20 replies to this topic

[JackF]

Hello guys,

I've been looking into fitting some sort of keyed battery isolator switch into my car, I suppose as a cheap (but basic) theft prevention technique..
I understand this isnt going to really stop any one, but its something rather than nothing, right?
I wondered if anyone had any expericances with these sorts of things... a worthwhile modification? Or pointless..?

This is the sort of thing I was looking at;
http://www.holden.co...es&pCode=SSB112

http://www.autoelect...141/category/30

my car currently has no radio or interior light, so these not working dont bother me.

What experiances do you have...

Jack.
(If this in the wrong sect. please move..)

[Cooperman]

Those of us who use our cars in motor sport use an FIA battery master switch. This cuts both battery and ignition circuits as if you cut the battery supply with the engine running it will continue to run but will burn out the alternator. Holden part number: 020.011. Very easy to fit. You just run the battery lead and the ignition'on' lead to the switch, then run a battery lead to the solenoid and the ignition lead to the coil.
I run the battery lead inside the car and put the battery cut-off switch between the seats. You can just see it on the aluminium bracket next to the handbrake lever. I hope this helps:

[JackF]

Those of us who use our cars in motor sport use an FIA battery master switch. This cuts both battery and ignition circuits as if you cut the battery supply with the engine running it will continue to run but will burn out the alternator. Holden part number: 020.011. Very easy to fit. You just run the battery lead and the ignition'on' lead to the switch, then run a battery lead to the solenoid and the ignition lead to the coil.
I run the battery lead inside the car and put the battery cut-off switch between the seats.

Many thanks Cooperman, I suppose it make sense to do it properly, and do the ignition circuit too.

[lrostoke]

Fitted the 2nd one to brother in laws, mounted under the car in the exhaust tunnel so the key is accessable from the drivers seat...
Good thing is key can be removed in the on and off position and its only a small key so keep it on keyfob wth car keys.

main advantage is it isolates power to engine bay , so no way of hot wiring.

[Alex_B]

the car restorers I used to work for used to do it for all the cars they restored, they kept them hidden. I think it is a good basic idea to stop the random get in and drive criminal as they are unlikely to carry the key with them. :)

[Cooperman]

Another good anti-theft device, in addition to the master switch, is to fit an electric fuel pump, if it hasn't already got one, then put a very well-hidden switch in addition to the ignition.
In the event a thief manages to overcome the battery master switch, the car will start with the fuel in the carb then stop a few yards down the road. It is unlikely that a thief will then try to trace the fuel pump wiring with the car stopped down the road, even if he suspects it is a non-running pump. You could also fit a hidden ignition switch between ignition switch and an FIA battery master switch.

[JackF]

Fitted the 2nd one to brother in laws, mounted under the car in the exhaust tunnel so the key is accessable from the drivers seat...
Good thing is key can be removed in the on and off position and its only a small key so keep it on keyfob wth car keys.

main advantage is it isolates power to engine bay , so no way of hot wiring.

This is what I was thinking. Many thanks!

[JackF]

Another good anti-theft device, in addition to the master switch, is to fit an electric fuel pump, if it hasn't already got one, then put a very well-hidden switch in addition to the ignition.
In the event a thief manages to overcome the battery master switch, the car will start with the fuel in the carb then stop a few yards down the road. It is unlikely that a thief will then try to trace the fuel pump wiring with the car stopped down the road, even if he suspects it is a non-running pump. You could also fit a hidden ignition switch between ignition switch and an FIA battery master switch.

My thoughts were that if someone was going to steal it, they'd steal it. But for an opertunist thief these little things might stop them from getting very far..

[Alex_B]

plus if it stops randomly in the middle of the road the thief is less likely to think its an immobiliser and more an engine fault so less likely to then take his new found anger out on your pride and joy.

[KernowCooper]

I have mine on the right in the boot on the - battery strap kills the car dead and I can take the key with me as a theft deterent

[Cooperman]

Any anti-theft device can only be a good thing.
My wife drove my Grandson's Mini which has a 'secret' fuel pump switch. She got about 150 yards down the road and it stopped on the yellow lines.Luckily I was behind in my 'S' so I stopped, switched the fuel pump on and away it went. A would-be thief would not have wanted to have to try to identify the apparent pump failure when stopped on a yellow line.

[tractor]

Does that mean every time before you start the car you have to en the boot and turn the switch? Doesn't that get annoying for you?


Trac

[Cooperman]

Does that mean every time before you start the car you have to en the boot and turn the switch? Doesn't that get annoying for you?


Trac

At least the car is still there .

[Carlos W]

should we be discussing anti theft tips and secret switches on a public forum?

[smartie93]

should we be discussing anti theft tips and secret switches on a public forum?

If they're professional enough to look on a forum for potential "problems" when taking your car, chances are they can take it without even starting the engine. a lot of them get taken away on low loaders, they just literally drag the car on

A friend of mine had a modified Honda prelude taken in this way, even the seized brakes didn't stop them