krames

On San Antonio news last night they had a story about a raid on a chop shop which had 3 Acura/Hondas in various states of disassemble. I just got my brand new TSX and needless to say I am a little nervous about it. I was hoping that you guys could shed some light on things for me.

I know that Honda/Acura has a high theft rate, but how common is it really?

Aiside from general common sense, do you do anything else to protect your car?

Should I worry about a valet parker getting his hooks into my car?

Thanks! I know there is no way of ensuring that my car never gets stolen, but I want to do everything I can to prevent it!

joerockt

This should help put your worries to rest:

http://www.trunkmonkeyad.com/4wmv.htm

krames

I gotta get me one of them trunk monkeys!!

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I was reading an article on car theft from Car and Driver. Read the side bar for the tools of the trade. The immobilizer might not be as safe as you think if they can tap into the OBD2 port.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...car-theft.html

xizor

I wouldn't worry about theft w/ the TSX, not a single member on here has had their TSX stolen. Most Honda/Acuras that get stolen are older Accords, Civics and Integras, before Honda started using immobilizers, and because there was such a hot market for Integra/Civic parts

joerockt

Their was 1 or 2 xizor...But yea, its not a car on most thiefs list...

krames

Thats good to hear! And I guess that explains why the Hondas/Acuras on the most stolen list are in the late 90s.

fuckleberry

just avoid shitty areas and stop worrying - if they really want your car they can get it

cmschmie

I had the same worries with high Honda theft rate and the TSX being as sexy as it is.
My anti-theft device is to not have anything of importance in view (or in car period, golf clubs now stay in the house) and also to drive a 6mt, these stupid ass crooks typically can't drive a stick (unless they are pros but pros go for the more expensive vehicles) and will leave it alone, or at least that is my hope

aaronng

The TSX has slightly better protection than the older Acura/Hondas with regards to preventing the car from being started by someone without the key. Thieves can still break in and grab your stuff and steal your headlights. But at least your car will still be there unless they are using a flatbed or tow truck.

First, to replace the ECU means you have to be out targetting only TSXs. And, getting a custom ECU for the TSX is not easy because of the DBW.

Second, to reflash the ECU with pirated software without protection means you need the key with the immobilizer chip as reflashing is only possible with an OK signal from the immobilizer. That's why when you get Hondata for the TSX, they need the immobilizer as well.

jlukja

Besides the common sense stuff, (park in well lit, easily seen, areas with people around) the only other thing I do is put on "The Club". If a pro wants to steal my TSX there isn't much I can do about it, I just want to give the amateur something to think about with the Club (especially if the amateur thief doesn't know about the immobilizer).

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I think the TSX key belongs to the older cars category due to the normal cut, which means the master key theory is possible to unlock the doors.

aaronng

Older cars do not have the transponder chip in the key for the immobilizer. Anyway, unlocking the door of any car is child's play for a car thief. Why bother with a master key when you can slim jim it easily? Heck, just smash the window in and get your stuff.

LoveMyTL-S

I wonder how much a Trunk Monkey cost? And how much they eat??

joerockt

The eat off the flesh of dead would-be thieves. So if you think your car is a big target, should work out for ya.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Unlocking the TSX door by key also disables the alarm system. A slim jim will set off the alarm. Once someone is inside the car, anything is possible including hecking the immobilizer. Heck, even I can do it.

San-AnT

welcome krames. congrats on the new ride. i have never had a problem with theft or break in in my car here in SA for the 2 years that i have had it. just dont leave it on the street on the southside overnight.