How does the system work?

People ask us to explain how the Forced Ignition system works. We could use all of the high tech jargon but let’s keep it simple.  Almost everyone has used a cordless phone at some point.  You are talking on the cordless phone and head outside to check the mail – the further you get from the house; you start getting static on the line.  Suddenly, steps away from the mailbox, the phone goes completely dead.  You check the mail and wait till you get closer to the house to return the phone call.  Basically, the Forced Ignition system works the same way.  Once you get a certain distance from your vehicle the connection is lost, leaving the vehicle disabled until you get close enough to the vehicle for communication to resume, therefore enabling your vehicle.

There are two parts to the Forced Ignition Disabling System – the main control computer, which is mounted in the vehicle, and the reflector worn by the authorized driver.  The main control box receives a unique encrypted code from the reflector using 128-bit encryption algorithm, which distinguishes the signal from any other source and prevents security breach.  Once the main control computer gets a predetermined distance from the reflector it triggers a series of relay actions resulting in primary fuel or ignition system disconnect.  When the reflector is back within range of the vehicle, the system resets itself automatically.

In simpler terms –the main control box and the reflector communicate using radio signals.  Each signal is calculated to determine the distance between the vehicle and the reflector.  If the distance is greater than that allowed, then the ignition or fuel supply is disabled.  There is no damage to the vehicle and once the reflector and the vehicle are back within range of one another, the system resets itself automatically and the vehicle can be driven as normal.

The effect – If the vehicle is driven out of radio range of the authorized driver wearing the reflector (i.e. stolen or carjacked), the effect is like the vehicle ran out of gas.  The driver still has safe control over steering and brakes but the vehicle will not start back up until the radios are back within range of one another.
 
If the vehicle is in park and the authorized driver wearing the reflector leaves the radio perimeter, the vehicle will remain running until movement is detected.  A motion sensor installed on the Forced Ignition System achieves this function. An example would be starting the vehicle up in the mornings to warm up.  The driver is inside the house but the vehicle is warming up, the vehicle is protected from any unauthorized use.  In case of attempted use of the vehicle by anyone other than the authorized driver, the vehicle will be disabled until the radios are back within range of one another.

The FIP-909e was not designed nor is expected to be an anti-theft device; it was designed to prevent loss of property and even life.