Unfortunately it looks like I have some people in my new neighborhood paying a little too much attention to my auto and for the first time I'm feeling a need to add some security system(s) to old yeller. I think just a basic remote arm system would do, not interested at all in remote start or unlock. I'm not familiar with modern alarm systems, but here's what I 'think' I need...



- Door switches for all 5 doors (rear hatch). Probably a PITA to install but that's only an initial idea.

- 'Bump' alarm (not sure what it would be called) for if a window breaks or if something is jarred

- Geo-location function like a low track or something similar



Additionally I'd like to install possibly 2 start kill switches. I'm not sure where inline these are normally installed but my impression is that directly in line with the key ignition switch would be common. But then what if someone jumps the starter with a screwdriver...would this type of switch work in that instance? So that leads me to the idea of a second ignition kill switch which would either be wired between the battery and starter motor, or between the starter motor and ground.

And last...security lugs.

So am I over thinking this here? What's your recommendation for what I really need and maybe a good but economic alarm system that can get this done?

 

For the starter and fuel pump killing look into a Ravelco device---they're available on eBay as a DIY part but the company likes to have you contact one of their "authorized installers" to the tune of $4-500.

Most modern day car alarms have options like "shock sensors" which don't usually include any sort of glass breakage devices. Most such alarms use the dome light power feed as a positive trigger---using that feature you already have the needed open door alarm trigger.

The features you're seeking are a bit above "basic" but I'd first check with Crutchfield for their recommendations. They have a decent technical support staff who can help you chose the best alarm for your situation.

 

Thanks for the advice JWA. I'll look into that Ravelco device and check with Crutchfield.

 

depends on what "old yeller" is.
battery disconnect and a hidden mini toggle switch that shorts out the coil is what i use for my old vehicles.
the new ones have security chips in the key, so unless you have a programmed key you are not going to get the truck unless you tow it.

 

Any police officer will tell you that the best security system you can have is simply locking the doors. If thieves really want your vehicle...color it gone.

 

Yeller is my ol 96 Cherokee. Just yank the cylinder stick in your screwdriver and you're off. Seems like I'm settling on an alarm system hooked to the dome light and hood pins. Followed up by a Club on the wheel and very well hidden fuel pump or injector relay kill switch. It's actually in a decent neighborhood with close packed nosy neighbors so an alarm going off would def attract attention. The whole system depends on the alarm going off because given enough time someone can defeat the Club and hidden switch. I'm thinking the only way to defeat the alarm is the pop the hood and cut the speaker, therefor the hood pins.

 

Years ago, I knew folks who put in a delayed system. Vehicle would shut down 5 or 10 minutes after starting -- blew a fuse so it was harder to figure out. But, some of these jerks might just trash your car if that happened.

Some of it depends on what kind of thieves are around. After my brother died, some jerks took his older car and just drove it around and destroyed it. They weren't smart enough to start his newer one -- they did try to rip some of the parts off, but just managed to do some damage. Probably not the brightest bulbs.

Your screwdriver comment hit home. My daughter and her husband had a couple of screwdriver start vehicles ( obtained legally). She always wanted to take one up to the local casino and hand the screwdriver to the valet

hj

 

The best hidden switch ignition interuptor I ever saw was a momentary contact micro switch behind the ash tray.
ash tray out and the car ran. ash tray in and the car had no ignition.

 

Thieves are just terrible. Hard to predict how they'd react to being beaten. That's funny about the screwdriver and valet though.

That's a good idea w/ the ashtray micro switch. Only thing I'd worry about is if they started rummaging through things when it wouldn't start and open the ashtray looking for change or whatever. Might lead to another try in restarting the car. Saw a Chris Fix video where he located a kill switch inside the leather shift lever boot of a 5 speed manual. It was mounted at the base of the boot so you would never now it was there unless you felt for it. Easy access and nobody would ever know. Too bad I can't use that idea. Either way I'll figure out a good spot.