When even newer to the forum than I am now, I searched for information and posed a question about securing the OBD from tampering/access.

Today, I had such a device fitted by a local company with whom I have no connection beyond being a retail customer.

The best way to describe the device itself is as a shoe box type construction where the OBD is inside the base and the lid goes on top but with sides that are the same depth as the lower box sides, if that makes sense. The bottom box holding the OBD is part of a mounting frame and the lid is locked on, covering the box all the way to the frame so that even if the frame was removed, the OBD is still secured within a box.

EDIT

Following advice from another member - thank you, Craig, that was a good call - I have removed the photo and description of the OBD's new location. If a member is thinking of fitting this device, I can supply details of the company I used, photo and fuller description via pm.

Last edited by Giantlandyman on 6th Jan 2016 11:32pm. Edited 1 time in total

Bump.

Again, thank you, Craig.

Having my roots in Mechanical R & D I think its a brilliant idea. In this world of high tech comms / cloaning / ease of access / etc criminals are moving upmarket and getting equiped with very very smart softwear / hardwear to bypass security systems fitted to up market cars. In the end though, I guess nothing can defend against a low loader and a powerful winch.

I am currently working on developing a mechanical means of locking my handbrake / autobox selector, but am still at the head scratching phase.

Peter

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

I too like simple, effective but elegant engineering solutions over complicated electronic devices.

You have pm

Unfortunately, the OBD port is just one part of the CANBUS and an alternative place could easily be used instead, and will be if everyone starts to protect their OBD ports... Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

That's very negative, if you don't mind me saying.

Are you saying it isn't worth the effort now because as the idea catches on, miscreants will find another way to access the electrics in the future?

Without giving specifics, can you define "easily", please?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be negative about it as such, it's just far from bullet proof.

Moreorless, yes, that's kind of what I'm saying. Struggling to define easily without giving direct pointers, though I'm sure many of them, and the manufacturers of such devices that they use, are already aware of how. Will drop you a PM.

 Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

Its and interesting subject but I can't help thinking there must be a simpler even DIY way of disabling the FF. I'm no expert on vehicle electronics but I'm sure there are plenty of little cables, connectors etc which - if isolated by a small discreet rocker switch- will stop the car being started or opened.

I suspect a dummy OBD port fitting is not cheap and I also suspect Lost for Words will be proven right.

Anyone fitted a simple DIY solution?

(Cue pictures of big dogs in the boot)  405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

I suspect you are correct regarding discrete switches etc.

However, fitting such could jeopardise the two year warranty in my case and that is not an option, hence why I haven't gone all out for a secondary immobiliser and alarm etc. Some sort of tracking device is on the research list at the moment, though.