KeyFob Security

[Wildtrac24]

Just bought our Bronco a few weeks ago and it was almost stolen.

Yesterday someone was able to unlock my 2024 Bronco. All caught on camera. The key fob was at least 50 feet away in the back of the house. They pulled up next to it (Locked) the brake lights started flashing 10sec later they opened the door and got in. another !5-10s jumped out an left. My wife happen to walk outside as they were leaving, passengers doors were locked, drivers unlocked, center console open. What is really puzzling is why the didn't start it and drive it off. Whatever the reason I'm glad.

My question is, did the keyfob proximity feature keep the start button disabled since the key fob wasn't present?

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[CalvinT]

The key fob is in sleep mode until you press the button or the Bronco activates it. But you have to be within a few feet. I've experimented some with mine. The fob has to be within 5 feet before pulling on the door handle will unlock the door. Other sources say the activating transmitter must be with 10 feet. I think the receiver for the start button is even more selective. The key fob must be inside the vehicle.

 

[Ducati1098]

Just bought our Bronco a few weeks ago and it was almost stolen.

Yesterday someone was able to unlock my 2024 Bronco. All caught on camera. The key fob was at least 50 feet away in the back of the house. They pulled up next to it (Locked) the brake lights started flashing 10sec later they opened the door and got in. another !5-10s jumped out an left. My wife happen to walk outside as they were leaving, passengers doors were locked, drivers unlocked, center console open. What is really puzzling is why the didn't start it and drive it off. Whatever the reason I'm glad.

My question is, did the keyfob proximity feature keep the start button disabled since the key fob wasn't present?

Are you sure they were trying to steal it and not just steal anything inside the vehicle?

I mean I don’t think most would worry about going through the center console if they were looking to take the whole vehicle.

 

[Bigmoose]

Sounds like they used a fob extender. They are getting more common.

 

[GoHawks63]

Sounds like they used a fob extender. They are getting more common.

Yes. That’s why I use a Faraday Box for the fobs of the cars parked outside.

Also, Each of my cars have a Faraday pouch in the map pocket. When I park in a location where the car isn’t visible or just in a place where people can go unnoticed, I take the pouch, place the fob in the pouch and put it in my pocket.

The Faraday pouch and box shields the fob, preventing a range extender from stealing the signal from the fob.

 

[Poppavein]

I keep my keys in a Faraday box for peace of mind.

 

[CalvinT]

I wrapped my spare fobs in aluminum foil. Cheaper than a faraday pouch/box and just as effective. At night, where I keep my keys is 10 feet away from an outside wall.

 

[GoHawks63]

I wrapped my spare fobs in aluminum foil. Cheaper than a faraday pouch/box and just as effective. At night, where I keep my keys is 10 feet away from an outside wall.

You can get a faraday pouch for $7 on Amazon.

A box that holds multiple fobs for $20.

 

[CalvinT]

Aluminum foil, $0.05 a square foot, but not reusable. Best for spares and not every day use. A pouch makes good sense for daily use.

BTW, it's probably a good idea to test any faraday box/pouch you buy. See if you can lock/unlock or start your Bronco with the fob in your faraday container. And any that are flexible can wear out. So periodically retest pouches if you use them daily.

 

[MFP2241]

I have a couple of these that I keep the fobs in, they aren't much larger than the fob itself and fit easily pockets. I think it was $10 for a 2 pack. They work well.

 

[Wildtrac24]

I keep my keys in a Faraday box for peace of mind.

We bought a Faraday key box last week. My wife just came home and was in the kitchen with fob in her pocket, the habit to put them in the box hasn't kicked in. I'm sure this incident will help. We don't keep anything in our vehicles due the break rate here in the SF Bay Area. Seems like a lot of tech and effort just to look in the glove box and center console, which is all the did. Which why I think it was a failed thief attempt and want to make sure I understand the key fob tech. For peace of mind.

 

[Brian_B]

Seems like a lot of tech and effort just to look in the glove box and center console, which is all the did.

It's stupid easy with a kit you can buy off ebay. Just like skimmers at gas stations - the hardware has become something you just buy as a plug and play kit. You don't really need any tech know-how, just the right little dongle and app. Just park across the street in time to catch you going to work... your faraday cage won't do squat. Then come back a few nights later and scope up the score.

I am not surprised they are just looking for quick scores out of the glove box and what not - that isn't an automatic felony, easier to pocket and fence, and usually don't have to worry about gps tracking (any car thief beyond their first job would know which fuse to pull to disable the Ford modem, but Lojack, AirTag-like trackers, etc all exist and are fairly common too)

 

[SmallCrawler]

I have a garage and keep my fobs in an old cookie tin when parked at home. These other items also come in handy when traveling...

 

[Brian_B]

I have a garage and keep my fobs in an old cookie tin when parked at home. These other items also come in handy

What the heck is this thing?

 

[SierraBronco]

Yes. That’s why I use a Faraday Box for the fobs of the cars parked outside.

Also, Each of my cars have a Faraday pouch in the map pocket. When I park in a location where the car isn’t visible or just in a place where people can go unnoticed, I take the pouch, place the fob in the pouch and put it in my pocket.

The Faraday pouch and box shields the fob, preventing a range extender from stealing the signal from the fob.

We do the same. Tested the pouch by sitting in the vehicle and trying to start it. No dice with any of the keys or any keyless start vehicles. Just being mindful of any breaks in the pouch, just in case that matters.

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