Switch off keyless entry?

[Geoff22]

I’m concerned about relay attacks where thieves can use the keyless fob in my pocket to drive away the new car. It is an S5 Trophy.

I’m perfectly happy just to press a button on the key fob to open the car. I really don’t need keyless. Is there any way just to turn that functionality off and still use the car?

I have bought some Faraday pouches, but they are big and ungainly. Getting the key fob out of the pouch will be significantly more trouble than just pressing a button.

 

[Jazzyboy]

What Faraday pouch did you buy as the one I bought from Halfords don't work also considering getting a steering wheel lock

 

[Geoff22]

2 Pack Faraday Bags for Key Fob, Faraday Pouch Car Keys RFID Signal Blocking Holder Small, Keyless Entry Blocker Protector, Anti-Theft Security Cage Shielding Case, Carbon Fiber : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

2 Pack Faraday Bags for Key Fob, Faraday Pouch Car Keys RFID Signal Blocking Holder Small, Keyless Entry Blocker Protector, Anti-Theft Security Cage Shielding Case, Carbon Fiber : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

www.amazon.co.uk

I have not tested it yet, as I am still waiting to pick up the car.

Any metal tin with a metal lid, such as a biscuit tin, works as a Faraday cage. But, obviously a biscuit tin is only practical for storing keys at night. Making something soft enough to carry around, while not adding too much bulk to the key, and still acting as an effective barrier to radio signals is a lot more difficult.

The obvious solution is just to put a switch on the key fob so it can be switched off and only activated when needed.

Even the motion activated ones are not foolproof, as you might have it in your pocket and be moving around your home.

 

[Ian Key]

In the house I keep the key in a Faraday box and the spare in a Faraday pouch with all the other spare keys.

Faraday pouches can fail as the opening and closing can fracture the protective mesh where it bends for the flap. You also have to make sure you don't accidentally put the key between the lining and the mesh.

I don't worry about some scrote doing a relay attack when I'm out and about as they will have to know who to get close to to transmit the signal and someone waving an antenna around would attract attention.

 

[stevedee]

...I don't worry about some scrote doing a relay attack when I'm out and about as they will have to know who to get close to to transmit the signal and someone waving an antenna around would attract attention.

I agree, I can't see how someone could steal your car under these conditions.

From my testing I think the key on an S5 is passive until its woken up by a low frequency field (~125kHz) from the car; look at a few YouTube videos where the aerial used is a large floppy loop of cable.

Once the key is activated by this loop, the key signal then needs to be 'relayed' back to the car, so distances need to be kept relatively short.

1) Its got to be so much easier to commit this kind of crime at night, why do it during the day?
2) let's be honest, why go after a [relatively] cheap MG S5 where 'profits' are low compared to high-end cars.
3) its not worth getting stressed over; its a car, just insure it, use it, & enjoy it.

 

[Geoff22]

Fair enough. I get the impression that the answer to my question is that the keyless system can’t be switched off, and in any case I’m worrying about it too much.

Thanks for the help.

 

[tsedge]

May be useful to some people:

Best Faraday bag car key signal blockers 2026 | Auto Express

Which of these car key signal blockers is best at preventing relay theft?

www.autoexpress.co.uk

 

[stevedee]

Just to be clear, this is where we keep the key when the car is parked outside the house, not in use...

 

[MG Clive]

Just to be clear, this is where we keep the key when the car is parked outside the house, not in use...

View attachment 42311

Oh great, the burglaring fraternity know where to look now.

 

[TimothyN]

I keep coffee in mine...,

 

[stevedee]

Oh great, the burglaring fraternity know where to look now.

I'm actually considering writing "MG car keys" on the outside of the tin!

I have no intention of standing between my car and a 'loop' carrying madman, who doesn't care whether I live or die.

Its insured.

 

[tsedge]

Of course, what you really need are:

• Pitchfork
• Tin-foil hat
• Modified electric fan with leds and battery backpack (as your anti-relay device)
• Army surplus uniform

Then you just need to practice your battlecry as you await the accursed thieves!

 

[TimothyN]

One of the benefits of the 13-year-old car I owned before this, and literally never washed, only cleaning the licence plates and lights, was that it was completely unattractive to scroats.

I was rather hoping the same could be said for this one. I certainly have a policy of not washing it, to keep it as unattractive as possible. I also have unremarkable personal plates, which I took from the previous car, so the fact that it's new isn't very obvious.

 

[tsedge]

There also the option of a "dirty-rusty-and-dented" wrap. But that is probably taking things too far.