driver; where does it go without me? Now, if they want to talk about vehicle recovery, they should get on it and talk in depth about it, because I'm ready to listen.

Smart Car Alarm
Get notified the moment something happens to your vehicle.
THIS is the relevant and important aspect of this product that I will need to compare to other products.

But they want a paid subscription for all of it. If I can buy any of the above features a la carte, that would be enticing.

I saw the Compustar CS752-A which may be an a la carte solution. Gotta find out of their fob is any less susceptible to code hijacking than the Jeep fob.

 

[Exec_392]

Kinda sounds like you've added a third phase to my plan:
1) deterrence - hood locks, Ravelco window stickers, etc. (Does the Compustar T13 belong here?)
2) actual prevention except for towing - Ravelco, IGLA
3) recovery after they tow it - RecovR, LoJack (can you mention others, anybody?)

You mentioned the dronemobile. It, like many other devices I've checked into, seems to try to sell me a lot of unuseful product. Read below my responses to their selling points from their website to get a gist of where I'm at with all of this:

What is DroneMobile?​

Vehicle Control App
DroneMobile gives you the power to remote start and secure your vehicle from virtually anywhere!
I don't need or want remote start. I've already got that in the 2024 392 and I plan to disable it. And I can manually lock my vehicle each time I leave it, like I've been doing for 40+ years. I have that power already.

GPS Car Tracker
Find your parking spot or stay connected with other drivers in your family.
I've never had a problem finding my car after 40 years and at my age I don't need to be connected with family members while I drive. Besides, isn't that what Android Auto is for?

Vehicle Monitor
Keeping tabs on your vehicle has never been easier.
I've never misplaced my vehicle. I'm the sole driver; where does it go without me? Now, if they want to talk about vehicle recovery, they should get on it and talk in depth about it, because I'm ready to listen.

Smart Car Alarm
Get notified the moment something happens to your vehicle.
THIS is the relevant and important aspect of this product that I will need to compare to other products.

But they want a paid subscription for all of it. If I can buy any of the above features a la carte, that would be enticing.

I saw the Compustar CS752-A which may be an a la carte solution. Gotta find out of their fob is any less susceptible to code hijacking than the Jeep fob.

take a step back. Drone mobile is not a selling point by itself. You can use it, but that’s not what it’s designed for.

It’s a module located in the car that connects to cellular and the alarm and gives you gps, telematics on voltage, car ignition on/off, doors open, you can control the alarm with it also. Geofencing etc. some of those features are only for idiots, like people who lose their car shopping, the ones on their website lol.

Its main use is to interface with the alarm. The drone X1 is what comes with the remote kit, in the case I mentioned the T13, the best and most common. There’s others. X1 max has a battery backup so even if the alarm is cut out it’ll still work for recovery.

Now onto the fob, the compustar system uses rolling codes and 128bit encryption, so it’s not as susceptible to the relay/cloning that OEM remotes have issue with. Talk to an installer not the website, like Ravelco and IGLA the most useful info comes from those with experience installing it, for anti theft reasons it’s not all out there for everyone to see. I have not heard of a compustar two way remote being compromised

 

[SunsetHill]

I clicked on their link for the manual for the Compustar CS752-A but what pulled up was a manual for a Firstech 700R. Sigh. I emailed them for the correct manual.
Then I saw a 1-star rating in that listing from 7/9/23 saying, "Evasive. They allways send you to the installer". That's not encouraging.
Geez, the T13 reviews were not much better.
We'll see what they send me.

 

[Exec_392]

I clicked on their link for the manual for the Compustar CS752-A but what pulled up was a manual for a Firstech 700R. Sigh. I emailed them for the correct manual.
Then I saw a 1-star rating in that listing from 7/9/23 saying, "Evasive. They allways send you to the installer". That's not encouraging.
Geez, the T13 reviews were not much better.
We'll see what they send me.

To the installer. Don’t waste your time. Firstech products are for professionals (maker of compustar) These systems aren’t something that anyone will disclose any information to a non installer. I’ve had compustar systems on 10+ cars and never had an issue. The people leaving bad reviews, are like the people who buy a steak well done and complain about its taste. You gotta know what you’re getting into, best bet for information for you, is like I said to talk to a local dealer.

If you want to do it yourself, this isn’t it. The CS752-A is a one way cheap car alarm with a base alarm module and none of the advanced features I’ve mentioned. The T13 is just a remote kit, that adds onto a professional alarm module, could be either a CMX or DC3 depending on the installer. The CMX is what proper installers use as it’s highly configurable. So don’t just search their site for the kits, that’s not how it works and you won’t find answers. Speak to a local installer, it’s a solution not a kit.

 

[LTZ470]

Immobilizer Systems – ARA Auto Accessories

araautoaccessories.com

 

[SunsetHill]

Immobilizer Systems – ARA Auto Accessories

araautoaccessories.com

Thank you. That link led me to this one:

Ghost-II by Autowatch - Revolutionised Vehicle Protection

Ghost-II has revolutionised vehicle protection by seamlessly integrating with your vehicle’s electronic system, making it untraceable.

autowatchcanada.com

where I downloaded the Ghost II manual and I messaged them to provide authorized dealers (plural) in my area.

So far, Ravelco, RecovR, and now Ghost II are providing me upfront information before the sale. IGLA, not so much.

 

[Casper]

IGLA, not so much.

Broken record: IGLA is made in Russia. It is a potential Trojan Horse same like Kaspersky anti-virus is. There is no direct support with them. They are going around the embargo by opening a Slovak affiliate (btw, that's a Russian/Slovak speaking country - nothing against it,, just FYI). Good luck contacting them.

It would not be surprising if the same programmers are providing others tools for nefarious purposes.

 

[Casper]

Thank you. That link led me to this one:

Ghost-II by Autowatch - Revolutionised Vehicle Protection

Ghost-II has revolutionised vehicle protection by seamlessly integrating with your vehicle’s electronic system, making it untraceable.

autowatchcanada.com

where I downloaded the Ghost II manual and I messaged them to provide authorized dealers (plural) in my area.

So far, Ravelco, RecovR, and now Ghost II are providing me upfront information before the sale. IGLA, not so much.

Ghost is well known and respected in the UK. They also are recognized as a car safety device by the UK Insurance Association which provides the insurer a discount for having it.

I don't have the links handy to provide you, but a Google search will point you to them is so interested.

Unfortunately Ghost is not available I think in the US, only Canada.

 

[SunsetHill]

Ghost is well known and respected in the UK. They also are recognized as a car safety device by the UK Insurance Association which provides the insurer a discount for having it.

I don't have the links handy to provide you, but a Google search will point you to them is so interested.

Unfortunately Ghost is not available I think in the US, only Canada.

The Canadian site had a page to contact them to be told where the installers are and the drop down menu in their message format included not just the provinces of Canada but all 50 States.

So, it sounds like there could be places in the USA. I selected Washington and in the Notes field that they provided I asked for just the western half of Washington State, hopefully sending them the message to not direct me across the border to Vancouver, BC. I hear that's not a fun wait in line, the border.

 

[Casper]

I did see the referenced link was in the UK so I googled and found their URL for Canada. There, they had a page to contact them to be told where the installers are and the drop down menu in their message format included not just the provinces of Canada but all 50 States.

So, it sounds like there could be places in the USA. I selected Washington and in the Notes field that they provided I asked for just the western half of Washington State, hopefully sending them the message to not direct me across the border to Vancouver, BC. I hear that's not a fun wait in line, the border.

Please keep us posted. It will give more legitimate alternative to people that like the "Made in Russia" IGLA.

BTW, you are correct, it's "Ghost II", not "Ghost" (an older system).

 

[Lee#144]

I’ve had zero issues with my IGLA setup. My installer was professional and the System has been flawless. I live in a high theft area and require my truck for trips to other high theft areas (Dallas/Houston) hotels. I’ve never had any issues. My biggest concern is someone attempting to steal it and break a window so I added a sensitive shock sensor and a few decals for the security system. You have some options to use with igla as they make a small fob or you can use an app on your phone or you can select a PIN code to start. I’ve used all 3 in some capacity without issue but primarily use the PIN code. For the Jeep we use the PIN code as well.

 

[Casper]

I’ve had zero issues with my IGLA setup. My installer was professional and the System has been flawless. I live in a high theft area and require my truck for trips to other high theft areas (Dallas/Houston) hotels. I’ve never had any issues. My biggest concern is someone attempting to steal it and break a window so I added a sensitive shock sensor and a few decals for the security system. You have some options to use with igla as they make a small fob or you can use an app on your phone or you can select a PIN code to start. I’ve used all 3 in some capacity without issue but primarily use the PIN code. For the Jeep we use the PIN code as well.

Funny how nobody seems to care how a "Made in Russia" product got through an embargo legally...

If you had no issues, means that nobody even tried to steal it, so IGLA or no IGLA it didn't matter.

I wonder why we never hear about people whose car was broken in but can prove that it wasn't actually stolen BECAUSE of IGLA.

The only people vouching for IGLA are: installers and the TRX forum IGLA mafia, as well as people that have it installed but never gotten broken in.

Ravelco has tons of testimonials on their web site. Does anyone even know what IGLA's website is???

 

[SunsetHill]

I’ve had zero issues with my IGLA setup. My installer was professional and the System has been flawless. I live in a high theft area and require my truck for trips to other high theft areas (Dallas/Houston) hotels. I’ve never had any issues. My biggest concern is someone attempting to steal it and break a window so I added a sensitive shock sensor and a few decals for the security system. You have some options to use with igla as they make a small fob or you can use an app on your phone or you can select a PIN code to start. I’ve used all 3 in some capacity without issue but primarily use the PIN code. For the Jeep we use the PIN code as well.

Thanks for your input. Of the three methods, are you able to use only one at a time until you might re-option the system for one of the other methods or do you always have the choice of all three at any time?

Anything about its operation that you wish was better?

Was your installer associated with a car dealership or was with some other type of business, like an automotive stereo installation company? Or was a private individual authorized to install? Compustar, for instance, is directing me to Best Buy and Car Toys for installation and this is throwing me somewhat. Best Buy?