How my new G37X was almost stolen

[donut4popo]

After finally getting a G37X a few weeks ago it was almost stolen yesterday. As I was driving past my new car (in my work car) I noticed that the windows sure looked clean. That's not clean windows! They are all open! I freaked out, checked inside, nothing stolen. How odd. The dealership said that I must have pushed the button on the key fob, door opener, whatever. OK, sounds plausible. I googled the problem and others have had their windows open by themselves. Two hours later my co-worker calls me and says that my headlights, taillights, and radio are on. When I get to my car the radio of off but the lights are on. Weird. I do keep the headlights on auto. It seems that if you have a laptop, a transmitter, and an ***hole at the dealership that sells codes to other ***holes your car is very easy to steal. With these codes your new G37X can have its windows opened, then door opened, then you press on the break pedal, send the start engine button code, and an ***hole just stole your car. How nice. Learn from this. Have the dealership turn off the "open all windows" feature. Make the ***hole break the window before they steal it.

[Jesda]

The Range Rover did this to me, but it didnt open the windows all the way. By itself, with NO input from the driver, the thing would crack open a window an inch or two. You'd walk outside and find your window cracked open and your door panel and seat moist from snow getting in. At least you have the option of disabling the feature.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

oops

[MinisterofDOOM]

Actually, the remote transmitter doesn't work like that. And even if it did, having the ability to open the windows would also mean having the ability to unlock the doors and start the car.

Automobile remotes, both keyless entry and keyless start fobs, all work the same way. The remotes are not programmed to match the car. The CAR is programmed to match the remotes. This is why you can change the battery in your remote without having to reprogram.
You can't just figure out a code and get access to the car. The car has to be set to accept commands from any remote being used on it. Remotes have unique (within limitations, obviously) codes, and the car looks for that remote's code before accepting commands. It's not the other way around, as many people assume, with the remote being programmed to send the code the car wants. Some fobs use rotating codes, which make things even more difficult.

And with modern push-button start cars, most remotes must actually be programmed by a dealer or locksmith with access to tools that can interface with the car's security system. They have to plug into the car itself and program the fob.

Definitely nowhere near as simple as grabbing a laptop and looking up a code.

[Dattebayo]

Yeah, maybe someone with a similar code set had his car nearby yours, and it made those things happen with yours when he activated his/hers...

[donut4popo]

A person needs specialized software, a laptop, a transmitter and codes specific to your car. The hardest to get is the software. If you know a technician at a dealership and he can be persuaded then you can get both. If you have key-less ignition you don't need a physical connection to start the car.

I closed my windows. I also went to the bathroom that day. Both are irrelevant to my story. The point of this is to inform. If your car dealership has lax security it makes it easier for someone to steal your car.

[Dittoz7]

If someone really wanted to steal your car, it would of been stolen.
I would hardly call that almost stolen.

I agree with Dave, shockingly....

[Dattebayo]

I agree with Dave, shockingly....

[donut4popo]

Your logic is perfect. All car thieves are perfect. After I found the headlights and dash lights on I called the dealer. Within 20 min he dropped off a loaner and took my car. That was very nice. They ran diagnostics, all was well. Then they asked for my second key and changed my car codes. They told me it was an attempted theft.