Insurance companies, manufacturers, European regulators, etc., all seem to think the next wave in security is a simple, relay-based passive security transponder that replaces the factory starter relay.

But do these things work?

Seems like the relay-based passive security systems could be easily defeated by simply popping the hood and replacing the faked out starter/security relay with a factory starter relay to start the car.

I hear these are growing in popularity among dealers in California. If they are, won't thieves soon be simply carrying a bag of various factory starter relays with them and stealing cars without even stripping the steering column??

Wouldn't this kind of device also need to be coupled with a way to lock the hood (even after popping the hood from inside)?

Anybody have any thoughts about this? Thanks!!!

You don't even need a relay, just a wire to jump the gap for power.

wow, so what's the point with such a system? Hoping the thief can't figure out why the car isn't starting, but not noticing that the relay has been replaced?

The relays are not meant to be used as an only method for security, just an additional system that will make it harder to steal. The more security, the better, it's easier to bypass only one security feature, but when they are all used together, it increases the chances that they'll get caught (due to it taking longer to figure out the systems.

that makes sense. sounds like a good addition to basic Scion security (for those of us stupid enough to have bought it).

:-)