Theft of 1999–2007 GMT800 GM trucks, which include popular models like the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, is very common due to their minimal security and high demand for parts. 2004 is actually the most commonly stolen year of Chevy Silverado! (For information about preventing theft of late-model GM trucks, see: Late Model Car Theft- CAN Bus Exploit “Car Hacking”). These older GM trucks are often targeted because they lack modern immobilizers and use simple keyed ignitions that are easy to bypass with tools like shaved keys or screwdrivers. Additionally, there’s a strong black market for stolen parts and export of entire vehicles (especially in areas close to the US/Mexico border). Thieves can steal these trucks quickly, often in under a minute, making them a favorite target for both joyriders and organized theft rings. As with most older vehicles with next to no anti-theft systems, a little extra security can go a long way against a thief expecting an easy target. However, the more measures you add, the better protection you will have against more determined thieves. While it is not possible to make a vehicle impossible to steal, you can make it improbable, by making it very difficult, confusing, and time consuming. Be sure to check out our full article on Layered Defense for Auto Theft Prevention but here are some helpful methods for these trucks:
Aftermarket Alarm Systems
Adding an alarm system to your 1999–2006 Silverado or Sierra can be a smart investment for theft prevention, but choosing the right system is crucial. Basic alarms that simply trigger the horn are generally ineffective—most people ignore them because they’ve become so common, especially in busy areas. While the noise might deter an inexperienced thief, most criminals aren’t fazed by it and often know how to bypass factory alarms on these older trucks. High-quality aftermarket alarm systems, however, provide much more than just sound and are significantly harder to disable. Many of these advanced systems include features such as:
- Starter Immobilizers that prevent truck from being started if alarm is armed- even with the key.
- 2-way notifications that alert you via your key fob or phone when your alarm is going off.
- Shock sensors that set off alarm when vehicle is hit
- Audio glass break sensors that listen for your glass being broken
- Tilt Sensors that can detect if your vehicle is being towed or jacked up to steal wheels.
- Built in GPS
- Blinking light for deterrence
(Read more about aftermarket alarm systems here.)
“The Club” and Similar Devices
Steering wheel locks are one of the first things a thief will notice when looking inside your truck, and that alone can be enough to make them move on. Cutting through a club-style lock (or your steering wheel) takes time and makes noise, which most thieves don’t want to risk—especially on older GM trucks, which are usually easy targets. Larger steering wheel locks designed for trucks and SUVs are available, and you can pair one with a brake-pedal lock for even more deterrence and an extra layer of protection. Don’t forget to use other layers for prevention as some thieves are determined enough to cut your club off. (Read more about clubs here.)
Jimmi’ Jammer and Similar Devices
The Jimmi’ Jammer® produced by Redline Technical Group is a device that is installed behind your door handle to prevent a thief from easily punching out your lock cylinder or “jimmying” your door open with a screwdriver underneath the handle. Many thieves gain entry to these trucks this way as it is much less likely to draw attention than smashing a window is very easy due do the plastic construction of the door handles. I recommend adding this to your security plan on these trucks as it will likely delay entry for a thief and could even cause enough frustration for him to move on to someone else’s truck. (Read more about Jimmi Jammers here.)
“Boots”/Wheel Locks
You’ve probably seen a car get “booted” for parking somewhere it shouldn’t be, and you can buy similar wheel locks for personal use. They’re bulky and not something most people want to deal with every day, so only get one if you’re committed to actually using it. That said, they’re a solid deterrent as they add a lot of time and risk for a thief targeting a truck that is normally easy to steal. These can be a good extra layer when you’re leaving your vehicle parked for an extended period, such as during a vacation. Just keep in mind that the best security setup is the one you’ll realistically use consistently. (See more on steering wheel locks here)
Brake/Clutch Pedal Locks
Brake and clutch pedal locks come in a few different styles, but they all work the same way: they stop the pedal from being pressed, which can keep the truck from being shifted or driven. They do add an extra hurdle for a thief, but they’re not as strong of a visual deterrent as a steering wheel lock and can be a bit inconvenient for daily use since you usually have to stand outside the truck to install them. (Read more about pedal locks here.)
Immobilizing Devices
There are many types of devices designed to prevent unauthorized people from starting your truck. Choosing the right one is an important part of your anti-theft plan, especially since these trucks are not equipped with security keys. Here are some different options of immobilizing devices that can be installed in your truck:
- Ravelco– Ravelco devices are one of the most reliable ways to keep thieves from starting a GMT800 Silverado or Sierra. Their removable plug and the way they’re wired deep into the truck’s harness make them extremely hard to bypass, and Ravelco reports zero confirmed thefts of vehicles where the device was installed and used correctly. Just keep in mind that the system only works if you remove the plug every time you leave the truck—if the plug stays in, the truck will start normally and the device won’t provide any protection. (Read more about Ravelco here.)
- Certain types of aftermarket alarm systems– In addition to all the other features, most models of alarm systems have a starter interrupt that will activate when the system is armed. Typically, they are not quite as difficult for a thief to defeat than systems that are more deeply integrated into the wiring, but they are very simple to use consistently, as all you have to do is press the lock button on your alarm key fob. Systems like the Ravelco can be used alongside alarms for extra even better security. (Read more on alarm systems here.)
- Kill switches–Many Silverado and Sierra owners add simple kill switches to help prevent theft. These are usually wired into the fuel pump circuit or another part of the starting system. While a kill switch isn’t as hard to bypass as something like a Ravelco, it’s a far more affordable option and easy to install if you’re comfortable with basic wiring. The key is making sure the switch is truly hidden—don’t just tuck it under the dash where a thief will immediately look. Some people use magnetic or contactless switches for better concealment, and it can even be helpful to install a decoy switch in a common spot to throw off a determined thief. (Read more about kill switches here.)
- JDI Ghost Power RFID Kill Switch– The JDI Ghost Power RFID kill switch is a discreet and effective theft prevention device. This system uses a hidden RFID reader that only allows the vehicle to start when a programmed RFID tag is present—effectively acting as an invisible kill switch. Without the tag, power to the ignition or fuel system is cut, preventing unauthorized starting even if the thief has the key. (See more here)
- Remote Battery Disconnect Switches– This is a budget-friendly option, but it comes with some drawbacks. Remote battery disconnect switches are simple enough to install that if you can swap a battery, you can put one in yourself. They mount between your negative battery terminal and cable, letting you cut power to the truck with a remote. The downsides are that shutting off the battery will also shut down any alarm system you have, and if a thief gets the hood open, they can bypass the device fairly easily. It can still be a useful extra layer of protection at an affordable price for your older GM truck. Many thieves won’t bother trying to figure out why a truck suddenly has no power and will move on to an easier target. (Read more on remote battery disconnect here.)
- Cyclops TAM– The Cyclops TAM works by replacing a relay in your truck and allows you to enable or disable it with the included remote. When it’s turned off, the truck won’t start unless you either swap the relay back in or reactivate it with the remote. It’s potentially easier for thieves to disable than Ravelco or other professionally installed systems in the unlikely event a thief tries to trace down the starting issue, but it’s a solid, budget-friendly option at around $150 and is simple enough for most people to install themselves. (Read more about Cyclops TAM here)
Removing a Fuse or Relay
One way to prevent your truck from being started- that costs nothing- is to remove a fuse or relay that is required for the vehicle to start and put in your pocket or other secure location away from the vehicle. Thieves are unlikely to take the time to diagnose the reason your truck won’t start and will likely move on to another vehicle. If you’re somewhat mechanically inclined you can just use your owner’s manual to determine which fuse to remove, or just consult your mechanic. Make sure you don’t remove a fuse necessary for other security features such as an alarm system, and be careful not to remove one that could damage your vehicle if a start up attempt is made without the fuse. Also be sure not to lose the fuse or you’ll be in for a bad time, especially if you aren’t at home. Using an immobilizing device is much easier than this method, but this can be a good additional measure if you’re vehicle is going to be left unattended for a long time, or if you’re just on a tight budget. This method should not be used as a long term solution, as it can wear out connections by removing and replacing a fuse regularly, but it is good in a pinch.
JDI Ghost Key Push-To-Start Conversion
The Ghost Key push-to-start conversion by Jordan Distributors is not a common option for these trucks, but can be a good security measure to add. It works by replacing your truck’s existing ignition with a push button ignition that requires an RFID tag to be scanned before the vehicle will start. The RFID key tags/card provided only work within a few inches, so they are not susceptible to relay attacks like traditional push-to-start keys, not to mention the fact that older trucks like these are highly unlikely to be targeted with a sophisticated relay attack in the first place. There is not a “plug & play” model available for these trucks but they do offer a universal model that can be wired in. (Read more about Ghost Key here)
Hood Locks
Adding a hood lock can be a good extra measure for theft prevention. It will help prevent thieves from disabling your alarm or other anti theft systems in your truck. Unfortunately, there are not many options for securing your hood, but the one that we have found does include a starter interrupt as well (Z-Lock Hoodlock)
Tracking Devices
Hopefully your other anti-theft will prevent you from ever needing a tracking device in your truck, but things happen, and it can be the difference between a speedy recovery and no recovery. The police will be much more willing and likely to help recover your truck when you can tell them right where it is. GPS can give you peace of mind knowing your truck is still where you left it, and it can help you remember where you parked. There are many options for tracking devices available, some are wired into your truck’s electrical system, some battery powered (with surprisingly good battery life) as well as utilizing different tracking technologies such as GPS, Cellular, and Bluetooth. Each has it’s pros and cons, so for the best protection, using multiple devices is optimal. (Read more about tracking devices here)
