Toyota Hilux is equipped with a keyless entry system (referred to as Smart Entry System by Toyota) where you don’t have to use a key to unlock the car and start the engine. Modern cars with keyless entry system have become a target of criminals. They can unlock the car and start the engine within seconds and drive away.
How this works is: Using a special device, they intercept the radio signal from the key, which is, for example, in a pocket. An accomplice, also equipped with a special device, stands next to the target car. The very weak radio signal from the key fob, which is normally only sufficient to open the car when in a very close proximity, is thus transmitted over several hundred feet. The boosted signal from the key fob fools the keyless entry system of Toyota Hilux, and the thief can then open the door and start the engine. This is called a relay attack, or relay theft.
Fortunately, there is a way to temporarily disable the radio signals of your Toyota Hilux key fob.
- Press and hold the LOCK button on the key fob.
- Then press the UNLOCK button twice.
- The LED light will blink multiple times and the radio signals are disabled.
- To reactivate the keyless entry system, press any button on the key fob.
Don’t forget to deactivate the spare key fob as well. The risk of theft is still there if the second key fob is active and stored somewhere near a window or near the front door of your home.
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RFID blocking Faraday bags
Since car thieves now easily crack even the most modern vehicles with keyless or keyless-go systems and steal cars, more and more people are relying on the self-protection of the car keys with RFID protective bags and cases, also called Faraday bags. They are a type of Faraday cage made of flexible metallic fabric. They are typically used to block remote wiping or alteration of wireless devices recovered in criminal investigations, but may also be used by the general public to protect against data theft or to enhance digital privacy.
Keeping a separate bag for your key fob can become inconvenient. Therefore the feature of disabling keyless entry system in Toyota Hilux by just pressing a few buttons on the key fob is much appreciated.