kill switch?

[fogcity]

Good or bad idea?
If good idea, where and how?

Thanks

[RoninLB]

I believe an anti theft system should be layered.. many inoperative systems.. and then kill the engine down the block if all else fails.........................Ron

[HawgRyder]

Several choices open to you....
Switch in the fuel pump circuit....no fuel other than what's in the carbs....
Switch in the ignition circuit....no spark
Switch in the starter circuit.....no turn over
Or...combination of all three....no sense making it easy for those car theivin' idiots.
If you do decide to put swithches in....put them where it is not obvious you are doing anything special to start the car.
I like the old dimmer switch on the floor gag....under the carpet....up high....cannot be seen by anyone as you clck it.
Go for it.
Bob

[fogcity]

Thanks for the response. Now, how do I do it? (I'm only recently trying my hand with electrics - details would be much appreciated)

[82SC]

i think having on in the starter is key....if that moran of a thief cranks your starter enough then you'll be stranded with a burnt up starter...
and one in the fuel pump so he doesn't flood your engine either


MJ

[Victor]

VDO make one with a proximity sensor. About A$400 installed. Kills everything and is compulsory for insurance (in my case anyhow).

[Rob McKibbon]

Yeah, I just installed the Alpine proximity sensor one in my car; works great..... has a radar sensor you can adjust in a few seconds. Walk up to the car and stay there for 5 seconds ......... it goes off. Put your hand in the car...... it goes off.

If you're gonna put in a switch, I'd opt for a kill to the fuel pump. My car runs the fuel pump as soon as you turn the key on. Sometimes your working on the car and you need the key on, a switch could serve two purposes: 1. Kill switch, 2. Servicing switch (May still do that one day?)

Now, if I could just figure out that blasted mystery "KILL" switch???? Getting closer.... I think it's my solenoid switch on the starter?, but that's a whole different thread....

[masraum]

I installed a Viper alarm in my '88 (same engine/electronics as your '84). I used the kill feature of the alarm and put a relay in the circuit with the fuel pump relay. I believe what I did is put a relay in the line to and from the fuel pump fuse, but I can't remember right now. If I wanted to wire a switch I would probably either use the same method or possibly put a switch inline to the DME relay under the seat.

[thethrill]

A kill switch good idea. Do not waste your $$$ on an alarm, they are usless. I had an $800 Clifford with anti-car jack feature and they by passsed it as if it were not there.

I have a fuel pump cut off and starter cut off switch's. The fuel pump cut off saved my car and that is why I have it today. In 1998 when a "professional" thief attempted to steal my 91 turbo they tried a jumper wire to power my fuel pumps (turbo's have 2) but it did not work! My wrench was creative in setting up my cutoff. Secondly a removeable steering wheen is a excellent added layer of piece of mind as well as a deterent.

With your fuel pump(s) disabled and steering wheel missing, stealing your car will require a tow truck. There is nothing you can do about a tow truck. Lojack too is a good addition for anti theft, vehicle recovery.

[fogcity]

Are ther any specific diagrams and instructions on this board for wiring up a kill switch to, say, the starter or fuel pump (because I don't have the slightest idea how to do it)

Thanks for your imput.

[HawgRyder]

Just think of the circuit you want to protect as a piece of wire.
The wire goes from the fuse panel to the pump/starter/or ignition unit.....you are going to break the line in a convenient place...and join two wires to the broken ends....and take those 2 to a switch.
When the switch is on...it's just as if the wire was never broken....when its off....the power will be interupted .
The great thing about this is....the thieves will not know about your particular system.....they have no way of knowing what you have done...unlike a commercial system....where they can buy one just to find out how to defeat it.
Bob

[911pcars]

Here's a suggestion for you future PO (previous owners). The FO (future owner) may appreciate your consideration.

Document whatever hi-tech vehicle kill, alarm system you have in your car as soon as possible before, during and after installation. Draw wiring diagrams, wire color codes and identify locations of alarm modules and file it away for future reference by whoever is going to inherit or service the system - it may even be you in a few years when you forgot how you did it in the first place. This goes for any DIY install that involves the factory wiring harness (headlight relays included).

If you purchased a used 911 (most of us?) you realize how difficult it is to reverse-install those modules/circuits that control ignition/starter/fuel pump/remote control/door lock/siren/windows/flashers, etc. The installation is often performed by the guy at the local car audio center who may not care how and where things are installed (hidden) as long as it "works".

my $.02
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[fogcity]

So, you just trace the particular wire (once you've identified it) from the fuse box and cut it, connect a switch between the two cut ends, and that's it? How can I find which is my starter wire? I'm sure I'd need a wire which is routed under the dash, no? If not, how can I route the switch through the firewall and up under the dash? What grade/type of wire and switch?

It's starting to make sense to me, but I'm very much a virgin when it comes to playing with wires and switches.

Thanks again for the help

[fogcity]

Any clues?

[thethrill]

A simple but effective kill switch is to install a battery cut off. You would install a switch in line with your battery cable, interupting the power circuit. I belive Hella makes a switch whereby the key (plastic) is removable.

Many part sources sell these. I assume PP does. They are around $20.

[jyl]

Fogcity, there are various holes through the "firewall". I recently needed to run a cable from fuse block to under my dash, and found a hole by laying under the dash and looking for sunlight. There was one near the driver's side hood strut mount. I am told there are more on the passenger side.

I also installed a battery cut-off switch as thethrill mentions. It's not ideal as a daily anti-theft measure, since you have to open the hood to undo the switch, but when I leave my car in long-term airport parking it works. I think it's more useful for when you work on the car.

[911pcars]

These battery cable-type cutoff switches are for what jyl describe; for complete system system shutoff - not very convenient for everyday trips. In addition, unless you have an auxiliary bypass circuit to feed the accessories, your radio presets and clock settings will be lost and the alarm, if you have one, will not operate.

You should have an electrical wiring diagram to identify the color coded wire between the fuse box and the fuel pump relay. Splice in a simple SPST (On-Off) switch in series to control this circuit. You can do the same to the circuit between the ignition switch and starter solenoid. Locate the switch in a readily accessible, but not obvious area of the interior otherwise you won't use it.

A mechanical steering wheel lock as well as a tire "boot" will help dissuade the more ardent thieves. .... but not all the time. BTW, if you have a Honda, your car is more apt to be stolen, but let's not make it too easy for jackers with taste.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[HawgRyder]

The ultimate anti-theft I saw was a removable steering wheel.
The owner had removed the wheel and installed a heavy steel hub to cover the end...it also covered the ignition lock on that car.
I guess he just put the wheel in his briefcase and went to work.
Bob