Hacker News Reader

Comment by trevorcreech | Hacker News Reader

"... allows Yoshi to access any car’s tank, even if the gas flap is locked."

Very curious how this works.

Good question. We created a device (that we call a "Fuel Vault") that we can install in your car's "gas flap." We'll require that you leave your car's gas flap popped open for your first fill-up so that we can install it. After that, we'll be able to get into your gas flap anytime. It doesn't require any permanent modifications to your car, and can be removed anytime.

That's clever. My guess was going to be either a Snap Gun [1] or brand master key used with permission of the owner.

1 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snap_gun

Does your device have the same security properties as the typical fuel door?

Locking gas doors are pretty pointless these days, unless you're worried about someone giving you the sugar-in-the-gas-tank treatment. All cars made for the last several years have anti-siphoning measures built into the line to the gas tank.

1. Paint Yoshi sign on Truck so it looks like you're supposed to be there messing with the car's gas.

2. Use something like GasTapper (literally first google hit) on apparently uncrackable gas tanks.

3. Profit?

0. Find a car that has a FuelVault installed?

Interesting, thanks. My understanding was wrong -- I thought the automakers were using actual metal mesh screens to block the passage of siphons. Apparently (according to the GasTapper video I just watched on YouTube) you can just ram the smaller hose right through the obstruction.

And thank you. I wasn't even aware gas tanks had security measures, let alone gadgets to circumvent it until your comment piqued my interest. Pretty interesting.

3. go to jail

Profit? Really?

Jail is probably #4

Can you give more details on how the Fuel Vault works? I use GasNinja currently, but would consider switching just so I could tear one apart.

Except you weren't able to install it in my car? And likely plenty of others?

Crowbar. It's super high tech. Seriously though, I'd like to know too. everything I can think of is either expensive/time consuming (syncing generic new wireless keys, copying physical keys), potentially damaging to the car, or require the provisioning of something that you leave plugged into the obd-2 port. That latter one you could do with 15$ in parts and a cavalier disregard for the cars security, so that could be it?

Reply on news.ycombinator.com