Originally Posted by CRXsi

Not true...The coded key works in conjunction with the engine computer, if the correct key is not recognized then the computer does not allow engine operation (ie fuel injector opertation, etc.) There is no way to bypass the immobilizer control unit while hotwiring to send the correct signal to the engine computer. It is possible however to build an electronic box to scan the various frequencies used by a manufacturer and hold it to the igntion key area while using a non coded key or screwdriver and fool the immobilizer control unit into thinking the correct key has been used.

There are two likely possibilities, on is that the thief used an electronic gadget to fool the immobilizer system...or the second is the one that I see extremely ften at my shop...the customer has left a coded key that is fully functional for the car in the glove box or center console and the thief simple opens the glovebox/center console and uses the key

I know it sounds stupid but it is amazing how many customers cars I get in to change pollen filters or do other interior work only to have to remove the glovebox, while removing there is an amazingly stupid amount of customers who have a key for the very same car in the glove box...an immoblizer system is only slightly effective if a non coded key or tool is used. The other scenario is when customer buy those magnetic hidden key boxes that you are supposed to put under a bumper or frame or something...again some people put a good immobilizer key in these and don't hide them well. It is funny when you put a car in the air and use an air impact chisel or even impact gun on it and a hidden key box falls out from somewhere...what do you tell the customer? Here sir, this fell out from under your car...and I don't want to re-hide it for you. Thieves know the common areas to quickly look for these hidden key boxes as well.

I am not saying that in this case there was a key left in the truck...but it is more common than most people think!