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Disconnect Battery (anti-theft)

Discussion in '3rd Gen Tundras (2022+)' started by BS N ONT, Feb 27, 2025.

  1. Feb 27, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    #1
    BS N ONT

    BS N ONT [OP] New Member

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    I have a '24 Tundra and for security (anti-theft) I want to disconnect the battery overnight when I go to a high risk area.

    Has anyone done this? What issues may I expect when I reconnect the battery?
     
  2. Feb 27, 2025 at 9:53 AM
    #2
    porkitt

    porkitt New Member

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  3. Feb 27, 2025 at 10:45 AM
    #3
    PNW Tundra Mike

    PNW Tundra Mike Tired and ReTired

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    I’ve considered a kill switch option (installing a switch in series with a starter or ignition fuse) but the dirtbags still will have to break in to try it. I want to deter them before they ever go in. Last 4 trucks I’ve used the biggest most obvious heavy duty steering wheel locks I could find. Not one break in since the last one in 2003. Last truck (Tacoma) I also added a big flashing LED on the dash when locked. Still need to do that on the Tundra.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2025
  4. Feb 27, 2025 at 10:46 AM
    #4
    JMGmanAZ

    JMGmanAZ New Member

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  5. Feb 27, 2025 at 1:36 PM
    #5
    smileytn1

    smileytn1 New Member

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    Can't you do this easy with putting the key fob in battery saver mode?
     
  6. Feb 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
    #6
    Woodrow bangs

    Woodrow bangs New Member

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    How would you get in the truck? The physical key?
     
  7. Feb 27, 2025 at 3:39 PM
    #7
    mtucker

    mtucker New Member

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    If this is just for occasional use (doesn't have to be terribly convenient), you can pull the fuel pump fuse. I did this one time when I was going to park my 2003 Tacoma in a train station parking lot (close to Mexico where older Toyotas are popular for parts). If you want to go hardcore, take an extra fuse, blow it (put it across your battery) and then insert the blown fuse into the fuel pump fuse slot after you pull out the good one. The truck will turn over all day, but without the fuel pump it won't start.
     
  8. Feb 27, 2025 at 7:44 PM
    #8
    JohnF4x4

    JohnF4x4 New Member

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    I'd just install an on/of switch to disconnect starter and fuel pump. About $3 mode.
    Done it in all my and my wife and children's cars when we used to live in the city. The switch was under driver's seat. It is already a habit, as soon as i sit i reach down and turn it on. Otherwise it does not turn. If a thief founds a way to turn the starter, the fuel pump still a no go. Too much trouble
    On my older car i was installing an ignition coil under driver's seat with high voltage wire going under the upholstery of the driver's seat.
    There was a switch which diverted the current to this extra coil under the seat.
    A thief got experience of his life while his balls were frying with each tern of the distributor. Unfortunately with new cars i haven't figured out an easy way to do it.

    The most important thing was not to forget to switch it back before trying to start the car LOL...
     
    Tundrastruck91 likes this.
  9. Feb 28, 2025 at 5:04 AM
    #9
    BS N ONT

    BS N ONT [OP] New Member

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    Yes with the physical key. Just a couple of wrenches and in two minutes you have the battery disconnected / reconnected. Where the truck is 99% of the time, theft is not a concern.

    What issues are there when you disconnect the battery.
     
  10. Feb 28, 2025 at 5:39 AM
    #10
    99ways2die

    99ways2die New Member

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    Used to do this back in the day when Subaru WRX was new to the market, and stolen frequently (especially in central NJ).
    Same as you, hidden fuel pump cut-off switch...start the car and it dies a few secs later.
    I think this is one of the simplest and most effective measures.
    If they really want it, it will get towed away regardless of how fancy your counter measures are.

    Ohh, how many times have I forgotten to flip it and light up my dash like a Christmas tree.
    :)
     
  11. Feb 28, 2025 at 6:10 AM
    #11
    BlackNBlu

    BlackNBlu Justa Member

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    That's next level diabolical. I love it.
     
  12. Feb 28, 2025 at 6:41 AM
    #12
    Matt2015Tundra

    Matt2015Tundra New Member

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    Back in the days of distributors, I'd pop the distributor cap, take the rotor out, then put the cap back on. Simple and effective.

    Now, I'm happy to live in an area where I don't have to worry about it.
     
    eddiefromcali likes this.
  13. Feb 28, 2025 at 6:46 AM
    #13
    JohnF4x4

    JohnF4x4 New Member

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    Isnt it easier, and more fun frankly, just to flip a switch and listen to the cries of balls fried perpetrators?
     
    BlackNBlu likes this.
  14. Feb 28, 2025 at 7:21 AM
    #14
    Matt2015Tundra

    Matt2015Tundra New Member

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    Frankly, is more fun staring at your avatar. LOL! Where did you find that?
     
    PNW Tundra Mike likes this.
  15. Feb 28, 2025 at 9:29 AM
    #15
    eddiefromcali

    eddiefromcali New Member

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    I had a 1955 F-100 in the late 90s,-early 2000, I would yank the coil wire or pull the resistor and hand it over to the gf to put in her purse. At one point I had a battery that had a built in remote control kill switch. You had this garage clicker looking thing and you could kill the battery remotely.
     
  16. Feb 28, 2025 at 5:28 PM
    #16
    Matt2015Tundra

    Matt2015Tundra New Member

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    In the end, a determined and experienced thief will get your ride, if he really wants it.

    My father lost a beloved Willys Jeep to thief’s. It was hitched up to our RV, and ready to tow to our annual hunt in the Colorado Rockies, parked in front of our house. The fkrs unhitched it, and towed it away, in the middle of night.

    Thankfully, he had good insurance.

    To be honest, I doubt a Gen 3 Tundra is high on the thieves lists. Not worth the effort.
     
  17. Feb 28, 2025 at 9:06 PM
    #17
    Reubenski

    Reubenski New Member

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    Smart
     
  18. Mar 1, 2025 at 7:13 PM
    #18
    JohnF4x4

    JohnF4x4 New Member

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    There is this, not very known place, only few chosen ones could go there. But since you are such a nice person I'll tell you, but please, between us and no one else.
    This place is called internet.
    But seriously. I just saw it somewhere and edited it a little.
     
  19. Mar 1, 2025 at 7:43 PM
    #19
    DRP

    DRP Old Member

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    I just went through my wife's wardrobe and lubed up all of her front zipper shirts. We'll see if it works...:thumbsup:
     

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