Ravelco Anti-Theft Device???

[CBrahs]

7 installs today and 7 very satisfied customers!

 

[Matt400]

My 07 has the key with the fob into one. no flashing red light.

Thats right, I forgot about the new fob in key. So... when you lock your truck you are saying there is no flashing red led on the dash? If so then I would suspect that means your truck does not have the sentry system.

I know that is the easy way to tell on 03-05's besides the color of the key on those years. maybe they changed all that in 06 dunno.



The only reason I posted about it was because on the 03-05's if the led is off then the truck is either unlocked or is a black key non century vehicle which I am sure all the thief's figured out right off the get go.

 

[bighammer]

Steve St. Laurent has come with a great idea-- Let users edit their own posts to conform with the forum guidelines, so we don't have to issue warnings and strikes.

Personally, I think it will make my job MUCH easier, and you guys can continue to have posting priveleges. What do y'all think?

HINT: Maybe (hopefully) this thread will a different look and feel to it when I read it next time.

 

[CDonaldson]

I know I said I was not going to post in this topic again, but, I have the right to change my opinion and behavior, so one more post.



I got the Ravelco unit installed yesterday in my truck. I am very impressed as to it's simplicity of operation (from the user's standpoint) AND very impressed by how easy it does it's job towards the goal of anti-theft. I had my nose poked in the entire time that Chris was installing it, got into his way a lot, but I intimately understand the installation in the event something would come up later with regards to it. Thumbs up on this product!!! I have two more vehicles that will be getting this unit AND will also be putting them into my farm equipment as bobcats and tractors are stolen a lot too.



One last comment regarding the 'Security/Sentry Key" that I forgot in my earlier post. ALL the 2006 and up trucks have the 'chipped key', what they don't have is the $169. 00 MODULE that activates the 'alarm system side of the security key functions, to include the 'blinking light' stuff. It is not about what color key you have any more, it is about this module being installed. NO blink, no module, that module IS what renders the key functional or not.



I have very simply explained what the 'blinking light' and the 'Sentry Key' have in common in reference to the whole picture of this issue regarding security of our trucks. It is important for all us owners to understand what it IS and what it IS NOT doing to help protect our investment from theft. Just having the key alone IS FALSE SECURITY thinking, you must have the full system to reap the benefits of the key. Adding an alarm system 'that makes noise and draws attention' is another element towards theft prevention. Adding other anti-theft preventative devices is further enhancements toward the same goal.



As someone else mentioned here, these things deter the average street punk from stealing your truck BUT if someone is really hard set into stealing your truck there is always the flatbed that can haul it away regardless.



As to the 3,000 posts over x-number years from a Dodge tech - I would say that everyone ASSUMES a Dodge tech would be giving some top QUALITY information here to assist owners in their goals of gaining knowledge and understanding with regards to their concerns about their vehicles. After all, that is what sites like this one are about, vehicle/truck owners trying to learn about their trucks, sharing information to help one another, talking things out to some conclusion of understanding for the betterment of all who have interest. So, I would expect from a Dodge tech a line of information to assist all here in drawing something to the best possible conclusion. So, why IS the Sentry Key remarks or the BLINKING KEY remarks not in that light of the information stream? I can only say that this may be best regarded in the viewpoint of QUALITY vrs QUANTITY. Negative quantity is useless information with respect to the topic and informative gain that is being discussed.



CD

 

[Matt400]

So, why IS the Sentry Key remarks or the BLINKING KEY remarks not in that light of the information stream?

Not sure I understand your question.

The Sentry system was only mentioned because no one has found where a truck with it was driven away, least I haven't and I have been reading security threads on TDR, DTR and DTO going on 5 years now.



A am glad I read this thread because it just ads more knowledge with what everyone has to share. The CodeGrabber is an interesting devise but even if it was used on a Sentry vehicle to unlock / dis arm it I don't see where it could be used to start the vehicle, maybe I missed something not just in this thread but researching that devise.



Its interesting to learn that all 06 + rams have the Sentry chip yet they don't flash the led on the dash, does that mean the chip is there but not active or just the auditable unauthorized entry alarm function is not active? I can't help but wonder if oversites like this are good for DC business to have stolen vehicles. The light obviously does nothing but in the 03-05 vehicles it is an easy teltail for thief's



So now for the 06+ vehicles- Are any of the 06+ Rams being driven away?

The Ravelco unit looks like a great addition and I sure wouldn't put one down but is it needed on top of having a chipped key is the only question?

 

[CDonaldson]

Matt400.



I guess the first thing to consider is the part where it is BELIEVED that NO TRUCK with the Sentry Key has been DRIVEN AWAY . . How would WE know if that statement is true or false? Let me ask you this question - How does your dealership make you a new key that is programmed ofr your truck? They can actually do it one of two ways - THEY CAN READ YOUR KEY and PROGRAM you a new one, or they can look up your key data via you VIN and PROGRAM you a new key. The key is programmed in a similar fashion to how your ECM is programmed, this is a FIRMWARE PROGRAMMING. Then in essence the key presence is detected and your truck will start via this identification. I gues it is just like your picture on a credit card or a THUMBPRINT identification. Basically your key's chip works the same way in how it 'sees' your key. This is the part where a code grabber can do it's magic - it can detect info from your truck and also duplicate it. So, back to the question 'How many trucks were driven off or hauled off?' That IS the question that will not have an answer unless you know how many have the equipment to steal the thumbprint data from your truck. Let me interject some more of my 'hearsay' into this by saying that the independent TV network programs that have been seen/heard by 60 minutes and other programs of this nature who have done segments regarding car theft ALSO showed ACTUAL VIDEO SURVEIALANCE TAPES from hotels/motels, etc where trucks were stolen AND driven off, and most all in less than 2 minutes according to the clocks in the surveilance systems. I am not sure what year model vehicles these were, but, the point is that they were driven off. Now, alarm companies like Viper, Ravelco, etc ARE using these same videos as part of the marketing programs, one-to sell their merchandise, and two-they are 'actual' occurrances of thefts, what better 'hearsay' evidence could you ask to see first hand?



If you go back to one of my first posts in this topic, you will read where I discussed having experienced a first-hand, on MY TRUCK demonstration of this actually taking place, my 'hearsay' rendition took place on the truck in my sig, not some old GM system as was suggested by/in a later post.



Since experiencing that little test demo, I concluded that I would dig into my checkbook and pay out some bucks for the added insurance SINCE NO ONE has been able to prove whether these trucks HAVE INDEED been driven off or not and I witnessed that they could be with my own truck as the demo. My truck will also be getting the Dodge Module for the Sentry System installed in a couple weeks from now. Again, I am digging into my checkbook for more bucks regarding security expenses, but I am skeptical about the Sentry System and it's performance since no one has had any real answers to the question and trucks are being stolen ever day, to include the same make and model as mine. To me, this is just an ounce of prevention. I live/travel places where these thefts are happing at an alarming rate, just taking as many precautions as I can.



One thing crossed my mind regarding what I am doing to protect my vehicle as best as I can, I will also be getting a discount on my insurance to offset and defray my costs. After a couple years all this will have paid for iteslf. It will increase the value of my vehicle at the time of sale/trade-in, and it certainly is a small price to pay from the emotional side of this kind of experience. I look for insurance companies to start decreasing their coverages regarding vehicle thefts if this stuff is not installed. They are/have been setting down a suggestive track record in this direction when you look at how they are decreasing coverages in other arenas. Since car/truck thefts are on the rise and beginning to rival the annual values experienced in natural disasters, and we all know how the insurance industry is just not offering coverage anymore for that stuff, it won't be long before you are on your own regarding auto theft, or, the auto theft premium will be so expensive you can't afford to carry it. I would rather see more people taking some of the theft deterance into their own hands and have my premiums stay in the same money/expense levels they are in right now, if not go down some becaue of my efforts. If somewhere out in the future we know more about how effective the Sentry Key is/is not I might not feel like I do about it right now. I certainly would hate to have my truck only Sentry Key protected, get stolen, and have my agent say to me 'Well, all you had was the Sentry Key? Let me tell you about all the trucks driven off/stolen with just them . . ' Let's face it, DC has left us all with worries about a lot of things concerning our warranties, I don't think I will just take their word regarding this key system a this time.



CD

 

[MackRock]

I spent a little time researching alarm systems. .



I have a friend who is a locksmith, he has one of those Sentry Key reading units. I asked him about the unit and it's capabilities - he said "Let me show you", so we went out to my truck and he read my chip, made me a new key, and I still to this day use it as my main key. ... .



CD

When I bought my truck (used) it came with only one key (Gray) and I wanted another "just in case". I went to the dealer and he took one look at it and told me he could make one just like it for some astronomical price or make me one that would just open the doors for about $5. 00 if memory serves. The thing I seem to remember is that the chipped key would have to be in close proximity to the machine that reads my chip and programs the new key.

I can understand how they can steal the entry code from a couple hundred feet away but the signal from the key chip is not very strong and I would think a car thief would have to have it in his hands (or be standing right beside you) to copy it. I'm sure it can be done, not doubting that, even my owners manual tells me how to program a chipped key if I have two already (but I don't, so I can't tell you if it works) It's just the distance.

Anyway just my . 02 on this. I think Revelco sounds like a well thought out Anti-Theft device and I'm thinking about investing in one. Now where did I put my key?

 

[CDonaldson]

Hey MackRock.



Those code grabbers boxes-for grabbing alarm system codes, only work within a max range of 100', or at least what the FACTS information on their web sites states. I guess someone using them HONESTLY like a locksmith would be standing next to the car. Plus, they have some kind of a plug-in module for the vehicle mfr type, so it must specifically work by vehicle. Maybe that's why car thefts seem to be one type of a vehicle over another in any given night/day? The creeps go after a couple kinds more than others. The other code unit has a microphone type gadget (my best description) anyway it has a pickup device of some kind, and that has to be real close to the ignition key to work. At least that's how I saw it being used. So whatever the key signal is in freq and range of transmitted output must be a very low power signal. I know that a lot of firmware programming type equipment for security ID's, credit card bands, etc ALSO have warnings regarding use around people with pacemakers and that they are very low power because of pacemakers, maybe the ignition stuff is like it is for a reason regarding the close proximity programming - just a guess on that.



I really have not taken the time to get totally into HOW the programming is done. I'm sure that info is readily available on the internet somewhere, maybe even in a very technical format. I really don't care to go there as I do not do that stuff to earn an income nor do I sell any type of equipment that uses it, so to me a ballpark level of undrstanding works just fine.



All I can tell you is I was at my local Wally World today and just pulling the plug on the Ravelco gave me a nice level of comfort knowing that I was at least defeating the average crook that hotwires as a means of theft. Good peace of mind.



CD

 

[Matt400]

I guess the first thing to consider is the part where it is BELIEVED that NO TRUCK with the Sentry Key has been DRIVEN AWAY . . How would WE know if that statement is true or false?

Well for me its been asking those with stolen (driven away) trucks if they were Sentry or not. People post when their truck is stolen and whenever I have seen a stolen post, out of curiosity I always ask if it was Sentry and its always not. It's just something I have been interested in having owned 03-05 Rams both with and without Sentry.

If you go back to one of my first posts in this topic, you will read where I discussed having experienced a first-hand, on MY TRUCK demonstration of this actually taking place, my 'hearsay' rendition took place on the truck in my sig

I read that and maybe misunderstood but it appeared you had a key made from your original which only means that the thief would need a CodeReader, an original key to read its code and to cut the blank. Not impossible but not likely. With all the trouble involved it just seems to me the thief's would go after the more easy non Sentry trucks. I haven't found where a CodeReader can grab the keys chip code and duplicate it, for that it seems the thief would have to try and grab that code as you were starting the vehicle, then follow you till you park again, seems far fetched but who knows.

Since experiencing that little test demo, I concluded that I would dig into my checkbook and pay out some bucks for the added insurance SINCE NO ONE has been able to prove whether these trucks HAVE INDEED been driven off or not and I witnessed that they could be with my own truck as the demo.

Did your friend not have access to your original key? For a fair comparison it would be like also handing him the Ravelco key?

 

[CDonaldson]

NO - He did NOT make a copy of my existing key - He read my trucks information right from the truck and made me a new key. To this day, Almost 10 mos later,I am still using that 'code grabbing, code detected' key.



For whatever reason, I find it very interesting that everyone argues the point about the Sentry Key and whether these trucks have been 'driven off'. Just because a manufacturer 'claim' has made everyone believe that they are un-drivable does not mean that in fact they wern't driven off, and the assumption is that they HAD to be flatbedded off. Fact IS that Sentry Key trucks HAVE been stolen, no one has witnessed the theft, so just how is it that anyone could claim they have never been driven off? Several National News Media have run stories SHOWING that Sentry Key Vehicles CAN be stolen with code grabbing/reproducing equipment, how hard is it to contemplate that ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS in the manufacturer's claims regarding these keys and the possibility that they just might not be fool-proof as advertised? This to many is both a pointed and pointless discussion, but, the discussion of it does have merit. I can tell you that I had my dealership make me an ordinary key with NO chip just in case I locked my chipped key in the truck so I could open my door. Spare 'do-nothing' key kept in my wallet. I tried using this key in the ignition just to test the Sentry aspect of my truck since I have NO blinking light, so no alarm module, and my truck WOULD NOT run. So, that tells me that the Sentry Key feature DOES work on a NO-BLINK truck. It just means I do not have the full alarm system. The key made from 'reading the truck' operates my ignition. Again, let me stress that I have a 2006 with a black key and the buttons in the key to operate the doors and panic button. The blinking light, full alarm module part of the security system is not present in my truck. I have however ordered one and it is going to be installed as soon as my dealership gets it in. The color of the key IS NOT APPLICABLE in the 2006 models with regard to the Sentry Key, they ALL should have that feature as I understand it from speaking to my dealership. If this is not the case, then my dealership may have it wrong or they may just sell trucks that have it as part of their standard ordering practices.



CD

 

[Bob4x4]

Matt400.



How does your dealership make you a new key that is programmed ofr your truck? They can actually do it one of two ways - THEY CAN READ YOUR KEY and PROGRAM you a new one, or they can look up your key data via you VIN and PROGRAM you a new key. The key is programmed in a similar fashion to how your ECM is programmed, this is a FIRMWARE PROGRAMMING. Then in essence the key presence is detected and your truck will start via this identification. I gues it is just like your picture on a credit card or a THUMBPRINT identification. Basically your key's chip works the same way in how it 'sees' your key. This is the part where a code grabber can do it's magic - it can detect info from your truck and also duplicate it.



CD

That is not the way D/C's sentry key works,nor is it the way the system is programmed,before you start telling everybody how it works or is programmed do your homework please



Bob

 

[Bob4x4]

Well, this topic is moving right along I see.



I was in visiting my dealership today to pick up some touch up paint. I asked the parts guy about a couple things. Now, keep in mind anything I say here is hear say. Anyway, I asked about the difference in the GRAY key vrs the BLACK key with built in entry/panic - he said "nothing, both are sentry chipped, the 2006's all have sentry chips". I asked him what it would cost to ADD the factory alarm module, to include the blinking red light stuff, horn beeping,etc - he said "$169. 00 installed". It will work off the black key w/built in fob buttons. Then I asked him if there were any other means of security or anti-theft I could install - he said "JimmiJammers and the Ravelco". My dealership used to install the Ravelco units, now a local alarm shop does them for them, well not actually for them as they get no kickback or otherwise, they just send people there to get them installed. So, he kind of gave me an un-biased opinion regarding what the dealership recommends. He actually went into quite the sales pitch about the Ravelco units. He told me that he knows several people who have them, have had break-ins, but their vehicles were not stolen, tore up some, but not stolen. He has one on his truck, took me out and showed me.



Since I have no vested interest, I am not selling them, actually getting one installed tomorrow, I figure what I have learned is worth telling others. So, if you are so inclined to consider a Ravelco unit as I have, and if you are further inclined to have one installed - good for you in attempting to protect your truck/your investment.



As far as the other information I posted regarding the stuff necessary to read codes, etc. I have first-hand seen it used, it does work as I described it, it was not on some old GM system, it was ON MY TRUCK that the demo was done - for my benefit by a friend. Anyone can either take or leave what I have said and seen, it makes NO difference to me one way or another BUT it might make some difference to you somewhere down the line. I have not posted the website regarding this stuff BECAUSE I would not want to contribute to someone of the 'thief' caliber getting their hands on and using this equipment. If I can search the web and find it SO CAN YOU, and you can do it as part of your search for enlightenment regarding what can happen to your vehicle that you might want to find a way to sidestep.



Maybe none of the sentry key trucks were 'driven off' maybe they were jerked onto a flatbed, I have NO IDEA because I was not there to see someone's truck stolen AND IF I would have been there to watch, based on how one's word is taken here, it would have been regarded as hear say anyway. To me that remark is just double-talk and side-stepping the REAL ISSUE which has to do with the BENEFIT of the Ravelco discussion and it's contribution to anti-theft as a whole. So, you can either take my word on what I have seen and tried to communicate, albeit not using the standard lingo which might give more creedence. By the way, I DO understand how the sentry key works and serves it's end purpose in our vehicles, I am just not good at articulating that stuff.



Thanks for your time reading my lengthy post. It will be the last one in this topic.



CD

Your parts guy is incorrect :-laf :-laf



Bob

 

[Matt400]

NO - He did NOT make a copy of my existing key - He read my trucks information right from the truck and made me a new key.

Wow... thats interesting for sure. I had no idea a CodeGrabber could do that function.

For whatever reason, I find it very interesting that everyone argues the point about the Sentry Key and whether these trucks have been 'driven off'. Just because a manufacturer 'claim' has made everyone believe that they are un-drivable does not mean that in fact they wern't driven off, and the assumption is that they HAD to be flatbedded off. Fact IS that Sentry Key trucks HAVE been stolen, no one has witnessed the theft, so just how is it that anyone could claim they have never been driven off?

Chill a little, I don't get why all the defensive on the subject. I never said they can't be driven off. What I said was I can't find anyone who has had a chipped truck stolen. Maybe chipped owners are too embarrassed to post while the non chipped guys are the only ones posting when their truck is stolen, I dunno.

 

[CDonaldson]

Hey Bob4x4.



If that's not how it works, AND my parts guy is incorrect, why don't YOU talk about it and enlighten us? I would rather understand this correctly and stand corrected, but so far you have not been able contribute anything here other than a difference of opinion without substance. Cricket chirping?



Mat400. I'm not being defensive, sorry if you took it that way. I don't think I'd be embarassed if my truck was stolen just because the chip did not do it's job. I'd say that having your truck stolen would just make you so angry overall, no place to lay blame other than the thief. There have been chipped trucks stolen, I know of one and possibly another that were chipped. I guess the fact is that all 2006 models that are stolen are chipped because all the keys have them. I am still at a loss as to why the full system is not just part of any new purchase these days. If I had known more regarding this module needed, it would have been a bargaining chip in my purchase. When I read the Sentry stuff on my build sheet I was under the impression I had the system. I guess another person (the salesman) at my dealership is wrong too? The total of wrongs in one dealership is adding up here-so far my service writer is wrong, a tech is wrong, the parts guy is wrong, and I guess the salesman too? All I know is that my goal is to get the full system operable and at least be done with that part. If flatbeds are being used, well, I guess I cna't do much to combat that can I? But if in fact these things can be bypassed then maybe there are no flatbeds being used, that is maybe the true hearsay here. I know one thing for sure, my insurance company IS NOT giving discounts with the Sentry system in the truck, they are only giving discounts on a short-listed aftermarket bunch of products. That attitude about the factory installed system made me go to the Revelco unit as my insurance company has them on their list. If the chipped trucks make stealing a little harder because the average hot-wire guy doesn't have the electronics, well then I can see why they would just pass them up and move onto something easier. I all it takes is a little blinking light, you can get a battery powered little led/box for a few bucks to have a light blinking.



CD

 

[Bob4x4]

To start with the sentry key system is still an option. The keys with remote keyless entry LOOK the same as a sentry key but the vehicle is not equipped the module to make it work.

Next: the key does not get programmed. The vehicle gets programed to accept that key. The dealer CAN NOT program a key. They can pull up the key code,this is for the cut only. The dealer is supposed to see photo id before cutting a key this way. Same for the pin#which will not do anybody any good unless they have the software and hardware to access the vehicle. That is as detailed as I will go.



I have never said the ravelco won't help,but like all others it can be bypassed given the time needed to find what and where the harness was tied into.

As far as what dealerships recommend... ... ... . it is still about the bottom line,not necessarily what works best. Many dealers pre-load vehicles with all types of add ons to make more money. I have to remove all kinds of garbage that overworks the factory controllers. Keep 'em coming it just fattens my paycheck

 

[Pawpaw]

From the '04 service manual. The '06 may be different... I don't know.



SENTRY KEY IMMOBILIZER



DESCRIPTION



The Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) contains

a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver and a central

processing unit, which includes the Sentry Key

Immobilizer System (SKIS) program logic. The SKIS

programming enables the SKIM to program and

retain in memory the codes of at least two, but no

more than eight electronically coded Sentry Key

transponders. The SKIS programming also enables

the SKIM to communicate over the Programmable

Communication Interface (PCI) bus network with the

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Electronic Control

Module (ECM), depending on engine application,

and/or the DRBIIIt scan tool.



OPERATION



The SKIM transmits and receives RF signals

through a tuned antenna enclosed within a molded

plastic ring that is integral to the SKIM housing.

When the SKIM is properly installed on the steering

column, the antenna ring is oriented around the ignition

lock cylinder housing. This antenna ring must be

located within eight millimeters (0. 31 inches) of the

Sentry Key in order to ensure proper RF communication

between the SKIM and the Sentry Key transponder.



For added system security, each SKIM is programmed

with a unique “Secret Key” code and a

security code. The SKIM keeps the “Secret Key” code

in memory. The SKIM also sends the “Secret Key”

code to each of the programmed Sentry Key transponders.

The security code is used by the assembly

plant to access the SKIS for initialization, or by the

dealer technician to access the system for service.

The SKIM also stores in its memory the Vehicle

Identification Number (VIN), which it learns through

a PCI bus message from the PCM (NGC) or ECM

(Cummins) during initialization.



The SKIM and the PCM/ECM both use software

that includes a rolling code algorithm strategy, which

helps to reduce the possibility of unauthorized SKIS

disarming. The rolling code algorithm ensures security

by preventing an override of the SKIS through

the unauthorized substitution of the SKIM or the

PCM/ECM. However, the use of this strategy also

means that replacement of either the SKIM or the

PCM/ECM units will require a system initialization

procedure to restore system operation.



When the ignition switch is turned to the ON or

START positions, the SKIM transmits an RF signal

to excite the Sentry Key transponder. The SKIM then

listens for a return RF signal from the transponder

of the Sentry Key that is inserted in the ignition lock

cylinder. If the SKIM receives an RF signal with

valid “Secret Key” and transponder identification

codes, the SKIM sends a “valid key” message to the

PCM/ECM over the PCI bus. If the SKIM receives an

invalid RF signal or no response, it sends “invalid

key” messages to the PCM/ECM. The PCM/ECM will

enable or disable engine operation based upon the

status of the SKIM messages.



The SKIM also sends messages to the Instrument

Cluster which controls the VTSS indicator LED. The

SKIM sends messages to the Instrument Cluster to

turn the LED on for about three seconds when the

ignition switch is turned to the ON position as a bulb

test. After completion of the bulb test, the SKIM

sends bus messages to keep the LED off for a duration

of about one second. Then the SKIM sends messages

to turn the LED on or off based upon the

results of the SKIS self-tests. If the VTSS indicator

LED comes on and stays on after the bulb test, it

indicates that the SKIM has detected a system malfunction

and/or that the SKIS has become inoperative.



If the SKIM detects an invalid key when the ignition

switch is turned to the ON position, it sends

messages to flash the VTSS indicator LED. The

SKIM can also send messages to flash the LED as an

indication to the customer that the SKIS has been

placed in it’s “Customer Learn” programming mode.

See Sentry Key Immobilizer System Transponder

Programming in this section for more information on

the “Customer Learn” programming mode.



For diagnosis or initialization of the SKIM and the

PCM/ECM, a DRBIII scan tool and the proper Powertrain

Diagnostic Procedures manual are required.

The SKIM cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged,

the unit must be replaced.







I see two important points in all of that. First, nothing is transmitted or received until the key is turned. Second, that the key must be within 3. 1 inches of the antenna (which surrounds the ignition lock cylinder) to be sure communications work.



Bob

 

[Bob4x4]

Pawpaw,the 06 is very similiar,the major change comes from different bus system and scantool required.



Bob

 

[CDonaldson]

Hey Pawpay.



Thank you for the information, it is precise and to the point. As I read it, I flowcharted the process, has very good logic system. If you look at how the KEY signals the process, and the self checks of the system, this is how the code grabber (or whatever it is called) must somehow grab the signal from the ECM, then return the correct signal with that little mic like thing used to pick up the code. In essence it would work no differently than a garage door communicator, albeit a little more sophisticated, the technology is not that more difficult to interrupt or duplicate.



I'm going to get the CD service manual so I can get a better look at the differences of the 06 models. There should be a lot more information in a flow chart or sequential mapping to better understand the process. Obviously if you order the module for the sentry key it has to be installed by a dealership to do the programming install for it all to work. This also more clearly defines that ALL keys DO have a chip or are setup for the Sentry System, just not turned on with the related hardware/software that you ALSO must have to make it functional.



Thank you sir, good information, excellent reply, valuable information.



CD

 

[betterthanstock]

For someone wanting to do a ravelco knockoff, all you need to do is to pick a few critical wires, like camshaft sensor, fuel pump, throttle pedal, boost sensor, injectors.

You cut into the circuit, then splice the wires using a 10 foot loop, and run the loop, folded, inside the cab. Run them neatly along the original wires, and make it look like they are part of the original harness.



If you have about 10 such loops, all the same color and gauge wire, then route to a high quality plug (something designed to hanle thousands of removal cycles, maybe gold plated).

Run the loops folded, but do not cut open yet.

Pick one loop, cut it, and choose two random terminals on the female receptacle.

Then run a jumper to the same two wires on the male half. Do that 9 nine more times, and you have 20 scrambled wires, that only you have the matching half for.

You can make yourself an identical spare plug. Cover the jumpers (in your "key")

with some cap, or epoxy.



Note that this will void your warranty in case you have electrical problems. So will the Ravelco. There is some danger of damaging the computer if the wrong voltage is applied to the wrong pin, though it is usually protected for shorts and reverse polarity.

 

[Pawpaw]

As I read it, the key does NOT signal the process. Turning the ignition lock cylinder causes the SKIM to trasmit a signal, which wakes up the transponder in the key.



IMHO, since there is no RF communications until the key (ignition lock cylinder) is turned, a code-grabber would not work unless (1) the thief had a key or other means to turn the lock cylinder and (2) the code grabber's antenna is very close (. 31 inches) to the lock cylinder.



Even then, the code-grabber would have to transmit a known good (and recognized by that particular SKIM) code.



There appear to be too many fail-safes in place for a simple code-grabber to work.



Again, just what I deduce from reading the above.



Bob