Stolen airbags story

Axatax

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These days it doesn't matter if the airbag is visibly there. Once the airbag deploys the SRS unit has a permanent code until the SRS unit is replaced.

Good luck to thieves trying to get the SRS unit, it's buried under the dash.
These are just the steering wheel bags being stolen.

They're secured by two torx screws accessible from the back of the wheel. The thieves spray these screws with an upside-down can of computer duster and then torque the airbag assembly with a short breaker bar to crack the bolts and free the airbag.

They don't care about the cover on the steering wheel or any other cosmetic parts in your car.

HDS can reset the SRS ECU. This system has been cracked in a generic way and the software has been available on the internet for 7+ years, as well as a keygen for the date-derived hash portion of the immobilizer section.
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CivicXI

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These days it doesn't matter if the airbag is visibly there. Once the airbag deploys the SRS unit has a permanent code until the SRS unit is replaced.

Good luck to thieves trying to get the SRS unit, it's buried under the dash.
I'm learning so much about airbag theft in this thread! Tell me more!
 

civicls

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These are just the steering wheel bags being stolen.

They're secured by two torx screws accessible from the back of the wheel. The thieves spray these screws with an upside-down can of computer duster and then torque the airbag assembly with a short breaker bar to crack the bolts and free the airbag.

They don't care about the cover on the steering wheel or any other cosmetic parts in your car.

HDS can reset the SRS ECU. This system has been cracked in a generic way and the software has been available on the internet for 7+ years, as well as a keygen for the date-derived hash portion of the immobilizer section.
Hmm... and just where did you get all this information? Something sounds a bit fishy to me...:stirthepot:
 

Axatax

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Hmm... and just where did you get all this information? Something sounds a bit fishy to me...:stirthepot:
Nothing nefarious, I promise -- I deal with vehicle security occupationally (alarms mostly) and I get to see the aftermath of all kinds of break-in and theft attempts (most people only show up at our shop after something happens).

Airbag theft on 10th Gen Hondas is a big deal right now in Dade County, FL. It's always the wheel bag that is taken.
 


averagetrackdriver

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Nothing nefarious, I promise -- I deal with vehicle security occupationally (alarms mostly) and I get to see the aftermath of all kinds of break-in and theft attempts (most people only show up at our shop after something happens).

Airbag theft on 10th Gen Hondas is a big deal right now in Dade County, FL. It's always the wheel bag that is taken.
Any suggestions on how to prevent the driver's side airbag from being stolen?
 

Axatax

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Any suggestions on how to prevent the driver's side airbag from being stolen?
This is my **opinion**, based solely on observation, and isn't based on any type of hard evidence whatsoever --

You have to model your security posture based on your threat exposure. Once you've made this assessment and determined your airbags are at risk, then you have a few common-sense actions you can take --

1. Parking your car in a well lit and heavily trafficked area.
2. Using deterrent devices such as a blinking LED or putting a Club-like device over your wheel (the only use for the Club).

I know that sounds lame, but it's easier to prevent the car from being stolen vs. the airbag being stolen.

There's no technical solution to this problem that I would push to customers.

Airbag thefts are crimes of opportunity, and if your vehicle presents any type of obstacle then the thief will probably move on. These thefts are heavily aligned with methamphetamine use, so there's a limit to a thief's patience when it comes to taking your airbag.
 
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typemismatch

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Just be glad your car doesn't say "Integra" on the back. Gone in 60 seconds? Cut that in half.
Isn't that the truth.

During the summer, there are tons of FB posts telling people to keep an eye out for their stolen Integras and RSX's.
 


Gruber

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They're secured by two torx screws accessible from the back of the wheel. The thieves spray these screws with an upside-down can of computer duster and then torque the airbag assembly with a short breaker bar to crack the bolts and free the airbag.
This shows just how ruthless sociopaths these airbag snatchers are. They completely don't care about the high global warming potenial (GWP) of this stuff.:doh:

But, while it may be currently easy to steal the steering wheel airbag, Honda could easily make its removal without damage take enough time and effort to significantly decrease the attractiveness of the theft to criminals.
For example, just using 316 stainless steel screws at almost no cost would thwart the freezing method. Airbags are safety equipment, they don't need to be easy to replaceable by the user, and they are expensive. They shouldn't be easy to rip out undamaged in a minute. Manufacturers know how to make things difficult to disassemble without damage if it's in their interest. They should also help the owners.
 
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Gruber

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Me neither, but it sure sounds like a cubic shitload, doesn’t it?! :confused1:
Wow, great minds do think alike. I was going to say one metric fuckton converts to 137.43 imperial shitloads or something like that....
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