Actual kill switch install

So with recent rises in crime and all that, and reading another thread on here today about a kill switch, it rekindled my desire to add one to my truck.

I want an actual kill switch that will blow a fuse when attempted to be started while the switch is on. I wanted to use a 3 position switch, ON,OFF,ON and tap into the fuse box in the cab.

Do any electrical gurus know if there is an ignition and fuel pump fuse in the panel in the cab and if i could just run a wire in to the existing slot with the existing fuse already in it and just connect it to the switch?

 

What year and make of truck, you have no info in your signature or post to direct people for helping you

 

My bad, 2021 CM 4x4 SR5

 

I’ve thought about this for a while. Thought about adding something like this or if I would just be willing to pull a ignition or similar fuse instead to prevent this from happening. On the other hand, do I want to do that everyday

curious to see what you can find though

 

I was thinking the same thing but I only drive it on the weekends so it wouldn't be everyday. But still would be a hassle. I did put a Pokémon card to cover my vin number to prevent someone from making a key.

 

So my logic is that the switch would be hidden out of site, but in a spot that I could reach easily. I dont think people who try to steal car first look for a kill switch, they would just try to start it first, and with this setup, that first attempt would already have them screwed. If they DID find the switch, they would probably switch it to the opposite of where it was, thinking its a 2 position, so then the second fuse would blow. Now I realize they could just jump the wires, but they would have to dig out the switch and have jumping wires with them. I think anyone would give up after that, unless the truck is sitting in a totally hidden place where they would have infinite time.

I also thought about tapping into the horn fuse too as a double whammy, they try to start the truck, blow a fuse immediately and get the horn at full blast. I would rather clean up their shit off my driver seat than deal with a stolen truck.

 

I guess you could extend out the fuse somewhere accessible and easily pull it out along with your key or something when you park.

 

Ha! I cover my VIN on my trucks also

 

I’m not sure “blow a fuse” is the right term. You don’t want to intentionally overload a circuit in hopes the fuse will burn out.

Rather the switch would just be a disconnect of the power to said circuit. It would be like when the switch is off the fuse is removed. The switch creates a break in the circuit. Closing the switch (turning it on) completes the circuit and makes the vehicle able to run again

 

I did want it to actually blow so there is no way to turn it on without replacing said fuse.

 

Yes and I am telling you that’s a bad idea. To physically blown a fuse you have to overload it and let it literally burn it’s self up.

Overloading circuits and having a fuse that doesn’t fail properly is a very fast way to burn a truck down. You are betting a lot for that fuse to actually fail in the way it is designed. Not to mention wire sizing and fuse sizing. You put to big a fuse in with small diameter wire, and the wire will start melting long before the fuse blows.

This method is literally like pouring gasoline on a fire. No manufacturer has implemented any kind of kill switch like this for a reason.

Relays, switches ect to keep the circuit or multiple circuits open is the way to do it. Not intentionally overloading a stock circuit in hopes the one protection device you have actually fails

 

So something that overloads the first to burn it up?

I mean people do it all the time with mods so I’m sure there could be something if that’s what you want

 

Maybe its possible to add another in line fuse to the switch with a really low rating so that would blow first or something? I am looking for ideas and expertise and I appreciate the cautionary warning.

 

Well if it's burned down, they can't steal it. Good Idea.

 

I looked on youtube and I found this guy who did it on a honda, looking to do something similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MieUgIkL0k4

 

Just to play devil's advocate; If your truck is stolen, heaven forbid, insurance should cover it. If your fuse idea fails and your truck burns up.... pretty sure insurance will try to weasel out of that claim.

 

fair enough, but only if they found out. They also wouldnt pay for the $10,000 plus in mods that I have on the car either. Think they would buy that the thief burned the car down trying to hot wire it?

 

Why not just a simple starter kill relay and have the trigger be whatever you want? Yes, you have 1 step to start the truck other than put the key in the ignition BUT god forbid you aren’t expecting it, bad weather or even nighttime have to dick around with replacing a fuse. I assure you thieves are not thinking about what they need to do in ADDITION to start the truck. I did these all the time for people when doing audio/security installs. It can be whatever you want… Tuen on wipers to medium speed, push in cig lighter, hit door lock/unlock button, honk horn, hit traction control button. Skies the limit and all factory triggers and no switches. Yes, your truck would have been broken into ( that sucks ) but sure beats stolen.

 

^^^^This. But you don’t really want to honk your horn or turn on your wipers every time you start your truck. Lol. If you have a blank switch on the left side of the dash somewhere, just get a momentary switch.

 

I totally get it. Just giving examples of what I’ve done per request ( not my truck or what I would do ). There are soooooooo many options using factory switches and not having anything look aftermarket. Hell, buy an oem switch and a pigtail for it ( be in it under $50 ) and looks factory and call it a day. Done and done and sleep well at night.
just sayin lol

 

Why not just add third fake pedal and attach manual stick shifter knob? I hear manual transmission is fantastic theft deterrent in america.

 

I've been thinking of using a magnetic reed relay hidden somewhere behind the trim and placing a magnet over it would allow the truck to start. Something small that could be removed from the magic spot and placed anywhere in the truck. Even in plain sight since no one would have a clue what it was and where it was supposed to go.

$9 Gebildet 10pcs Plastic Reed Switch Reed Contact Normally Open (N/O) Magnetic Induction Switch (2.5mm×14mm) with 10pcs Small Multi-Use Round Magnets

https://www.amazon.com/Gebildet-Nor...d7e-4939-b378-cfb2df356505&pd_rd_i=B07YFBQ4HS

 

I am fine with this and i think it would work pretty well if for example, you have to hold the traction control switch while cranking the key but problem is I am not sure how to do that. The fuse killing idea seemed like it was pretty straightforward wiring wise.

 

I like the killswitch idea.

 

Just look for a latching relay with a manual reset. If they activate while switch is on the relay will latch and not reset no matter what you do with the switch.

You’ll know to flip the switch before ignition. You’ll also know where and how to reset the relay. No need to try to blow a fuse.

 

I always like the ideas of of the clever older generation. I say that since your username mentions you are retired.

My generation (born in 1990) is all about computers and electronics but sometimes those simple old school solutions are better. This being one of those cases. I knew about magnetic relays but would have never thought to use one in this application. Simple, effective, cool, and reliable. I like it and and the last thing new generation thugs are going to think is “maybe I need a magnet to start this truck”

 

My ex-police crown vic you cant shift it out of park without depressing the hidden air bag under the carpet. It has an aftermarket air switch tapped into the brake switch/shift lock somewhere.