_night_flight_ t1_jegw1io wrote on March 31, 2023 at 10:46 PM

Reply to comment by Nanakatl in Hyundai, Kia Say They’ll Fix Millions of Easily Stolen Cars - Frustrated law enforcement and states attorneys general have asked the automakers to fix the cars that can be stolen with little more than a USB charger. by speckz

Not a mechanic, but it could be that when the ignition is activated there are signals the engine computer (ECU) could use to decide whether or not it will allow the engine to start/run. Maybe those signals or measurements look different when a key is inserted and turned vs. someone smashing the ignition cover and hotwiring.

VW was able to tell when their cars were being emissions tested vs. driving normally and cheat the tests, so there are tricks that can be pulled.

Or I could be completely wrong.

forksporkspoon t1_jegyf7e wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:04 PM

I believe in the VW case they checked to see if the wheels were turning quickly but the car wasn't moving.