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Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 18:17:41 -0400
From: Robert Levandowski <macwhiznopsamcop.net>
Subject: Re: what about anti-thief solutions in Saab models?


In article <adfrng$hk8$1nopsampen2-gest.nuria.telefonica-data.net>, "Alvaro" <alvaro9000nopsama.es> wrote: > I would like to know your opinion, experiences or whatever you want to say > about anti-thief solutions aplied in most Saab models (I mean radio code, > ignition-key, code-key, alarm,...) > A month ago a friend of mine got his 1 year-old Audi A 6 stolen while he was > having lunch in a restaurant of Madrid (Spain). I think that this kind of > cars shouldnĄt be easy to steal, but it seems to be quite easy to take an > Audi away and I was wondering if take a Saab is so easy. At one time I read an article, in a publication I can't recall, which reviewed the theft data for the Saab 9-5 over the first two or three years of its production. In that time, the article said, five Saab 9-5s had been reported stolen in Sweden. In four cases, the thief had the key to the car. In the fifth case, the thief had a flat-bed auto carrier "tow truck." It's tough to "jack" a 9-5 without the key. The key physically locks the transmission (in Reverse if the transmission is manual, and Park if it's automatic), rather than the steering column. It's in a place where it's difficult to "pop" the lock. (Column-mounted steering locks can often be defeated with a hammer and crowbar.) The key has a microchip that is read by a sensor in the key switch. The chip returns a code that changes over time. If the correct code is not found when the switch is turned to "start," the car's computers will not operate. Since the car uses a fly-by-wire throttle, this means that you won't be able to use the accelerator to make the car move... presuming that the car cranked in the first place, which it would not, as the engine computer wouldn't allow spark. The keys are laser-cut, and must be ordered from the Saab factory. They are expensive. Also, the microchip is unique to each key. Even if you order a new key that has the physical pattern required to open the car door and operate the ignition switch, it will not start the car unless it has been "married" to the car. This process requires time and at least one existing key. It will also erase any previously stored keys, so any attempt to marry a new key requires you to have *all* the existing keys to avoid making your actions obvious. "Gee, honey, my key for the Saab seems to have stopped working since you went out to eat at that fancy restaurant with valet parking last week..." The radio is also linked into the computer systems, as others have noted. It's also unique to Saab. The radio "head unit" has no display of its own -- it requires a Saab Information Display unit to be present in the car. The required SID is only found in the 9-5. The SID won't work in another vehicle. Also, the radio's shape more closely resembles an avionics electronic device rather than a standard DIN radio mount, so it's not going to be easy to make it fit in anything other than a Saab. Because the radio is electronically "married" to the engine computer, it won't work in another Saab unless you've got a Saab Tech tool. The alarm system in the 9-5 features an acoustic sensor. When the alarm is armed, any loud interior noise (such as glass breaking) will cause the alarm to trigger. The alarm system has its own battery, so it will continue to operate if the vehicle battery is discharged or disconnected. The 9-5's door locks are substantial, especially compared to a typical American sedan. Because the central power locking switch is on the center console, rather than on the doors as is typical in American and Japanese cars, it cannot be easily triggered using a coat hanger or "slim jim" slid through the window seal. I don't think it'd be easy to steal a Saab. Of course, you'd want to make sure to lock it when you're not in it. :) Rob

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