Expertise My background in auto theft is extensive. I have been directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft recovered vehicles. I also do insurance investigation as to how a vehicle was last operated. My clients are insurance companies and attorneys. Was featured in the A & E auto theft documentary "Stealing Wheels" July 26, 2000. Has consulted with Daimler Chrysler steering column engineers to make their steering columns harder to defeat. Holds patent # 6,039,140 for 8 different variations to protect air bags from theft.
Experience ROB PAINTER, ASE, CFL, CFEI
Forensic Vehicle Component Analyst
Diplomate, Board Certified Forensic Examiner
ASE Certified Auto, Collision, Med/Hvy/Duty Truck Technician
Certified Forensic Locksmith
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator
Certified Forensic Auto Theft Examiner
Certified Auto Theft and Fraud Expert
http://www.autotheftexpert.com
Email-rpainter@wi.rr.com
P.O. Box 190
Big Bend, WI 53103
Phone (414) 698-9696
Fax (262) 662-1352
As per federal court rules of evidence (702) (Daubert) my testimony has qualified me as:
Auto Theft and Fraud Expert
Forensic Vehicle Analyst
Fire Origin and Cause Expert
In the trial transcript of Holiday vs Progressive Insurance Company (March 12, 2002?Eugene, Oregon) with Holiday being my client-named ?the expert for experts.?
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Founder of the ?Forensic Institute of Auto Theft Analysis? (January 2002). This is the training school that will set the standards in determining the last operation of a reported stolen vehicle-burned or unburned. Much of my testing and procedures have been accepted as the guide for the forensic community.
1986 opened Auto Recovery Specialists Inc., providing exclusive repair of theft recovered and vandalized vehicles. The initial concept of the business was to return vehicles to their original shape before the theft, vandalism or fire. In 1987 bought the rights to the theft deterrent known as the ?Chicago Collar?.
Duties include complete component replacement: dash, stereo system, interior,
locks and coding, rebuilding steering columns, repairing and installing vehicle security system components (factory and after market), engine components, body repair, glass replacement, repair and service of air conditioning components, brake and suspension repair, and replacement, wiring harnesses etc. to return vehicle to pre-theft condition Complete reconstruction.
During the past 17 years directly involved in the repair of over 10,000 theft-recovered and fire damaged
Personally examined and rebuilt thousands of steering columns on both import and domestic vehicles
Internationally acknowledged as expert in auto theft including court, consulting with insurance companies, attorneys and law enforcement.
Consultant on steering columns, locks, stereo systems and vehicle security for Special Investigation Units for many large insurance carriers during the past eight years. Consulting services include but not limited to: How a vehicle was last operated (with or without keys in burned or unburned vehicles), Origin and Cause of vehicle fires, and vehicle defects.
Provides services as a consultant and researcher to attorneys and insurance companies, and private industry throughout the US in cases related to vehicles.
Has worked with crime prevention officers throughout the US establishing training programs designed to protect the public from becoming victims of auto theft.
PATENT: 3/21/00 issued patent# 6,039,140 for 8 different variations of airbag anti-theft devices.
PUBLICATIONS
Currently authors articles and test reports on an ongoing basis for SIUs and the forensic/vehicle fire industry.
Published author: (1,297 slide training course) Auto Theft/ Fraud Training Course) ?The Modern Forensic Approach to Auto Theft Investigation.? (January, 2001)
Author: ?Variables to Be Considered In Vehicle Fire Investigation after Suppression.? (Insurance publication-November 2001)
Author: ?Ford Magnesium Steering Columns and the Results to Ignition Components after a Fire?. Article for peer review from the fire and forensic community. (November 2001)
Author: ?The Truth About GM VATS.? (Article) (November 2001)
Author: ?The Truth About GM PASSLOCK TM? (Article) (November 2001)
Author:? Auto Theft Investigation: Hollywood vs. Reality? (Article) (February 2001) For the John Cooke Fraud Report.
Published author: (Manual) ?Forensic Vehicle Fire/ Arson and Auto Theft Investigation? (October 2000)
Published author: (Article) ?Petty Claims? for the John Cooke Fraud Report (October, 1998)
Published author (Manual) ?AUTO THEFT: LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN!? (1998) (Previously distributed by Barnes & Nobel)
Co-authored the investigation manual, ?Surreptitious Entry & Auto Theft & Burn & the Investigator.? (1999)
Authored test questions on the subject of steering columns and vehicle security for CFL designation to be given by the International Association of Investigative Locksmiths. January, 2000
Published author: (Manual) ?Saginaw Steering Columns-What Has Not Been Told? Training manual for fire investigators. (March 2000)
Published (Article) ?Beyond The Lock? (May 2000)
Published Author: (Article) Fraud Defense Network-August, 2000 Edition-?Melting Steering Column Tests.? http://www.fraudreport.com/index.cfm?month=08&year=2000
Published author: (Test Report) ?Burned Toyota Steering Column Testing to Determine How Last Operated?. Tool marks and procedures. (December 1999) Currently at the FBI Crime Lab in Washington DC and the US Army Crime Lab in Atlanta, GA for peer review.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Defeated the ?unstealable? Ford Securilock transponder system for a court case 10/10/00. They said it could not be done!
Primary designer of a state of the art ?bait? car for a police department to catch car thieves.
Worked with The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration and
discovered a potential fire hazard on a vehicle and determined origin and cause of under hood fires on this type of vehicle.
Featured as ?Auto Theft Expert? in the A & E auto theft documentary ?Stealing Wheels? that aired July 26, 2000.
Contacted by Sears and Edelman Marketing to be a national spokesman for an anti theft device for vehicles. (November 1999)
Invited to provide evaluation and consulting to steering column engineers at Daimler Chrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, MI (10/19/99-10/22/99). The purpose of this project was to demonstrate how steering column locking mechanisms could be defeated without the use of a key and how to reinforce the columns against theft.
Court Qualified as an Auto Theft Expert and my videos of defeating columns were also accepted by a Cleveland, Ohio Court in October 1999 as a valid piece of evidence.
Contacted by Disney Touchstone Pictures for technical assistance in making the movie ?Gone in 60 Seconds? (March 1999)
CONSULTANT FOR FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS
? Former contributor for The Insurance News Network (Auto theft and prevention) includes heading a forum for the public on how to protect their vehicles for 3+ years.
? Former editor and consultant for the public on matters involving auto theft and prevention 2000-2001 on the web at http://www.autotheft_forum.com.
? The Insurance Career Center (Auto theft and fraud).
? National Association of Investigative Specialists (Auto theft and fraud)
? Expert Find (Auto theft and fraud}
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
? ASE (National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Auto: brakes, steering and suspension, engine repair, manual drive train and axles, air conditioning. Med/Heavy duty truck: gasoline engine repair, electrical/electronic components. Collision: elec.....
Q: Would you have any idea on why the alarm system is locking up the fuel pump and not letting the car ... A: You give me no information of the year make, model. You don't tell me what type of system you are ...
Q: My factory alarm stopped working and now I can't open my car doors with the key fob. What can I do? A: Ah, sorry I do apologize, but my expertise is in after market vehicle alarm systems. If yours is ...
Q: I just bought a 2002 (built in May, 2001) Explorer XLT from a used car only dealer. They put in a ... A: ok on the Karr, Please go direct for the answers you need. (1-800-960-KARR (5277)) or try ...
Q: Recently, the battery in a 1994 Mustang was changed. Now the car won't restart and the car alarm ... A: Seems the system is reset, and needs to be done again. Probably when it lost power. Right, Ok, ...
Q: locked keys inside a 2003 Grand Marquis. What is the best way to get in? A: I would suggest calling the local locksmith. They unlock cars like this on a daily basis. You ...
Q: I have read your answers, some yes, some no on other cars. Can I disable this system in my car? If ... A: I have had an average of 10 of the same question on this GM junk anti-theft system. Even though the ...
Q: how can i disable factory anti-theft system or reset it on a 2000 ford Taurus. A: Hmmmm, Likely to be factory if it's the car's own horn honking. However, if it's a siren and ...
Q: I just bought a 2002 (built in May, 2001) Explorer XLT from a used car only dealer. They put in a ... A: Please go to my forum at www.INSTALLSUPPORT.com and in the search bar there, type in the ...
Q: How do I disable the alarm system for a 2003 Lincoln Navigator? A: Ok, here's what I know... Normally, putting the key in the drivers side door lock, turning to the ...
Q: WE LOCKED THE CAR WITH THE FOB WHICH SET THE ALARM. THE FOB STOPPED WORKING (BATTERY GOOD) WHEN ... A: Model & year of the vehicle? Please be more descriptive if possible. "GOING OFF?" I need to ...
Q: i read what you posted about the 10 minute reset 3 times on a 98 pontiac grand am and have tried ... A: It is rare that the passlock has to be reset for no reason at all. If it doesn't start after ...
Q: I am looking to purchase a 1972 BMW 2002tii. The car is parts and appears to be in the process of ... A: Run, don't walk away from this deal! I am not familiar with the CA law washing titles after 6 ...
Q: Recently installed viper 5701 in 04 Explorer EB edition. Everything works with the exception of the ... A: No as the 2 systems would not be working together at that point, and unfortunately you can not be ...
Q: Can I bypass the PATS system? My F150 quit running. Now all it will do is crank & the theft light ... A: Yes as long as you have the 2 original keys for the truck, you can use a remote starter and the ...
Q: my read out is OFF iv got my card but cant put codes in iv took off battery cable but no good need ... A: I have no clue as to what your question is here. If you want to try to be more specific as to what ...
Q: I have a 1994 Toyota Pickup with an after the market alarm. It went off last night and I can't ... A: Ok, an installer would place the velet switch in a semi hidden area. I'd look under the dash area ...
Q: The factory installed Anti Theft system on my 1998 Ford F150 will go off even when the doors are not ... A: The system you are referring to is Ford's factory alarm and not the so-called anti-theft transponder ...
Q: I have a 1992 Ford Club Wagon that I want to disarm the OEM anti-theft device. The door locks go up ... A: Ok, an installer would place the velet switch in a semi hidden area. I'd look under the dash area ...
Q: I have a 2003 Chev Venture Van and recently it has been shutting off when I start out from a stop ... A: No, the PK III has nothing to do with stalling and only operates from the start circuit. Once ...
Q: okay i tried turning the key to start and pressing the button to reset but the light would not go on ... A: You were not writing to me. It may have been Bob at AutoTech. I don't get into discussions about ...
Q: i have a 1999 dodge durnage and the alarm came on and will not go off. the car wont start.... how ... A: Ok, an installer would place the velet switch in a semi hidden area. I'd look under the dash area ...
Q: I bought a 2005 Ford Focus for 6300$ with a rebuilt title, and my car was stolen!!! Now I dont know ... A: The problem is that consumers think they are getting a great deal by buying salvage. Yes, you can ...
Q: i have a 1996 Chrysler Sebring convertible that has a small leak. Unfortunately it rained for 4 days ... A: Please go to my forum at www.INSTALLSUPPORT.com and in the search bar there, type in the ...
Q: Our church recently recevived a donation of a 1994 Toyota Camry with a dealer installed KARR ... A: Yes, I am familiar with this junk system. It served as a "Spiff" to West Coast car dealers. They ...
Q: Is there a test I can do to tell if my vehicle came with a factory keyless entry or alarm, I just ... A: No sir, it was not a stupid question. I just didn't understand the context. I know quite a bit, and ...
Q: What is the procedure to use to set the alarm on a Ford F-150? Keyless entry and remote A: I really do not understand the question. The vehicle either came with a keyless entry or an alarm. ...
Q: Is there a test I can do to tell if my vehicle came with a factory keyless entry or alarm, I just ... A: The factory keyless entry is usually a transmitter that has a lock-unlock buttons and panic feature. ...
Q: Is their any way of disconnecting this system cause right now i am having the problem of where my ... A: You did not tell me the year, make model. Many times the security system is blamed for just about ...
Q: It seems disconnecting the battery will lockout the ignition on a 2004 chevy silverado. I had this ... A: Sure, can't see why not with the proper tools and notes. The thing here is the bypass will loose ...
Q: I understand what you are saying about taking it to the dealer for scan, BUT...The dealer and ... A: My personal email is robo14@aol.com. I know you know your way around this stuff, because like me, ...
Q: Our Expedition starts and runs fine in the summer, but when it starts to turn cold the truck is hard ... A: The theft light flashing may indicate some weather related problem with the vehicle. Blinking, codes ...
Q: I have a 98 Toyota camry....the alarm went off today as i was trying to crank my car and wouldn't go ... A: Ok, an installer would place the velet switch in a semi hidden area. I'd look under the dash area ...
Q: When its at my town home in the garage almost every day we will notice the car locking or unlocking ... A: I can only speculate that the system you put in is back feeding a signal to pop the door lock ...
Q: I have a 2000 ford explorer that I lost the key for.I had another explorer that I had bought for ... A: Don't try doing this, there are far too many things that need to be changed and no guaranty it would ...
Q: Our Expedition starts and runs fine in the summer, but when it starts to turn cold the truck is hard ... A: I assure you, your problem has nothing to do with PATS. Sounds more like a tired fuel pump which is ...
Q: I understand what you are saying about taking it to the dealer for scan, BUT...The dealer and ... A: Hey Bob, You are speaking to the choir. I think of dealer techs as parts changers and are dumbed ...
Q: My Daughter bought a 1985 Cadillac with an old Chapman key alarm. She activated the alarm which has ... A: Total removal and repair seems needed here. This vehicle's factory wiring for installing car ...
Q: The Securilock system in my 2002 Tarus has been functioning sporadic. It operates fine and then will ... A: There was a time that I was that determined and I don't by any means knock you for trying. I just ...
Q: after pulling the battery on my 93 loredo the alarm sysytem reset itself. nothing sems to be working ... A: Likely to be factory if it's the car's own horn honking. However, if it's a siren and flashing ...
Q: The Securilock system in my 2002 Tarus has been functioning sporadic. It operates fine and then will ... A: to me, I don't care if I tell where the box is. Its no secret to me. It is just that they mount the ...
