BI OBD Protector Anti-Theft Immobiliser for OBD Socket Cover for OBD Interface

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The earliest OBD ports were introduced in the 1970s, and they became more prevalent on American cars in the 1980s. Californian legislation introduced in 1988 meant new cars sold there had to have basic OBD compliance. An On-Board Diagnostics port is a standard connector used to access information from the various sensors and components in a car. The rules around OBD ports mean that car manufacturers cannot restrict their access, or make them hard to locate inside a car. For professional car thieves, this delivers a potentially efficient way to steal a vehicle.

OBD Port Protector - Protectavan Ltd

The basic idea of an OBD port is to allow car manufacturers, garages and owners easy access to diagnostic information about their vehicle. This is done through plugging a device into a port that uses a common design. This allows a thief to steal the vehicle without needing the original keys. The whole process can take just a few minutes. How common is OBD car theft?

SURPRISE AND THWART THE THIEF

Portector provides the owner with the authorisation as to whom gets access to the vehicle’s information with OBD Port Authorisation Cards. These cards are required to temporarily switch off Portector and allows full access to the vehicle. It does not prevent any regular servicing/maintenance or other work being carried out on the vehicle providing the owner authorises such work by presenting their card. Consider purchasing a quality video surveillance system. Ensure cameras are properly placed and functioning for day and night time use. Familiarize yourself with the system so it can be reviewed and accessed easily In 2001, the European Union introduced requirements that all new petrol cars must offer OBD access. New diesel-powered models were included from 2003. This standard is often referred to as EOBD. What can an OBD port be used for? The OBD port may also be used to upload information to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Manufacturers can update software this way, while tuning companies use it to remap the ECU for extra performance. Tech-savvy criminals can use the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port fitted to modern cars to start the car and drive it away.

OBD Protector | Metal OBD2 Port Lock Cap | Car Anti MITI OBD Protector | Metal OBD2 Port Lock Cap | Car Anti

A variety of Ford models have also been targeted, including the previous-generation Fiesta and Focus. Relocating the OBD port from the standard, easily accessible location is a popular option. An OBD wiring extension can be used to reroute the port to a different place on the car (often inside the glovebox).Thefts using OBD ports are just one of the methods used by professional car criminals. Exploiting keyless entry and start systems through relay devices is the tactic many people are aware of, but OBD thefts are also a problem.

OBDsaver Universal Security Device for the OBDII connector OBDsaver Universal Security Device for the OBDII connector

It works by stopping the information travelling to the OBD port and therefore prevents a thief from accessing it, effectively closing the OBD port whilst Protector is armed. Programming replacement keys, should a new spare be needed, can be done via the OBD port as well. Why is the OBD port a theft risk? To make a change using your SPS, simply switch off the Portector (swipe obd authorisation card over switch and press it) plug in SPS, make required changes, when finished, unplug SPS and rearm Portector by pressing switch (will rearm if you forget after 8 hours but better just to switch when done as will arm almost immediately) and that's it.It's easy to use, it gives me peace of mind because I know they aren't gonna be able to break my window and in 30 seconds be driving my car away again, and if I do want to connect my VAG COM I can do it in seconds.. I did it last night. Secure as can be with easy access should you need it.

OBD Port Lock - OBD Protection Device | Maple Fleet Services OBD Port Lock - OBD Protection Device | Maple Fleet Services

The problem has made headlines, typically with attention-grabbing videos of how easy the process can be. Of course, there are other measures that can be taken to secure your OBD port like relocating it somewhere else but If that’s not for you then consider getting the OBD-Saver. I remember the racing driver who invented the Gatso speed camera saying it would never be used on the British roads, and we all know how that ended. Our national installation partner is RS Connect. You may not have heard of them but they are the largest and by far the most capable company whom are carrying out automotive installs (on any scale) in the UK and beyond, we have an SLA with them to ensure every system is installed to our standard (& thatchams) including photographic evidence which will be stored for a minimum of 3 years. Portector utilises a range of bespoke wiring looms to seamlessly integrate into a vehicle. This ensures the correct fitment every time, without the need to cut into the vehicles wiring.

Sherlock's OBD Protector * proves its worth:

Read on for information about what stealing a vehicle using the OBD port actually means, and the measures you can take to protect your car. So, what is an OBD port? Portector simply isolates the CAN wires allowing no communication through the port, when armed. Switching it off allows full access to the ecu and diagnostics of the vehicle. There is no writing or gathering data at all from our system and therefore it should have zero impact on your re-map or anything else on the vehicle.