How easy is it to steal a 2016 Ram

[Rob5]

Last week my daughter's 2002 F250 Diesel was stolen. The thief shoved a screwdriver into the door lock and opened the door and then shoved the screwdriver into the ignition switch and turned it and started the truck. The truck was found two days later. The tow truck driver handed her the screwdriver and told her it was her new key.

So I started to wonder how easy it would be to steal my 2016 Ram. Using Google I found that until about 2002 vehicles were relatively easy to hotwire and steal. Then chipped fobs came along and were needed, in addition to a real key, to start a car and thefts dropped.

The new keyless systems, which I have, do not require a key and apparently that makes it easy to steal some brands. There are devices available online that plug into the OBD port and will program a blank keyless fob to a new code that will start the vehicle. The articles call out BMW and some Ford vehicles that are susceptible to this.

So, the question is, are our Rams in danger from this? I suspect not since I have read that only the dealer can program a fob but does anyone know for sure? The recommended solution is to put a lockable barrier on the OBD port.

 

[6V92TA]

I lost one of the FOBs for my 16, had to take it to a dealer for programming a new fob.

 

[Busa Dave]

I have never been that lucky. Give me a chance to buy a new one earlier. Got to have a positive attitude about this stuff you know!

 

[sag2]

They really are next to impossible to steal and drive away. But with a tow truck nothing is safe.

 

[TCDiesel]

Sag2 and I are in agreement, In order to make clone's You need certification form 3 different sources Plus Pin # and TechAuth account which is closely monitored for abuses. its so costly TC No longer makes clone's, Sag2 would have the scope on that. Flat beds and Hooks off they Go.

The chopped shop would have a very hard time selling whole or the module's They are Burned to VIN, Sure You could have the resources to burn new VIN , but as I mentioned earlier its closely monitored, You would get visited By law enforcement rather quickly.

 

[Newsa]

My neighbor had his van full of tools towed away by a rogue tow truck

 

[TCDiesel]

That's Latest around here to, Stealing utility Vans.
We use Sprint GPS tracking on every TWR Unit. You program the timer for each unit, Let's say 11PM-5AM if the unit is moved it will trigger the system to alert the Owner Via , Text, Email, Call All three if you want, the Van Units have motion sensors, So if someone breaks in it will trigger the system to alert.

 

[6V92TA]

it has been said that locks are for honest people and No, you aren't going to stop a tow truck but you can surely slow down the casual thief. That is about as good as you are going to get.

 

[TCDiesel]

Here's the NASTF https://www.nastf.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3532

Techauthority https://www.techauthority.com/

 

[Dl5treez]

By and large the Ford Super Duty bodystyle from 99-07 are some of the easiest vehicles to steal ever. The ign tumbler is easily compromised with a flat blade screwdriver, and, due to the way FoMoCo mounts the "door ajar" switch on the latch assembly, anything that can acuate that will fool the GEM and PATS modules into thinking the door was unlocked with the key.

You can literally pry the plastic door handle trim off with your fingers and manually pull the lock rod with your hand if you're strong enough. A less destructive method is to take the flat blade screwdriver, push it into the door tumbler, pop the back of it with the ball of your hand, pry downward about 30 degrees and turn....POOF! door opens and still shuts and the tumbler stays put. Thieves can open the truck, clean it out, relock the door and you'll never know you were hit until you find it.....

It's a well known flaw and insurance companies know it---which is why the premlums on those trucks are a tad higher. lol

my '99 Dodge compared to my '03 Ford were apples and oranges to break into. The Dodge took effort, unless one knew how to use a slim jim. The newer Dodges are more difficult but a pro thief is a pro thief.

That '02 Ford can be taken by a six year old wielding a dollar store screwdriver, unfortunately.

 

[Rob5]

Thanks everyone. It seems that our trucks are not one of the ones susceptible to being stolen with easily cloned fobs. That is good news.

 

[nukegm]

i have a buddy with a auto shop. they are diesel specialists. every day, they remove the starter relays on every ford in their lot and put them inside the shop in a safe place. thats how easy fords diesels are to steal.