JDI Distributors Inc. Plans to Stop the Hyundai and Kia Theft Phenomenon

Jul 04, 2023

By now, even if you're not performing snappy dance steps set to awful music and posting your routines daily on TikTok, you've certainly caught wind of the Hyundai and Kia theft trend sweeping the nation and gaining viral momentum via the wildly popular social media platform. It's led some insurance companies to even reportedly stop servicing entire models or regions of the country due to the volume of claims.

Out of nowhere, specific Hyundai and Kia models, which were never equipped with immobilizers (pre-2022 models) and rely on an easily circumvented ignition switch, began getting picked off at will by the self-named "Kia boys," who often post evidence of their crimes on social media. A free fix was initiated by the automakers that requires the key to be in the ignition before starting the vehicle and an extension of the factory alarm system, but both are likely to be defeated by ever-evolving thieves.

That's where Jordan Distributors Inc. comes in. Having supplied automotive parts for years, the group came up with a user-friendly security system for popular Hondas that became an instant hit among the enthusiast crowd. That interest prompted the production of a slew of additional models on their resume that at first was based mostly on '90s-era chassis, but expanded into a long list of additional years and models.

It's called the Ghost Key Plug-and-Play Push Start Conversion Kit and it relies on RFID technology to allow only the chip holder the ability to start their vehicle. I installed their Ghost Key system on my 1992 Acura Integra in May of last year and it's performed flawlessly ever since.

Once installed, the kit's key fob is unique to each kit and there are no two alike. And, for convenience, JDI offers various key fob types, including compact keyring versions, a credit card-sized option, and even a small sticker about the size of a dime that can be placed on the back of your phone. No chip, no start - it's that simple.

The kit includes everything you need to not only inject RFID (radio frequency identification) security, but to convert your keyed ignition to a more modern push start system. This particular installation includes eliminating the factory ignition tumbler and its housing - both of which are providing thieves ease of access to start these vehicles. By taking them out of the equation, security is dramatically increased.

The installation process isn't at all complex and is completed with basic hand tools. Very similar to the install I did on my Integra, the entire process can be done in under an hour and there's no complex wiring, soldering, or anything of the sort. If you're not the DIY-type, any capable repair shop, stereo/alarm outfit, or mobile locksmith should be able to tackle the install easily.

Here are the tools used for this install (the sharp silver item is a pry tool to wedge into and remove plastic panels), but anything similar should work to complete the process.

To begin, the battery's negative terminal is disconnected.

On the driver's side of the dash, a fuse box access panel is easily removed.

That reveals a few screws securing the sides of the lower trim piece that need to be removed.

That lower plastic panel runs beneath the steering column and is further held in with a set of Phillips screws on its lower portion. Once removed, using a panel popper, gently pry the panel away from the dash. Note: The buttons on the panel have connectors behind them, be sure to disconnect from the backside to avoid any damage.

The steering column cover is next up for removal. There are screws behind and on either side of the steering wheel, and one directly below the column to remove.

With the three screws out, the clamshell can be separated and put aside.

These next few steps are for those that would like to eliminate their ignition tumbler completely, and mount the new push start button in its place. By doing this, you will lose the steering wheel lock feature. If you'd rather not give up the steering wheel lock, you can mount the push start button virtually anywhere in the vehicle, there's plenty of slack provided on the harness. With that option, you'll still need your key in the ignition in order to unlock the steering wheel.

Holding the ignition tumbler in place is a clamp with a pair of headless screws. A chisel or even a flathead screwdriver needs to be held at a slight angle and a hammer used to tap the end a few times. The idea is to hit the screw in a counterclockwise manner to free it. After just a few taps the screw is loose enough to completely remove with your fingers.

JDI's universal push button start fits into the factory ignition hole without any modification. Four bendable tabs act as retainers on the back side of the column to hold it firmly in place. JDI also offers upgraded push start buttons in different colors and styles, as well as a Hyundai/Kia sized adapter to allow the sleeker buttons to install in the ignition hole.

Under the dash, right at the top of the brake pedal assembly is a multi-wire plug that connects to the brake switch. A signal needs to be taken from the wire at the very end of the connector. Depending on the vehicle type and connector style, it will either be the very left, or the very right wire, shown in detail on JDI's YouTube tutorial.

There's no cutting or wire splicing involved, you simply take the quick connecter included in the kit, wrap it around the wire and, using a pair of pliers, squeeze until the connector clicks and it's secured. With the provided wire plugged into that connector, it assures the JDI system that your foot is on the brake when the car is started.

The included wiring harness uses and OEM-style connector that plugs directly into the plug leftover from the ignition tumbler you removed. There's no modification needed, it plugs in just like the OEM harness.

The other end of that harness goes to JDI's push-to-start module, which also accepts the harness from the push start button, the brake switch line, and the antenna. The module can be mounted virtually anywhere as long as it's secured and not in the way of any moving parts.

An earthing wire with ring terminal is also included and will need to be secured to a solid ground location. The metal frame that supports the lower dash cover has a metal stud that's perfect for this.

Before buttoning up the panels, you'll need to choose a spot to mount your antenna. This circular device is what reads your RFID chip, and it has a very long wire that allows it to be mounted virtually anywhere you want. For my car, I chose an easily accessed area and mounted it behind a factory plastic panel using 3M tape. It hasn't budged in almost a year and reads perfectly every time. Keep in mind you'll need to swipe your fob or card every time you start the car, so somewhere convenient but out of sight makes the most sense.

Reinstall the factory trim pieces, reconnect the battery, and you're ready to go. The standard push start button looks and fits like an OEM piece. You'll swipe your key fob or card in front of the antenna and listen for an audible confirmation that it's been read, then hold the brake (and clutch if it's a manual) and tap the button to start the car. To turn it off, hold down the brake pedal and tap the button and it shuts down just like pulling out the key.

Keep your antenna hiding spot to yourself and the quick smash and grab Hyundai/Kia theft scenario is a thing of the past. In addition, if you chose to get rid of the ignition tumbler and mount the start button in the leftover space as shown above, JDI's kit acts as a visual theft deterrent to those unsavory onlookers peeking through the window. The days of wailing car alarm sirens and hoping for an OEM software patch that will hold up in real time are things of the past. Jordan Distributors Inc. offers a long term, user-friendly solution that you can tackle in your driveway in under an hour.