George Macdonald wrote:

> On Thu, 25 Dec 2003 19:08:51 -0500, "Robert11" <rgsxrose@comcast.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>Hello:
>>
>>Have a new Accord, and am a bit concerned about theft.
>>
>>Was wondering how effective the "micro-chip key" that is apparently
>>required to start the engine "really" is in deterring theft ?
>
>
> From what I've seen of the technology up to 2001 models, they're usually
> good for a few years. It takes a couple of years before locksmiths get new
> equipment which can decode them - add a couple more for the thieves to
> ummm, "acquire" the equipment.
>
>
>>Or, is it mostly a "feel-good" kind of thing ?
>>
>>If it is effective, how is it that the Accords are about the most stolen
>>vehicles ? How is it done then; are they just towed ?
>
>
> Towing is what the real pros will do. Then there's the bandits you leave
> your car and keys with for some indeterminate time - alarm/audio install
> "specialist" are often prime suspects here. They can make a physical copy
> of your key, which wont start your car but with a ECU swap and the
> corresponding chipped key for that donor ECU strapped near the steering
> column sensor, they can drive off.
>
> I think the real measure of how effective the immobilizer systems are is
> the increase in theft of older vehicles which are not equipped - IOW they
> stop the joy-riders or the guys who just want free transport across town.
>
>>"The Club" steering wheel lock much of a deterrent ?
>
> Nope. Have you not seen the video of the guy sawing through the steering
> wheel - 10secs max. I dunno about the brake pedal locks. If they really
> want your car, they'll have it.
>
>>What might be better, other than the electrical alarm systems?
>
> I've often wondered what would be required to totally vaporize an entire
> human... passively of course. Could it be done with just volts or do we
> have to resort to Star Wars lasers here?:-)

10 seconds after being activated the alarm/immobilizer system fills the
passenger compartment with a suitable nerve gas.