Here is an interesting thread on voltages in the FICM with a "kill switch".

Thoughts?

ficm kill switch question - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

 

SOunds Like they are switching the Power to relay

I think they need to switch the relay Control (MPR Circuit)Circuit the ground circuit that's the same circuit the FICM uses to do it

 

I'd prefer a mechanism that keeps the starter from engaging than risk FICM/injector damage.

I'm looking at interrupting input signals to the PCM which are used to enable starting/running (hints: trans NOT in park/neutral (auto trans), key NOT in run/start, etc.)

 

I agree with Misky and it been Brought up Before

They may crank till batterys are Dead if it cranks

No Crank they should Abandon the Idea Fast and Move On

 

What risk?? The switch is in between the ignition and FICM relay. Basically the switch prevents 12v from reaching the relay, same thing as then you turn the key. Or it's just like removing the FICM relay when your diagnosing upper fuel bowl for air bubbles.

I don't see damage, with the FICM disabled, the injectors won't fire.

 

Disabling the starter could increase chance of more vandalism by an irate thief.

Crank no start creates noise and thief moves on. Worst case you replace a Set of batteries and whatever else they broke.

Josh

 

Nothing is foolproof but I think this is a good deterrent, and I may or may not have done this.

 

Is there even a market, or demand for stealing older Super Duties? Is this a real threat, having our trucks stolen? I can see doing this on a Mustang or Corvette, but...

 

Where I live in South Carolina, stealing Powerstrokes is HUGE! Just check out Craigslist. Rewards for stolen ones.... they start out like this...

I was getting gas...
I was at the work site...

So are you going to always remember to kill your switch? Remember to take the keys?

The only thing is, if they are a group of thieves, there is absolutely nothing that a FICM kill switch or relay is going to do. They will tow it away and strip it down.

 

Apparently a crew cab F250 is second in theft rate, just a little behind a Cadillac Escalade. They did point out they are often work trucks with tools and other expensive stuff in them.

One of the articles I ran across (2010)
News releases

 

A crank no start I agree is a good noise maker.

There are a few places where a simple switch can cause that
type of issue for a wood-be drive off theft. I would also think
you could add a relay that if there starter was powered by jumping
the plug next to the heater boy it would sound the horn.

Sean

 

I'll admit in a couple of my older vehicles I had a hidden toggle that disabled the starter, but the more I think about it, a crank no start seems like a better idea for a new vehicle, especially a loud diesel.

Josh

 

Not anymore... as of July 2013, it's #1!!!!! Yay!

Ford F-250 'wins' title of most stolen car in America - CSMonitor.com

"Nonetheless, the F-250 had a claim frequency of nearly six times the average for all vehicles sold in the U.S., or seven per 1,000 insured vehicle years, according to the institute. That's the equivalent of having seven vehicles stolen out of every 1,000 over the course of a year."

 

Ford might be #1 and #5 Spots for Top Stolen

Chev Filled the Rest of the Top 10 Now that's Sad WOW!!!!!

Why would the Thief get Pissed cause it wont start they are not out anything

I guess they could be Mad But Not like the Owner would be when they come across a No Start

 

Same thing when someone makes there stereo harder to steal, the thief goes postal. Seen and heard of it plenty of times.

Thief jams a screwdriver in the ignition and nothing happens they are likely to fumble around with stuff, get pissed and break more stuff.

Jam a screwdriver in the ignition and the starter spins but doesn't start the thief needs to hightail it out of there as their cover is blown.

Josh