Patent ID: 7394352

Claim:
A vehicle theft deterrent system comprising: an engine having operating variables; a sensor package associated with the engine for measuring the engine operating variables; an engine controller for controlling output of the engine and coupled to the sensor package for receiving measurement readings of the engine operating variables; an engine ignition system including a key switch relay and a cab ignition relay; a combination entry system for the entry of enabling codes; a vehicle body computer connected to the combination entry system to receive enabling codes and operable thereon for checking the validity of entered enabling codes; an ignition interrupt relay between the key switch relay and the cab ignition relay under the control of the vehicle body computer; a communication link coupling the vehicle body computer and the engine controller allowing exchange of data between the engine controller and the engine controller including messages for operation on by the engine controller to limit engine output to prevent normal operation of the vehicle; and the vehicle body computer being responsive to entry of an invalid enabling code through the combination entry system for incapacitating the engine.