Abstract: A method selects one of several equivalent operating elements for controlling the lengthwise and/or transverse dynamics of a motor vehicle. Inadvertent control of the lengthwise and/or transverse dynamics of the motor vehicle is prevented and manual switching between various operating elements is allowed without a transition to be safely feasible for the participants even while driving. The selected operating element is activated simultaneously when the previous operating element is deactivated, after activation of the selected operating element has been made possible by a selector switch. The method therefore takes place in two steps, with activation of an operating element first being made possible by activating a selector switch. The actual activation takes place at a later point in time, namely when the operating element to be activated is in fact actuated to control the lengthwise and/or transverse movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft system includes a strategy for providing secure communications between a system controller and a remote signaling device. A communications initiator allows the transfer of information or signals between the system controlling and the remote signaling device only under pre-defined conditions. The system controller preferably includes a transmitter portion for transmitting signals or information to the remote device and a receiver portion for receiving signals from the remote device. Similarly, the remote device preferably includes a transceiver so that two-way communication is accomplished between the controller and the remote signalling device.

Abstract: An electronic control member for preventing the stealing of a vehicle and an electronic control member for controlling ignition timing of an ignition device formed integrally and disposed in one package to thereby provide an antitheft apparatus for a vehicle which is small, economical, and highly capable of preventing theft. The antitheft apparatus for a vehicle includes an immobilizer, an antitheft electronic control member, an ignition device, a sensor, a remote control member and an alarm member.

Abstract: A key for a vehicle has a push button, a first transmitter-receiver circuit for transmitting a first ID signal stored in a first memory in response to an ID request signal, and a second transmitter-receiver circuit for transmitting a second ID signal in response to a pressing operation of the push button. An in-car antitheft system has a check circuit for comparing the received first ID signal with a registered ID, and an engine control circuit for inhibiting the operation of an engine if the received ID does not correspond to the registered ID. When the button is pressed for a duration longer than a predetermined length, the second transmitter-receiver circuit of the key transmits the first ID signal in place of the first transmitter-receiver circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided including a starter having a housing mounted within an engine compartment. An armature shaft is situated within the housing and has a small gear formed thereon for moving along an axis thereof upon the receipt of a starter signal. Also included is a stopper for selectively precluding the armature from moving.

Abstract: An ignition control system controls an ignition of a vehicle engine based on a pulse signal generated by a pulse coil in response to a rotation of the vehicle engine by using a rectified output of a regulator for correcting a generated output of an AC-generator activated by the vehicle engine. The ignition control system does not require a dedicated AC generator and modifications of an engine layout. It includes an anti-theft feature and is applicable to vehicles that do not use a battery. The ignition control system includes a reference voltage generator that generates a reference voltage each time a rectified output is produced by a generator, and an ignition controller that controls ignition of the vehicle engine on the basis of the reference voltage and the rectified output.

Abstract: A system for disabling a speeding vehicle comprising a hand held code transmitter having a trigger to activate a output transmitter to send out a unique signal. A vehicle has an engine with an acceleration cable, a mechanism for disabling the engine when power is received, and a control module having a receiver. The control module is coupled to an antennae for receiving the unique signal. The control module is further coupled to a battery. The control module reacts to the unique signal and in turn responds with power to the mechanism for disabling the engine.

Abstract: In a method for operating an anti-theft system and an anti-theft system operating according to the method, a stationary transceiver sends a question code signal to a portable transponder, which in turn responds with an answer code signal. The answer code signal is scanned at predetermined scanning times and a piece of code information is demodulated therefrom. If the first bits of the answer code signal are already unreadable, then the scanning time is displaced by a phase angle, and the remainder of the answer code signal is read.

Abstract: A vehicle convenience system comprising a wireless transmitter, having at least one switch therein, for communicating multiple channel commands to an expander, the expander responsive to activation of the transmitter and said expander having at least one expander output responsive to the channel commands received from the transmitter; the expander outputs being programmable to at least one user selectable mode.

Abstract: A vehicle protection system with an auxiliary locking device that automatically locks the storage compartment where to a storage compartment of the vehicle and audio and visual alarms when the engine is started while the protection system is activated. The system includes a case fixedly attached to the body of a car which has a display and a speaker. The speaker broadcasts a prerecorded message containing vehicle identifying information. Similarly, the display provides vehicle identifying information. This facilitates the reporting of the theft by witnesses and provides an additional incentive for the thief to abandon the automobile. The system may be activated remotely.

Abstract: An anti-theft device disables the engine of an automotive vehicle during an attempted robbery by breaking the rotor of the engine's distributor. The distributor has a plurality of electrodes and the rotor is moved through a circular path during operation of the engine to make electrical contact with the electrodes to generate sparks in the engine's combustion chamber. A stopper element mounted to be moved between a first position where the stopper element is in the path of the rotor and a second position where the stopper element is displaced from the path of the rotor. A solenoid selectively moves the stopper element between the first and second positions by manual actuating a hidden switch. The rotor is made of a material which fractures upon engaging the stopper element, so that, with the stopper element in the rotor's path, the rotor is fractured to prevent contact with the electrodes and the generation of sparks.

Abstract: An anti-theft system is arranged so that an operation of an engine of a vehicle is maintained as it is even when a CPU of an engine control unit is reset for some reason during when the engine is operative. A CPU of a security ECU performs arithmetic operations for enabling or inhibiting injection of fuel to the engine and for enabling to start a starter on condition that a door key switch and an ignition switch are both turned on. The CPU of the engine ECU performs arithmetic operations to maintain the injection of fuel to the engine based on data of fuel injection enabling or inhibiting process stored in a B/U RAM even when it is reset after receiving the data of process for enabling or inhibiting the injection of fuel from the CPU.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for preventing the use of an unauthorized reproduction of a remote unlock signal. In this scenario, the unauthorized reproduction occurs by jamming the receiver from receiving the remote unlock signal while intercepting the remote unlock signal. Generally, the remote unlock signal is transmitted by a transmitter to the receiver within a vehicle having a lock, wherein the receiver initiates an unlock command in response to receiving the transmitted remote unlock signal, and the vehicle lock being mechanically actuated by a key or electronically initiated by the unlock command in a previous locking session.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided in a car. A criminal act such as braking of a window of the car is detected and a criminal act signal is produced. In accordance with the criminal act signal, the alarm device is operated. When an ignition switch of the car is operated by an ignition key within a first predetermined time after opening of a door of the car, the production of the criminal act signal is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle security system and methods for triggering alarms, including a controller responsive to entry of a security code via the keypad which matches a particular security code to disengage an starter blocking relay. The controller is further responsive to determining that the ignition switch is turned to the "on" position without prior entry of a matching security code to start a timer which times out after a predetermined period of time, whereby in response to non-entry of a matching security code before expiration of the predetermined period of time, the controller generates an alarm signal for transmission via the wireless transceiver to a central monitoring station. If the controller determines that the ignition switch is turned to its off position after the timer is started, it disengages the starter blocking relay so as to enable ignition of the vehicle.

Abstract: A car radio with an electronic anti-theft device, which device includes circuitry for electrically detecting the removal of the car radio from its build-in recess, and by which the function of the car radio is blocked as long as the anti-theft device is not deactivated after the removal. A simple arrangement with a highly reliable mode of operation is obtained in that the circuitry for electrically detecting the removal of the car radio includes a monitoring circuit, by which the presence of a connection from the car radio to at least one loudspeaker is monitored continuously, and by which the anti-theft device is activated immediately after the interruption of this connection.

Abstract: A key device having a key coil (75a) disposed in a key (75) inserted into a key cylinder (2). Vehicle coils (5a to 5d) which are disposed on a vehicle and to be magnetically coupled with the key coil (75a) perform supply of an electric power and air-propagation communication, thereby reading code information transmitted from the key (75a) . The coils are configured in such a manner that the vehicle coils (5a to 5d) are disposed in the vicinity of a key insertion slot (2a) of the key cylinder (2) so that an induction magnetic field is generated in a substantially upper half portion of the key insertion slot or in a pair of lateral portions on both the sides of the key cylinder.

Abstract: An improved remote control vehicle security system performing an override re-arm function enables a disarmed security system in which siren alarming, parking light flashing and other sensor trigger system and etc. are stopped to function for a preset period of time, such as 30 seconds, if no further input to cancel the override re-arm is given within the preset period of time, the system will resume an armed state automatically.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for restricting the use of a vehicle such as an automobile to a person or persons whose fingerprints match biometric data stored within a memory in the vehicle's control system. A user's digitized fingerprints are stored in a non-volatile permanent ROM in the BIOS of a microcontroller on in a ROM accessed by a microprocessor. The microprocessor's primary task is that of executing instructions related to the operation of the vehicle, such as regulating the fuel flow rate, and performing other such tasks. Before the microprocessor can execute its instructions related to its primary task it, must complete and exit a conditional loop of instructions that relate to validating a user's "real-input" biometric data. Real scanned fingerprints must be compared with fingerprint(s) stored in ROM. If the result of the compare is a true, i.e. is a match, then the conditional loop is satisfied and the microprocessor can execute its instructions relating to operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles includes a retinal scanner electrically connected to a vehicle's ignition system for preventing a starter from turning over an engine within the vehicle unless a proper retinal pattern is detected. The inventive device further has the capabilities of detecting when a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol by the dilation, constriction or expansion of the retinal blood vessels and thereby preventing the operation of the vehicle under such influence.

Abstract: A vehicle security system with anti-robbery function which has a mainframe including a software stored in a CPU and preset code recorded in a permanent memory unit. A key receiving means is electrically connected to the mainframe and a contact-type relief key also provided with a corresponding code which must match the preset code in the permanent memory unit to start the engine of a vehicle. The key receiving means is provided with a button and at least one relay is housed in the mainframe. Once the button is pressed, the security system enters an anti-robbery mode, and after a preset period of time, the CPU will make the horn of the vehicle honk and the head light and direction indicating lights flash continuously.

Abstract: An enhanced vehicle remote control system adds a new transmitter and a new receiver to an original remote control system. The new receiver is connected for direct operation of the original transmitter which is permanently installed in the vehicle. In response to signals from the original transmitter, the unmodified original receiver controls the same functions in the same way as before. The new receiver is also connected to control functions in the vehicle which were not controlled by the original remote control system.

Abstract: In a vehicle control device having a so-called keyless entry system in which a door lock control unit controls a door lock actuator by receiving a signal representing an identification code and transmitted from a transmitter, an internal-combustion engine control unit computes fuel injection quantity and ignition timing from control data stored in a memory in response to detection results inputted from respective detectors, and thereby drives a fuel injection valve and an igniter. The door lock control unit detects whether a theft is attempted on the vehicle, based on the switching states of various switches, and supplies the result of the detection to a constant-voltage circuit in the internal-combustion engine control unit in the form of a code signal; when a theft is detected, power supply to respective circuits in the internal-combustion engine control unit is shut off.

Abstract: The power feeding efficiency and the communicable range of an automatic answering system are improved in an automatic answering system using a transponder which performs code communication using amplitude modulation of a carrier with an electromagnetic coupling transponder mounted in a key or the like. In a transceiver for performing the code communication with the transponder via an antenna coil, a circuit for driving the antenna coil in a transceiver based on clock is implemented by a bridge-type complementary circuit of transistors. Thereby, driving current is increased. Meanwhile, a circuit for controlling the driving mode based on a write signal is implemented by a parallel circuit of a transistor to which a power-supply voltage is applied and a resistor. Thereby, a current corresponding to a resistance of the resistor flows through the antenna coil even during the minimum driving when the transistor is turned off, thus improving the power feeding efficiency and the communicable range of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for alerting a driver that the keys have been left inside the vehicle with the doors locked uses a smart key. The smart key (10) has a built-in transmitter and receiver (12), a battery (11) and a mechanical switch (14) for deactivating the transmitter/receiver to conserve key battery power. The apparatus and method cover the four different situations that can exist after the vehicle doors are closed and locked. First the driver is inside the vehicle. Second, the driver is outside the vehicle and has the key. Third, the driver has left the key behind in the ignition (16). Fourth, the driver has left the key behind somewhere in the vehicle other than the ignition. Situations three and four merit alerting the driver, and the system activates an alarm (24) to notify the driver and temporarily unlock the doors.

Abstract: A new vehicle anti-theft system for preventing theft of motor vehicles. The inventive device includes a module which is mounted within the vehicle's dashboard and which is connected to the vehicle's electrical power system and the vehicle's ignition system, and an audio unit which releasably connects with the module and which includes an electrical connection associated therewith which connects the electrical power system to the ignition system when the audio unit is connected to the module thus permitting the vehicle to be started. When the audio unit is disconnected from the module, the electrical power system and the ignition system are disconnected which prevents the vehicle from being started until the audio unit is again connected to the module.

Abstract: A vehicular robbery preventive system including a controlling means for controlling a vehicle; a robbery determining means for outputting a control allowance signal to the controlling means based on a signal inputted from outside; a restricting means for restricting-communication between the robbery determining means and the controlling means to a predetermined number of times or a predetermined period of time; and wherein the controlling means controls the vehicle when the control allowance signal is outputted from the robbery determining means to the controlling means within the predetermined number of times or the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system includes an engine control computer operable to control engine fueling in a normal mode of operation according to operator demand via an accelerator pedal, and a code interface module responsive to a predefined security code to set the engine control computer in a secure mode of operation. In the secure mode, two fuel enabling values in the engine fueling algorithm are altered. Specifically, an engine startup enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disables fueling if the engine is not running, to thereby prevent an unauthorized individual from starting the engine. Likewise, an accelerator enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disregards the accelerator signal and controls fueling of the engine to thereby maintain an engine idling condition. The control computer is reset to its normal fueling control mode by re-entering the security code.

Abstract: A security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise user input codes and a start code. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each input user code and the start code, wherein the processor provides an output signal if an input user code corresponds to an user code and is followed by the start code. The processor also provides the output signal if the start code has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a motor vehicle includes a portable code transmitter which transmits a code signal from a distance upon actuation. A receiver unit in the motor vehicle receives the code signal and evaluates it. Upon authorization, only the engine is started, but the vehicle does not have to be unlocked. A further code signal is required in order to drive the vehicle. However, it must be generated in the vehicle interior. Thus the engine can already warm up without the user being located in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for controlling the use of a motor vehicle is provided using a code signal having two parts which is contained in a code memory carried by the user. A code comparator is contained in the motor vehicle into which the code signal is fed and which, if this code signal corresponds to a reference code signal, releases the use of the motor vehicle. The code memory has an access control device which can be controlled by the code comparator and which in each case releases only a partial code signal for a reading operation. This release takes place only if the first read partial code signal corresponds to the corresponding reference partial code signal.

Abstract: An electrical antitheft system for a motor vehicle inhibits the power supply to the ignition circuit of the vehicle, by preventing the engine from starting so long as the motor that actuates a blocking member of the antitheft system has not reached the unlocked position. The logic functions for controlling locking and unlocking of the system are obtained through a wired and protected logic system that connects the power supply terminals of the motor of the antitheft system to the poles of the battery through a pair of switches.

Abstract: Apparatus for disabling operation of a vehicle in the event of an attempted theft thereof. A switch is provided in the ignition circuit. The switch is controlled by a processor which is remotely-controllable to open the ignition circuit to prevent the passage of current therethrough. This switch is thus controllable independently of whether the vehicle is in operation whereby the vehicle may be rendered inoperative even after it is discovered that the vehicle has been driven away by a thief.

Abstract: An electrical anti-theft security system for a motor vehicle includes an immobilising device for inhibiting power supply to the starter of the vehicle so long as the motor, incorporated in the anti-theft system and arranged to drive a blocking member, such as a steering lock, has not reached the unlocked position. The immobilising device is also arranged to prevent the system from being locked unless the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: The invention provides an ignition key-vehicle communication device having at least one electronic key which can be inserted into a vehicle-end ignition lock. A wireless key-vehicle communication component arranged on the key actuates at least one vehicle-end functional unit by activating an activation element which is arranged at the key end. To protect against incorrect operation, means are provided for detecting when a key is inserted into the ignition lock and/or is inserted in a specific position in the ignition lock, and disabling communication between this key and the functional unit to be actuated in response thereto. The means for protecting against incorrect operation are arranged on the key.

Abstract: An automobile theft prevention system including a bistable switching device that receives a voltage input, delivers and controls a voltage output to drive an essential electrical circuit in the engine electrical system of an automobile. The system has circuitry coupled with the switches of the standard door switch circuit installed on automobiles associated with interior lighting. When a door is opened, circuitry of the system will be actuated thereby, to sequentially activate visible alarm devices, electrically shut down the engine and activate audible alarms. Entering a coded signal before opening a door prevents shutting down of the engine. When the engine shuts down by opening a door or by depressing a panic button on a code impulse device, it requires the entry of a coded signal to be restarted, as well as to turn off the visible and audible alarms.

Abstract: A remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system for a motor vehicle that is activated by an external telephone call or internally by one of two switches. The telephone call sends a signal received by a modular telephone stored in the vehicle that disables the vehicle by deactivating the ignition coil or substantially closing a fuel valve that controls fuel flow between the vehicle fuel tank and the vehicle engine. The signal also causes a distress sign at the top of the vehicle to be illuminated. In addition, the signal activates a tape machine that plays a prerecorded distress tape message through speakers that send a loud audible reproduction of the taped message internally and externally to the motor vehicle to attract the attention of any local population. The taped message may be any of a variety of messages, such as "HELP|", "CALL THE POLICE|", etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disarming an automobile alarm system uses the ignition switch of the automobile to create a sequential pulse access code. Toward this end, two commonly available electrical circuits in the vehicle's wiring that are switched on and of by the shifting of a vehicle's ignition switch among power-applying switch positions serve to supply a pulse code of sequential electric pulses to the alarm system to perform a selected function, including entering a valet mode or overriding and disarming the system without a remote control transmitter. Because the shifting of the ignition switch generates a two-wire detectable pulse code, previously-programmed pulse codes can be selected to perform different functions in addition to disarming the system, including using pulse codes to trigger entry of the system into a learning mode.

Abstract: A central-locking system is reset upon loss of a portable remote-control unit and replacement by another in a system in which a diagnostic device is temporarily connected and switched to the stationary part of the locking system into a "SETUP" mode. The key is then inserted into a key-operated switch to interrogate the transponder with the transceiver and from the latter the key-identification code word stored in the transponder and the transponder initial code word are transferred. The key-identification code word and transponder initial code word are stored in a code-word memory and the transmitter is then operated to send a remote-control changing code word to the receiver and enables switching back to the "NORMAL" mode of operation and removal of the diagnostic device.

Abstract: An anti-theft device memorizes the location of the vehicle when the engine stops, receives a signal peculiar to a vehicle (for example, from a key having a transmitter), and permits starting the engine when the received signal is identical with a predetermined code and the memorized location and the current location where the vehicle exists are within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An identification or protection system for vehicles, doors, lights and other electronic objects possessing a disabled state, having a disabling circuit operatively associated with the identification system so that when said resulting circuit is activated, the object achieves its disabled state; a transmitter transmitting a signal for a period of time at least once during a succession of time intervals using frequency-based coding; a receiver configured to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter, the receiver causing the disabling circuit to disable the object when the receiver does not receive a number of consecutive signals from said transmitter which exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A triggering pin is connected between the steering column cover and the ignition switch lock, or a glass bead is held between the ignition switch lock and the ignition switch lock mounting assembly, of an automobile including a steering column lock. When either the steering column cover in the area of the ignition switch lock or the ignition switch lock itself is removed, the triggering pin or bead, connected to a trigger wire, triggers a switch that removes power from a propulsion system function necessary for the driving of the vehicle. In addition, where the automobile includes a conventional security system, the triggering of the security device trips a switch to provide power to the conventional security system. Power may also be provided to a hood lock spliced onto the hood release cable that, when actuated, prevents the cable from moving.

Abstract: An apparatus has a detector for, when the operation of a vehicle is started, determining whether a specific portable wireless tolling storage medium is loaded in an automatic toll processing unit installed in the vehicle. A warning unit produces a visual or auditory warning if the detector determines that the specific tolling storage medium is not loaded. The apparatus enables realization of a tolling system that prevents incidents where a user neglects to load a tolling storage medium into a toll processing unit, thus ensuring normal toll processing.

Abstract: A system for providing large quantities of power at a selected voltage to a downhole well tool. A conductor extends between a surface regulator and the well tool. The voltage is continuously measured downhole at the well tool, and a signal proportional to such downhole voltage is transmitted to the surface regulator. The power transmitted by the surface regulator to the conductor is increased or decreased depending on fluctuations in the tool requirements and the downhole voltage. The downhole voltage signal can be modulated through the conductor to the surface regulator or can be transmitted through another conductor.

Abstract: In a vehicular communication system, a microcomputer of a transmission-reception electronic control unit (ECU) transmits stored data via an antenna coil to a transceiver disposed in an ignition key when the ignition key is inserted in an ignition key cylinder of a vehicle. During communication with the transceiver, the microcomputer outputs a key interlock actuating signal. While the key interlock actuating signal is being inputted to a key interlock control circuit, the key interlock control circuit operates a key interlock actuator to prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to a position at which the ignition key may be freely removed from the ignition key cylinder. Thus, the ignition key is prevented from being removed from the ignition key cylinder during communication between the ignition key transceiver and the microcomputer, thereby ensuring that data about the vehicle will be stored in a reception device disposed in the ignition key without a failure.

Abstract: An automobile is remotely disabled by shunting a portion of the ignition circuit. The remote automobile disabler device receives a remotely transmitted disable signal and, in one embodiment, forms a low resistance connection with the negative terminal of the battery so as to create a break in a low current capacity portion of the ignition circuit. The low current capacity portion may include a circuit breaker. In an alternative embodiment, the battery is redirected through a shunt circuit which includes a resistor. A voltage drop is thus formed which reduces the operating voltage to electronic components in the ignition circuit below the threshold voltage and disables the automobile.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a key having a transponder. A lock has a keyhole for receiving the key. An antenna is in the vicinity of the lock. A control unit for controlling the antenna sends starting signals to the transponder and receives answer signals from the transponder. An assembly is turned on or off if the answer signals correspond to set-point signals. The antenna has a lighting device being controlled by the control unit for illuminating a region around the keyhole, at least before the key is inserted.

Abstract: A device for controlling keyless access to a motor vehicle includes a transceiver to be carried by a user. A distance detecting device measures a distance between the transceiver and a motor vehicle. A transmitting unit being disposed in the motor vehicle and being associated with a tripping device broadcasts a question code signal when the tripping device is actuated. The transceiver has a receiver for receiving the question code signal, and the transceiver has a transmitter for broadcasting an answer code signal only whenever the motor vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the transceiver. A receiving unit disposed in the motor vehicle receives the answer code signal from the transceiver and furnishes an unlocking signal to an unlocking unit if the answer code signal matches a set-point code signal.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system includes a housing connectable to the casing of a starter motor and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) disposed in the housing. The system includes a battery connector which engages the starter motor power line from the battery, and a starter connector which engages the power terminal of the starter motor, with the SCR being in electrical series between the connectors. A control circuit is mounted in the housing, and the control circuit closes the power switch for a predetermined period upon receipt of an enable signal from a hand-held rf generator. Consequently, the vehicle can be started by turning the ignition switch only during the predetermined period.

Abstract: An anti-theft system is described adaptable to any motor vehicle have a removable accessory electronic unit such as a high-fidelity stereo component unit installed within a mounting bracket and slidably detachable therefrom. Upon leaving the car, the vehicle owner takes along the entire accessory unit, or alternatively takes only a detachable front control panel from the unit, for secure safekeeping or to be retained in the personal possession of the owner. At the same time, continuity of the electrical circuit supplying current from the storage battery to the motor vehicle fuel pump (or ignition switch, or other control component of the vehicle) is interrupted, thus preventing normal operation of the vehicle and protecting against unauthorized use.