How do engine immobilizers work?
 

I see that there's one listed for the RX-8- does anyone know how this one will work? All my experience has been with immobilizers that only let the car be started by the key specific to that car. Is that likely to be the same on the RX-8? And how much of a theft deterrent is it, in actuality?

Well as far as I know.. there should be a microchip embedded into the key of the RX-8. When the key is within distance of the car, then and only then will the starter work.

A determined thief however, will get into your car and steal it. I just recommend the unbreakable auto lock as it's probably the best security device out there. Though given time, a thief could break that too. But ya figure if the alarm goes off and they are laying on the ground struggling somebody might call the cops :)

If you'r really worried about a theif stealing your car, do what my buddy does. He pulls his FI relay from his Supra. That car is not going anywhere without it. 'Course, theives nowadays are just as likely to tow a car that isn't easily broken into.

What is the unbreakable autolock ?

It's an oxymoron.

---jps

:p

it's a device that you can use to lock a pedal (the clutch, or in automatic cars the brake) up, so that if someone tries to drive away with it, they wouldn't be getting very far... this thing has been marketed as "unbreakable", shooting bullets at it and stuff, but given 15 mins, i'm sure you could hack your way through it.
then again, that's 15mins, right??

Does that mean that you'll have to get all your keys from Mazda instead of just making copies of them? I know with a lot of new cars that is the case and they are a pain in the ass $ wise to replace.

yeah, if you want more than two, that's probably the deal... yeah, thinkin' about it, that would make replacement keys kinda pricey...

Elara,

Have you ever thought about a hidden gas pump switch. Its hella lot cheaper than an autolock.

Y&Y, that's an interesting idea- my husband just told me his BMW had one on it too, which I didn't know. I wonder how much they would run...

And to everyone who's responded- I'm really not that paranoid about my car being stolen/broken into, I just want to know what kind of options I've got. We're probably going to be doing a lot of traveling, with the RX-8 as our main driver, so it never hurts to be prepared.

you shoulda hired that guy with the duster. he could have watched your car and washed your car :p :D

my bmw has a engine immoblized

Just remember don't chain two immobilizer keys from different cars together and try to start the car. The sensor in your car will be totally confused and you would wonder why your car wouldn't start :)

My Tribute has an engine immobilizer. If someone uses a key other than a coded one on the car, the car won't start with any key. To disarm it you have to insert the coded key and switch is to the "On" position for 3 seconds.