Infiniti vehicles have increasingly become popular for car thieves with the Q50 being one of the top targets. They are popular in illicit resale and parts markets and have security vulnerabilities that can allow your car do disappear fast. Most Infiniti models since the mid-late 2000’s are equipped with keyless entry and push-to-start systems, which, while convenient, can be exploited through relay attacks. In these scenarios, thieves use signal amplifiers to capture the signal from a key fob inside the owner’s home and transmit it to the car, tricking it into unlocking and starting. Additionally, tech-savvy criminals are taking advantage of software vulnerabilities, using tools to reprogram key fobs or access onboard diagnostic (OBD) ports to clone keys or hacking into the CAN-Bus system to start the car. If you own one of these at-risk vehicles (and want to keep it), it is important to come up with a good theft prevention plan. Be sure to check out our full guide on a layered approach to theft prevention but here are some methods particularly helpful for Infinitis:
Ravelco
The Ravelco is a highly effective immobilizing device that works by using a unique plug, typically located under your dash or steering wheel, that is discretely wired deep into your vehicle’s wiring harness, that disables multiple critical components of your starting system when the plug is removed. Even if they successfully clone your key or hack your CAN Bus, the vehicle will not be able to start with the plug removed. It is important to remember that the Ravelco will not work if you fail to remove the plug and take it with you when you leave your vehicle. (Read more about Ravelco here.)
IGLA Anti-Theft System
The IGLA Anti-Theft System is an immobilizer that prevents an Infiniti from starting unless the driver enters a custom PIN sequence using the vehicle’s existing buttons, such as steering wheel or door controls. Because the IGLA integrates directly with the vehicle’s electronic network, it offers strong protection against the theft methods commonly used on Infiniti models, including relay attacks, key cloning, and CAN-Bus hacking. There are no extra key fobs, modules, or visible components for a thief to spot, making it extremely hard to identify or bypass. It also includes a service mode, allowing you to leave the car for maintenance without exposing it to risk. (Read more about IGLA here.)
Aftermarket Alarm Systems
Adding a high-quality aftermarket alarm system to your Infiniti can be a smart upgrade for theft prevention, as long as you choose a reputable system and have it professionally installed. Basic alarms that simply trigger the horn usually do little to scare off thieves—most people tune them out. The advanced systems we recommend, however, can offer far better protection and are harder for thieves to bypass than the factory Infiniti alarm, which is often defeated by entering through the sunroof without triggering sensors. Premium aftermarket alarms typically include features such as:
- Starter Immobilizers that prevent car 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.)
JDI Ghost Power RFID Kill Switch
The JDI Ghost Power RFID kill switch is a discreet and effective theft prevention device that 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. Due to the shorter range of its’ RFID technology, it is extremely unlikely that a thief can clone the signal like they frequently do with the factory Infiniti keys. (See more here)
Cyclops TAM
The Cyclops TAM replaces a relay in your vehicle and can be switched on or off using the included remote. When turned off it will prohibit your car from starting unless the relay is replaced, or you turn it back on with your remote. While it is potentially easier to bypass than devices that are more deeply integrated into your wiring, it is a good option that is much more cost effective (costing around $150) and can easily be installed yourself. (See more here)
Kill Switches
Kill switches can be a less effective immobilizing device, but are better than nothing if you’re looking for a cheaper option. Kill switches are installed by wiring a hidden toggle switch, button, or even magnetic switch to your car’s starting system in a way that can prevent the car from starting when the switch is turned off. The problem with this method is that a thief can easily bypass your switch if they find it. So make sure you hide it really well, and consider adding a non-functional decoy switch to confuse and delay thieves. Kill switches can be installed by most mechanics or experienced DIYers. (Read more about kill switches here.)
Remote Battery Disconnect
This is another budget-friendly option, though it comes with some drawbacks. Remote battery disconnect switches are simple enough for most Infiniti owners to install on their own—if you are able to replace your battery, you can handle this. The device sits between the negative battery terminal and the cable, letting you cut battery power with a button on the included remote. The trade-offs are significant: shutting off the battery will also shut down your alarm system, and if a thief gets the hood open, they can usually defeat the setup quickly. Still, it can be useful for those looking for low-cost protection. Many thieves won’t bother troubleshooting a vehicle that has no power. Disconnecting the battery can also stop thieves who rely on cloned Infiniti key fobs, since the car won’t respond and they may assume their clone isn’t working. (Read more on remote battery disconnect here.)
OBD Port Lock
Infinitis are commonly stolen by thieves who use a locksmith programming tablet or custom-made car hacking device to plug into your car’s OBD-II port and make a new key/start the car. Using an OBD port lock to restrict their ability to plug in is an inexpensive but effective way to deter most thieves using this method. Don’t forget that these do not protect against relay or CAN Bus attacks, so while they are a great part of an anti-theft plan, they shouldn’t be your only line of defense. (See more about OBD locks here.)
Security Film For Sunroof
Many Infiniti Thieves use the sunroof as a point of entry because it won’t set off the alarm system. You can make things more difficult for them by having some 3M security film applied to the sunroof to make it harder to break.
The Club
Steering wheel locks are a cheap and effective theft deterrent for your Infiniti. Many thieves will see the bright colored lock on your steering wheel and decide to move on before causing any damage. It’s not super difficult for determined crooks to cut off, so it is important to have other layers of security. But it is still a good tool to keep many from even trying, and they don’t cost much. (Read more about clubs here.)
Gear Shifter Lock
Similar to a club, a gear shifter lock is a good visual deterrent that will add a significant amount of time required to take your car. It works by keeping your shifter from moving, so thieves won’t be able to get the car out of park with it installed. There’s a good chance they will not want to take the time to cut it off, and even if they do, it increases their risk of getting caught. (See more about gear shifter locks here.)
Brake Pedal Locks
Brake pedal locks come in multiple shapes and sizes, but all work by preventing the pedal from being pushed down, which can prevent it from being shifted and/or started. It’s another step that makes a thief’s job harder, but not as good of a visual deterrent as steering wheel locks and are slightly more of a hassle to use all the time. (Read more about pedal locks here.)
Removing a Fuse
A no-cost way to keep your Infiniti from being started is to pull a fuse or relay needed for the engine to run and take it with you. Most thieves won’t bother trying to figure out why the car won’t start and will move on. If you’re comfortable under the hood, you can use the owner’s manual to find the right fuse, or have a mechanic show you. Just avoid fuses tied to your alarm system or anything that could cause issues if the car is cranked without it, and don’t misplace the fuse if you’re away from home. While a proper immobilizer is easier and more reliable, this can be a useful short-term or budget-friendly extra layer of security, though it’s not something you should rely on long-term due to potential wear on the fuse contacts.
Using a Faraday Pouch/Box For Your Key
Most Infiniti Vehicles since the mid-late 2000’s have been equipped with proximity keys (push button start). Many cars are stolen using the relay attack, where thieves using special devices can clone the signal these types of keys produce and drive away with your vehicle. A faraday pouch is a little pouch that can block this signal from being detected, you can also get a faraday box for when you’re at home. The downside is that you will not be able to use the convenient functions of proximity keys while utilizing the pouch such as unlocking or starting your car with the key in your pocket, but it may save your car from theft. Keep in mind that this type of key cloning is not the only method used to steal Infiniti cars, so using a faraday pouch/box is not a foolproof security measure and should be used alongside other anti-theft devices. It is however, a cheap way of preventing a very common type of theft so it’s a no brainer to at the very least keep your keys in a signal-blocking box while at home. (See more about faraday pouches here.)
Tracking Devices
You hope you never need a tracking device in your Infiniti, but if the car is ever stolen, you’ll be grateful you invested in one. Providing police with a live or recent location dramatically improves the odds of a fast recovery and often means the vehicle is found in better shape. Trackers also offer peace of mind by letting you check your Infiniti’s location anytime—and they’re handy if you forget where you parked. Options range from hard-wired units to long-life battery-powered devices, using GPS, cellular, Bluetooth, or a mix of these technologies. Each type has strengths and weaknesses, so using more than one tracker gives you the best chance of getting the car back. (Read more about tracking devices here)
