Laptop's used to steal late model Fiat/Chrysler vehicles

[Deleted member 995608]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/lo...-say-men-used-laptop-to-reprogram-9126109.php

Excerpt:

"The men allegedly used a laptop computer to reprogram the targeted vehicles' electronic security so their own key worked."

Maybe we should be thinking of alternate ways to secure our Ram trucks? The one thing I miss about my 3rd gen is the manual transmission......virtually no one could drive it

 

[Wayne M.]

I do not like the wireless connectivity of newer vehicles. My'14 Durango scares me.

 

[TFucili]

There used to be a term, "Luddite" for people who were against new technology, etc. I don't think it applies here, because I am not against new technology, I just feel that it has reached the point where A. It doesn't make stuff easier to operate, but generally less intuitive, and B. It is diminishing my "driving experience", not making it better. Driving/operating machines was once a source of great satisfaction in my life, but they have now, for the most part, succeeded in making it no different than a toaster.

To your point, even though it would not have helped in this case, I quite intentionally ordered a Tradesman this time(last truck was a Laramie)to avoid as much of the electronic crap as possible.

 

[sag2]

It sounds like they hacked the national aftermarket database that has key codes to reprogram keys. They would also have to have a key cutter and either aftermarket key programming software locksmiths have, or TechConnect software to program keys. FCA keeps an audit record of key code requests so if it was an inside side job someone is going to be in big trouble.

 

[Wayne M.]

It's really thin ice. There is a battle between the aftermarket, the manufacturers, and the government about who has access to a vehicles software/ programming etc.

 

[sag2]

The release of OEM data to locksmiths was during the Daimler days. They refused to give the data up until the government forced them to. Can't say as I blame them. I saw the tail end of a news story last night on the Texas criminals. It led you to believe they had access to TechConnect and someones credentials that has access to key codes.