BuRR

Just been watching Watchdog, and notice there's an "exploit" on the VW security system that enables the car's alarm and security to be overridden in a matter of seconds.

I would appreciate if anyone is "in the know" about this technique, that they email me off-board (to obviously keep the details away from the public eye for obvious reasons - as news like this is very dangerous in the wrong hands!)

I'm sure that I am qualified in asking for this information, as I work on the correct side of the law - as I'm sure many on this board can vouch for me!

Any cooperation is appreciated, and will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Many thanks.

mega_stream

Blimey charley, I would like to know too, my wifes got a new Polo

I know my MK3 Golf GTi 16v got broken into buy undoing 4 philips screws [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img] Seems things have got worse on the new generation cars though.

Reckon its got something to do with vacuum locks meself...

Bad the way VW are trying to deny all knowledge of this problem, they have to re-think this stance.

BuRR

I want to know if it also affects VW-based motors, like Skoda, Seat, Audi and the like?

johnfelstead

I am surprised you dont know this already Burr? The scum sure do!

Just out of interest, do you get buletins released on a regular basis telling you of this kind of thing, or are you left to work out the patterns for yourself?

BuRR

you got it (the latter)

johnfelstead

Thats rediculous! [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Best not tell me mate about this then he thinks that VW are the all seeing all conquoring marque its got worse security than a standard scoob

Tony

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Looks like the MK4 VW owners are sh****g it a bit! and you think that we complain!

http://www.uk-mkivs.net/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=2&ARCHIVEVIEW=&TOPIC_ID=3915

Tony

BOB.T

Looked to me like the chap was just ramming a screwdriver in the lock

I pity the poor sods who have to change the locks though, in my experience they're right b*stards[img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

Also, I can't really see the big deal, yeah ok it's a bit pants that someone can unlock your car in 5 seconds but, how long does it take to chuck a brick through a window?

Bob

PS, mkII locks were pants too but that's never been mentioned/recognised either

johnfelstead

the diference is the alarm doesnt sound if you open it via the central locking. No one will notice you are being robbed, a brick is a bit more audible/visual.

marty_t3

I had the misfortune of locking myself out of my car last Christmas eve. Well... i didn't actually lock 'myself' out.. the key fob died and the spare was 200 miles away.

After a wasted walk to the nearest (appropriately badged) garage to see if they could help, I managed to get into my car and disable the alarm and immobiliser. Took about an hour but most of the time was spent just looking to see how it worked. All i used was a few items from the pc toolkit i had in my briefcase.

Now that i know how it's done i reckon i could do it to any similar model with the factory alarm and immobiliser and drive away in the car in about 5 minutes max (without setting off the alarm).

It didn't sink in till later that day that anyone with a bit of common sense and a few tools could have done the same. I got so paranoid about it i fitted a second immobiliser.

It really suprised me how easy it was .. the factory alarm might as well not have been there.

(in case your wondering... i'm an IT analyst, not a car thief)

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

"If only all things in life were as reliable as a Volkswagen".
They've been relying on the above piece of misinformation,(IMHO), for YEARS now.
LOL at Volkswagen:

matt.bowey

I would imagien that all alamrm dealers know the over ride codes for their products!

rr_ww

Burr

YHM

Richard

Mr.Manchester

if it is a fault with the locking mechanism then i would remove the frtont door handles and replace them with rear door handles ie. with no lock in them. If you key fob dies and you need to get in the car then use the boot as an entrance.

polarbearit

I'll just point out something -

The RAC overcame a professionally fitted CAT 1 alarm (when I had the impreza) in ten minutes being 'tidy' when my key fob failed [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img], the bloke was sure he could do it much faster if he wasn't being neat! So even top security is great if you know what you are doing...

scrap

How about the 'Hot Seat' Anti-Car Jack system, this is a completely independent alarm system to your current one.

1) If you were unfortunate enough to be the victim of hijack, the thief would not get far, they would get 40 seconds before the car cut out and the alarm sounded. This is system is permantley on, so once you have been taken out of your car - it is activated!

2) If you were burgled and your car keys stolen along with alarm fob, no worries, they would not be able to disarm the anti-hijack system and again, after 40 seconds the alarm would sound and your car most likely still on your drive/garage.

This system is available in the UK now (I am the Midlands agent for it) if interested, drop me an email.

I have this on my own car, and being a girl, it is also added assurance when driving alone. In the USA a lot of insurance companies will not cover people unless they have this system installed on their cars.

UK Insurance companies have now started to offer a discount for having this system installed.

Teri
(MLR Midlands Regional Co-ordinator)

[Edited by scrap - 10/19/2002 3:16:34 PM]

[Edited by scrap - 10/19/2002 3:18:01 PM]