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Master Lock sells one for my 05 F150 Supercrew, but I cannot find the relay. There are other kits for sale that use a transponder on your keychain to trigger the system. Its works similar to the PATS sytem.
I like a key switch for this application. It won't accidentally change position like most other switches, it adds a bit more security and it's a lot easier and cheaper to copy keys than to get extra electronic fobs. Cost will be around $10 and you may be able fit it behind the A-pillar cover.
Somewhere behind your dash, in a location known only to you, install a magnetic switch. Then take apart your key fob and install a small rare earth magnet. When you want to engage the switch, swipe your key fob over the area on the dash and voila... it's a done deal. Swipe again to start her up and go on your merry way.
One of the longer term FTE members has done this. I can't remember if its Springerpop, Tenn, TNT, or who it is. Maybe they'll see this thread and chime in with more details for you.
Redford and F250, thanks for the great ideas. Hopefully the guy who did the magnetic latching switch will chime in. Hidden is best. I don't think most thiefs will hang around too long if the truck just won't start. He might mess with an identified security system, but if he has no clue as to what is going wrong, he will probably pick someone else's truck. Just my theory.
Thanks.
Just to clarify I'd hide the entire switch behind the cover, not through it. Another idea is to add a headlight hi/low foot switch hidden under the carpet. It could interrupt the starter circuit.
Thanks everyone for the ideas. Springerpops has a great one but I don't totally understand what he did. The Masterlock package from JC Whitney also looks good -- but a $3 hidden switch looks good too, since my friends say I am "thrifty".
Take the cigerette lighter out disconect the wires .Buy a micro push button switch from radio shack.Install it inside the lighter .Each time you want to turn it off or on just push in the cigerette lighter.No crook would think about a switch right in front of thier face.
I am still working on the photos and write-up on my personal web site on this project.
As I was going over it, I came up with a better design that takes advantage of the second push of the "lock" button on the remote. The one that honks the horn and flashes the park lamps.
I'm in the process of making that change, and taking photos, etc.
I haven't forgotten, but doing photos and write-ups for two different designs of remotes is taking some time. I'm also doing a write-up on home-made upfitter switches.
Since I like his style, I'm attempting to kinda' copy Guzzle's style. (Fat chance I can!)
Hey Pop... glad you're still working on this one. I remember you saying it would take a while when the frist thread came out, so i wasn't going to bother you about whether or not you'd gotten any further with it. I know that I myself tend to get sidetracked with my life outside of FTE, and can't help but assume that others experience the same reality.
We are sure looking forward to your end product, too. If there's anything I can do in terms of combining photos and text with Adobe, let me know and I'll be happy to help however I can.
Redneck security? That would be the 12 gauge on the floor behind the seat, and the 9mm in the center console!
Half of the year I live in downtown Flint, and for those of you who don't know, it is consistantly among the TOP 3 WORST cities in the nation, and normally MOST VIOLENT CITY PER CAPITA in US and Canada. There has been 1 theft atempt on my SD :-( But What I have found to be the most effective theft deterrent is 3 12 guage slugs on the dash and the Dixie flying proudly on the front bumper.
Also, I upped my insurance policy to reimburse me $20K minimum if it is stolen, so unfortunatly if my baby drives away from me, I get enough money from insurance to buy a PSD. It would be tragic, but I'll deal.
Just remember, what you're writing about is now public knowledge. It might be a good thing to share this information by PM's instead of writing about it here
Anything that keeps the truck from starting by forcing the ignition switch is a good thing.
Cam/crank position sensors, fuel pump relay, you name it. I like the magnetic switch idea.
PATS is OK, but when it doesn't work, you're screwed. My brother-in-law is proud of his Infiniti SUV. He's never had to repair anything. Of course, when pressed and asked if he ever got stuck, well, yeah, when the keyfob security system didn't let him start it - after THREE tows to the dealer, they did something and finally fixed it. Wouldn't that be fun, waiting for a tow truck in a remote location?
Most vehicle thefts are smash-and-grab situations. Break in by breaking a window or forcing the door in some way, pull the lock cylinder out of the ignition switch, and turn it with a screwdriver or pliers or something else. With an alarm system that cuts the starter, it's still not that hard to crank the starter or supply the PCM with power directly by doing a quick splice. Still have to unlock the steering column no matter what.
Wasting time trying to figure out why a brand-new EFI vehicle doesn't start? Move on to the next one.
You'll have a broken window, bent door frame or skin, and no place to put the ignition key. Much better than having the entire truck gone. Although a PSD is an attractive result
Again, is it really a good thing to come up with a security system and then broadcast how it works in public?