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: How can I change my security code on my Clifford Intellistart 4 alarm? The previous owner just had ... A: THIS IS AN AUTOMATED RESPONSE TO YOUR DEI/VIPER/SIDEWINDER/HORNET/VALET ...
Q: Recently my theft system has been giving me problems. Sometimes the light will come on when I am ... A: You only have the dash lights on and not starting. You can try restarting after you did this process ...
Q: Recently my theft system has been giving me problems. Sometimes the light will come on when I am ... A: The reset takes 30 minutes. Turn on 10 min. Turn off, turn on 10 minutes, off, turn on 10 minutes. ...
Q: After disconnecting and connecting the battery my 93 Dodge Viper will not start. I have the factory ... A: Well, you have problem because I have no idea of what was used for factory security in a 1993 Viper. ...
Q: Recently purchased a 98 malibu from an auction. In the process of trying to figure out what may be ... A: Common issue. See my answer to these questions at www.BYPASSMODULES.com You want to look ...
Q: I want to totally bypass the theft system! I read your response for the GM Malibu, etc. and it ... A: I don't know what your problem is with this system, but it is not a factory installed system. When ...
Q: i have a 2000 buick lasabre the car cranks but wont catch someone read on the code reader computer ... A: Tough one, but it's likely the PASSKEY III in the ignition is either bad or going bad. It could be ...
Q: First of all I would like to thank you for all the time you have taken to help so many people on ... A: First don't fall into the thinking like many ignorant locksmith experts that work for insurance ...
Q: We have a 89 Toyota Camry that was just stolen for the second time. we have been told most any old ... A: These locks were problems since new. Any worn or shaved down key blank will operate the ignition ...
Q: I have a 94 nissan Infiniti G20, tried to install a radio and the whole car shut down. At first ... A: Ok, here's what I know... Normally, putting the key in the drivers side door lock, turning to the ...
Q: I have a 2004 F150 Lariet with a stealth. Recently I had to replace the battery in the transponder, ... A: Not to sound unprofessional and it is no reflection on you or other consumers, but I feel that ...
Q: My 1998 grand Marquis was towed to remove it from a fire scene. They had to slim jim it and now the ... A: There is no "reset" to Pats. It either works or doesn't. You may have a faactory alarm issue and the ...
Q: Hey Rob, My message center is giving me a Pass Key Malfunction display, and the car won't start. Can ... A: You do not want to do this with a junk yard. There are 14 different resistor values and even if you ...
Q: My car was stolen on June 2nd 2009. My husband discover it was missing when leaving for work at 5am ... A: I am sorry to tell you this, but you and your husband are under investigation. Go to ...
Q: my security light is flashing never had a security system i bought the car new it is 2002 dodge ... A: This is problematic and does not have an easy answer. It actually could have 3 systems working ...
Q: i have an astro van . every once in awhile it wont start and then the next morning or a few hours ... A: Listen to them and you could find yourself in trouble. Ford has PATS-a transponder based anti-theft ...
Q: My Mitzubishi L-300 (mini van) has an anti theft device installed. I believe it is call Fintronic. ... A: Sorry man, The only way to do that is to take it to a stereo/car alarm shop or back to the ...
Q: Okay, so heres the deal... I have a 2000 Dodge Stratus SE that isn't responding to its aftermarket ... A: Ah, Ok, and here's my deal. I am obligated to decline this request due to a mutual agreement ...
Q: I have a 2001 Impala, 75,000 miles never a problem until recently. 1. The gas gauge is crazy, it ... A: Ma'am, this may be more involved then a security of a PASSLOCK II issue from the sounds of it. My ...
Q: I have a 2003 Ford ranger edge, i have had an anti theft issue many times in the past with this ... A: There is no "reset" to this system. I do not expound on ways to bypass this system on a public forum ...
Q: got a used car (pay on the lot)i love my car, but the anti-theft keeps going off in the middle of ... A: First of all the car is 12 years old and if you need parts for your factory installed antiquated ...
Q: I have a 2004 Dodge Durango. My keyless remotes stopped working approx. 2 yrs ago, even after ... A: I haven't got good news for you. There is only one place you are stuck with going to even try to get ...
Q: My car was stolen on 04/14/09 to date the car has not been recovered. I have a 2006 Infiniti m35 I ... A: Chances are most likely after all their screwing around, you will be denied-even if the car is not ...
Q: i just took my car to a repair shop for an overheating problem. the mechanic hooked up to the ... A: Unfortunately, I no longer have any information on a car this old, like many. All I can recommend is ...
Q: The key will not turn in my 2004 Impala ignition lock. The shift lever is locked in park but the ... A: Here is something you need to know about the 2004 Impala. The reason the steering wheel lock does ...
Q: I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer that has a factory stereo that was stolen and now my engine does not ... A: The stereo has nothing to do with the PASSLOCK anti-theft system. The wires for the PASSLOCK on this ...
Q: I have a 2000 chevy camaro Z28.I put the key in the ignition and it does nothing.it won't turn over ... A: This vehicle according to my information has the VATS. You should have a visible resistor chip in ...
Q: I've heard scuttlebutt about the factory installed security system in the 2009 Ford Mustang having ... A: To be perfectly honest, I still am acquiring information on the 2009 Ford products and at this ...
Q: i have a Chevrolet cavalier 1996, and since 2 days i receive a alert from THEFT SYSTEM and nothing ... A: I thought possibly it was an english problem and in no way did I want to insult you because you are ...
Q: When I put my key in the car to start it it turns over but the no key light stays on and none of ... A: Now that I know what kind of vehicle you have, I can give more answers. As I stated before, you are ...
Q: When I put my key in the car to start it it turns over but the no key light stays on and none of ... A: Factory installed anti-theft systems have more of an adverse affect on the owners than the thieves. ...
Q: How do you disable the headlights from flashing when you are driving the car? Everyone keeps ... A: Hmmmm, Likely to be factory if it's the car's own horn honking. However, if it's a siren and ...
Q: My 2002 grandam GT , the security light stayed on after starting the car. The car manual said that ... A: A worn passlock sensor in the ignition. It's a common issue. This system is notorious for going bad ...
Q: I have a Honda Pilot LX 4WD 2009 USA model. Since I am going to be relocated to Toronto Canada I ... A: They are similar to the Thatchem standards in the UK where the requirement is for a passive ...
Q: I have a 98 Dodge Durango that will not start. I do not have a keyless entry remote. How do I reset ... A: No it won't keep running that way, and is dangerous to prime an engine with fuel injection in that ...
Q: i have a 94 grand cherokee and now it seams to think that i'm trying to steal it. it wont start so ... A: Hmmmm, Likely to be factory if it's the car's own horn honking. However, if it's a siren and ...
Q: We do not have a key fob for this 2004 dodge stratus. My daughter locked her keys in the car & ... A: Hmmmm, Likely to be factory if it's the car's own horn honking. However, if it's a siren and ...
Q: I have 1997 pontiac grand am and my ol man went to jump it with a power pak and absentmindedly ... A: Well that tells me a little more. If you want to try resetting the passlock, you need to turn the ...
Q: 1998 chevy 1500, the truck will run fine for awhile and then will not start, it can sit for awhile ... A: I will start by telling you that the PASSLOCK security system is engaged only when starting. It will ...
