Dodge Owners Get Two-Factor Protection With New Start Defender Anti-Theft System

Dodge muscle cars are fast, loud, and, unfortunately, high on thieves’ wish lists, especially with modern key-cloning tricks making it easier than ever to swipe one. Thankfully, now there’s a clever new defense system that borrows a trick from the tech world: two-factor authentication.

It’s called the Start Defender, and it’s the result of a collaboration between Wesley Motorsports and Mopar’s Direct Connection. The system plugs into the car’s CAN bus and requires a custom button code—entered using the steering wheel controls—before the engine will start. It's like a password for your car, and the best part is that you can update or change it whenever you like.

You set up the codes online through a secure Wi-Fi connection created by the device itself, and you can program up to four different codes for multiple drivers. It also has a quick disable option for valet or service visits. Installation can be DIY or done at a shop, and it doesn’t tamper with factory components. If you forget your code, though, the only reset comes from Wesley Motorsports.

The Start Defender does more than just block the engine from starting. It also has a built-in hood switch that can trigger a second alarm if someone tries to mess with it or rip it out. Furthermore, the team is actively developing additional security features such as harness locks and additional alarms to ensure your car remains secure.

The idea isn’t to make your car theft-proof but to make it a much less appealing target. As Kevin Wesley puts it, it’s meant for real-world scenarios like stepping away at the gas station or getting carjacked. 

The Start Defender retails for $695, but Wesley Motorsports is currently offering it for $595. For owners of high-performance Dodges, it might just be a small price to pay for a big dose of peace of mind.