How do I set-up a Hidden Kill Switch - 82SC?

[RSBob]

Searched the interwebs and the best I saw was something about interrupting the power feed to the coil. Since I am a lazy b@$t@rd, I would prefer to have a discretely hidden, or in plain sight switch in the dash which will keep the car from starting without cutting the power to my presets (because lazy b@$t@rd$ don't like resetting presets).

Is there a way to cut into the fuse panel to either shut off power to the fuel pump or coil or something by putting an inline switch in the cabin? Since I am basically a moron, if you could be really basic it would be helpful - I.e. connect a 15 gage wire to the top pole of fuse 7 (blah blah), run your line into the cabin (I can put in the switch) and return the other side of the wire to back to the fuse panel, connecting it to the bottom of fuse 7 or whatever.

Much grass for helping out the helpless.

[timmy2]

You could just put a 20 amp rated switch in series with the starter solenoid wire.
That way it won't even crank without it being on.
Yellow #12 wire coming out of the starter switch and/or in the frunk for another access point to the wire.
Can't get much easier.
Or, you could get really fancy and wire in a relay to kill both the starter solenoid and the fuel pump. (Not the lazy option)



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[Mikey83835]

After my V-dub Scirrocco was stolen years ago, (I know, locking the barn after the horse was gone) my mechanic rigged up a kill-switch, a rocker type under the dash. But what it did was to cut off power to the fuel pump, so the scumballs could hotwire 'til the cows come home and it would still not run, so, good idea,

[Tidybuoy]

My friend has a classic Mercury Cougar and he purchased a hidden kill switch that is a fake cigarette lighter. It's wired to his fuel pump and when he gets out of the car, he simply depresses the cigarette lighter and the car won't start. When he returns, he pulls out the lighter and everything is normal.

I'll have to check with him where he got this.

[OsoMoore]

An easy standin when parking somewhere suspect is to pull the fuel pump relay.

[JohnJL]

Originally Posted by Tidybuoy

My friend has a classic Mercury Cougar and he purchased a hidden kill switch that is a fake cigarette lighter. It's wired to his fuel pump and when he gets out of the car, he simply depresses the cigarette lighter and the car won't start. When he returns, he pulls out the lighter and everything is normal.

I'll have to check with him where he got this.

I've seen a variant of this done with a standard lighter and a relay. When you get out of the car you take the lighter with you (or toss it in the ash tray or door pocket etc) and it disables either the ignition or fuel pump. Hidden in plain sight and pretty cool.

[The cap'n]

I'm not sure it will work with the CDI on an SC, but grounding the tach signal wire has worked well for me in the past. I've always used wire of the same color and gauge and an OE connector to further disguise the installation. Hiding the switch under the carpet works well. I use a push on/push off switch. As it's difficult to pull the tach with the steering wheel in place, it's hard to see the installation. I've seen the lighter trick, and think it's also a viable solution.

The Cap'n

[HawgRyder]

I still like the old style dimmer switch operated by the left foot for a kill switch.
It's hidden...and best of all...even if the bad guys are watching you start the car...they don't see you "reaching" for the kill!
Bob

[Jonny H]

Don't mess with the power feed to the coil. There's 300V @ 6 or so amps on there.

That's why your coil has a sticker with a picture of a crossed out DVM on it so the breakdown man doesn't fry himself!

I'd go for the fuel pump since the wiring is in the frunk...

[djb25]

The MSD 6 al ignition unit comes set up for a disable/kill switch. The instructions include a wiring diagram and everything.

I haven't actually set it up for my car, but it is on my to-do list.

Of course.... That isn't going to help you if you don't have MSD.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by OsoMoore

An easy standin when parking somewhere suspect is to pull the fuel pump relay.

+1. To keep the Targa safe I pull the fuel pump relay, pull the ground cable from the battery and lock the trunk, even in the garage.

[NYNick]

Nothing will beat a flatbed. That's how they steal them these days. Quick, easy, gone.

[bhmkv]

Nick is correct. I've seen a lot of motorcycles stolen with wheel locks and a few high end theft proof cars. Only guess with the cars was a flat bed. It's quick and easy. Also looks more legit. People will think car was broken down and called for a tow. I work in insurance. Cars are found gutted and burned.

[dicklague]

Originally Posted by djb25

The MSD 6 al ignition unit comes set up for a disable/kill switch. The instructions include a wiring diagram and everything.

I haven't actually set it up for my car, but it is on my to-do list.

Of course.... That isn't going to help you if you don't have MSD.

you just ground the magnetic input if you are using points or hall effect primary, oor use ground the white wire if you are using magnetic.......you could do the same with any modern CDI. Not an MSD exclusive.

[Mr. MaGooo]

can somebody post some instructions on how to wire the cigarette lighter kill switch?

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Nothing will beat a flatbed. That's how they steal them these days. Quick, easy, gone.

Nothing may absolutely prevent towing, flatbed or crane type, but life can be made difficult for towers:

Keep car from getting towed - HOWikis

[Algernon]

An unobtrusive switch that interrupts either the starter line from the ignition switch, or the fuel pump relay, is a reasonable first line of defense, and super easy to do.

Or if you are more devious, commandeer the headlight washer switch - you will never miss it!

[82 SC]

I have a kill switch in my 82 from previous owner and it works but I am unsure of what it is actually killing. If I forget to turn it on i can still crank the motor but not fire. I think i hear the fuel pump turn on so I don't think its killing it. Could be coil i guess. Can't trace the wires to anything as they are pretty well hidden. oh well.

[MongooseGA]

I had one wired up to a fuse in the rear of the car. I've since removed it because it was just for testing purposes, but I believe it was tied to my MSD.


Eventually I'll wire another one up to my rear window switch. No need for it any longer.

[RSBob]

Did follow the advice here and wired up a hidden switch which kills the fuel pump. It took about 45 min. Now my paranoia can take a breather until the flatbed or skyhook appears.