hidden kill switch ideas for 84-89 cars

[andyt11]

I had a look about and found info pertaining to cars that still run points and even 78-83 SC's, but I didn't find any reasonable info pertaining to the DME cars.


Looking to install a kill switch, will probably put it somewhere creative (such is in full view on the dash board), but I'm wondering what ground or power can I safely disable without screwing up any of the electronics?

I'm assuming someone has done this exercise already.

[john walker's workshop]

under the left front of the driver seat, in line with the DME relay ground wire. easy and accessible.

[scottb]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

under the left front of the driver seat, in line with the DME relay ground wire. easy and accessible.

That's what I did. Very easy to install.

[JJ 911SC]

From a PO, the heat levers had to be raise a bit. If not dead on the road (starter would not turn)...

[JohnJL]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

under the left front of the driver seat, in line with the DME relay ground wire. easy and accessible.

Clip that ground and run the ECU end to the power terminal of your cigarette lighter. Tape off the old power to the cigarette lighter.

Now the car will not run unless the lighter is pushed in. You can leave the lighter in the "off" position or take it with you. Everything looks stock...

[JTL]

Doesn't the stock alarm system have an ignition cutoff? The alarm horn had been disabled when I bought the car. When the alarm is turned on by the key switch in the left door the engine will turn but won't start. I think the key switch is pretty cool and relatively hidden too.

[andyt11]

Cheers all.

I did read that breaking that ground from the DME unit can cause harm if someone tries to start the car without connecting it back up. I take it this is not the case?

[HawgRyder]

I like the old type dimmer switches...the ones that were up high on the firewall operated by your left foot.
They had 3 terminals...center for power in...sides for high and low.
If you put the wire from the key to the starter into the middle terminal...and the starter to one side and the horn to the other...the switch will activate the horn when the key is turned...or the starter if you click the switch.
Scares the thieves nicely....even if they have "punched" your lock.
You could also attach the lights to the horn side to attract attention.
Personally...I prefer CZ gas...quick..permanent...NO REPEAT OFFENDERS.
Bob

[john walker's workshop]

no harm yet on any of the cars i did it on. mine included.

[86 911 Targa]

I removed the DME relay from the DME attachment point, left it loose on the harness under the seat, and pull it out when I park the car in "certain" locations.

And, I do not keep the spare relay in the glove box.

Gerry

[scottb]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

From a PO, the heat levers had to be raise a bit. If not dead on the road (starter would not turn)...

What would happen if the levers somehow got pushed down while the car was on the road? Would the engine shut off?

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

no harm yet on any of the cars i did it on. mine included.

Well I gotta think you would be in the know!

Post #4 in this thread kinda made me shy away from that though.

Cheap immobilizer ideas (hidden switches etc)?

Is it baloney?

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by HawgRyder

I like the old type dimmer switches...the ones that were up high on the firewall operated by your left foot.
They had 3 terminals...center for power in...sides for high and low.
If you put the wire from the key to the starter into the middle terminal...and the starter to one side and the horn to the other...the switch will activate the horn when the key is turned...or the starter if you click the switch.
Scares the thieves nicely....even if they have "punched" your lock.
You could also attach the lights to the horn side to attract attention.
Personally...I prefer CZ gas...quick..permanent...NO REPEAT OFFENDERS.
Bob

This sounds neat!

[dad911]

Originally Posted by andyt11

Well I gotta think you would be in the know!

Post #4 in this thread kinda made me shy away from that though.

Cheap immobilizer ideas (hidden switches etc)?

Is it baloney?

JW and others suggested to cut the ground to the DME RELAY not the DME itself.

I once looked at a 993 that had a business card tucked in a crack on the dash, microswitch hidden behind it. Pull the card, no start.....

[steely]

Originally Posted by scottb

What would happen if the levers somehow got pushed down while the car was on the road? Would the engine shut off?

Nah, it sounds like that circuit would only be needed/used to start the engine.
Once the car has started, the power path is completely different.
cool Bell btw.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by scottb

What would happen if the levers somehow got pushed down while the car was on the road? Would the engine shut off?

As per Dan explanation, it's only affect the start.

Once started, it does not affect the running of the car but if you stall the car you better remember that you put the lever down especially if the train is coming

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by andyt11

Well I gotta think you would be in the know!

Post #4 in this thread kinda made me shy away from that though...

Andy

I find it by accident. The previous PO did not know it was related. The PO before him was in Quebec, where you cannot get insurance if the car is not equip with some kind of immobilizer.

I just bypass it just in case of the famous stalling on the train track...

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by dad911

JW and others suggested to cut the ground to the DME RELAY not the DME itself.

I see. Thanks for reading the other thread and clarifying. I'll check out the relay ground. Maybe that's an easy place to make a break.

If I'm in any doubt about which wire we are talking about I'll post a pic!

[john walker's workshop]

the brown wire, #85.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

From a PO, the heat levers had to be raise a bit. If not dead on the road (starter would not turn)...

I can see that would be OK in the summer, but I leave my heater levers up in the winter anyway. I guess you have to remember to shut them off in the winter.