Anti-theft Kill Switch?

[jpk503]

I always wondered weather having a novelty of a vehicle here in the US would attract or deter would be thieves. Yesterday I came out to my van to find that someone tried to break into my drivers side door with a screw driver. They busted the lock but were unable to gain access much to my relief and surprise. I suspect this was someone looking for a joy ride rather than a professional as there is no market for Deli parts here in the US. I suppose I'm flattered they chose my van amongst a street of cars.

I'm considering options to prevent theft mainly from a joy rider. If a pro really wants it, they'll find a way to get it. As such, here are some ideas -

1. The club - while doesn't prevent a theft, does visually deter them due to the hassle
2. Car alarm - I find these really annoying but also another effective deterrent. Any recommendations here?
3. Kill switch - I'm interested to hear if anyone has wired a simple kill switch either to the batter or starter?

I assume if they use a screw driver to gain entry, they'd jam the same tool into the ignition and force a start. A kill switch wouldn't prevent a mangled steering column but would prevent a mangled van.

Mainly wondering if anyone as wired a kill switch and if they could offer any advice? Thanks in advance.

[lrp374]

I have a switch that I turn on to operate the starter. The switch operates a relay which controls the starter solenoid. If it is not turned on some relays chatter which makes it sound like the battery is dead. Real cheap deterrent. Costs are the switch, relay and a bit of # 14 or 18 wire. You can put the switch wherever you want. Mine is in a bank of switches so the chance of operating it is small if you don't know what it's for.

Larry

[TieMyShoe]

kill switches can be as creative as you want. One of my cars was wires to the lighter. In order to start the car the lighter had to be depressed.

[jpk503]

This is great, thanks for the ideas. My AC doesn't work so I was thinking about wiring it to the the AC switch. Or I thought it would be fun to have multiple switches whereas there would be a secret combination - probably won't do that one but sounded fun ;)

The switch operates a relay which controls the starter solenoid.

I'm not super technical so just so I understand correctly, you wired in a relay between the starter and ignition that is controlled by a switch? Did you purposely add relay chatter?

[lrp374]

The relay coil is connected to a 12V source which is controlled by the switch. The control wire to the solenoid is cut and the 2 wires are now connected to the relay NO contact. With this system if you do not operate the start relay existing relays will click sounding like the starter is trying to engage when you turn the key. With the relay is operated the van starts like normal when you turn the key. I've attached a picture of a couple typical relays. The plug in unit with the wires is the type I used. They are available @ any auto supply store.
If you would like I could send you a schematic.

[jpk503]

Thanks lrp374, this is great! Super helpful. If it's not to much trouble to get a schematic I'd be much obliged. Trying to get after this one this weekend so I'll keep you posted on my efforts. Cheers.

[lrp374]

Here is the schematic. Hopefully it's dark enough you can read it. I mounted the relay near the fuel filter in the engine bay to cut down on wiring. Good luck on your project.

Larry

[jpk503]

Thanks Larry, this is great! Much appreciated.

[fredt]

I used to stick a kill switch onto the rear lights on a couple of cars I had, I figured that if they did get stolen and driven off they were more likely to get pulled by the police for having no rear lights!

[Shaun Van Ramen]

Fire and Theft Insurance???