Theft deterrent systems

Summary

Theft deterrent systems aim to prevent the vehicle being entered, started or driven by
reacting to input from devices such as door locks and vibration sensors, and by
controlling such things as the starter motor or engine to immobilize the vehicle.

Theft deterrent systems aim to prevent the vehicle being entered, started or driven. The
actuators used to achieve this are the electric door locks and windows, the starter motor
relay, engine management systems, transmission shift solenoids, and an audible alarm.
The computer that controls the system monitors input signals from various devices.
Switches are located at each door, the hood and trunk openings, and the fuel filler door.
Vibration sensors detect any unusual vehicle movement such as lifting, jacking or
towing.
Ultrasonic sensors detect any movement inside the cabin.
Voltage monitoring sensors check against operation of the starter motor, ignition system
or fuel pump.
The immobilization system is enabled by pressing the lock button on the remote key,
locking the doors manually with the door key, or when a period of time has elapsed,
typically 15 seconds, after the engine has stopped. The immobilization system is
disabled by pressing the unlock button on the remote fob.
The key fob and theft deterrent computers have to be capable of transmitting and
receiving coded information. Operational characteristics vary greatly between
manufacturers, and because it is a theft deterrent system, details are a close kept
secret.

Most systems use a coded system known as rolling codes. The coded data
transmitted and received between the key fob and theft deterrent computer randomly
changes. This creates a situation where the code used to lock and immobilize a vehicle
is different to the one used to unlock and mobilize a vehicle. Manufacturers who use
this system have seen a dramatic reduction in theft, noticeably from joy riders. The code
is transmitted as a digital number, typically containing 16 digits, giving the possibility of
billions of different code numbers. When the lock button is pressed, the control unit and
key preset the agreed code, which will be used to unlock the vehicle and deactivate the
theft deterrent.