Method and apparatus for enhanced vehicle protection

摘要

A security system for an automotive vehicle having an engine is operatively connected between engine running electrical components that are connected to an electrical power source and a lock switch having at least two operative positions. The security system has a lock switch operator having a memory device carried thereon with a first security code stored in the memory device. A theft control module having a memory storing a second security code is operatively connected between the switch and the engine running electrical devices. The theft control module operates to first permit the engine running electrical components to enable the starting of the engine and then to compare the first and second security codes. Before starting the engine, a counter is compared to a predetermined number so that the engine starting is limited to only a predetermined number of attempts. The engine is disabled if the number of attempts exceeds the predetermined number. If the predetermined number is not exceeded the security codes are checked. Upon finding the first security code not equal to the second security code, the engine running electrical components are disconnected from the electrical power source to disable the engine. The system also may have a feature to allow the electronic engine controller to generate a code and send the code to the theft control module. The theft control module calculates a response based upon a secret algorithm. The electronic engine controller maintains the engine enabled if a code it calculates based on the same secret algorithm is equivalent to the response calculated in the theft control module.