Disabling Engine Start Up
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New User
Joined: Nov 2016
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Disabling Engine Start Up
I'm so embarrassed to be writing this, but I need some help. My dad drives drunk sometimes. Is there some way I can EASILY and quickly remove something from under the hood that would prevent him from driving ? I usually keep the keys, but he got angry and took them from me. I can't call the cops cuz he's all I have. Is there a coil wire or something else I can remove easily (relay?)that he won't be able to start it up with his key? Thanks ahead of time.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
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From: So. Utah
You didn't say how old you are but you need to man up pardner, take the keys or call the cops. You won't have him at all if he kills himself or some innocent person or an entire family some night. Think of how you will feel if that happens and you could have avoided it ........ think of how the innocent victim's family will feel. I'm a retired police officer and saw way too many times the carnage that drunk drivers caused.........think about it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
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I think most trucks have a fuel shut off switch (can't think if the proper name) that triggers if you're in an accident, for example. Usually in the front passenger wheel well. You would push the button or something to reset it. Not sure if you can manually trigger it on though. Should be in your manual (or just take a look)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
You didn't say how old you are but you need to man up pardner, take the keys or call the cops. You won't have him at all if he kills himself or some innocent person or an entire family some night. Think of how you will feel if that happens and you could have avoided it ........ think of how the innocent victim's family will feel. I'm a retired police officer and saw way too many times the carnage that drunk drivers caused.........think about it.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: WA
Yeah, sounds like he needs to help. You can wire up a hidden switch underneath the dash to cut the fuel pump.
He'll probably end up burning up the starter and or possibly doing other damage to it if he's angry when he finds out it doesn't start when he's under the influence....
He'll probably end up burning up the starter and or possibly doing other damage to it if he's angry when he finds out it doesn't start when he's under the influence....
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Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,339
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From: Breckenridge, TX
Get an Interlock. Yes it's $100 up front and yes it's $50-100 a month, but for the love of God you need to keep him off the street when he's drunk, and that's one way to reinforce good behavior. No drink - can drive. A drink, no matter where and when - can't drive.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 633
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From: So. Utah
The OP said he drives drunk sometimes, so he IS there at times when his dad is getting drunk and is going to drive. So in that case the OP knows his dad is getting drunk and he needs to do SOMETHING to keep him off the road. I don't care what he ends up doing but asking for help is a definate start. I wish the OP would answer the question as to how old he is.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Get an inexpensive battery disconnect like this at your local parts store.
Yes, you'll reset everything, but if you take the **** part with you the battery will be fully disconnected and the truck will not start.
Yes, you'll reset everything, but if you take the **** part with you the battery will be fully disconnected and the truck will not start.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 2
From: SW ON, Canada
I'm so embarrassed to be writing this, but I need some help. My dad drives drunk sometimes. Is there some way I can EASILY and quickly remove something from under the hood that would prevent him from driving ? I usually keep the keys, but he got angry and took them from me. I can't call the cops cuz he's all I have. Is there a coil wire or something else I can remove easily (relay?)that he won't be able to start it up with his key? Thanks ahead of time.
I empathize how tough it is living with someone who's uncontrolled drinking put themselves and others at risk. I also commend you for wanting to take action to stop this ... and for standing by your Dad. Two tough ***** to juggle. You likely already know that getting him the proper help (AA or similar alcohol abuse treatment program) is the only lasting solution ... everything else you do simply addresses the symptoms and not the root causes.
OK, that being said ... a security system like the one in my linky below would stop him from driving and also provide you the additional benefit of protecting the vehicle. Two benefits for one. If it's his truck and not yours, have it installed and give it to him as a "gift".
Ravelco Engine-Lock
I wish you all the best in helping your Dad to overcome his addiction. For your sanity and help in dealing with your Dad's problem, I suggest you check out the local chapter of Al-Anon. You'll find some friendly faces there that share the same path you are on with your Dad. Good Luck.
Last edited by sunuvabug; Nov 14, 2016 at 09:23 AM. Reason: Qualifying Assumptions
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Canada's Wet Coast
year model and engine type would help ?
if gas then just a kill switch to cut the signal from the ign switch to starter relay ?
if diesel maybe a kill switch to interupt the neutral signal ?
if gas then just a kill switch to cut the signal from the ign switch to starter relay ?
if diesel maybe a kill switch to interupt the neutral signal ?
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Clermont, Florida
I think most trucks have a fuel shut off switch (can't think if the proper name) that triggers if you're in an accident, for example. Usually in the front passenger wheel well. You would push the button or something to reset it. Not sure if you can manually trigger it on though. Should be in your manual (or just take a look)
Redford's battery disconnect and taking the **** is also simple enough.
As pointed out, it is also important to seek greater solutions to his issue - your recognition of it is a great first step, his will be even more so. As a Presbyterian pastor (who imbibes) with some awesome AA groups in our church, I suggest finding an AA leader to bounce off some ideas with, they've been through this scenario before.
Praying for a solution before a tragedy
PS: On my 2000 Diesel, I also cut a switch into the Brake-Shift Interlock at the brake pedal switch so I could leave it running but not shift into gear (like when you have to step on the brake first).