I'm looking to set up an ignition override on my truck, either making it from scratch using a diagram a fellow sent me, or ordering this product from Able2/Show-Me: http://www.southwestpublicsafety.com...-override.html

The way it works, from my understanding, is that you flip the switch, and then you can turn the key to OFF and remove it, and the truck stays running. If someone gets inside and presses the brake pedal, the truck shuts off. To deactivate it, you must insert the key, and turn it back to Run.

I've got two questions for people with the Sho-Me product:
1. is the switch that it comes with a momentary switch? Do you just press it once to activate it?

2. where do you have the switch mounted? Out in plain view, or hidden somewhere? Also, where do you have the unit mounted... it would seem you'd want it mounted somewhere mostly out of sight, so somone wouldn't see it and cut the wires going to it or otherwise fiddle with it, right?

Also just looking for anyone's opinions or thoughts on their ignition override setup, how they like it, how easy it was to install, etc.

I'm not looking to get a full-blown alarm system, just a simple ignition override to use when I run into the store for a couple of minutes, or whenever I want to leave it idling while I'm away from the truck, so that I don't have to leave a key in the ignition.

 

I am not sure about the show me product but if you get a remote starter it does the same thing. You would just push the starter button and it overrides the key. Same thing from there with the brake and reactivating.
Just another option. Remote starts are about $100.

 

Could have another key cut and just lock the doors when you leave it running

 

I second fireman28's idea, the remote start is the way to go! I use a crime stopper in mine, just hold the start button down when the truck is running until the parking lights come on and off you go.

 

Hey rwilimo,

Actually after reading fireman's suggestion I started reading up on remote starters.... it looks like the Crimestopper is a good unit. I found a few on Ebay that folks recommended for $50-70. I guess I could just install it myself.

Can you share with me some more details on leaving it running while you're gone? I guess you'd stop the truck, put it in park, apply parking break, then you press your button on the key fob. Now, do the parking lights come on even though your lights switch may be in the OFF position? Once it's running, do you then turn key to off, and remove, and the steering wheel gets locked? What happens if someone enters the truck, does it alert you? If they press the break does it shut off, and is there any sort of starter kill thereafter (from what I understand, you can start these things with a screwdriver ). How long will it remain running after you've activated that.. indefinitely?

I'd really appreciate any more details you can share.... I may be ordering one tonight if it sounds like what I'm looking for... it's just as cheap as the Sho-Me ignition override unit, but much more versatile, it seems.

Thanks!!!

 

my crimestopper has an adjustable dial for the run time, if someone breaks in through the door the a;arm will go off, if they get in the cabthey have to press the brake pedal to get it out of park, and it kils the motor.
the parking lights come on even if the light switch is off

 

Thanks Powrstrokn'.... what is the longest you can set the run time to for the pit stop?

 

ryaneverk2 , yes to all except you do not have to put the parking brake on. I believe that runtime can be set for 12-48 minutes. Take a look here http://www.crimestopper.com/ there is more info. I install these units (remote start with door locks, no alarm) in my shop and have had very good results.

Also keep in mind they have very good range on the remote so if your in a store for longer than you expected you can just shut it off from the remote.

Let me know if need for info.

 

ryaneverk2, to answer your origional question the switch is momentary. Push it in turn the key off and your vehicle is running without a key. The switch can be put anywhere. It is common to put it under the carpet or floor mat. Where the old time high/low beam switch was. They are supposedly water/rust/corrosion resistant so that should not be a problem.

That being said I like the remote starter option better. For the reasons already mentioned. If you are going to spend the money, get something that does what you want plus more.

 

Thanks, 250Ford. I have been leaning toward the remote start, now. It seems it will do what I want, PLUS remote start, and a few other goodies, for about the same price as the other unit. I'm leaning towards the Crimestopper RS900 VII... still doing some research on it, though.

 

RWILIMO:

Which crimestopper model would you, as an installer, suggest for alarm, door lock/unlock and remote start?

Thanks,
Mike

 

mwpierson, I'm sorry I don't have any security experience with the crimestopper line, we mainly use the RS-1304DP (replaces the older RS900 model) which is locks, trunk release (if you have one) and remote start, they work very good. I have not had a module failure yet. From my experience Crimestopper will probably work well.

 

It is a crime in most states to leave a motor vehicle running unattended. In most major metropolitan areas even idling in excess of 5 minutes can get you a ticket- in NYC its a moving violation $100 + 2 points even though youre not moving. Why all the laziness, is it that hard to turn a key, is your truck that finicky to start and wont warm up and drive normally, do you really need to use the fuel and pollute even when you are not actuually in it. Do you really trust that brake cable- funny how its referred to as 'emergency' to hold the truck in place if gremlins bypass the brake interlock and shift you into gear. Man up! Years ago diesels used to take an hour to get warmed up, my 99 PSDT has never run great for the first 15 min on a cold day but it then takes hours to cool down after that. Remote start is for wasters, make a small effort at conservation we will all live and breathe a little easier.

 

To each his/her/our own...

Mike

 

I don't normally reply to these types of lectures, because they're few and far between on FTE, where most of the fellas try to not worry about each other's lives and what they choose to do with their truck. But I'll give you a quickie, since it seems you're the type who prefers to legislate my life and judge what I do.

I don't really care.

I guess that's why I avoid major metropolitan areas.... they disgust and scare me.

Actually I'm going to a lot more work to install a remote start, so I don't think it's laziness... the key turns just fine, my truck isn't too finicky, and I don't need to use the fuel and pollute, I JUST WANT TO.

I think the transmission will hold it from rolling away, if the brake cable were to fail. If someone were to bypass any form of kill I have installed in it, they're going to be able to start it on their own anyway, or they can always tow it. Guess that's why I have insurance. The security features are there mainly for my own peace of mind.

Didn't realize that letting it run, as opposed to stopping it then restarting 3 minutes later, made me less of a man. Damn.

Good story.

Guess I'm just a waster then.

Anyway, thanks for the lecture, but next time you can keep it to yourself or another forum, because nobody here really appreciates that sort of BS. Or, you can find a way to share your opinion without insulting, condescending, or otherwise talking down to me. Despite your cautions I think I'll take my chances... hopefully I don't turn into a woman!

PS - welcome to FTE.