Dodge Offers Trio Of Software Updates To Prevent Charger & Challenger Thefts:

Back in Feburary, we told you about how the Michigan State Police had found that criminals were stealing HEMI-powered Dodge Charger and Challenger models with new hi-tech gadgets. It wasn’t too much longer that Dodge issued a quick fix for its 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI and supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI HELLCAT V8 models, with a new “Enhanced Security Valet Mode” that quick be uploaded for free with an over-the-air download for 2015 and newer models. The Enhanced Security Valet Mode feature limited the engine to idle speed resulting in approximately 2.8 horsepower and 22 lb.-ft. of torque. 

The quick fix proved to be not enough, as thefts have continued to happen. This led to Dodge engineers to go back to the drawing board and develop three new security solutions to help protect the muscle car duo.

The first method is the Enhanced Security Valet Mode already perviously released. The customer using a four-digit code in the Uconnect system will limit the engine horsepower to less than 3 horsepower, helping to prevent fast getaways.

The second feature is a “Key Programming Lockdown” that prevents thieves from programming new key fobs after breaking into a vehicle. Something that the Michigan State Police originally warned other police agencies about in a released memo. The Key Programming Lockdown feature will rollout during the first-quarter of 2022. When it is implemented, the Key Programming Lockdown will be available for all 2015 to present Charger and Challenger models, no matter the engine under the hood.

The only downside to the Key Programming Lockdown is that if you have the lockdown performed, you will no longer be able to have new keys made for the vehicle unless you buy a new module. This will prevent thieves from copying keys for the vehicle with programers and allowing them to copy the radio frequencies and getting into the car and driving away.

A module will set you back $159, and if you lose your keys, you will need to buy new keys as well before having them programmed. According to Dodge, they are aware of the inconvience this method can be so they offering owners 2 spare keys to be made at a discounted rate, when they have the software installed at their dealer.

The third solution is a new “Intrusion Module” that activates when the vehicle’s alarm system senses glass breakage or vehicle movement. The solution can be deactivated via the Uconnect system if you are parked with people inside the vehicle, or if you are hauling the vehicle somewhere in a trailer. When paired together, the Intrusion Module with the Key Programming Lockdown, criminals will not be able to break into or tow away a Charger or Challenger without the alarm going off, or program a new key.