How easy is it to steal a vehicle in California?

HackinHound · 01-18-2005, 10:12 AM

California's Smogcheck website assists car thieves - This Headline is from KGO, a news-talk radio station in San Francisco. Very interesting.

http://www.kgoam810.com/viewentry.as...T=PERSONALITIE

phillipyang · 01-18-2005, 12:00 PM

Thanks for the tip! Now to go steal a vehicle.

If you have the effort, anything is possible.

haulnass · 01-18-2005, 12:39 PM

Anybody else find it a shame that the license "TITAN" belongs to a 1996 Ford Bronco?

Vegas04 · 01-18-2005, 12:43 PM

that is messed up!
california is just a little too progressive for me.

Clint · 01-18-2005, 12:45 PM

I just made up a plate and it came back as a Lamborghini Countach (sp?)
Think your Titans can beat it?

Clint

Titan Power · 01-18-2005, 12:58 PM

I bought a car from a lein sale with no keys. The dealership asked for the registration before they made the key.

I think this is more a problem for older cars then newer cars. New cars like our Titan won't start without the chipped key, which is more expensive and probably not as easy to get.

It is pretty stupid that the DMV gives out your vin number though. It would take a lot more effort for a would be theif to peer at the dash and write down the long vin# in public veiw rather then just get the plate number.

Jason K.

*Squid* · 01-18-2005, 03:02 PM

Not every Titan has a chipped Key.

BLKingTitan · 01-19-2005, 01:15 AM

Some XE titans do not have the chip key. Besides, if the dealer or anyone else cut a key for your truck, they have to have a Consult II or similar programming tool, hook it up to the truck and then figure out a vehicle specific PIN before they can program a "Functional Key." That is on immobilizer equipped trucks. If someone wants the car bad enough, there isn't much you can do to stop them. That's why we all have insurance!

BigRedTitan · 01-19-2005, 07:51 PM

In order for a dealer to make a usable key, they HAVE TO have the truck there so that they can program the key chip into the computer.

I had a key made for my truck. They have to have all keys to the truck so they can reprogram the original keys and the new key(s) into the truck. The only good a new key that's not programmed in would be is to unlock the door, which of course would deactivate the alarm. Still wouldn't start due to the immobilizer, if you have that in your Titan.

moore101 · 01-20-2005, 04:47 PM

"sexy" is an 87 lambo, I hope it is a chick who drives it!

stlblues · 01-20-2005, 04:52 PM

Strange, I had a spare key made at a local hardware store, old equipment and all, works fine on doors and ignition. No chip required. Should I worry?

BLKingTitan · 01-20-2005, 05:25 PM

In 2004 the immobilizer was an option on both the XE and the SE. So I would say, not to worry. I have made plain metal keys that worked in the ignition of a vehicle that is equipped and they work fine. The gotcha is sometimes if one of the transponder keys is in the vehicle (say in my other hand or in my lap) while testing the metal key, it will still work. My guess is that you got one that does not have the immobilizer. If you are worried you can get anything aftermarket, that will kill your ignition. Again, however it is only a matter of time if someone wants the car. One thing that the chip keys have done though is increase car jackings. If they can get the key from you, they are free and clear to drive away.

Wow, sorry about the long winded comment!