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2021 focus unlocked by another car

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Hello,

Today my car unlocked and all my windows came down when someone unlocked there car and opened there back door.

The car that unlocked my car when the back door was opened was a Citroen branded van

Who should I go to, to get my car looked at? In the past I have found my car unlocked when Ive 90% sure that I locked it, but since I had my windows come down today when another car was near by I'm convinced I may have a fault somewhere, I have CCTV of this happening.

Nothing was stolen or no entry was made,someone we know saw it happen and alerted us.



1 hour ago, Paul1uk said:

Who should I go to, to get my car looked at?

"Who ya gonna call?"

Ghostbusters.JPG

Weird one. I've had that happen on my own car (an Audi A3 at the time, remote locking but not keyless) about 15 years years back.. Left the car locked (I always check), windows were up. When I returned, all 4 windows,were down, car unlocked, no sign of interference.

Raised the matter with the main dealer and their auto electrician could find no fault or offer an explanation.

I've wondered since if someone had copied the key signal as I locked the car and was disturbed later before they could do anything.

As main dealers rarely seem to have a decent auto electrician these days, possibly an auto electrician specialising in security (if you can find one locally) might be the place to go?

5 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

Left the car locked (I always check), windows were up. When I returned, all 4 windows,were down, car unlocked, no sign of interference.

That used to happen with a neighbours Vauxhall quite a lot overnight and because there were hardly any cars parked in the street I don't think it was someone else's unlocking.

When I had a works Vauxhall Pool car it happened a few times a short time after locking also. 

Radio frequencies are strange.  I've had the same TV and the same hifi for over 10 years.  Every few months, the TV remote starts turning on the hifi for about a week.  Then it stops again.  Baffling!

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

Radio frequencies are strange. 

I've had some odd things happen with cars over the years that I'm told were theoretically impossible. We see all sorts of weirdness on here apparently due to low battery voltage, for example.

I wonder if its conceivable that two vehicles of different makes could put out the same signal and unlock another car?

Whatever, after my first "mystery unlock" I reverted to carrying a manual locking device like a Disclock.

  • Author
2 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

I've had some odd things happen with cars over the years that I'm told were theoretically impossible. We see all sorts of weirdness on here apparently due to low battery voltage, for example.

I wonder if its conceivable that two vehicles of different makes could put out the same signal and unlock another car?

Whatever, after my first "mystery unlock" I reverted to carrying a manual locking device like a Disclock.

Yh maybe they did transmit the same code, strange thing is we got the person to try again and it didn't do it again.

 

Yeah should be impossible but at least I have CCTV of it actually happening 

You probably know this already @Paul1uk but in case you don't, all the windows opening or closing is a feature called "Global Opening and Closing" that can be turned off, at least on my mK4 and at least if it happens again maybe it will just unlock and the windows may stay up so it is not as obvious to thieves.

Global Opening and Closing - Switching Global Opening On and Off

Ford Logo

Switching Global Opening On and Off


  1. Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
  1. Select Vehicle Settings.
  1. Select Windows.
  1. Switch Remote Open on or off.

 

 

  • Author
1 hour ago, Tizer said:

You probably know this already @Paul1uk but in case you don't, all the windows opening or closing is a feature called "Global Opening and Closing" that can be turned off, at least on my mK4 and at least if it happens again maybe it will just unlock and the windows may stay up so it is not as obvious to thieves.

Global Opening and Closing - Switching Global Opening On and Off

Ford Logo

Switching Global Opening On and Off


  1. Using the information display controls on the steering wheel, select Settings.
  1. Select Vehicle Settings.
  1. Select Windows.
  1. Switch Remote Open on or off.

Thanks for the tip but yeah I already know about that feature, yh I'm thinking if it happens again I'll just turn that off so it's not as obvious.

Still bit concerned my cars done that, I think I'll start using my steering lock again as precaution, incase it happens again, but I'll doubt they be able to start the car anyway, but never know these days 

hacking scum with nasty toys ?

as for not happening next time around - if he was the culprit and was hacking he would obviously not do it in front of you - or if really was his car remote doing the unlocking of your car check out rolling code mumbojumbo

 

 
 

What is a Rolling Code in Car Remotes?

A rolling code, also known as a hopping code, is a security feature used in car remote controls to enhance security. It generates a new code each time the remote is used, making it difficult for unauthorized users to gain access. This system is commonly found in keyless entry systems for vehicles and garage door openers.

How Does Rolling Code Work?

Basic Operation

  1. Synchronization: The remote and the car's receiver are paired with a starting code.
  2. Code Generation: Each time a button is pressed, the remote generates a unique code based on the synchronized code and a counter.
  3. Counter Increment: After sending a code, the remote increments its counter to ensure the next code is different.
  4. Validation: The receiver checks if the received code is valid by comparing it to a set of expected codes.

Security Benefits

  • Prevention of Replay Attacks: Since each code is only valid once, intercepted codes cannot be reused by attackers.
  • Cryptographic Methods: Rolling code systems use cryptography to secure the communication between the remote and the receiver.

How to Identify a Rolling Code Remote

  1. Check the Manual: Look for information about the code type.
  2. Look for Labels: Many remotes have stickers indicating "rolling code" or "code hopping."
  3. Test the Remote: If the remote works from a distance but not close up, it may be a rolling code.
  4. Contact the Manufacturer: For confirmation, reach out to the manufacturer for details on the remote's coding system.

Rolling code technology significantly enhances the security of car remote systems, making them more resistant to unauthorized access.

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