Anti-Theft

[Torchy]

Is it possible to fit a battery shut off switch from the starter battery as a form of extra anti theft. Or would it be better to fit on the feed to the starter motor as I assume this would not affect the alarm, immobiliser and tracker.

 

[EMS]

My friend fitted such a switch that he hid in the glove box of his car( a convertible escort 1985 vintage), very successful. Except that he had forgotten about it after a time and had thrown a book in his glove box and spent the next hour trying to get his car to go, a red face was the result when he discovered his mistake!

 

[TheBig1]

a switch interrupting the fuel lift pump is easier to achieve, as the starter circuit can throw faults if interfered with

 

[cmcardle75]

The main issues with using the starter circuit for an immobiliser are (a) it doesn't prevent a bump start and (b) it is clear where the immobiliser break is. (the engine turning but not firing is much harder to diagnose and "fix").

 

[nicholsong]

My friend fitted such a switch that he hid in the glove box of his car( a convertible escort 1985 vintage), very successful. Except that he had forgotten about it after a time and had thrown a book in his glove box and spent the next hour trying to get his car to go, a red face was the result when he discovered his mistake!

Such critical switches in an aircraft have to be fitted with a guard, which stops inadvertent operation as the guard has to be lited to operate the switch.

Geoff

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[Gromett]

I think a battery isolator switch for security is a bad idea. You will be powering up and down the ECU, your radio will lose it's settings etc etc.

I much prefer a cutoff on the diesel lift pump as TheBig1 stated.

 

[cmcardle75]

Such critical switches in an aircraft have to be fitted with a guard, which stops inadvertent operation as the guard has to be lited to operate the switch.

Geoff

My old wreck of a car at university had an ignition switch failure. I replaced it with a push button for the starter and an aircraft switch for the ignition, complete with "guard" which doubles as an emergency cut out (you can hit it in any direction to turn the switch off). Was the coolest looking setup I'd ever seen! (21 year olds are easy to please).

 

[Torchy]

Many thanks to all. As suggested I think the fuel route is the safest and most effective way.
I am also planning on Outsmart The Thief.

 

[cmcardle75]

Many thanks to all. As suggested I think the fuel route is the safest and most effective way.
I am also planning on Outsmart The Thief.

Although not all engines actually rely on the electric fuel booster.

 

[St3v3]

Have you got/considered a disklok?

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[Two on Tour]

The low pressure/lift pump in the fuel tank of certainly the Ducato, Boxer and Relay is only there to help supply fuel on startup in cold weather to the high pressure fuel pump when in the colder weather the diesel is more viscous. Ever in cold weather, once the engine is running the high pressure fuel pump does not normally need assistance from the low pressure fuel pump.

I had planned to use my tracker to cut the power to the low pressure fuel pump, but after researching doing this and finding it would for the most part be ineffective so I didn't go through with it.

 

[gus-lopez]

If you fit to the starter a cut out switch you then need to add a fused link wire around the switch to maintain all the alarms ,radio codes, clock ,etc. Any attempt to start will fail when switch is removed & fuse will also blow on the low amperage by pass.

 

[Gromett]

If you fit to the starter a cut out switch you then need to add a fused link wire around the switch to maintain all the alarms ,radio codes, clock ,etc. Any attempt to start will fail when switch is removed & fuse will also blow on the low amperage by pass.

But everytime you forget you have to replace the fuse. Double edged sword.

 

[Coolcats]

Is it possible to fit a battery shut off switch from the starter battery as a form of extra anti theft. Or would it be better to fit on the feed to the starter motor as I assume this would not affect the alarm, immobiliser and tracker.

My road/track car has an isolation switch it cuts off everything including pump ecu etc. You will see all track cars with these as a battery isolation is a safety requirement. However I would not do this on my MoHo you would probably be better off speaking with eddievanbitz for a non starter solution.

 

[gus-lopez]

But everytime you forget you have to replace the fuse. Double edged sword.

Hard to forget a big red plug in key on your key ring I'd have thought?

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[SIFTA SAM]

Such critical switches in an aircraft have to be fitted with a guard, which stops inadvertent operation as the guard has to be lited to operate the switch.

Geoff

And switches on military aircraft that have to be wire-locked to stop the pilot/navigator 'playing' with certain electronic equipments they shouldn't be.

 

[Gromett]

Hard to forget a big red plug in key on your key ring I'd have thought?

How do you put your keys in your pocket with a big red plug attached

 

[Sundowners]

Do later diesels still have a fuel cut off solenoid on the injector pump??---- if so, this is the way I would go.
I am not comfortable with all this new stuff!!!
Our new (to us) motorhome is 1991 so a bit short of electronics!!!!!