TheBig1
Deceased RIP
- Nov 27, 2011
- 17,851
- 44,374
- Funster No
- 19,048
- MH
- A class
- Exp
- many many years! since I was a kid
I recently bought a new van as my daily driver and being a transit, I was very worried about the security issues. In particular the OBDII port by the driver's knee. It has been well reported in the press and indeed on this forum that the Transit as a base vehicle is extremely easy to steal. A few bits and bobs easily and cheaply sourced from ebay and software from a forum available free, make it a matter of seconds getting into the van without damage. Then just 20 to 30 seconds with a laptop and £10 cable connected to the OBD (diagnostics port) and you can start the engine and drive away
Preventing entry to the cab is no simple task, but you can purchase a replacement door lock and fit a surround that stops a would be thief just turning the whole lock in the door with pipe grips.
Once in, you need to make it as hard as possible to steal the van. I have gone with a Diskloc wheel lock (small) which covers the steering wheel and prevents the would be thief from turning the steering. This only slows them down though as with an angle grinder they can be cut off given enough time
Then I relocated the OBD port, fitted a security shield over the wiring and installed a new port in a substantial steel box. This took me about 40 minutes including having a coffee half way through and is a very substantial upgrade to the security of the van. Without the security key, which is pick proof, neither a garage, nor a thief is getting at the OBD port quickly
I searched online for the best solution and then the best price. I chose the TVL OBD lock, which comes as a kit of parts and made the install simple
I purchased this Kit from an ebay seller for £129
I would highly recommend it to any Ford Transit owner
Preventing entry to the cab is no simple task, but you can purchase a replacement door lock and fit a surround that stops a would be thief just turning the whole lock in the door with pipe grips.
Once in, you need to make it as hard as possible to steal the van. I have gone with a Diskloc wheel lock (small) which covers the steering wheel and prevents the would be thief from turning the steering. This only slows them down though as with an angle grinder they can be cut off given enough time
Then I relocated the OBD port, fitted a security shield over the wiring and installed a new port in a substantial steel box. This took me about 40 minutes including having a coffee half way through and is a very substantial upgrade to the security of the van. Without the security key, which is pick proof, neither a garage, nor a thief is getting at the OBD port quickly
I searched online for the best solution and then the best price. I chose the TVL OBD lock, which comes as a kit of parts and made the install simple
I purchased this Kit from an ebay seller for £129
I would highly recommend it to any Ford Transit owner
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