Hello, I wanted to put a simple, piece of mind security system in my 1998 Ranger. Essentially, all I want to do is hook up a toggle switch to one of my started wires and then hide the switch somewhere under my dashboard out of sight. I'm not planning on using it every time I park, but if I'm in a questionable part of town, I might want to use it. Any wires I should look for in particular? Know any better places to hide the switch? Thanks for the help. Kevin

 

I don't have a Ranger, but in general you could tie into the clutch pedal switch if you have a manual transmission or the neutral switch if you have an automatic. My 93 F150 with automatic had a jumper around the clutch pedal switch. I tied my starter kill in there.

 

What I did was install a special key switch that is hidden inside an emblem.
The wire from this switch goes to the wire that connectes to the S terminal of the starter solenoid.

I also have a keyed hood lock in the cab that can't be jimmied

I get out of the truck hit the alarm and insert the special key in the special lock and that's it.

Triple anti-theft system.

Dennis https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=1733&.jpg
[i][font color=red]Calgary,Alberta,Canada[/font][i]





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Hey, Thanks for the help. I heard too that they make a wire conection that requires a headphone jack shaped key to be inserted in order to complet the connection. That would work better than a toggle switch because you would need a "key" in order to start the vehicle. Let me know if you have any other ideas. Thanks. Kevin

 

One more idea..... a push on/push off button type switch hidden under the factory cigarette lighter. Unplug the lighter wiring and tape it off (pull the fuse if the lighter is the only accessory on the circuit). Install and wire your switch either using the actual lighter **** as the pushbutton, or, install the button switch in the tube beneath the actual lighter (while you'd need to pull the lighter out and push the switch each time you wanted to use it, this may be slightly more deceptive). Hiding the switch out of sight is a great idea, though keeping the switch hidden while within reach from the driver's seat is even better. Example: You're sitting in traffic when you see someone approaching your truck. If you get that funny feeling and can reach it in time, hit the button to disable the restart. As he proceeds to point the gun at you and tell you to get out, switch the truck off, bail, and haul ! He won't be able to start it as you're heading for the hills, and will likely move on to another vehicle quickly. Depending on where you live, the odds of this scenario actually playing out versus some slime trying to lift your truck in the middle of the night are probably slim, I'm just throwing it out as something to think about.

 

THAT is a BEAUTIFUL idea restorit! you should patend that and sell it as a kit! id buy it!

 

Thanks, much! Personally, I like having the switches under lock and key (I've wired a starter kill inside my Mustang's lockable glovebox), but doing so prevents quick and easy access on the part of the driver, and gives a potential thief a pretty good idea of where to go when the car won't start (the locked compartment). Installing a switch in an innocent, inconspicuous location gives you the advantage, especially when you can discreetly reach it. Relays make it all the more fun..... an example includes wiring one that will not allow the engine to crank when the HVAC controls are "OFF" (i.e. the fan must at least be on "LOW" to allow the truck to start). Instant theft protection: Turn off the a/c/vent/heater! Use your imagination, just try to imagine all scenarios. What may seem a good idea may not after further thought. One example.... my truck's a stick. At one point, I wanted to wire it to only start when the gearshift was in reverse (using the back-up light switch as the trigger). Since I always leave it in 2nd when stopped, I figured that no one would ever figure out that the truck needed to be placed in "R" to start it. This was all good, until I thought about what may happen if the truck were to stall in traffic, or were to cutoff and need a restart while rolling forward. I'd have to come to a complete stop and shift into reverse to restart it, and in the meantime I'd probably cause an accident or tear reverse out of the tranny. Things that make you go "Hmmmmmmmmm." Good luck engineering!

 

Check out the brake lock thread in the "aftermarket parts" forum. That IS THE ULTIMATE anitheft system. No key, can't unlock the brakes. Can't be towed, can't be stolen, can't be MOVED! Unless the thief is dumb enough to try and cut the brake lines....

 

I'm back again. I was able to successfully install the kill switch. It works out really well, and there is no chance anyone would ever find it. Thanks again for the help guys. -Kevin

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 14-Apr-02 AT 03:27 PM (EST)]I'm curious of where you installed it.

I later had a though about mounting a key switch in the door jamb above the top hinge.That way you could crack open the door ,insert and turn the key ,then get out of the truck.

So,If you feel confident to let me know ,maybe e-mail me direct.


[b][i][font color=red]Dennis[/font][i][b]

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[font color =red] Please Don't Ask Me Any Tough Questions,
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[font color=blue]78 F-150 429CJ,Silver,Explorer Pkg.
641/2-Mustang 260,Pre-World's Fair Car.
64-Fairlane500 S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang 289-Sunlit Gold 80,892Mi
78-Buick LeSabre 403 4V
84 Volvo DL Wagon [/font]