I don't know, but if the bad guy has one of these fobs can he get around it ? I am thinking & hoping there are probably several different signature's for the fob. With as much demand for these trucks as there is the club seems like the best go for the doe.

 

That was kind of my thinking too. If the starter won't engage, they'll look for an alarm or something and start yanking wires. If the engine turns over, they'll just assume it's a piece of junk and won't start and give up.

There are different codes. I ordered one for me and one for the wife, the fobs are not interchangeable. Several of the locals did a group buy on these years ago. I don't know of any fobs that would start someone else's truck.

 

The IDM relay must also control the fuel pump and the GPR, neither of these work until I press the button on the remote. I can tell because I get no fuel pressure and my GP LED does not light.

 

So, does the truck have to be on in order to disarm the security system or can you push the button while walking up to the truck and disarm it?

Also, I assume that the button push is momentary and not a delayed push of 3 seconds or so?

 

I may have to get this!

 

You can push the button prior to starting even if the key is not in the ignition yet. It gives you a while to start, like a minute or two I think. I haven't tried it while still outside the truck, I usually press the button just before or just after I insert the key.

 

Really seems like this is a win/win device. I am not seeing any downfalls to it, unless failure is a problem, but I am sure that someone would have posted about that.

I will be ordering one soon, thanks for all the advice and real world knowledge.

 

Can I assume that if the device fails for some reason you could simply replace the stock relay and be on your way?

 

Yes, I asked that same question to the seller and this was their response.

Q. If the battery on the remote fails, could I simply place the OEM relay in the holder and return the truck to stock?

A. This is correct

 

How about if the battery fails on the remote, just replace the battery and continue to have a starter disable TAM device :-)

 

Have not looked at the wiring diagrams on the 2002+ trucks, but on the 2001's and down, the IDM is the only thing to which the IDM relay supplies power.

Are you SURE you aren't mistaking it for the PCM's power relay? That has what you are describing, like the fuel pump.

Pop

 

So... with the ongoing conversation re Cyclops... If it's as easy as us keeping a normal relay available as a backup in case the theft-preventing relay stops working, is it unreasonable to think that a thief might just have such a spare relay as well? Especially if the PSD is being specifically targeted? After all, the relay is small enough and cheap enough to keep as a "just-in-case" tool for those with unlawful tendenecies.

This is, and other scenarios as well, is what keeps me coming back to taking Pop's approach with a hidden mag switch in some out-of-the-way or otherwise obtuse location.

 

Your thinking is sound.

Pop

 

I was hoping otherwise.

 

You're never going to get around an educated thief, or one who is intent on getting your specific truck (think tow truck). Even Pop's disabler can be gotten around if you know what you're looking for. The key here is them not knowing what they're looking for.

Most alarm systems have a starter disable built into the system. Starter doesn't crank and they know what to look for. Starter does crank and the truck won't start, they eventually give up because more folks will look over at a non-starting vehicle that is just cranking than they will at one with the alarm horn sounding.