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Auto Theft Prevention/Anti-Theft System on 2008 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab 4x4

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Expert: - 7/28/2009


Question
My truck was recently broken into and I have no idea how it was done.  The truck was armed with the factory keyless entry the day it was broken into.  I am curious to know if this could be a malfunction of the keyless entry system since no alarm was initiated when they opened the doors (it happened in the evening & I was home). There are some scratch marks on the side of the door, but no where else.  Just trying to get some answers before I call Dodge.  Also, if they took material with my VIN # on it, should I be concerned?  Thanks.

Answer
Follow-up

Hello,

I am sorry I got too technical for you. It was not my intention.
I am a Viet Nam Era vet and will help the active military and Vet's families as much as I can.

If you were confused on the answer, please write me at robo14@aol.com and please tell me with your concerns. Glad to clarify for you.

Rob













Hello,

There is much misunderstanding on this issue and I will try to explain. There is a huge difference between a factory alarm and a keyless entry system. Key less entry is not an alarm. Keyless entry only locks and unlocks doors and has a panic feature to trigger the horn and lights.

The alarm (you can determine if this option is installed by calling a Chrysler dealer, giving them the VIN and requesting a build sheet for your truck. Does not have to be the selling dealer). If this option is installed, there are more issues. Unlike better after market security, properly installed (rarely because these installers know nothing about how vehicles are stolen) are far less effective.

Rarely does the factory systems have impact sensors that detect break-in or an attempt, the only thing that will trigger the alarm is the opening of the door. If someone crawls in, the alarm will never trigger. Factory alarms are active requiring you to do something to arm them. This may be the physical locking of the door by the door button or the use of the transmitter. Being that factory and after market transmitters all work off RF (Radio frequency) the after market units have more range and are generally set up passive (Alarm sets itself) factory remotes will not always lock the doors either keyless entry or alarms because of range problems, transmission towers in the vicinity, weather and other issues commonly spelled out in owner's manuals that no one ever reads.

Would the factory alarm be ineffective? Of course. It takes 3 years from the drawing board to the assembly line. Engineers know nothing about theft methods and commonly consult with convicted car thieves (Not good because they got caught) or try to attack methods 30 years old as seen on TV.
In fact, the factory alarms cause future problems and as the vehicle gets older, the less people can repair them due to software and parts availability. At least if an after market unit fails electronically, you can disconnect it. Not so on a factory unit because it is tied into too many options on the vehicle. I am seeing cars in the 90's being junked only because the factory alarm has failed.

The manufacturer would like your vehicle stolen because you will need a replacement. Obviously, they will not warranty theft related repairs.

Your "Anti-Theft" system is a deliberately wrongly termed device which is composed of a computer chipped ignition key programmed top the computer. This system does not in anyway prevent theft. The insurance company WILL DENY your claim if the vehicle is stolen because according to the insurance clowns (investigators) and their corrupt experts, any vehicle equipped with a so-called anti-theft ignition based system cannot be stolen. This is far from the truth, but they get away with this crap. In fact I have a case against a number one insurer involving a 2006 Dodge Ram in which the insurance company denied the claim. Worse yet, the vehicle has never been recovered to investigate!!!


Transponder systems do not stop towing and other issues. The manufacturer has deceived the consumer. As I stated though, if your truck is stolen, this is the key reason that your claim will be denied. Go to our site at http://www.autotheftexpert.com and you will understand just how intrusive the insurance company gets involved with the insured's life.

If your vehicle is stolen, you are guilty until proven innocent. Their fine defense team will attack you and accuse you because they think that the factory electronic security actually prevents theft.

A couple weeks ago Ford engineers had a meeting in which they explained that they would be installing inclination sensors that would detect towing. Who cares? No one pays attention to alarms anymore. It is very rare for anyone wanting to get involved in the protection of other people's property. Look what happened in Cambridge. The neighbor actually had to hire an attorney because she called on the Gate's break-in and the president sided against the police without knowing the details.

The insurance companies were demanding of Ford to be able to electronically determine the last key used. The problem here would be it is assumed by the insurance company that the vehicle was driven from the theft scene.

It's all crap and just a way that insurance companies get away without paying a claim.

You bought a vehicle thinking because the factory was involved that they cared about the security of your vehicle. In reality, it is just a way to give people a false sense of security to pick their vehicle over a competitor.

I would suggest if you want real security, go to an alarm store and have a paging system installed with an impact sensor. Make sure that the valet (Alarm shut off) switch is not easilly accessible. That way, it can be silent if broken into and you can meet the thief. Their is a liability here and depends totally on state laws. In Wisconsin, one is not allowed to protect property.

If you think calling 911 will help you if you call when someone is breaking into a vehicle, depending on the locality, don't hold your breath. It may be an emergency to you, but to the cops it is only a property crime with a low priority.

You also need to realize that many drug users break into cars and will do anything to keep from going to jail.

One other thing: You mentioned concern about the thief getting your VIN. Technically, depending on the dealer, a thief can obtain the key cut codes for your truck. They could potentially get a key to unlock the door and turn the ignition to ON, but in theory, would not be able to start the engine because the thief would need equipment to electronically code the transponder key. If you are worried about this, you could have a locksmith come out and recode the locks much cheaper than a dealer.

The reason I expounded on your question is because it is a good question.

Good luck!

Rob

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Rob Painter, ASE, CFL, CFEI

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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.

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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.....

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