Idea: kill switch?

All keyless entry Kia and Hyundai models. Including the Kona Electric are immune to this “KIA Challenge” theft that is doing the rounds right now. This is because keyless entry models are fitted with a separate electronic immobiliser.

 

They are suppose to have a software update to fix the issue.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/hyundai-kia-campaign-prevent-vehicle-theft

 

All Kona Electric cars with push button start (is that all of them?) have an immobiliser and are not vulnerable to the “KIA Challenge” theft attack. So no software update required for this.

 

@hobbit's concerns have nothing to do with the Kia Challenge.

 

Can we be sure about that without a view from Hobbit?

With an integral immobiliser on the Kona electric wouldn’t the only other viable attack on the security systems be a relay attack on the smart key? All that would be needed to prevent that would be a faraday pouch to store the keys, which I use.

 

Because my iPhone frequently misses calls and messages while in my pocket I reckon my keys are pretty safe.

 

Because the thing in my pocket that has totally different emf, ranging and functional characteristics doesn’t work I assume my car key is safe from a relay attack.

 

Yes!

 

What your looking for is a "4G LTE remote control". It is when the device number is called a switch will be turned off. Yes a cellular plan would have to be bought. A "bring your own phone, starter plan with no data" is relatively inexpensive.

Google "GSM 4G LTE Gate Opener G202 SMS Remote Control Single Relay"

 

It would be easy to install something like this on the negative leg of the 12v battery. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/203508352888
I personally would just insure the car for an agreed sum.

 

I don't think you'd enjoy the dashboard light show every time you reconnected the current from the 12V battery. Also, you might lose all the settings you chose since taking delivery of your Kona.

 

Why does that happen when the 12v battery goes flat? Or if you disconnect the 12v battery?
I will have to try it.

 

I can't really answer for the Kona. It's possible that the Kona has a non-volatile memory that retains all settings, but I doubt it. Too many times I've seen my Clarity's multi-warning messages after charging its dead 12V battery. I don't drive it enough to keep the 12V battery charged because I always choose the MINI Cooper SE for local trips. Actually, if I'd just go turn the Clarity ON once in a while, the traction battery would charge the 12V battery, but I forget.

 

It would not be a good idea to disconnect the 12V battery because both 12V and traction battery maintenance takes place while parked, each battery using the other battery to carry that out. There will be more stealthy and clever ways to deter theft without disturbing normal operation, it's just a matter of putting the time into studying the schematics.

 

Yes good point, oh well it was only a thought, I personally think the standard anti theft device in the car is fine.

Like I said in the original post, just make sure your insurance is current and adequate. LOL

 

I suppose you could wire something up in series with the fireman's loop which, no question, will immobilize the vehicle. I have no idea what collateral damage that would cause, or if it would be any different than disconnecting the 12 volt battery. Given the wire size the loop is likely some kind of low current control circuit.

 

I tried a supposed Faraday pouch and it clearly didn't work - approaching the car with the key in the pouch caused it to wake up as usual. Wrapping the fob in aluminum foil, however, was very effective.