Review of Lasfit's new Anti-Theft Hood Lock System (version 2.0)

[arskemp]

A couple months ago I spoke with a Lasfit representative asking for more information on their electronic hood lock system. This turned into a deep discussion which resulted in me getting an opportunity to test out version 2.0 of their system prior to release. Now that it is out, I'd like to share my thoughts on it. Official name of it is the "Stealth Anti-Theft Automatic Hood Lock System":

https://www.lasfit.com/products/las...orum&utm_medium=UGC-JL&utm_campaign=Hood+Lock

If your not familiar with either version of this system, the way it operates is simple:

- Press the unlock button on the key fob (or using the keyless entry on your door if you have it) - Hood Unlocks
- Press the lock button (key fob or door) - Hood Locks

Top Down view of hood catch
Unlocked

Locked

This works due to a controller with an integrated pump that uses air to move the arm pictured above, and this arm "catches" the center hook for the hood, not allowing it to open further even after the left and right latches are undone.

The biggest difference between the version 1.0 and 2.0 is the addition of a manual release cable. My hesitation with the previous system (which is why I contacted Lasfit in the first place) was that without power to the vehicle (IE dead battery) there really wasn't a good way to unlock the hood. With the new 2.0 system they have now included a cable that can be pulled from inside the vehicle to unlock the hood. I've read forum threads on the 1.0 system and I know this was a concern among others, so I am very much glad Lasfit incorporated it into this new version.

While more work than basic keyed hood latch locks, the system overall wasn't too difficult to install. I have a video I'll be posting up on youtube soon explaining the process, but it pretty much meant pulling the grill back, sliding the locking mechanism into place, routing the wiring/tubing up through the firewall, and then mounting the controller. Since the system gets power/data from the OBDII port and a canbus connector, no tapping into wires/splicing the oem wiring is needed.

If I had a "complaint" the only thing I can say is that while you are inside the vehicle and lock/unlock it you can hear the noise of the pump locking/unlocking the hood. This noise is not loud at all and is quiet enough to where you can't hear it outside when locking/unlocking, which is 99% of the time where I am. I never hear it in my day to day routine, only when I was doing testing in the beginning. I struggle to call this a complain though, it's more of an item of note.

I've been using it for a few weeks now and the best thing I can say is that this system is completely transparent in day to day use. I've randomly checked the hood when it should be locked/unlocked and it always has been. No fiddling with extra keys or any extra steps at all to simply open my hood. In the event that the battery dies the emergency release is only a cable pull away.

Overall, very happy with it and would definitely purchase it again.

Edit:
Just a couple more notes now that some have commented on the system:

• Doesn't work with a manual transmission vehicle. My assumption is the canbus system functions differently on those, but I that is only an assumption on my part.
• It DOES work with Tazer. I've noticed no issues with any of Tazer's live features while it is installed, and I have also tested it in conjunction with Tazer's hood alarm feature and it works just fine with that.

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[Duece McCracken]

Not compatible with manual trans, well that sucks.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

A couple months ago I spoke with a Lasfit representative asking for more information on their electronic hood lock system. This turned into a deep discussion which resulted in me getting an opportunity to test out version 2.0 of their system prior to release. Now that it is out, I'd like to share my thoughts on it. Official name of it is the "Stealth Anti-Theft Automatic Hood Lock System":

https://www.lasfit.com/products/las...orum&utm_medium=UGC-JL&utm_campaign=Hood+Lock

If your not familiar with either version of this system, the way it operates is simple:

- Press the unlock button on the key fob (or using the keyless entry on your door if you have it) - Hood Unlocks
- Press the lock button (key fob or door) - Hood Locks

Top Down view of hood catch
Unlocked

Locked

This works due to a controller with an integrated pump that uses air to move the arm pictured above, and this arm "catches" the center hook for the hood, not allowing it to open further even after the left and right latches are undone.

The biggest difference between the version 1.0 and 2.0 is the addition of a manual release cable. My hesitation with the previous system (which is why I contacted Lasfit in the first place) was that without power to the vehicle (IE dead battery) there really wasn't a good way to unlock the hood. With the new 2.0 system they have now included a cable that can be pulled from inside the vehicle to unlock the hood. I've read forum threads on the 1.0 system and I know this was a concern among others, so I am very much glad Lasfit incorporated it into this new version.

While more work than basic keyed hood latch locks, the system overall wasn't too difficult to install. I have a video I'll be posting up on youtube soon explaining the process, but it pretty much meant pulling the grill back, sliding the locking mechanism into place, routing the wiring/tubing up through the firewall, and then mounting the controller. Since the system gets power/data from the OBDII port and a canbus connector, no tapping into wires/splicing the oem wiring is needed.

If I had a "complaint" the only thing I can say is that while you are inside the vehicle and lock/unlock it you can hear the noise of the pump locking/unlocking the hood. This noise is not loud at all and is quiet enough to where you can't hear it outside when locking/unlocking, which is 99% of the time where I am. I never hear it in my day to day routine, only when I was doing testing in the beginning. I struggle to call this a complain though, it's more of an item of note.

I've been using it for a few weeks now and the best thing I can say is that this system is completely transparent in day to day use. I've randomly checked the hood when it should be locked/unlocked and it always has been. No fiddling with extra keys or any extra steps at all to simply open my hood. In the event that the battery dies the emergency release is only a cable pull away.

Overall, very happy with it and would definitely purchase it again.

Someone else said this is another thread on a different topic - THIS is the type of review or discussion on an item that is really helpful.
This is the sort I'd go with if I wanted a locking hood. You can't see it and it leaves your stock Jeep looking hood latches alone.

I would have one question for the company, though - why not use lock motors like in doors? Or a solenoid? (double acting)
Door locks are usually operated by small reversing DC motors. Quiet, quick. Would seem easier than a pump and hose.

Is the hose hidden and/or shielded?

 

[bryanklay]

this is a great idea, but not for a manual transmission. it would be interesting to find out why it is not for a manual trans and if this can be adapted for the manual.

 

[Kevin_D]

Why not just use the cable release, and do away with all the bells & whistles?
Besides, if someone breaks into the cab, they'll just pull the manual release anyway.

Kevin

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Why not just use the cable release, and do away with all the bells & whistles?
Besides, if someone breaks into the cab, they'll just pull the manual release anyway.

Kevin

Devil's advocate -

Some appear to try the hood first. Everyone and their unborn grandchild knows Jeep hoods only have two simple latches on the outside.
It would at least slow them down.
and
why mount the manual release where it can be seen or found in short order?
I'd be tempted to extend the thing so that the release was under one of the front seats or under the back seat.

Just thinking about possibilities.......

 

[arskemp]

For me, I don't really have a problem with the manual hood release location. I view this system like I view most of the other locking options, it's more of a "keep honest people honest". Since the manual release is in the cab, it pretty much makes it as secure as any other normal vehicle (which is enough for me).

One thing I also failed to mention is that this works with my Tazer (I'll update the post to mention this). Currently I have the hood alarm enabled in Tazer along with this lock system. Pretty much when they attempt to pull up on the hood and realize they can't the alarm goes off. I assume most will not stick around with the alarm going off to figure out another way to open the hood and will simply move to the next easy target they can find.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

For me, I don't really have a problem with the manual hood release location. I view this system like I view most of the other locking options, it's more of a "keep honest people honest". Since the manual release is in the cab, it pretty much makes it as secure as any other normal vehicle (which is enough for me).

One thing I also failed to mention is that this works with my Tazer (I'll update the post to mention this). Currently I have the hood alarm enabled in Tazer along with this lock system. Pretty much when they attempt to pull up on the hood and realize they can't the alarm goes off. I assume most will not stick around with the alarm going off to figure out another way to open the hood and will simply move to the next easy target they can find.

I do plan on enabling the hood alarm with jscan and warning my wife before trying it out.......... otherwise she'd come running what's all the noise about.

 

[Gatorized]

this is a great idea, but not for a manual transmission. it would be interesting to find out why it is not for a manual trans and if this can be adapted for the manual.

Probably using the clutch access through the firewall… for the cable release.

 

[Kevin_D]

For me, I don't really have a problem with the manual hood release location. I view this system like I view most of the other locking options, it's more of a "keep honest people honest". Since the manual release is in the cab, it pretty much makes it as secure as any other normal vehicle (which is enough for me).

One thing I also failed to mention is that this works with my Tazer (I'll update the post to mention this). Currently I have the hood alarm enabled in Tazer along with this lock system. Pretty much when they attempt to pull up on the hood and realize they can't the alarm goes off. I assume most will not stick around with the alarm going off to figure out another way to open the hood and will simply move to the next easy target they can find.

To the first bold statement, you’re assuming the cab is secure. If the doors are off, well then…

To the second, the alarm on the hood will go off with or without a hood lock, so why bother with one?

Sorry, I’m just feeling contrary today.

Kevin

 

[Summitsearcher]

To the first bold statement, you’re assuming the cab is secure. If the doors are off, well then…

To the second, the alarm on the hood will go off with or without a hood lock, so why bother with one?

Sorry, I’m just feeling contrary today.

Kevin

I think it’s good to assess all variables in securing your vehicle so your not wrong. I appreciate it when considering a purchase like this. Like, I wonder if thieves watch this forum and others to encourage other ways to thwart security measures by manufacturers. Might slow them down, but like anything else they’ll figure a work around eventually. I have security measures I can’t even mention.?

 

[arskemp]

To the first bold statement, you’re assuming the cab is secure. If the doors are off, well then…

To the second, the alarm on the hood will go off with or without a hood lock, so why bother with one?

Sorry, I’m just feeling contrary today.

Kevin

I think we can all agree that if someone is determined enough, no amount of additional security can stop them. That being said, I think most thieves are opportunistic and anything that someone can do to make their vehicle take extra steps over the standard process can only help.

Your not wrong on either of your statements. I, personally, don't leave the doors off for any extended period of time. If I did that regularly, I would likely move the manual release somewhere more hidden (it's not physically attached to the control box other than a wire, so it can be relocated simply by loosening a bolt with a (I believe 8mm) crescent wrench.

For the alarm, like it said, it's an easy thing to enable (if you have a device that supports it like Tazer) but also something easy to defeat. A good example of this would the recent youtube video posted here a few days ago (pretty much pulling a fuse). Although that was a failed theft attempt, it looks to me like the thieves were just following a process and that process includes instructions for disabling the horn. The thing that is different with the lasfit system vs hood latch locks in this regard is that the hood does move up slightly when undoing the latches but is still locked. This means the horn/alarm is actively going off while it is still locked instead of only going off AFTER circumventing the latch locks. I guess I'm counting on the alarm going off and thieves not wanting to spend the time with the horn blaring looking for both a way to get into the cab and then hoping there is an aftermarket release cable in there to open the hood so they can disable the alarm.

 

[Kevin_D]

<snip>For the alarm, like it said, it's an easy thing to enable (if you have a device that supports it like Tazer) <snip>

The hood alarm on my 2021 is a standard feature. Why would I need to activate it?

Kevin

 

[arskemp]

The hood alarm on my 2021 is a standard feature. Why would I need to activate it?

Kevin

Odd, mine didn't do it from the factory and its a 22. Nevertheless, plenty of people on this forum of various years have mentioned having to use Tazer or another device like that (JSCAN?) to enable it because, while the vehicle has the components for it installed, it was never enabled.

 

[Killroy Was Here]

Odd, mine didn't do it from the factory and its a 22. Nevertheless, plenty of people on this forum of various years have mentioned having to use Tazer or another device like that (JSCAN?) to enable it because, while the vehicle has the components for it installed, it was never enabled.

If anyone has the ECRI unit to make setting changes for tire size etc.
They have added the ability to enable the factory hood alarm sensor in one of their recent automatic updates to the app.

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