_night_flight_

_night_flight_ t1_jegw1io wrote

Not a mechanic, but it could be that when the ignition is activated there are signals the engine computer (ECU) could use to decide whether or not it will allow the engine to start/run. Maybe those signals or measurements look different when a key is inserted and turned vs. someone smashing the ignition cover and hotwiring.

VW was able to tell when their cars were being emissions tested vs. driving normally and cheat the tests, so there are tricks that can be pulled.

Or I could be completely wrong.

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