Cheap ignition kill switch

[grouseman]

Some unfortunate soul posted ealier that their car was stolen.  It prompted me to share my simple ignition kill switch. 

Splice into the distributor two-wire connector that goes to the ignition module, and run two wires into the psngr compartment.  I then wired a simple on/off switch into that line, so that there will be no spark in OFF position.  The thieves can crank it over til the battery dies, and/or flood the engine.  "Stupid Chrysler" they'll curse.  But the car will still be there.  Maybe with a broken window and busted ignition lock, but the car will be there. 

Because there is very little current in that circuit, the switch is tiny and can be hidden anywhere.  Mine is recessed such that you can barely feel it, and need to use a fingernail to switch it over.  My ultimate idea is to glue the head of a trim screw onto the top of it to blend in with other trim screws. 

[Big Lebowski]

  Put your switch where it kills the just the starter, the old screwdriver and a jumpwire trick won't start it.....But really, I'll bet tow trucks steal alot of cars with kill switches, so maybe Lo-Jack and a German Shepard are better options.

[RD]

Some unfortunate soul posted ealier that their car was stolen.  It prompted me to share my simple ignition kill switch. 

Splice into the distributor two-wire connector that goes to the ignition module, and run two wires into the psngr compartment.  I then wired a simple on/off switch into that line, so that there will be no spark in OFF position.  The thieves can crank it over til the battery dies, and/or flood the engine.  "Stupid Chrysler" they'll curse.  But the car will still be there.  Maybe with a broken window and busted ignition lock, but the car will be there. 

Because there is very little current in that circuit, the switch is tiny and can be hidden anywhere.  Mine is recessed such that you can barely feel it, and need to use a fingernail to switch it over.  My ultimate idea is to glue the head of a trim screw onto the top of it to blend in with other trim screws. 

that is a pretty good idea, never thought of that one.  the switch on the starter is a good one too.

[70charginglizard]

Just put in a brake lock and disconnect one of the lines to the ballast resistor and sit the line on top of the connection so it looks like it's connected. The thief will crack it over and over and it will never start for him. You think he's going to spend the time opening the hood and try figure out the problem? I doubt it.


done

[4402tuff4u]

  Put your switch where it kills the just the starter, the old screwdriver and a jumpwire trick won't start it.....But really, I'll bet tow trucks steal alot of cars with kill switches, so maybe Lo-Jack and a German Shepard are better options.

I agree, if they want the Charger they will show up with a flat bed where they can drag it up with the hyhraulic winch or car dolly. The kill switch will keep the joy riders from stealing it. I installed a steel pad eye anchored to the concrete on the floor of my garage that will have a wire rope cable around the rear axel with a high strength steel shank lock. When I'm out with the Charger, I'll never leave it by itself it I can avoid it. 

[Duke_of_Canada]

As with any theft deterrant system, it's just that, a deterrant.  No system is going to keep away a determined thief.  I use a similar system on my car.  It's got an electric fuel pump, so when I park the car, I have a hidden switch for the pump that I simply turn off.  If someone were to actually hotwire the car, there's only the fuel in the carb (which wouldn't get you far, especially if you're stealing it cold).  It's not perfect, but if someone actually gets a couple blocks with the car and then it dies, I figure they're more likely just to abandon it and take off.  If they're stealing it from the garage, they've got an enclosed area to figure things out before actually hitting the street.