This is one of the first things the dealership should explain to you before you leave the lot with that 50k Tacoma. I researched this online and learned this myself as I heard relay attacks were a thing criminals use to steal these trucks & SUV’s. Once stolen these vehicle are quickly stuffed into shipping containers and sent overseas. You may find your beloved Tacoma on the 6 o’clock news with a 30mm gun on the back. Thanks for posting this as it is very helpful. When I was researching this 10 months ago to protect my 2020 TRD Tacoma Sport 4X4 there was no simple straightforward explanation on how this FOB worked.
Thanks, Brian. We just bought a 2018 Rav4 XLE with the same key that you presented in this video. The dealership did not even tell me that the key can come out. Now I learned that I can manually open the door by removing the key and I can temporarily deactivate the FOB using the technique you described. Awesome. Knowledge is power.
@@brianruperti Hey Brian my 2015 Toyota Highlander was stolen yesterday and I don’t think it has tracker on it? Do you know of any other way it can be tracked or at least point me in the right direction? Thanks!
reolink.com/blog/what-to-do-when-car-is-stolen/#:~:text=You%20can%20track%20a%20stolen,and%20finding%20your%20stolen%20car. This should help. So sorry to hear.
Appreciate the info sir! They certainly didn't inform me of this when i bought my truck. It's people like yourself who actually care about their customers and not just about sales. Thank you!
I just bought a RAV4 and tried this with my car. It works!!!! My previous car with a key fob got broken into and I was so upset about it. I will share this with everyone I know, THANK YOU!!!!!
it is frustrating because advances in technology should mean they are harder to break into. incorrect. the old fashioned lock and steering wheel lock will do wonders
They won't do it, it'll make their clientele think their car is insecure and they're afraid it's gonna make them go elsewhere, to another company who also sells push button start cars that are similarly vulnerable.
@@brianruperti I drive this 2019 Tacoma and it honestly does feel weird when I just barely tap on the handle even before grabbing it and squeezing, the everything is already unlocked. Let me please fix myself a tiny here, the only driver door unlocks but it is enough for someone standing and hiding from behind me to get in my seat with my own key before I will. Haven't seen it happened before but as of the situations of we living in today it may! So much appreciate you one more time! Not sure where are you from but I am in Texas.
@@markhoffmann4160 yes that’s actually how it is supposed to work. It’s designed to be convenient so that the instant you grab the handle, the door is already unlocked so it’s a smooth grab and open motion. If someone is behind you and can get in before you do, that sounds like a situational awareness problem, no offense. They have to be really close to you for that to happen. So unless you’re always aloof, it’s very, very unlikely to occur. And I’m up in NY man shout out to TX! I have some family on Lake Whitney I bet you guys are HOT down there 😅
WHEN I PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW TOYOTA RUSH GR SPORT AUTOMATIC FROM THE TOYOTA DEALER IN CORDON ISABELA, I HAVE TO SAY THAT I WAS TOLD VERY LITTLE TO SAY THE LEAST, THE LADY THAT SOLD THE CAR WAS USELESS SINCE SHE IGNORED ME, DONT MIND ME I AM ONLY THE CLIENT. I MUST SAY THAT WHAT YOU SAID IN YOUR VIDEO IS REALLY GOOD AND USEFUL, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 👍🏻
Thank you so much for this. I recently bought my first car and I'm still trying to learn everything I need to know to take care of it. Your videos make my life a lot less stressful and easier. Thank you once again.
Well, the anti-theft feature is really appreciated, but man, I was blown-away with the fact that you can lock the vehicle by touching the other side of the handle🤯 how come no one told me that, this is the 3rd car I owe and could use this feature
How is this possible that you never knew this? My Toyota is 15 yrs old so it still has the old school back "button" pad to lock door but it wasn't too much after 2007 they did away with that and made the lock feature "hidden". I read somewhere that if you're looking for a car and have done your research, 95% time you know WAY more than salesperson on the puts and takes of vehicle your looking to purchase. They're only TRAINED to SELL but not really know a damn thing abt the cars/trucks/SUVs themselves. I have found that to tru myself. When post-pandemic life opened back up, I went car shopping. There's specific safety feature I need due to neck condition I have. Either of the two Honda dealers could tell me the right info...so I walked. Sad since for many people its the biggest purchase they will ever make
It’s not just car sales. Customer service all down the board has suffered but that’s another story. Plz maintain faith good car sales professionals do exist! We are out there!
@@snooooopycomehome I can understand people not knowing. I'm one of those oldies don't buy a car every couple of years - usually only buy 10 year old cars and keep running them until the end of it's life (or in my last case, someone totalled it) so keeping up with the technology is not required. I find comfort in the simplicity of what I have. Having said that, I just bought a 2012 Corolla last week with a smart key so this video was super helpful.
This was one of the best videos on this topic. Nicely explained. Wonder why the dealership didn't mention anything about this. Brian, this is a big help for the Toyota community, thanks a lot for putting this out. Also, this was the most no-nonsense straightforward video on this topic.
I agree! I’m buying my lease, and was told nothing about anything when I leased this Rav 4, because they figured since I already owned one, I knew everything. Well, I could y open the gas tank at first! Another guy at the station looked it up on UA-cam! It doesn’t even have a compass! I have to know which way I’m going!!!
Just took delivery of my TRD Pro 4Runner and was hoping there was a way to stop the fob from transmitting to keep it safe. Thanks so much for this Brian!
Also key fobs will automatically turn off after not being moved for a short time, like 5 to 15 minutes. That way if it's sitting on a desk or key rack near the car someone can't just use a the relay system or even just an antenna or wire to bridge gap and make the car think the key is next to the car. And it makes the battery last much longer by not transmitting 24/7.
I saw this video when it first came out and I just bought a brand new Toyota and was looking for this video for a week. I am glad I found it again! Thank you so much for this!
Reliable Toyota's salesman did explain this and a lot more when I bought my Tacoma in 2018. The review with a video and the very good explanation was a lot of help, because I had forgot about saving the battery!
I was so thrilled when I took my SR for a test drive, the very first thing I noticed and got excited about it was the key, it had a REAL KEY!!! SO glad I got my SR!!
Pentester here, these keys use rolling security codes much like most modern garage doors. Even a 2004 Acura has this security feature. The rolling code are similar to someone requiring a passcode to add up to the number 11. Whatever number they challenge you with, like 4, you would need to respond with a number that adds to 11, in this case 7. Of course, the code is more complicated than that, and there’s usually a large key space that prevents collisions of previously-used codes depending on the algorithm. Flipper Zero’s can’t be used to steal these. It’s way more practical to break a window or attack a person sitting in their car with their doors unlocked than to learn about RF attacks, purchase a device capable of brute forcing these rolling codes, waiting for 30 minutes near a car and hoping it brute forces it, and then stealing it, unless you’re the target of a nation-state organization.
Came to say this, you aren't gfoing to see a car stolen using the method talked about in this video. The amount of effort required is far far too much compared to much easier methods
I would also be willing to bet his description of the Key emitting a signal constantly is also misleading/misunderstood. Surely the fob only emits a signal as a response to a recognized challenge. If it was constantly sending signals, the CR2032 battery in it would be dead in like 3 months instead of the 3+ years ours is currently running on. The fob is going to need to see a challenge from a known vehicle before issuing a response, so if it sees challenges from other random cars it might drain the battery a little but it's going to ignore it and not send a signal. The attacker should probably need to send an appropriate challenge before they can even record your one-time-response, but like you said, the key system will roll the response and they can't replay it.
The common belief that someone can just trap the signal and repeat it to the car has been taken into account in at least the modern Toyotas (and other brands). They make it so that the key must respond to a signal (with usually a code) so the days of just doing a relay attack don't really work on modern cars. It may on say ones from 10-15+ years ago (I think some of the 2000-2010 models were more prone to relay theft before mfrs figured this out, and figured out more advanced ways to secure vehicles). While it's possible for the relay theft method to work to get into the car, to start it, it's more complicated for sure (requiring different codes to deactivate the immobilizer). But if someone can gain access to your car, it doesn't matter if you have a mechanical key or push button starter at that point). The Car Care Nut actually has a video that explains the complexity of how various keyless/push button start systems worked on Toyotas over the years (I think he goes back to the early 2000 Prius through more modern ones). At the end of the day, if someone wants to steal your vehicle, they find a way. Some vehicles are more prone to easily be stolen (I think Jeeps and Kias were among the top since "hacking" them wasn't that hard apparently and Kias didn't have immoilizers until more recently, like 2021/2022).
Thank you to everybody who watched and shared and liked this video!!! I’m so glad it helped so many of you. I can’t believe it had 100k views in 2 weeks WOW!!! You guys are awesome!!! 🙏🏼
I keep my keys (including Toyota and others) in an RFID blocking box at home after a theft. While it's nice to know there's a way to temporarily turn off the constant signal, manufacturers should allow this to be turned off permanently, if desired. Note that thieves in parking lots can steal your signal in a couple minutes (even while you're close by with your key on you in a store), so you can buy RFID blocking sleeves for your keys as well. Either option--the key fob trick or inserting your key into an RFID sleeve--is basically a pita.
@@jaykenpachi6788 I suppose, but there's not much you can do about that if the process can in fact be done that quick and it's not disabled once you start the car. The RFID blocker at least provides some extra security at night when thieves troll around look for key signals fully broadcasting from inside your house. My next cars won't have this option..
Thank you so much for this. I just got a 2023 RAV4 XLE two days ago. I just got dressed and deactivated mine. I had no idea I can walk up to my vehicle and press the handle to open it lol. No one explained that to me at Toyota , they gave me a paper to watch certain videos and I stumbled upon yours . Thank God!
Good to know. If you plan on leaving your vehicle for any length of time unattended, this should be used. If it is just a couple minutes here and there, don't waste your time, energy and health living paranoid. Thanks for sharing
Thanks brother for the tip... I see people talking about minutes 🤣 .Thieves don't need minutes to steal your vehicle in seconds it will be gone. I have tried this trick on my key fob but it's not working...help me
I'm a retired lawman and I mentioned that to the dealer. They said oh it can't be read or copied..I told him B.S. . Back in the late 90s the keys had a chip in the top of the key. I found out there were only approximately 28 different chips. I walked up to the wrong car and my kept unlocked the car and started. I was at a Chevy dealer and told that to the salesperson. He also sad B.S. , HA HA. I WALKED thru the rows of corvettes and guess what ? Yes I was able to unlock a few and started one.
I inadvertently stole a car that way. My sister had arranged for me to pick up her car at the train station and take it to her house. I was house sitting that weekend. I looked all over and finally tried out a car that looked like hers. It unlocked, then started, and I drove it home. Next morning I got ready to drive somewhere and noticed a child seat in back. My sister's kids were in high school. I quickly checked the registration, found it wasn't hers, and called the police. They told me they were looking for it, and if I'd driven it anywhere I would have been arrested. So lucky me. The owners came over to pick up their car, we had a laugh, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Later I was telling a friend about it and they said they had almost driven off with someone else's Toyota that way.
No such thing as a retired lawman. Thanks for reinforcing what Brian said. If only more people spoke up maybe we wouldn't have so much crime. Thank you for your comment.
I have experienced something unusual, long story short, my Infiniti was stolen a few months ago, I use a RFID case and turn off the RF emitter to prevent another theft. However, I am aware that a group of stalker/hacker types appear consistently and are likely copying a code. Is anyone aware of other purposes criminals might have for making a copy or copies on a regular basis other than for theft? Is it possible for them to use my code on their vehicle when they drive the same or a different make/model from mine? Why? They are criminals. All I can guess is that they somehow use the code to make it appear as if my car traveled wherever they went with their own vehicle. Also, anyone hear of cases where a certain car is stolen and license plates are switched with a vehicle that is a ‘twin’? My car is a rare color and so are my circumstances. Thanks in advance for sharing any relatable information.
My car also turned up an error code of Incomplete or Unfinished Configuration 50 and I can’t seem to find any useful description of what it pertains to or why it occurs.
The dealership in Australia where I live never told me about this feature to save battery life and protection from theft. Just tried it and it works great! Thankyou so much and now subscribed to your channel👍
Great tip. You can also install a hidden kill switch on your fuel pump. Even experienced thieves can't start a vehicle w/o fuel. Chris Fix has a video on simple install.
@@mikhailp7297 It will void only if you suddenly get Electrical issues, On the newer cars 2020+ I would def recommend not splicing into your ECM. I def did the kill switch on a 2008, 2020, NO WAY.
@@虎啸平阳 they copied my fob because of remote starting it frequently, someone timed it before work every morning and one foggy night it was taken, thankfully my insurance is great and I got a new truck in matter of weeks. Be cautious with the fob, I got killer switch installed on my new truck and it makes all The difference
@@joshnut a small button hidden in your car that shuts off your cars function to start unless flipped on. My dealer suggested it to prevent further theft. It’s not expensive and really can make a difference between having a break in or waking up to no truck in your driveway like happens with me
This is essential advice! I picked up my Toyota with a keyless fob just four days ago, they didn't mention this at all. I've just used this method to deactivate the spare and the fob I use day-to-day so it's not possible to boost the signal to start the car when it's on the driveway... as there's no longer a signal to boost. Thanks for the peace of mind bro!
Many (but not all) Toyota dealers are not helpful or informative these days. The sales force just pushes cars off the lot as fast as possible. Further, many (but not all) sales staff know little or nothing about the car/suv itself, except to tout the newest features available in that year and trim line.
3 years down the track and your video is still helping. Picked up my 2018 Kluger with the same system and was wondering about some of the tech in it. This will be helpful. Thank you
Great and helpful video! Worked as described. My son works with a car rental service and they've been warned about this relayed theft method. Thanks much for this 👍👍
I'm buying my first car soon and I saw that it had a push start function. Always thought that was an easy way for someone to steal the car. Definitely will be using this tip often
To be very honest you were the first person/channel to tell us that it’s a one time deactivation. I kept shutting it down then opening the door up again and trying again and it was activated thought for some reason I was doing it wrong, which I wasn’t. Thanks again for your very detailed info on how to properly shut the key Fob down. 👍👍
This is great advice. I would add to that by saying you might be vulnerable in a short window of time from when you, for example, pull into a hotel and park until you disable your key fob. It might already be too late. I think if you want to be ultra safe, turn off the key-fob before you get to your final destination, that way there is no transmission at all when you arrive. The vehicle will continue to run until you shut it off, even with the key fob no longer electronically visible to the vehicle.
With the modern way they do it now (2 people 2 scanners/amplifiers) I think you’re fine just deactivating it once you step out of the vehicle. But ya never know!
I have the upgraded fob that has 4 buttons (lock, unlock, trunk, alarm). The double press of the unlock while holding the lock button seems to work on these two. At any rate, I can turn off the 'extra' fob and leave it in my end table until I need it, as I'm the only person driving my car and I'm keeping the extra fob as a spare. You can probably also keep the fob inside one of those shielded bags that are provided with turnpike toll transponders to deactivate them (they are RFID tags that have no batteries and can't be turned off). BTW a similar trick is being used by car thieves to steal Tesla's, they record your cell phone app unlock signals.
If you're not going to use the fob, a better idea is to just remove the battery and keep it nearby. This will also ensure that the fob doesn't get "turned on" again until you put the battery back in. You can s till unlock (and start the car) wiothout the battery (you need the mechanical key that is stored in the FOB and then hold the fob to the ignition/push button to start without a battery installed in the FOB).
You can make or buy foil pouches to keep fobs in, too. They go on your belt or can hang up where you put your keys in your house. Won’t save the battery, but keeps someone from reading the frequency.
@brian, I see from the update text that the misapprehension about how theft of keyless cars works (relay attack) has been cleared up, but I may as well add my own findings using a portable spectrum analyser and my 2021 model Corolla (EU version) anyway. The fob transmits only when either a button is pressed or interrogated by the car. The fob transmits alternately on 433.575MHz ± 75kHz and 434.425MHz ± 75kHz (in case one of those bands is jammed), and the car replies on about 433.8MHz ± 75kHz. (These frequencies may vary by region.) The car is RF-quiet when the fob is not near. I couldn't prove how the car detects proximity of the fob, but it's most likely low frequency NFC (think RFID tags and contactless payment cards), which is similar to but not the same as true radio. By its nature, it is very short range. As you note in the update, rolling codes are out-of-date. Most probably, the car and fob perform a challenge-response handshake, which makes fobs effectively impossible to clone. ETA: Oh, also: I gather some model fobs include a motion detector. If they haven't moved in a minute or two, they disable themselves. Idk whether that is true of Toyota fobs or, if so, which models have this.
If only Toyota had a video tutorial explaining how the fob works. All key factors about your car. The salesperson should go over. Thanks for the valuable info. 🤗
Get an RFID shield. You just put it into the small pouch and leave it in your pocket and nobody can scan your Fob not even at home. Amazon has them, "FOB protector signal blocking" you can protect your credit cards too.
Glad to see the update in the description about the attack vector. The way that is described in the video is a basic attack vector that on most modern cars won't be that simple. However, through relay attacks and discovery of flaws in current implementations there is still a risk of theft that is mitigated by disabling the key. Another brand-neutral way to "disable" the key fob is to store it in a faraday bag when not in use. A properly made faraday bag will stop pretty much any wireless signal (RF, Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, etc.) from passing through the walls of the bag. Personally I don't think such measures are necessary for the general public but for high-crime areas or high-target vehicles it is good to consider.
@@ismateo I'm not sure but I wouldn't expect it to have any significant impact on it. I suspect that the most power demanding tasks are initiated on the fob itself. However, I don't particularly have detailed knowledge about this so it very well could be different from that.
Thanks for the video! Honestly, it would be nice if you can change the default fob mode to only transmit/receive when the lock and unlock buttons are push within a 3-5 second window maybe.
Yes, I watched a couple of other You Tube Videos on these transmitting Keybobs. I was wondering for a long time if thieves could break into the modern Gas or Electric vehicles with their own wireless Keybobs. And now I know from these videos. Another video says to wrap some of these Keybobs into Aluminum foil so that if you park your vehicle outside, preventing the thieves having a way to capture the signal from the unprotected Keybob inside your house and quickly create their own Keybob to steal your vehicle. And it only takes seconds for them to do this. They may be able to capture the signal while you are walking around in a store, not sure though. They make little shielded pouches that you can buy to protect your Keybob data from being stolen. Very sad this is happening but this is another level of carjacking and probably every modern vehicle has one of these Keybobs. Many people may not know this till it is too late. Great video. Take care.
I appreciate this video, didn't know it could be done. I have bought a signal cancelling pouch. Another way to go. Now I think I may do both to make sure.
I bought the pouch first as well. Once I learned this from my manual, I often do both not that it is needed, but I like the pouch now in case someone drops and kicks the fob! Glad I helped you!
@@brianruperti I'm glad toyota is still making the switchblade key... my 2020 corolla LE still uses the key. I had to get a key because I work in a nursing home where its mostly women working so due to that it was no brainer to get the key instead of push to start lol
Before i was jealous about the the keyless entry now im glad that my sr5 4r doesnt have it lol. Dealers should teach buyers about this though. Great vid.
Key for the win in many situations except when one forgets to put de icer on key lock during the winter in which when one tries to.open the door the key bends.
Brilliant Info Brian. I have a Lexus RC300H, and as usual; as it's really just a Flash Toyota ...... This applies to my car too!! So much better than company instructions ...especially as the dealer has told me to buy a metal box to keep my key in !?! You would think they know how their own systems operate !!
@@brianruperti I worked at a dealership and if you knew their backgrounds you never go back to dealership again, one guy I worked had to change his name because killed someone while drunk driving and he had no license!
Thanks for this video! I watched a video on all the controls on the Corolla recently and thought I'd check this video out. I am so used to using the key FOB to lock and unlock doors, that I actually am not comfortable with the "keyless" function. And now that I know it can prevent theft too, I have followed your recommendation. I'd rather have the peace of mind than the convenience that I really don't need.
Thank you for this video. I originally watched this a couple of months ago, but because of everything going on with life, I never got to doing it. Now, because of that my 2021 Tacoma was stolen exactly the way you described. For those who are reading this comment , you better stop readings and go disable that feature.
@@ver151set Ouch! No. I bought it new in 2016. Also, left hand drive vehicles are not popular in South Africa. We drive on the “other side” of the road, like the UK, Japan and many others.
Its not as easy as it once was. First you would need to use a device to read and emit RF (spectrum analyzer, software defined radio or a wireless card of some sort) but you need to have the right frequency range. See what you are talking about is before they had rolling codes, Now you have to wait for the car owner to press the button intercept the code while jamming that code from reaching the car. Now here is the thing, as soon as they press the button again the code you just intercepted is void (I believe if they are still getting jammed its still fine) but you would have to think how many people are unlocking their cars when its not in a eyes sight? Remote start in the mornings? Sure but every car I have seen requires you to lock the car before using the remote start function. So what you are describing would be very hard to do. Unless there is a way for them to get a code for lets say remote start then be able to figure out what the code for unlock is? They have what is called brute force attacks (still would take too long/not as quick as you would think) which is when a computer of some sort guesses every possible combination and you can make this process shorter by controlling the variables (for example if a code is 10 digits long only numbers why would you try to compute letters or smaller or greater amounts of digits?) All I am trying to say its not that easy lol
@@JS-cg6tr Thank you so much to adding to this. That was really informative and made me feel a little more confident in the chances of theft going down!
Probably good idea to keep the key fobs in an RF blocking box or pouch when they are in your house or on your person. But the 2022 Highlander Owner's Manual, page 134, states the fob must be within 2.3 feet of the vehicle door to work. I tested this range with my daughter holding the fob at various distances from the vehicle and me touching the door handle to try and unlock the door. The fob had to be very close to the door - within 2 to 3 feet - to get the door to unlock. If the fob was farther way than that, the door would not unlock when I grabbed the door handle.
Yeah is the same with my car, the key has to be at least within 2 feet from the door to unlock it, I usually keep the key in my backpack, if I put the backpack on the ground and try to unlock it it won't open.
I bought a pouch to put my key into when not in the truck works great but other's have done the same as you I appreciate you informing us of this and like another commenter stated DEALERSHIPS should be making you aware of this before leaving the lot..have a good day and be safe!
Thank you for your excellent video and very well explained, unfortunately in Mexico Tacoma cars are among the most stolen and much is due to the method of cloning the signs of the keys as you describe it, whenever I go to a public or risky place I do the method you describe, I really appreciate your excellent video, greetings from Mexico
In the country where i live, cars with keyless entry systems are alarmingly easy for criminals to steal if the owner doesn’t turn off or block the signal, the owner could have the fob next to them in bed, and the criminal outside the house is still able to pick up the signal from it The police have even said that anyone who has a car with keyless entry should use a signal blocking pouch during the night
@@b43xoit I’m not familiar with keyless entry fobs (my sister refuses to have a vehicle with such a system, so does one of my parents, who currently doesn’t drive, and I don’t drive (I don’t have a license)), but im guessing that there isn’t a universal way of powering off the fobs (without pulling the battery), and/or some fobs may not have a way of powering them off without pulling the battery Although as far as im concerned, if you have to power off the fob all the time to ensure no one steals the signal, why even bother having keyless entry, why not just use a normal remote that only sends out a signal when you press the button
WOW, THANKS! I just got a '23 Tacoma and this is my first ever keyless start vehicle. No, you're not paranoid, just smart. I'm going to pass this info onto family members who also have keyless start. Subscribed for sure!
My CR-V dumb keys from 2013, never changed batteries and still going strong AF... My Smart key fob from the Subaru Forester 2018 and still going, I am lucky I guess.... A friend of mine using smart key fob in a Honda Civic changes the battery every 6 months or so.
This is funny. We were just talking about this with Manny the other day and then I find this video. It's sadly no secret that our new cars are at such a high risk of theft and yet nobody says anything at the dealership. In the old days Steve and his dad and even Pete down there in the service department put on new car owners seminars and go over everything, front to back. Heck, they even set off an airbag once just so you got an idea of how that went. I miss them days.
This is silly. I'm not staying at the dealership for hours on end to be told every little thing about my new car. This is the technology age dude. That is what owners manuals and the internet are for. Even as a 50 yrar old woman I do not miss the old days. I much prefer technology and the world that it opens up. I love downloading my favorite songs in my devices in seconds instead of lugging out a heavy record player or boom box. Can't jog in the park carrying encumbrances like that. I also love having my reading library consisting of thousands of books and magazines, especially my Bible, on one device. I don't have to lug heavy books everywhere. I also love not having to stay home to watch tv. Having a car start without fumbling to get the key in the ignition was a game changer for me. Key in pocket, push button to start. WINNER 😂
I take the key out of my spare fob and hide it on the undercarriage of my suv - then keep the keyless fob inside the suv wrapped in aluminum foil. This allows me to have a way to access my vehicle in case I lose my first fob somehow.
@@txmichaels Um, don't do this . Have a spare key made. In fact, don't do this at all. Just keep the key in the FOB and maybe a spare key in your wallet, not on the car.
Good info for older vehicles but for newer vehicles you really shouldn't have to do this. Newer vehicles use encrypted ISM radio signals in their key fobs and use a system of rolling codes, the key fob's code changes with every use and any code is supposed to be rejected if it's used a second time or consecutively. In addition, these lithium batteries last several years under normal use and only cost a few dollars, is it really worth the hassle of doing that every time?
Thanks for this….this information should be compulsory “training” for all customers of Toyota vehicles with electronic fob’s! I took delivery of a 2021 TACOMA TRD pro two months ago in 🇨🇦 and have now introduced this deactivation tip into my daily routine.
@@brianruperti It was a tough decision…sold my 2008 White Taco and factory ordered midnight black…not crazy about LR or Mag Grey! Voo Doo Blue still my all time favorite Taco color by a mile….
@@gerrytaylor5137 Midnight black is really cool because they paint it several times with flecks of blue and silver. Believe it or not, Toyota has 3 different blacks: attitude black, black sand, and midnight black. Midnight black sparkles (as you know). Keep it clean! LR and MGM are cool. But black is tough. Very nice. Voodoo blue. I’ve only sold one and it was really cool. Idk about resale value! But they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder lol. Enjoy your truck!!!
@@brianruperti Gen Manager of the dealership I ordered mine from said used Voo Doo blue Taco’s bring them the biggest $$ for them at least…maybe it’s a Western Canadian thing🤷♂️! So glad I chose Midnight Black….you’re right….just looks tough and mean…clean or dirty! Sub your channel BTW!
This is awesome. I really did not know about this and was actually worried about leaving my truck in the driveway overnight while my keyfob (even though inside home) was probably within range so, this helps a lot. Thanks!!!!
I bought my Toyota Tacoma new in 2018 and none of this information was mentioned. I think it is valuable and I am going to start implementing this. Thank you 🙏🏽 and I am now a subscriber to you.
Thank you for this video. There has been a local loser who somehow goes into my car and tears up the inside, presumably looking for the key, I dont know. This helps me to keep my car safe.
Thank you so much! We recently purchased a new to us Toyota from the dealer and were not aware of this feature. Previously, I owned a Nissan Juke with push start and a smart key entry. I really like using the smart key, especially when I have my hands full and don't want to set things on the ground, but for normal use it would have been nice to extend the battery life by not transmitting with the amplifier. In addition, this new to us Toyota will mostly be driven by my partner. I see no reason to leave the second set of keys, stored in the house, transmitting constantly and wasting battery when it it will rarely be used.
Extremely useful! I’m surprised that my dealership saleman didn’t tell me about this almost three years ago or I should have look into the manual guidebook oof! Thank you bro
I’m glad I could help! The book mentions it very briefly. Coincidently I’m the only one out of myself and my colleagues who knew about this. So thanks for watching the video. More cool stuff to come and plz chafe with friends or family that might benefit from this!
Super useful video! I’m just getting into surfing and wanted to leave my keys in lockbox on door handle since everyone does that here but I was scared since the signal would open the door since it’s right there but will definitely try this
This is a good tip for traveling and having a rental car. There are people that sit in busy areas, and scan, then break into car stealing all their vacation gear. I'm not sure if this trick holds true for other models of the same feature set, but something to be aware of for sure. Great video.
DUDE! THANKS!! I went up to the extend to carry a small metal box to block all signals from my remote, this is literally life changing. Also after the reports that some people at Russia/Ukrainie managed to breack the codes and duplicate your key signal.
Thanks for the update. I lease my cars and had read about the scanning in parking lots. My RAV4 ( auto fob)was traded for 2022 Camry with a physical key. Sleep better and less electrical problems...old school at 71😎
Hi Brian, Thank you for the nice video! Some time ago when I bought my first Toyota Auris Hybrid (this model is known oversees as Corrola) I read the user manual from first page to last and that was explained there as a battery saving feature. Another way to go is to buy a case which screens the signal coming from the key fob.
Thank you so much! I live around a ton of Toyotas ever since moving, and my batter life has been running out constantly. This is going to save me a ton of money and hassle!
Amazing insight. Much appreciated. With this trick, it will eliminate the crooks as well as extending the life of the battery. I used to have a Nissan Patrol GQ, with "manual everything". A few days ago, I bought a secondhand Land Cruiser 200, and it comes with the fancy pants electronic keys. I just realized that you can unlock the car without clicking the "unlock" button. It shows my ignorance of such technology. As ever a practical person, I kept thinking how to change the battery if and when it goes flat. I couldn't see any screws on it. Can someone help please?
This is one of the first things the dealership should explain to you before you leave the lot with that 50k Tacoma. I researched this online and learned this myself as I heard relay attacks were a thing criminals use to steal these trucks & SUV’s. Once stolen these vehicle are quickly stuffed into shipping containers and sent overseas. You may find your beloved Tacoma on the 6 o’clock news with a 30mm gun on the back. Thanks for posting this as it is very helpful. When I was researching this 10 months ago to protect my 2020 TRD Tacoma Sport 4X4 there was no simple straightforward explanation on how this FOB worked.
I agree with you. I am glad I could help.
Who would spend 50k on a Tacoma?.. that’s ridiculous.. I have one myself just saying.
@@matthewramirez3310 $50k? Lol I know people in Puerto Rico paying $60k
@@matthewramirez3310 someone out west bought a TRD pro 4Runner for $20k OVER MSRP!!! The Toyota bug bites hard!
@@matthewramirez3310 used ones go 50k right now lol. Go look 👀 the prices for Tacos 🌮 in Hawaii
Thanks, Brian. We just bought a 2018 Rav4 XLE with the same key that you presented in this video. The dealership did not even tell me that the key can come out. Now I learned that I can manually open the door by removing the key and I can temporarily deactivate the FOB using the technique you described. Awesome. Knowledge is power.
Thanks for watching
Some dealerships like some governments have people working in them that have no idea what they are doing.
@@brianruperti Hey Brian my 2015 Toyota Highlander was stolen yesterday and I don’t think it has tracker on it? Do you know of any other way it can be tracked or at least point me in the right direction? Thanks!
@@brianruperti Also it does have a built in GPS and SIRIUSXM radio.
reolink.com/blog/what-to-do-when-car-is-stolen/#:~:text=You%20can%20track%20a%20stolen,and%20finding%20your%20stolen%20car.
This should help. So sorry to hear.
Appreciate the info sir! They certainly didn't inform me of this when i bought my truck. It's people like yourself who actually care about their customers and not just about sales. Thank you!
Glad I could help!
Uh huh! nobody said anything to me either.
I just bought a RAV4 and tried this with my car. It works!!!! My previous car with a key fob got broken into and I was so upset about it. I will share this with everyone I know, THANK YOU!!!!!
So glad I could help and thanks for sharing. I hope it helps more people!
Better yet, get a little faraday bag for you key fob
it is frustrating because advances in technology should mean they are harder to break into. incorrect. the old fashioned lock and steering wheel lock will do wonders
Is there a way to turn on toyota tacoma without pressing brake pedal? @@brianruperti
Wow. After 20 years of owning a few Toyotas, not one person told me this.
Thank YOU very much. You have no idea. :)
Glad to help!
A friends Rav was just stolen out of their driveway this morning. This video makes a lot of sense now.
Glad to help plz share it!
Every dealership should make a small optional 'training' to the owners in order to educate them about these kind of stuff. Thanks a lot for the info!
You’re welcome!
They won't do it, it'll make their clientele think their car is insecure and they're afraid it's gonna make them go elsewhere, to another company who also sells push button start cars that are similarly vulnerable.
@@acerIOstream yes.. better not tell people and have their car stolen than educate a little on how a system works. Logic :/
We had a training “info” class when I bought my 2002. Very informative. There definitely should be classes now with all the new features.
Ignorant customers are good for business. Dealerships and car companies can sell extra cars. U need a replacement car afterall.
I’ve been watching Scotty Kilmer and also The Car Care Nut Channel for a while now. And let me tell you,
You Sir taught me something completely new!!
Thanks!!
Great information every Toyota owner should be shown this before they leave the dealership.
Thanks so much.
Thanks for watching!
I worked for a Toyota dealership for five years and wasn't been aware of that! No one also told me, thanks much man!
I got you
@@brianruperti I drive this 2019 Tacoma and it honestly does feel weird when I just barely tap on the handle even before grabbing it and squeezing, the everything is already unlocked. Let me please fix myself a tiny here, the only driver door unlocks but it is enough for someone standing and hiding from behind me to get in my seat with my own key before I will. Haven't seen it happened before but as of the situations of we living in today it may! So much appreciate you one more time! Not sure where are you from but I am in Texas.
@@markhoffmann4160 yes that’s actually how it is supposed to work. It’s designed to be convenient so that the instant you grab the handle, the door is already unlocked so it’s a smooth grab and open motion.
If someone is behind you and can get in before you do, that sounds like a situational awareness problem, no offense. They have to be really close to you for that to happen. So unless you’re always aloof, it’s very, very unlikely to occur.
And I’m up in NY man shout out to TX! I have some family on Lake Whitney I bet you guys are HOT down there 😅
@@brianruperti Oh yes, up to 109 degrees half of July.
@@markhoffmann4160 Holy Cow! ☀️😵💫☀️
My Tesla drove itself back to the dealer when I missed a payment.
🤣
Unfortunately, it hit a cyclist on the way, so now you're getting sued.
💀
Why would the dealer want it back? I could see a finance company wanting it but a dealer?
🤣🤣
WHEN I PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW TOYOTA RUSH GR SPORT AUTOMATIC FROM THE TOYOTA DEALER IN CORDON ISABELA, I HAVE TO SAY THAT I WAS TOLD VERY LITTLE TO SAY THE LEAST, THE LADY THAT SOLD THE CAR WAS USELESS SINCE SHE IGNORED ME, DONT MIND ME I AM ONLY THE CLIENT. I MUST SAY THAT WHAT YOU SAID IN YOUR VIDEO IS REALLY GOOD AND USEFUL, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 👍🏻
Thank you!
Thank you so much for this. I recently bought my first car and I'm still trying to learn everything I need to know to take care of it. Your videos make my life a lot less stressful and easier. Thank you once again.
Glad it was helpful!
Brian....you guys serviced my highlander hybrid. You guys have a great reputation. Thank you for making this video.
Thanks for dropping by the channel!
Well, the anti-theft feature is really appreciated, but man, I was blown-away with the fact that you can lock the vehicle by touching the other side of the handle🤯 how come no one told me that, this is the 3rd car I owe and could use this feature
How is this possible that you never knew this? My Toyota is 15 yrs old so it still has the old school back "button" pad to lock door but it wasn't too much after 2007 they did away with that and made the lock feature "hidden". I read somewhere that if you're looking for a car and have done your research, 95% time you know WAY more than salesperson on the puts and takes of vehicle your looking to purchase. They're only TRAINED to SELL but not really know a damn thing abt the cars/trucks/SUVs themselves. I have found that to tru myself. When post-pandemic life opened back up, I went car shopping. There's specific safety feature I need due to neck condition I have. Either of the two Honda dealers could tell me the right info...so I walked. Sad since for many people its the biggest purchase they will ever make
It’s not just car sales. Customer service all down the board has suffered but that’s another story. Plz maintain faith good car sales professionals do exist! We are out there!
I didnt know about it either to be honest that was the most informative part for me lol
Umm the vehicle manual mentions the locking door feature. But this tip about deactivating the signal temporarily. Sweet.
@@snooooopycomehome I can understand people not knowing. I'm one of those oldies don't buy a car every couple of years - usually only buy 10 year old cars and keep running them until the end of it's life (or in my last case, someone totalled it) so keeping up with the technology is not required. I find comfort in the simplicity of what I have. Having said that, I just bought a 2012 Corolla last week with a smart key so this video was super helpful.
This was one of the best videos on this topic. Nicely explained. Wonder why the dealership didn't mention anything about this. Brian, this is a big help for the Toyota community, thanks a lot for putting this out. Also, this was the most no-nonsense straightforward video on this topic.
Thanks!
the dealership doesn't like to advertise that their cars are ridiculously easy to steal, makes customers nervous.
I agree! I’m buying my lease, and was told nothing about anything when I leased this Rav 4, because they figured since I already owned one, I knew everything. Well, I could y open the gas tank at first! Another guy at the station looked it up on UA-cam! It doesn’t even have a compass! I have to know which way I’m going!!!
Just took delivery of my TRD Pro 4Runner and was hoping there was a way to stop the fob from transmitting to keep it safe. Thanks so much for this Brian!
Congrats on an awesome truck! Glad I helped!
I just turned off my extra key fob that lives in my junk drawer. Thanks for the info!
Same here! You’re welcome. More content to come!
That is a fantastic idea! I'm gonna do that right now too!
I wish I could do that to my Prius C (2013) but no it doesn’t work 😢
I think that's where EVERYONE keeps the second key LOL
wrap it in aluminum foil or put it in a bag with silvery plastic for things like ez pass that stop radio signals@@before_boaz
Also key fobs will automatically turn off after not being moved for a short time, like 5 to 15 minutes. That way if it's sitting on a desk or key rack near the car someone can't just use a the relay system or even just an antenna or wire to bridge gap and make the car think the key is next to the car. And it makes the battery last much longer by not transmitting 24/7.
I saw this video when it first came out and I just bought a brand new Toyota and was looking for this video for a week. I am glad I found it again! Thank you so much for this!
Glad I could help!
Reliable Toyota's salesman did explain this and a lot more when I bought my Tacoma in 2018. The review with a video and the very good explanation was a lot of help, because I had forgot about saving the battery!
That’s good! And I’m always here to help.
I was so thrilled when I took my SR for a test drive, the very first thing I noticed and got excited about it was the key, it had a REAL KEY!!! SO glad I got my SR!!
Thank you. Car theft is endemic world wide. Your video was taken at a nice pace and well presented. Very much appreciated.
My pleasure to help
Pentester here, these keys use rolling security codes much like most modern garage doors. Even a 2004 Acura has this security feature. The rolling code are similar to someone requiring a passcode to add up to the number 11. Whatever number they challenge you with, like 4, you would need to respond with a number that adds to 11, in this case 7. Of course, the code is more complicated than that, and there’s usually a large key space that prevents collisions of previously-used codes depending on the algorithm. Flipper Zero’s can’t be used to steal these. It’s way more practical to break a window or attack a person sitting in their car with their doors unlocked than to learn about RF attacks, purchase a device capable of brute forcing these rolling codes, waiting for 30 minutes near a car and hoping it brute forces it, and then stealing it, unless you’re the target of a nation-state organization.
Thanks for sharing
Came to say this, you aren't gfoing to see a car stolen using the method talked about in this video. The amount of effort required is far far too much compared to much easier methods
I would also be willing to bet his description of the Key emitting a signal constantly is also misleading/misunderstood. Surely the fob only emits a signal as a response to a recognized challenge. If it was constantly sending signals, the CR2032 battery in it would be dead in like 3 months instead of the 3+ years ours is currently running on.
The fob is going to need to see a challenge from a known vehicle before issuing a response, so if it sees challenges from other random cars it might drain the battery a little but it's going to ignore it and not send a signal.
The attacker should probably need to send an appropriate challenge before they can even record your one-time-response, but like you said, the key system will roll the response and they can't replay it.
The common belief that someone can just trap the signal and repeat it to the car has been taken into account in at least the modern Toyotas (and other brands). They make it so that the key must respond to a signal (with usually a code) so the days of just doing a relay attack don't really work on modern cars. It may on say ones from 10-15+ years ago (I think some of the 2000-2010 models were more prone to relay theft before mfrs figured this out, and figured out more advanced ways to secure vehicles). While it's possible for the relay theft method to work to get into the car, to start it, it's more complicated for sure (requiring different codes to deactivate the immobilizer). But if someone can gain access to your car, it doesn't matter if you have a mechanical key or push button starter at that point). The Car Care Nut actually has a video that explains the complexity of how various keyless/push button start systems worked on Toyotas over the years (I think he goes back to the early 2000 Prius through more modern ones). At the end of the day, if someone wants to steal your vehicle, they find a way. Some vehicles are more prone to easily be stolen (I think Jeeps and Kias were among the top since "hacking" them wasn't that hard apparently and Kias didn't have immoilizers until more recently, like 2021/2022).
Thank you to everybody who watched and shared and liked this video!!! I’m so glad it helped so many of you. I can’t believe it had 100k views in 2 weeks WOW!!! You guys are awesome!!! 🙏🏼
@Brian Ruperti what watch you wearing in the video?
@@propblast82nd That is the Seiko SPB143. It replaced my beloved SKX007.
@@brianruperti great choice 👍
@@propblast82nd Thank you
@@propblast82nd What watch you been rocking out
I keep my keys (including Toyota and others) in an RFID blocking box at home after a theft. While it's nice to know there's a way to temporarily turn off the constant signal, manufacturers should allow this to be turned off permanently, if desired. Note that thieves in parking lots can steal your signal in a couple minutes (even while you're close by with your key on you in a store), so you can buy RFID blocking sleeves for your keys as well. Either option--the key fob trick or inserting your key into an RFID sleeve--is basically a pita.
What about when you're starting your car? Don't you have to take it out of the sleeve, giving them enough time to steal it anyway?
@@jaykenpachi6788 I suppose, but there's not much you can do about that if the process can in fact be done that quick and it's not disabled once you start the car. The RFID blocker at least provides some extra security at night when thieves troll around look for key signals fully broadcasting from inside your house. My next cars won't have this option..
@@1972CB350 What will be your next cars?
Thanks so much. Good to know!
Where can we get this RFID blocking Box or Sleeve. Sounds like a Good Investment to protect $30K Vehicle.
This is great. We always keep a 'known good key' and now that key is stored...without it using its battery!
Thank you so much for this. I just got a 2023 RAV4 XLE two days ago. I just got dressed and deactivated mine. I had no idea I can walk up to my vehicle and press the handle to open it lol. No one explained that to me at Toyota , they gave me a paper to watch certain videos and I stumbled upon yours . Thank God!
Sorry they didn’t show you anything! They’re supposed to go over the car with you. Glad to help and congrats on your new car!
ALREADY THECAR MANUAL IT HELPFUL THATS WHY EVERY CAR HAS A MANUAL TO READ
Good to know. If you plan on leaving your vehicle for any length of time unattended, this should be used. If it is just a couple minutes here and there, don't waste your time, energy and health living paranoid. Thanks for sharing
I agree with you 100% I only use this really when I am home. You’re welcome!
Thanks brother for the tip... I see people talking about minutes 🤣 .Thieves don't need minutes to steal your vehicle in seconds it will be gone. I have tried this trick on my key fob but it's not working...help me
Just incase people forget, you get "two" smart fobs. Dont forget the 2nd one because it can also be scanned if you're living in big neighborhoods.
100% correct thank you for reminding us! My second one at home is deactivated AND in an RFID pouch.
Hate keyless feature. Wish you can turn it off permanently
Buy a Faraday cage pouch for the second key fob.
I'm a retired lawman and I mentioned that to the dealer. They said oh it can't be read or copied..I told him B.S. . Back in the late 90s the keys had a chip in the top of the key. I found out there were only approximately 28 different chips. I walked up to the wrong car and my kept unlocked the car and started. I was at a Chevy dealer and told that to the salesperson. He also sad B.S. , HA HA. I WALKED thru the rows of corvettes and guess what ? Yes I was able to unlock a few and started one.
That’s crazy!!!
I inadvertently stole a car that way. My sister had arranged for me to pick up her car at the train station and take it to her house. I was house sitting that weekend. I looked all over and finally tried out a car that looked like hers. It unlocked, then started, and I drove it home. Next morning I got ready to drive somewhere and noticed a child seat in back. My sister's kids were in high school. I quickly checked the registration, found it wasn't hers, and called the police. They told me they were looking for it, and if I'd driven it anywhere I would have been arrested. So lucky me. The owners came over to pick up their car, we had a laugh, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Later I was telling a friend about it and they said they had almost driven off with someone else's Toyota that way.
No such thing as a retired lawman. Thanks for reinforcing what Brian said. If only more people spoke up maybe we wouldn't have so much crime. Thank you for your comment.
I have experienced something unusual, long story short, my Infiniti was stolen a few months ago, I use a RFID case and turn off the RF emitter to prevent another theft. However, I am aware that a group of stalker/hacker types appear consistently and are likely copying a code. Is anyone aware of other purposes criminals might have for making a copy or copies on a regular basis other than for theft? Is it possible for them to use my code on their vehicle when they drive the same or a different make/model from mine? Why? They are criminals. All I can guess is that they somehow use the code to make it appear as if my car traveled wherever they went with their own vehicle. Also, anyone hear of cases where a certain car is stolen and license plates are switched with a vehicle that is a ‘twin’? My car is a rare color and so are my circumstances. Thanks in advance for sharing any relatable information.
My car also turned up an error code of Incomplete or Unfinished Configuration 50 and I can’t seem to find any useful description of what it pertains to or why it occurs.
The dealership in Australia where I live never told me about this feature to save battery life and protection from theft. Just tried it and it works great! Thankyou so much and now subscribed to your channel👍
Thanks! Welcome to the channel 😎
Great tip. You can also install a hidden kill switch on your fuel pump. Even experienced thieves can't start a vehicle w/o fuel. Chris Fix has a video on simple install.
Thanks. And yes also great tip
Just currious if this will void the vehicle’s warranty?
@@mikhailp7297 It will void only if you suddenly get Electrical issues, On the newer cars 2020+ I would def recommend not splicing into your ECM. I def did the kill switch on a 2008, 2020, NO WAY.
Bit too late now, got my 2021 Trd sport stolen but just got refunded a new trd off road and will keep this in mind
So sorry to hear. I hope this video helps you and your new truck!
So sorry to hear. How did it get stolen? It has tracking system with useless?
@@虎啸平阳 they copied my fob because of remote starting it frequently, someone timed it before work every morning and one foggy night it was taken, thankfully my insurance is great and I got a new truck in matter of weeks. Be cautious with the fob, I got killer switch installed on my new truck and it makes all
The difference
@@yevhenvorotylko257 what’s the killer switch installed did you got? I’m interesting.
@@joshnut a small button hidden in your car that shuts off your cars function to start unless flipped on. My dealer suggested it to prevent further theft. It’s not expensive and really can make a difference between having a break in or waking up to no truck in your driveway like happens with me
This is essential advice! I picked up my Toyota with a keyless fob just four days ago, they didn't mention this at all. I've just used this method to deactivate the spare and the fob I use day-to-day so it's not possible to boost the signal to start the car when it's on the driveway... as there's no longer a signal to boost. Thanks for the peace of mind bro!
Glad to help!
Same 1 week Highlander
Many (but not all) Toyota dealers are not helpful or informative these days. The sales force just pushes cars off the lot as fast as possible. Further, many (but not all) sales staff know little or nothing about the car/suv itself, except to tout the newest features available in that year and trim line.
3 years down the track and your video is still helping. Picked up my 2018 Kluger with the same system and was wondering about some of the tech in it. This will be helpful. Thank you
Glad I could help
The fob should have a simple slider switch that you can thumb off /on.
Exactly what I was thinking 👍🏻
So my Taco is asking everyone walking near if they are it's dad when I'm away. 😭
Yes ☹️
@@brianruperti big sad
The problem is not the Taco, but the key fob🙂
no one wants to hear about your taco
😂😂😂
Great and helpful video! Worked as described. My son works with a car rental service and they've been warned about this relayed theft method. Thanks much for this 👍👍
So glad I could help! Plz share with anyone who may benefit from it!
Thanks, I have a '21 Rav4 with the same fob and I didn't even know about the little key in the fob as well as all the other features you explained!
I'm buying my first car soon and I saw that it had a push start function. Always thought that was an easy way for someone to steal the car. Definitely will be using this tip often
It’s not very easy so enjoy your push button! Just a helpful tip!
To be very honest you were the first person/channel to tell us that it’s a one time deactivation. I kept shutting it down then opening the door up again and trying again and it was activated thought for some reason I was doing it wrong, which I wasn’t. Thanks again for your very detailed info on how to properly shut the key Fob down. 👍👍
Glad to help!
This is great advice. I would add to that by saying you might be vulnerable in a short window of time from when you, for example, pull into a hotel and park until you disable your key fob. It might already be too late. I think if you want to be ultra safe, turn off the key-fob before you get to your final destination, that way there is no transmission at all when you arrive. The vehicle will continue to run until you shut it off, even with the key fob no longer electronically visible to the vehicle.
With the modern way they do it now (2 people 2 scanners/amplifiers) I think you’re fine just deactivating it once you step out of the vehicle. But ya never know!
You are the most amazing teacher. Your videos are So easy to follow, simple and clear for visual learners like myself.
Wow, thank you! You comment made my day :-)
I have the upgraded fob that has 4 buttons (lock, unlock, trunk, alarm). The double press of the unlock while holding the lock button seems to work on these two. At any rate, I can turn off the 'extra' fob and leave it in my end table until I need it, as I'm the only person driving my car and I'm keeping the extra fob as a spare. You can probably also keep the fob inside one of those shielded bags that are provided with turnpike toll transponders to deactivate them (they are RFID tags that have no batteries and can't be turned off).
BTW a similar trick is being used by car thieves to steal Tesla's, they record your cell phone app unlock signals.
If you're not going to use the fob, a better idea is to just remove the battery and keep it nearby. This will also ensure that the fob doesn't get "turned on" again until you put the battery back in. You can s till unlock (and start the car) wiothout the battery (you need the mechanical key that is stored in the FOB and then hold the fob to the ignition/push button to start without a battery installed in the FOB).
Thank you! I’ve been fortunate to have my truck garage kept but this new knowledge helps tremendously
Great to hear!
@Honest Rational Mind so glad that this video and our comments were able to help! Enjoy your car!
You can make or buy foil pouches to keep fobs in, too. They go on your belt or can hang up where you put your keys in your house. Won’t save the battery, but keeps someone from reading the frequency.
You are 100% correct! Thanks for sharing with us!
@brian, I see from the update text that the misapprehension about how theft of keyless cars works (relay attack) has been cleared up, but I may as well add my own findings using a portable spectrum analyser and my 2021 model Corolla (EU version) anyway.
The fob transmits only when either a button is pressed or interrogated by the car. The fob transmits alternately on 433.575MHz ± 75kHz and 434.425MHz ± 75kHz (in case one of those bands is jammed), and the car replies on about 433.8MHz ± 75kHz. (These frequencies may vary by region.) The car is RF-quiet when the fob is not near. I couldn't prove how the car detects proximity of the fob, but it's most likely low frequency NFC (think RFID tags and contactless payment cards), which is similar to but not the same as true radio. By its nature, it is very short range.
As you note in the update, rolling codes are out-of-date. Most probably, the car and fob perform a challenge-response handshake, which makes fobs effectively impossible to clone.
ETA: Oh, also: I gather some model fobs include a motion detector. If they haven't moved in a minute or two, they disable themselves. Idk whether that is true of Toyota fobs or, if so, which models have this.
Thank you for sharing this comprehensive addition!
I really appreciate this fantastic video Brian!! its a long time i've been trying to find a way of protecting my Rav4.. thank you.
You’re welcome and thank you!! So glad I could help. More content to come!
If only Toyota had a video tutorial explaining how the fob works. All key factors about your car. The salesperson should go over. Thanks for the valuable info. 🤗
They don’t know about it
Read the manual!
@@TeutonicTribe The manual is like going back to College. 😅
Get an RFID shield. You just put it into the small pouch and leave it in your pocket and nobody can scan your Fob not even at home. Amazon has them, "FOB protector signal blocking" you can protect your credit cards too.
Thank you very much. I was thinking about getting a 2019 or earlier simply because of theft. This greatly improved my options. Thank you!
You’ll be fine!
Glad to see the update in the description about the attack vector. The way that is described in the video is a basic attack vector that on most modern cars won't be that simple. However, through relay attacks and discovery of flaws in current implementations there is still a risk of theft that is mitigated by disabling the key.
Another brand-neutral way to "disable" the key fob is to store it in a faraday bag when not in use. A properly made faraday bag will stop pretty much any wireless signal (RF, Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, etc.) from passing through the walls of the bag.
Personally I don't think such measures are necessary for the general public but for high-crime areas or high-target vehicles it is good to consider.
Thank you for this comment. Q: Do faraday bags help preserve the battery life of the fob as well? Thx
@@ismateo I'm not sure but I wouldn't expect it to have any significant impact on it. I suspect that the most power demanding tasks are initiated on the fob itself. However, I don't particularly have detailed knowledge about this so it very well could be different from that.
I feel like im the only one that appreciates a key start these days.
You’re def not alone
I wish I had a key start. Much harder to hot wire a car then to just hack it. 4runner owner.
yeh my 2004 matrix/vibe has remote doors but key only ignition. perfect imo.
I am like you, yearn for the old days and a key start.
Tell me about it!!!
Thanks for the video!
Honestly, it would be nice if you can change the default fob mode to only transmit/receive when the lock and unlock buttons are push within a 3-5 second window maybe.
Yes, I watched a couple of other You Tube Videos on these transmitting Keybobs. I was wondering for a long time if thieves could break into the modern Gas or Electric vehicles with their own wireless Keybobs. And now I know from these videos.
Another video says to wrap some of these Keybobs into Aluminum foil so that if you park your vehicle outside, preventing the thieves having a way to capture the signal from the unprotected Keybob inside your house and quickly create their own Keybob to steal your vehicle. And it only takes seconds for them to do this.
They may be able to capture the signal while you are walking around in a store, not sure though. They make little shielded pouches that you can buy to protect your Keybob data from being stolen.
Very sad this is happening but this is another level of carjacking and probably every modern vehicle has one of these Keybobs. Many people may not know this till it is too late.
Great video. Take care.
Thanks for watching! Thank you for sharing the info
I appreciate this video, didn't know it could be done. I have bought a signal cancelling pouch. Another way to go. Now I think I may do both to make sure.
I bought the pouch first as well. Once I learned this from my manual, I often do both not that it is needed, but I like the pouch now in case someone drops and kicks the fob! Glad I helped you!
@@brianruperti I'm glad toyota is still making the switchblade key... my 2020 corolla LE still uses the key. I had to get a key because I work in a nursing home where its mostly women working so due to that it was no brainer to get the key instead of push to start lol
@@alvinsimba734 The switchblade key is easy to use!
@Robert Jacobs I have one too!
@Robert Jacobs thanks for the tip!
Before i was jealous about the the keyless entry now im glad that my sr5 4r doesnt have it lol. Dealers should teach buyers about this though. Great vid.
Turn key is awesome! Thank you I hope it helped
Key for the win in many situations except when one forgets to put de icer on key lock during the winter in which when one tries to.open the door the key bends.
Thank you for sharing. Dealer should share this.
Brilliant Info Brian. I have a Lexus RC300H, and as usual; as it's really just a Flash Toyota ...... This applies to my car too!! So much better than company instructions ...especially as the dealer has told me to buy a metal box to keep my key in !?! You would think they know how their own systems operate !!
Thank you! And I’m always here to help!
I had to tell my dealer how auto window down worked
@@kkahuna4263 Sheesh that’s embarrassing for them. They need to train!
@@brianruperti I worked at a dealership and if you knew their backgrounds you never go back to dealership again, one guy I worked had to change his name because killed someone while drunk driving and he had no license!
@@kkahuna4263 That’s crazy
Thank you... this was simple to understand why this is an issue and how to fix it. Elderly people especially would have no clue this is possible.
I got you
I never knew about this safety advice. Wow! Tremendous help! You’re very smart. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video! I watched a video on all the controls on the Corolla recently and thought I'd check this video out. I am so used to using the key FOB to lock and unlock doors, that I actually am not comfortable with the "keyless" function. And now that I know it can prevent theft too, I have followed your recommendation. I'd rather have the peace of mind than the convenience that I really don't need.
Thanks for watching! Better safe than sorry!
Thank you for this video. I originally watched this a couple of months ago, but because of everything going on with life, I never got to doing it. Now, because of that my 2021 Tacoma was stolen exactly the way you described. For those who are reading this comment , you better stop readings and go disable that feature.
So sorry to hear! Did you get it back or are you replacing it?
@@brianruperti it was stolen 12 hours ago, so I’m still going through the process of filing a police report and insurance claim. What a pain in the….
Absolutely amazing. Dealers should tell owners about this. Work as you said, even on my 2016 RAV4 here in South Africa. Than you for sharing.
I got you!
@@ver151set Ouch! No. I bought it new in 2016.
Also, left hand drive vehicles are not popular in South Africa. We drive on the “other side” of the road, like the UK, Japan and many others.
To see exactly how to do it: scroll to 2:00 in the video.
For reasons why? Watch the entire video plz ;-)
Thank you so much! I had no idea but all your shared.
@@lisachavers6622 you’re welcome!
Its not as easy as it once was. First you would need to use a device to read and emit RF (spectrum analyzer, software defined radio or a wireless card of some sort) but you need to have the right frequency range. See what you are talking about is before they had rolling codes, Now you have to wait for the car owner to press the button intercept the code while jamming that code from reaching the car. Now here is the thing, as soon as they press the button again the code you just intercepted is void (I believe if they are still getting jammed its still fine) but you would have to think how many people are unlocking their cars when its not in a eyes sight? Remote start in the mornings? Sure but every car I have seen requires you to lock the car before using the remote start function. So what you are describing would be very hard to do. Unless there is a way for them to get a code for lets say remote start then be able to figure out what the code for unlock is? They have what is called brute force attacks (still would take too long/not as quick as you would think) which is when a computer of some sort guesses every possible combination and you can make this process shorter by controlling the variables (for example if a code is 10 digits long only numbers why would you try to compute letters or smaller or greater amounts of digits?) All I am trying to say its not that easy lol
@@JS-cg6tr Thank you so much to adding to this. That was really informative and made me feel a little more confident in the chances of theft going down!
Extremely helpful! I'm picking up a 2021 Tacoma SR5 in 2 weeks and this is really good to know. Thank you!
🙏🏼
Probably good idea to keep the key fobs in an RF blocking box or pouch when they are in your house or on your person. But the 2022 Highlander Owner's Manual, page 134, states the fob must be within 2.3 feet of the vehicle door to work. I tested this range with my daughter holding the fob at various distances from the vehicle and me touching the door handle to try and unlock the door. The fob had to be very close to the door - within 2 to 3 feet - to get the door to unlock. If the fob was farther way than that, the door would not unlock when I grabbed the door handle.
What if the thieves have a really sensitive antenna on their cloning device? Would they pick up the signal from the fob from further away?
That’s only for keyless entry though. You can still lock/unlock your car using the key from a good distance away.
Yeah is the same with my car, the key has to be at least within 2 feet from the door to unlock it, I usually keep the key in my backpack, if I put the backpack on the ground and try to unlock it it won't open.
@@SDCRIT how do you do that? keys go INTO locks == 0 inches away
@@billruggirello1707 *key fob* No need to be a smartass.
I bought a pouch to put my key into when not in the truck works great but other's have done the same as you I appreciate you informing us of this and like another commenter stated DEALERSHIPS should be making you aware of this before leaving the lot..have a good day and be safe!
I also use the pouch. And you are right I agree with that. I will do my best to put out good info for you guys. Take care be safe as well!
Hi! What pouch did you get? Is it still effective??
Thank you for your excellent video and very well explained, unfortunately in Mexico Tacoma cars are among the most stolen and much is due to the method of cloning the signs of the keys as you describe it, whenever I go to a public or risky place I do the method you describe, I really appreciate your excellent video, greetings from Mexico
You’re welcome I am so glad I was able to help.
Really appreciate the info sir, especially for me know nothing about the car. Nobody informed me of this when I bought my RAV4. Thank you again!
Right on!
Our world is becoming far to complicated just for convenience! Great video, informative...
I can agree with that. But I still enjoy it! Thank you so much. 🙏🏼
In the country where i live, cars with keyless entry systems are alarmingly easy for criminals to steal if the owner doesn’t turn off or block the signal, the owner could have the fob next to them in bed, and the criminal outside the house is still able to pick up the signal from it
The police have even said that anyone who has a car with keyless entry should use a signal blocking pouch during the night
@@b43xoit I’m not familiar with keyless entry fobs (my sister refuses to have a vehicle with such a system, so does one of my parents, who currently doesn’t drive, and I don’t drive (I don’t have a license)), but im guessing that there isn’t a universal way of powering off the fobs (without pulling the battery), and/or some fobs may not have a way of powering them off without pulling the battery
Although as far as im concerned, if you have to power off the fob all the time to ensure no one steals the signal, why even bother having keyless entry, why not just use a normal remote that only sends out a signal when you press the button
Such valuable information! Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this video. Much appreciated!
Glad to help 🙏🏼
WOW, THANKS! I just got a '23 Tacoma and this is my first ever keyless start vehicle. No, you're not paranoid, just smart. I'm going to pass this info onto family members who also have keyless start. Subscribed for sure!
Thank you! Welcome to the channel 😎
Great explanation and tip. And I'm extra glad I got the Tacoma with the old "dumb key". And no worry about battery life after 2 or 3 yrs.
Thank you so much. Nothing wrong with a good ol’ turn key!
My CR-V dumb keys from 2013, never changed batteries and still going strong AF...
My Smart key fob from the Subaru Forester 2018 and still going, I am lucky I guess....
A friend of mine using smart key fob in a Honda Civic changes the battery every 6 months or so.
@@neometalx9 every 6 months that would irritate me
This is funny. We were just talking about this with Manny the other day and then I find this video. It's sadly no secret that our new cars are at such a high risk of theft and yet nobody says anything at the dealership. In the old days Steve and his dad and even Pete down there in the service department put on new car owners seminars and go over everything, front to back. Heck, they even set off an airbag once just so you got an idea of how that went. I miss them days.
What a memory I wish I was there
This is silly. I'm not staying at the dealership for hours on end to be told every little thing about my new car. This is the technology age dude. That is what owners manuals and the internet are for. Even as a 50 yrar old woman I do not miss the old days. I much prefer technology and the world that it opens up. I love downloading my favorite songs in my devices in seconds instead of lugging out a heavy record player or boom box. Can't jog in the park carrying encumbrances like that. I also love having my reading library consisting of thousands of books and magazines, especially my Bible, on one device. I don't have to lug heavy books everywhere. I also love not having to stay home to watch tv. Having a car start without fumbling to get the key in the ignition was a game changer for me. Key in pocket, push button to start. WINNER 😂
Very well said!
If you really want an extra layer of protection just wrap it in foil it will block the emitting signal from the key so they can't boost it
I take the key out of my spare fob and hide it on the undercarriage of my suv - then keep the keyless fob inside the suv wrapped in aluminum foil. This allows me to have a way to access my vehicle in case I lose my first fob somehow.
@@txmichaels Um, don't do this . Have a spare key made. In fact, don't do this at all. Just keep the key in the FOB and maybe a spare key in your wallet, not on the car.
I sometimes sleep in my car, with of course, key inside of the car, so impossible to lockdown. Thank you for this tutorial. Straight to the point !
Thanks for watching!
Good info for older vehicles but for newer vehicles you really shouldn't have to do this. Newer vehicles use encrypted ISM radio signals in their key fobs and use a system of rolling codes, the key fob's code changes with every use and any code is supposed to be rejected if it's used a second time or consecutively. In addition, these lithium batteries last several years under normal use and only cost a few dollars, is it really worth the hassle of doing that every time?
That’s good to know thanks for the info.
Interesting thanks for sharing that!
many thanks for the information. so helpful.
Thanks for this….this information should be compulsory “training” for all customers of Toyota vehicles with electronic fob’s! I took delivery of a 2021 TACOMA TRD pro two months ago in 🇨🇦 and have now introduced this deactivation tip into my daily routine.
My pleasure. I’m glad to help. And big congrats on such a sick truck. What color did you choose?
@@brianruperti It was a tough decision…sold my 2008 White Taco and factory ordered midnight black…not crazy about LR or Mag Grey! Voo Doo Blue still my all time favorite Taco color by a mile….
@@gerrytaylor5137 Midnight black is really cool because they paint it several times with flecks of blue and silver. Believe it or not, Toyota has 3 different blacks: attitude black, black sand, and midnight black. Midnight black sparkles (as you know). Keep it clean!
LR and MGM are cool. But black is tough. Very nice.
Voodoo blue. I’ve only sold one and it was really cool. Idk about resale value! But they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder lol. Enjoy your truck!!!
@@brianruperti Gen Manager of the dealership I ordered mine from said used Voo Doo blue Taco’s bring them the biggest $$ for them at least…maybe it’s a Western Canadian thing🤷♂️! So glad I chose Midnight Black….you’re right….just looks tough and mean…clean or dirty! Sub your channel BTW!
@@gerrytaylor5137 Can’t lie, some Canadian snow on the blue must look cool. But you can NEVER beat black. Thanks for the sub!!!
This is awesome. I really did not know about this and was actually worried about leaving my truck in the driveway overnight while my keyfob (even though inside home) was probably within range so, this helps a lot. Thanks!!!!
Glad I could help!
I bought my Toyota Tacoma new in 2018 and none of this information was mentioned.
I think it is valuable and I am going to start implementing this.
Thank you 🙏🏽 and I am now a subscriber to you.
Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the channel 😎
While I’m not concerned about this personally. I appreciate any little tips like this 👍🏼
🙏🏼
Thank you for this video. There has been a local loser who somehow goes into my car and tears up the inside, presumably looking for the key, I dont know. This helps me to keep my car safe.
Hey there thanks for the vid, one question: does the magic trick stays after unlocking it? Or do I need to do it everytime? Thanks
Thank you so much!
We recently purchased a new to us Toyota from the dealer and were not aware of this feature. Previously, I owned a Nissan Juke with push start and a smart key entry. I really like using the smart key, especially when I have my hands full and don't want to set things on the ground, but for normal use it would have been nice to extend the battery life by not transmitting with the amplifier. In addition, this new to us Toyota will mostly be driven by my partner. I see no reason to leave the second set of keys, stored in the house, transmitting constantly and wasting battery when it it will rarely be used.
Thanks for watching!
Extremely useful! I’m surprised that my dealership saleman didn’t tell me about this almost three years ago or I should have look into the manual guidebook oof! Thank you bro
I’m glad I could help! The book mentions it very briefly. Coincidently I’m the only one out of myself and my colleagues who knew about this. So thanks for watching the video. More cool stuff to come and plz chafe with friends or family that might benefit from this!
@Robert Jacobs 🙏🏼
Super useful video! I’m just getting into surfing and wanted to leave my keys in lockbox on door handle since everyone does that here but I was scared since the signal would open the door since it’s right there but will definitely try this
That will def help and glad you liked the video. Be safe surfing!
This is a good tip for traveling and having a rental car. There are people that sit in busy areas, and scan, then break into car stealing all their vacation gear. I'm not sure if this trick holds true for other models of the same feature set, but something to be aware of for sure. Great video.
Yes I agree and thank you!
DUDE! THANKS!! I went up to the extend to carry a small metal box to block all signals from my remote, this is literally life changing. Also after the reports that some people at Russia/Ukrainie managed to breack the codes and duplicate your key signal.
Thanks for the update. I lease my cars and had read about the scanning in parking lots. My RAV4 ( auto fob)was traded for 2022 Camry with a physical key. Sleep better and less electrical problems...old school at 71😎
Nice!
Hi Brian,
Thank you for the nice video!
Some time ago when I bought my first Toyota Auris Hybrid (this model is known oversees as Corrola) I read the user manual from first page to last and that was explained there as a battery saving feature.
Another way to go is to buy a case which screens the signal coming from the key fob.
Hey! You’re welcome! And yup! It’s in there! In the USA it’s a little more hidden in the book! Check out my other videos for some cool info :-)
Wow, thank you, keeping it short and simple is appreciated 😊
Thank you!
Thank you so much! I live around a ton of Toyotas ever since moving, and my batter life has been running out constantly. This is going to save me a ton of money and hassle!
Glad it helped!
Great tip, I usually wrap my fob in Aluminum foil. That helped too.
Thanks! And nice classic method lol
Thank God my SR5 4 runner has the bargain basement trim level and still uses a physical key to do everything
First comment to make me laugh 🤣 you are so right lmao! The bargain basement trim level 😂 (I love SR5 4Runners btw, 10x more than limited)
@@brianruperti base models are valued that way because of the key ignition, long lasting 😂😂😂😂
This is great!!! Thanks for the info. Will be doing this on my 4runner
Thank you! My pleasure to help!
Amazing insight. Much appreciated. With this trick, it will eliminate the crooks as well as extending the life of the battery.
I used to have a Nissan Patrol GQ, with "manual everything". A few days ago, I bought a secondhand Land Cruiser 200, and it comes with the fancy pants electronic keys. I just realized that you can unlock the car without clicking the "unlock" button. It shows my ignorance of such technology.
As ever a practical person, I kept thinking how to change the battery if and when it goes flat. I couldn't see any screws on it. Can someone help please?
Wow that's insane it's that easy to steal a vehicle. I would definitely deactivate my fob. Thanks for the info
You’re welcome!