A Simple Button Sequence Could Save Your Charger And Challenger From Thieves

Car thieves haven’t gone anywhere, and in some cases, new technology just makes their jobs easier. High-powered Dodge muscle cars are a good example. They’ve become increasingly attractive targets, thanks to their vulnerability to key cloning attacks. But now there’s a new security tool on the market that takes a cue from the tech world: the same two-factor authentication (2FA) you use to log into your email or bank account is now being used to protect your car.

The device, called the Start Defender, is the result of a collaboration between Wesley Motorsports and Mopar’s Direct Connection. It hooks into the vehicle’s CAN-based starting circuit and introduces a layer of 2FA. When armed, the car will only start if the correct button sequence is entered. That sequence is input using the steering wheel controls, and owners can program or change it anytime.

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Users set up their codes online via an encrypted wifi network that emanates from the Start Defender. They can activate up to four different codes to provide access for different drivers. They can also deactivate the system quickly should they want to hand the keys off to a valet or a service repair shop.

According to Stellantis, owners can install the Start Defender on their own or have a shop do it. Either way, it doesn’t damage any of the original components. Going even deeper, the product can only be reset by the owner, and if they somehow forget their code, the device has to go back to Wesley Motorsports for resetting.

“The Direct Connection Start Defender theft-deterrent system is another tool to help HEMI-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger owners protect their muscle cars and have a little more peace of mind,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. The system comes with an external control relay, and the hood switch can activate any relay-controlled 12V device. In theory, one could set this up to activate other theft-deterrent systems.

That’s key because Kevin Wesley of Wesley Motorsports says that, like any theft deterrent, criminals could remove it. That would allow the car to start and be driven away; however, the hood switch triggering another alarm is a good safety net against that.

“The device is also intended for simple everyday use. Filling up at the gas station, walking into the convenience store, etc… Someone can’t simply hop in and drive away if your door is unlocked at the pump and they’ve cloned your key. Car Jacking… shut the car off and toss them the key fob. They won’t be able to start the vehicle. Again, it’s just another form of deterrence.

With that said, we are continuing to build out additional deterrents to removing the device. We will have some harness locks available in the near future that can be added to keep the native connector from being reused due to a locked physical harness length. It just physically won’t reconnect if the harness can’t be pulled back together. We will also be offering an alarm add-on as well,” says Wesley.

For now, the Direct Connection Start Defender is priced at $695. Wesley Motorsports is offering a $100 discount on their site, which might be a small price to pay for keeping your Charger or Challenger out of someone else’s driveway.

H/T to Carbuzz

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