Z Automotive Updates Tazer Programmers With Two New Anti-Theft Features!
A New PIN Lock Mode & Carjack Mode Are Now Available...
If you are a modern Mopar fan, then it is more than likely you have heard of Z Automotive. The company manufactures a number of programmers for various Chrysler Group vehicles like the Chrysler 300 (LX), Dodge Challenger (LA), Dodge Charger (LD), Dodge Durango (WD), Jeep® Grand Cherokee (WK2), Jeep Wrangler (JL), and Ram 1500 (DT) that allow you to add additional and reprogram features via the vehicle’s OBD2 port.
But now, in a very recent firmware update to certain models of its Tazer program lineup, Z Automotive has added two new theft deterrents to help protect your Chrysler Group vehicle from thieves.
Tazer PIN Lock –
The Tazer Personal Identification Number (PIN) Lock feature, allows the owner to set a steering wheel button sequence combination or PIN to the vehicle using the steering wheel-mounted Cruise Control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) buttons. The owner can use a PIN involving a 1 to 6-button sequence of their choice.
According to Z Automotive, this custom PIN will need to be entered when the vehicle is started or after you exit the running vehicle with your key.
After turning the vehicle on, a 20-second countdown will begin. Both the green parking light icon and turn signal indicators will begin to blink. After entering the chosen PIN, the countdown will stop and the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will read “Pin Unlocked.”
If the correct PIN is not entered before the countdown ends, the Tazer will cause the ABS pump to lock all four brakes while the interior ABS light flashes. This is to remind you to enter the PIN and will not bring attention to the vehicle. But if you shift into gear without entering the PIN, the car will lock the brakes and start the popular Light Show feature to grab the attention of those passing by.
The vehicle will not be able to move until you enter the PIN, after which the feature will stop.
Carjack Mode –
Another variant of the PIN Lock is what Z Automotive calls “Carjack Mode.” When the vehicle is running and you leave the vehicle with the key and close the door, the vehicle will continue to be fully operable for 20 seconds. If that PIN number is not entered in that 20 seconds, the vehicle will be stopped with the brakes being locked and shifting into gear again activating the Light Show.
If the vehicle was to be in motion, once it slows to 5 mph, the brakes will jam and the Light Show will begin. This will render the vehicle immobile until the owner’s chosen PIN is entered.
Z Automotive has taken pre-caution that if an owner forgets their PIN, they will still be able to gain access to their car. However, the process is lengthy and is set that way to make sure that if you are stealing the vehicle and know the process, it will take a very long time do to so and increasing your chances of being caught.
The new features are available on the Tazer (firmware update 2.56) for 2015+ Chrysler 300/Dodge Challenger/Dodge Charger/Dodge Durango/Jeep Grand Cherokee, Tazer JL Mini (firmware update 11.4.1) for Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe, and Gladiator, and Tazer DT (firmware update 18.1.7) for 2019+ Ram 1500 (DT) and TRX models.
Now keep in mind, we are not supplied with any Z Automotive programmers, however, we have run them in a number of our long-term vehicles. That includes our 2014 Dodge Charger R/T Plus AWD Sport Scat Pack Stage 1, 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320, 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Sport Crew Cab 4×4, and our 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Nevertheless, it is great seeing more and more anti-theft alternatives coming to help stop thefts of Chrysler Group vehicles.
For more information, you can check out Z Automotive website for more details.
