FICM kill switch..... interesting thread going
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I'm hitting easy street
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Central Oregon
FICM kill switch..... interesting thread going
Here is an interesting thread on voltages in the FICM with a "kill switch".
Thoughts?
ficm kill switch question - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
Thoughts?
ficm kill switch question - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
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From: Ouray, CO
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'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.)
Senior User
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I don't see damage, with the FICM disabled, the injectors won't fire.
Certified Thread Hijacker
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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
Crank no start creates noise and thief moves on. Worst case you replace a Set of batteries and whatever else they broke.
Josh
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Riverton UT.
Nothing is foolproof but I think this is a good deterrent, and I may or may not have done this. 
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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.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
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
One of the articles I ran across (2010)
News releases
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
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From: Spanaway
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
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
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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
Josh
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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
One of the articles I ran across (2010)
News releases
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."
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Saratoga Springs,UT
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
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
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
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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
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
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