Stolen! Key fob cloning theft method used to steal 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[thirstyross]

@juan mesa Have you seen this before? Possibly they got your info from ServiceOntario employees that are on the take...

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/12/06/toronto-police-car-thefts-serviceontario-employees-charged/

Sponsored

 

[coloradomarmot]

I don't think the process of turning off the FOB is going to get old real quick for me. It's pretty easy to do.

I really feel for the OP, but truly appreciate the thread as it will help prevent other folks from suffering the same fate. I work in cybersecurity and foolishly expected that in 2025 Toyota would have implemented handshake encryption to prevent this (especially given how much they charge for spare fobs). Rude shock, and a big disappointment, that they’re still using outdated and easily defeated protocols.

I’ve disabled all the connected services because of the data collection/sale/privacy issues, so don’t have any of the stock locator stuff available. I think I may hide an AirTag in it somewhere though.

I plan to disable my fob whenever I park it outside overnight (including at the airport) Simple fix unless the bad guys are scanning as you pull into the parking space. Almost wish there was a way to just disable the transmission permanently. An immobilizer is probably overkill for where I live and drive, but if I had to park on the street on a regular basis, I’d definitely look into one.

 

[juan mesa]

@juan mesa Have you seen this before? Possibly they got your info from ServiceOntario employees that are on the take...

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/12/06/toronto-police-car-thefts-serviceontario-employees-charged/

Yes I have seen that before, that’s exactly what happened, someone gave my whole information, name, address, type of vehicle, maybe it was service of Ontario, or dealership, tracking company?
It really sucks, you can’t trust anyone now days.

 

[Everybodyduck]

Ravelco is another device. 9 million installs, 0 thefts in 48 years. https://www.ravelco.com/index.html

This Ravelco looks like a good product. Has anyone installed this on a new 4runner yet?

 

[4RunnerDude]

The platinum has digital key capability. No keyfob needed. Would that have helped if the keyfobs were turned off?

 

[juan mesa]

The platinum has digital key capability. No keyfob needed. Would that have helped if the keyfobs were turned off?

I’m not 100% sure?
I’m installing an immobilizer ( ghost 2) I’m disabling the key fob, every time I’m out of the truck, I don’t know what else to do to prevent this from happening again, I’m not enjoying my truck anymore, I keep worrying about anything that could happen, and I still don’t have my truck back, It really sucks!!

 

[Alien13]

This is exactly why i installed an aftermarket immobilizer. Ain't no-one getting my 4runner unless they put it on a flatbed.

Sorry about ur loss

Which immobilizer system did you install?

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

I’m not 100% sure?
I’m installing an immobilizer ( ghost 2) I’m disabling the key fob, every time I’m out of the truck, I don’t know what else to do to prevent this from happening again, I’m not enjoying my truck anymore, I keep worrying about anything that could happen, and I still don’t have my truck back, It really sucks!!

If disabling the key fob eliminates the FOB cloning threat, what other types of threats / thefts does the immobilizer prevent?

 

[thirstyross]

If disabling the key fob eliminates the FOB cloning threat, what other types of threats / thefts does the immobilizer prevent?

It takes a bit longer than key cloning, but thieves can program the vehicle to accept a new key (ie. if they can't read your fob they can just program a new key in a couple minutes). There are videos of locksmiths doing this on youtube, they can generate new fobs pretty quickly.

 

[juan mesa]

If disabling the key fob eliminates the FOB cloning threat, what other types of threats / thefts does the immobilizer prevent?

I’m just trying to prevent anything that they can use to steal the truck.
Here in Canada ( Ontario) it has been a big problem stealing Toyota vehicles, they are the top 3 vehicles to steal, so an extra layer of protection does hurt.

 

[juan mesa]

It takes a bit longer than key cloning, but thieves can program the vehicle to accept a new key (ie. if they can't read your fob they can just program a new key in a couple minutes). There are videos of locksmiths doing this on youtube, they can generate new fobs pretty quickly.

You’re 100% right! I was told same thing.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

I’m just trying to prevent anything that they can use to steal the truck.
Here in Canada ( Ontario) it has been a big problem stealing Toyota vehicles, they are the top 3 vehicles to steal, so an extra layer of protection does hurt.

Move to the US. It's paradise here. Nooooo issues at all. Everybody here is so nice.

 

[Archer]

Move to the US. It's paradise here. Nooooo issues at all. Everybody here is so nice.

Maybe we should build a wall?




.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Maybe we should build a wall?




.
[/QUOTE

uhhh oohhh you're getting political now. lol

 

[mightysnopants]

Hey - there is going to be a Master Certified Ravelco Technician doing an install on a 4Runner on Sept 24 on the northshore of Chicago near Northbrook IL.
If you live here in the area you may know how hard it is to get an install here in the Chicago area.
9,000,000 installs worldwide since 1976 and ZERO driveway thefts.
Recommended by AAA and used by US Defense Dept, major fleet operators and a lot of people who really like to keep their car where they parked it.

Key cloning, relay attack, swapping out a PCM or RF Module, etc. cannot defeat it.
Basically you need a Large Helicopter or for the wimpy thieves - a flatbed tow truck.
I'm not getting paid to tell you all this. Just figured if you need one of these and they are here...

Chuck Whigham and his wife Megan come highly recommended for their care, expertise and professionalism.
You can look them up.

Here's their information I got off their website if you want to schedule something the week of September 21st.

Mid-Atlantic Ravelco, LLC
426 Main Street, #158
Spotswood, NJ 08884-1702
Direct Line: 732-309-2761
Toll-Free: 877-662-9727
Mid-AtlanticRavelco.com
[email protected]
Zero Defeated - Made in the USA - Since 1976 - Over 9 Million Installs Worldwide - Lifetime Warranty

Sponsored