[anav_ds]

Saw that Miller CAT is coming out with a solution for this problem.

I contacted them last week or the week before suggesting they make such plates, I gather someone else probably suggested the same thing as that is a rather quick turnaround.

 

[Maaks]

There are some development in UK about it.
Toyota GB statement on vehicle theft - Toyota UK Magazine

 

[Snapper88]

Got an email today that Miller Cat came out with their version of plates for $50.

CAN Bus Vehicle Anti-Theft Shield by Miller CAT

Protect your Toyota and Lexus from theft with the MCPROTECTED CAN Bus Anti-Theft Shield by Miller CAT. Shop now!

catshield.com

Who here is going to try them out?

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

Got an email today that Miller Cat came out with their version of plates for $50.

Watch out! The Miller fitment chart may not be accurate. They say this plate is for cars with auto-leveling and adaptive headlights. Most of the RAV trim levels from 2019-2021 did not have them Yet the chart says the plates are for the 2021 XLE. I can confirm my '21 gas model XLE does NOT have such adaptive headlights. I have not looked to see if I have a headlight module that looks like the one in their pictures.

 

[FKHeath]

Got an email today that Miller Cat came out with their version of plates for $50.

CAN Bus Vehicle Anti-Theft Shield by Miller CAT

Protect your Toyota and Lexus from theft with the MCPROTECTED CAN Bus Anti-Theft Shield by Miller CAT. Shop now!

catshield.com

Who here is going to try them out?

Those work if the thief opens the hood to access the connection by the headlights. But a RAV4 with the factory security system, that will sound the horn when hood is opened.

What happened to accessing the electrical plug in the driver's side wheel well?; doesn't risk sounding the alarm. Are thieves getting too lazy to remove the wheel well liner?

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

Those work if the thief opens the hood to access the connection by the headlights. But a RAV4 with the factory security system, that will sound the horn when hood is opened.

What happened to accessing the electrical plug in the driver's side wheel well?; doesn't risk sounding the alarm. Are thieves getting too lazy to remove the wheel well liner?

Agreed. I don't see how this protective plate screwed on the back of the headlights would prevent the CAN BUS thief going into the wheel well and accessing and splicing into the wires from there. I have not read they even use that module on the back of the headlights--is that really a thing they do?

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

I confirmed by examination that my '21 XLE does not have that module on the headlights and so the Miller application list is WRONG. Also, that Miller plate is just held in with 2 Phillips head screws so what would stop a thief from removing the screws and the plate? They must be assuming thieves are stupid and would not have a screwdriver.

 

[R4-V4]

From the videos online accessing the headlight connector through the wheel well liner appears to be one of of the ways they plug the hacking tool in. The headlight wiring harness has enough slack so you could pull the connector on the end of the harness through the wheel well.

Difficult to locate the two color coded canbus network wires quickly in poor lighting without the exposed headlight connector.

The hack tool plugs in like this:

The cat shield are like wheel locks in that they only slow the bad guys down.

 

[Snapper88]

I took a hard look this afternoon at my J-Vin 7/23 born Limited Hybrid using a mirror to inspect both headlamp assemblies underneath for that computer module and rectangular connector and it doesn't exist on mine. The only electrical connectors on my vehicle headlamps is the main 8 pin squareish plug and one to the removable led. I don't see a twisted pair on the main plug so I don't believe there is a Can-Bus wire there. Unfortunately that connector is accessible thru the fender well liner and it does have some slack in the wire but it would be easy to fabricate a bracket to support the loom and place a worm clamp around the wire loom to prevent it from being pulled out..

Every Youtube video I've viewed shows that long rectangular connector in which that JBL Hack device is plugged into.
FKHeath alluded to in a post above saying they attack another connector for the TSS as seen at the 3 min mark in a bumper removal video.
I don't have a electrical wiring diagram so can't say for sure if there is Can-Bus wiring in that connector.
Haven't seen any posts about anyone here in the USA getting their R4H stolen via the Can-Bus hack. Always Canada or the UK.

Yeah, I think that list of vehicles listed by Miller Cat is definitely wrong. Inspect your own vehicle before ordering.

 

[anav_ds]

My 2023 rav4 prime has an encrypted canbus and on top of that being an SE model I doubt it has the computer control module. W as curious for others, Is there a quck way to see if you have that computer control module visually.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

W as curious for others, Is there a quck way to see if you have that computer control module visually.

Yes- - you open the hood and use a bright work light. Stick your head down into the far left and right corners of the engine compartment (or use a mirror) and look at the back side of the headlights. You can see if you have that module with screws.

 

[Snapper88]

Actually, that computer module would be mounted underneath the headlamp assembly if you have it. You could feel for it but a light and mirror would leave no doubt.
And yes the Primes all have encrypted TSK/ECU security key/ SecOC. so that MillerCat list again is incorrect for recommending that model/trim level.

 

[Tazio Nuvolari]

Actually, that computer module would be mounted underneath the headlamp assembly if you have it. You could feel for it but a light and mirror would leave no doubt.

It's easy to see if you have the module on the back of your headlights.

 

[platinumplus]

It's easy to see if you have the module on the back of your headlights.

There is a new fitment chart it looks like. The whole headlight issue is a mess in the US because of DOT regulations and what Toyota intended to put on some of these vehicles. Seems like the new chart is more accurate now. Not sure how it is in other countries though. Probably the easiest thing to do is to know what your headlights do when you turn the vehicle on.

RAV4 fitments	2019	Toyota	RAV4	Hybrid Limited with Adaptive Front Lighting System
		2020	Toyota	RAV4	Hybrid Limited with Adaptive Front Lighting System
		2021	Toyota	RAV4	Hybrid Limited with Adaptive Front Lighting System
		2021	Toyota	RAV4 Prime	XSE Trim with Premium Package (Adaptive Front Lighting System)

Also, the plates come with security screws, although they didn't show that in the video.

 

[Paul894]

I'd try this brake lock instead if in UK or Canada, it's not connected to the steering wheel so not as easy to remove. It prevented my '03 Camry from being stolen.
With the amount of RAVs out there they'll likely just move onto an easier target, though if they drill out or destroy the lock attempting to remove it, it'll probably be a pain in the ass to remove....but better than a stolen Rav.

The Club - CL606

The Club Brake Lock: Anti Theft Device CL606 - Advance Auto Parts

Save on The Club Brake Lock: Anti Theft Device CL606 at Advance Auto Parts. Buy online, pick up in-store in 30 minutes.

shop.advanceautoparts.com

 

[R4-V4]

I've been warned that incidents of Toyota vehicle theft through the moon roof and OBD2 port are occurring in California. I don't know the frequency but it is happening apparently.

Presumably it's the same canbus attack as the headlight. Or it could be the adding of new key fobs.
What's been rumored is the bad guys pop the moon roof to get in and plug into the obd2 port.

The canbus is exposed on the obd2 connector.

I was thinking of installing a dummy obd2 port that isn't hooked up to the can bus to fool casual thieves as a passive theft deterrent measure.

I was also thinking of hooking a high voltage charge to the dummy plug to the can bus on the dummy plug to blow up their exploit tool. But knowing me I would forget it's there and accidentally cause destruction of my mechanics scan tool at some future vehicle service.

Razor blades or razor wire in the moon roof opening could also be a theft deterrent but I don't think I want blood stains on my upholstery.

Is there a roof rack accessory that doesn't generate too much wind noise and hurt gas mileage I could throw up there to physically block the moon roof as an entry point?

 

[DrShadow]

I've been warned that incidents of Toyota vehicle theft through the moon roof and OBD2 port are occurring in California. I don't know the frequency but it is happening apparently.

I was thinking of installing a dummy obd2 port that isn't hooked up to the can bus to fool casual thieves as a passive theft deterrent measure.

Is there a roof rack accessory that doesn't generate too much wind noise and hurt gas mileage I could throw up there to physically block the moon roof as an entry point?

You can buy this as a fake obd port: For TOYOTA Dummy OBD2 Port DUMMY OBD ALARM SIREN Anti Theft Security Guard | eBay
To protect moon roof - OEM or aftermarket crossbars will work well in this case. Front cross bar just in the middle of moon roof.

 

[FKHeath]

I've been warned that incidents of Toyota vehicle theft through the moon roof and OBD2 port are occurring in California. I don't know the frequency but it is happening apparently.

Presumably it's the same canbus attack as the headlight. Or it could be the adding of new key fobs.
What's been rumored is the bad guys pop the moon roof to get in and plug into the obd2 port.

The canbus is exposed on the obd2 connector.

View attachment 207836

I was thinking of installing a dummy obd2 port that isn't hooked up to the can bus to fool casual thieves as a passive theft deterrent measure.

I was also thinking of hooking a high voltage charge to the dummy plug to the can bus on the dummy plug to blow up their exploit tool. But knowing me I would forget it's there and accidentally cause destruction of my mechanics scan tool at some future vehicle service.

Razor blades or razor wire in the moon roof opening could also be a theft deterrent but I don't think I want blood stains on my upholstery.

Is there a roof rack accessory that doesn't generate too much wind noise and hurt gas mileage I could throw up there to physically block the moon roof as an entry point?

You are certainly being inventive. Perhaps the best defense would be to turn your RAV4 into a kennel for a Doberman.

 

[Rav4-lim]

I was thinking of installing a dummy obd2 port that isn't hooked up to the can bus to fool casual thieves as a passive theft deterrent measure.

How about some sort of cap that you can lock? Thieves can perhaps try to remove it, but will likely break it before being able to use it.

Another easy low-tech option is to install (inline) a 3pole single throw toggle switch, and place 3 lines of ODBD-II port on that switch. You can inline (switch) BUS+, CAN High, and K Line. The port is rarely used so you can switch out lines without affecting normal operation of vehicle. Then when you need to use the port you just flip the switch.

 

[R4-V4]

You can buy this as a fake obd port: For TOYOTA Dummy OBD2 Port DUMMY OBD ALARM SIREN Anti Theft Security Guard | eBay

Thanks for the link! I ordered the Dummy OBD2 Port without the siren from that seller. The plug is the correct white colored one and is supposedly OEM, that sold me.

Pardon Our Interruption...

To protect moon roof - OEM or aftermarket crossbars will work well in this case. Front cross bar just in the middle of moon roof.

I have the OEM crossbar for the TRD but you can still crawl through since it's not centered over the opening.

I was thinking of a cargo basket but I don't want the wind noise and decreased fuel economy. Or maybe a bicycle mount of some type.

You are certainly being inventive. Perhaps the best defense would be to turn your RAV4 into a kennel for a Doberman.

Unfortunately leaving a Guard dog on sentry inside the car is not legal in California under California PC Section 597.7
PC 597 also allows any passerby to legally break my car windows to get to the Guard dog if there is something inhumane perceived.
Not that illegality prevents breaking of car windows in California.

How about some sort of cap that you can lock? Thieves can perhaps try to remove it, but will likely break it before being able to use it.

Another easy low-tech option is to install (inline) a 3pole single throw toggle switch, and place 3 lines of ODBD-II port on that switch. You can inline (switch) BUS+, CAN High, and K Line. The port is rarely used so you can switch out lines without affecting normal operation of vehicle. Then when you need to use the port you just flip the switch.

I might eventually add a switch so I don't have to get under the dash to restore the OBD2 port for the mechanic. After installing the dummy online port I ordered, I will see how much hassle is involved swapping things manually.