Anti-theft devices

[hcpBILL]

I am looking for recommendations for extra security for my 2000 Cummins Ram. What security devices are most effective and most practical?

Thanks

Bill

 

[Bigsaint]

Bill, just sent you a PM.



Scott W.

 

[DennyDay]

Security

Both my Rams have OEM security, the '99 a dealer installed Dodge Keyless and the '01 is factory installed. In addition I installed the Turbo Diesel Lifesaver from Genos. A bit pricey, but in addition it has a security switch (hidden), and I really like the idle down timer. A kill switch can also be installed using a relay and toggle switch for less than $10.

Denny

 

[Sregorb]

Kill Switch

Anybody with experience and recommendations on where/how/etc on installing a kill switch? How difficult/easy and how long would an install be (read: Can an idiot like me put one in?



Brian

 

[illflem]

A starter kill switch can be installed in series with the clutch safety switch, on an auto there is a jumper where the switch would be. Mount the switch wherever you want, all it will cost you is a $3 switch and some wire.

 

[Double 6]

I have done this at the airport when I'm in the long term parking, gone for a week. I pull the fuel pump relay out, truck will turn over but will not start, hopefully the crooks will move to easier targets. Not as handy as a switch but effective, and the cost is free.

 

[bighammer]

I open my slider so my rottweiller can get anybody that reaches for the keys in the ignition.

 

[Leon R]

I interrupted the wire to the started with a toggle switch up under the dash. Sometimes I have trouble finding it!!

 

[merryman]

My simple system is a push button switch in the "crank" wire between the ignition switch and the starter relay.

On the '01 there is a brown wire running from the power dist. center to the starter relay. Near the rear of the left hand battery there is a connector. I pulled that connector apart and ran a wire from each end to a push button mounted on the drivers seat (looks like a seat control). Unless that button is held down while turning the switch to crank, it won't crank. A clever thief rewiring under the dash would not get anywhere. I think he would move on rather than try to diagnos that simple wiring detour.

Cost? $2. 98 for the switch and about 8 feet of wire.



I took the additional step of wiring in a parallel togle switch under the hood that when thrown restores the system to normal for those times I need to leave the truck for service etc. That cost about another $3. 00



vaughn

 

[15w40]

If you put a switch in series with the clutch switch or the starter solenoid, this will prevent the engine from cranking. This might be a tip off that there is a hidden switch somewhere. Several years ago a Cummins employee, Josh Berman, answered a question on how to disable the ISB engine from the Cummins Customer Assistance Web Page. The trick was to put a switch in to break a connection to the ECM. Here is a copy of the post:



"In order to insert a 'kill' switch, you will need to put a switch in the 'key switch signal' running into the engine mounted ECM. If you open the switch when you park the truck, and then try to start the truck without closing the switch, the truck will crank but not start, since the engine-mounted ECM will think you have not turned the key on. "



On my 98 Ram the wire I broke to add the switch is in the PDC. It is a green/black wire on pin 28 of connector C130. I also use this added anti-theft switch to get oil pressure up before the engine fires if it has been parked for some time.

 

[RedRamer]

I was going to do the kill switch with the Clutch switch as I have an auto, but I couldn't find the harness under the dash.

Even if I did that, it would stop the truck from turning.

This would make a thief look for the problem probably, if he had time.

There's a wire going to the Fuel Shut down Relay (brown) according a diag I have from the starter relay.

You guys think it's OK to just cut off the Fuel Shut down relay. It would crank but never start.

goober

 

[illflem]

goober, either way will work, the safety switch wire is just easier to get at. Anything that slows a thief down usually scares them off. Remember by the time they start looking at your wiring they have already had to rip out the ignition switch in order to steer the truck. Most thieves will give up before taking too much time. If they really want your truck they'll just hoist it onto a trailer. Nothing works 100%

 

[JSkalet]

i would like o get you pm on this issue also, thanks john

 

[Bill Lins]

Big mean dawg?

 

[beartrace]

Try the following address to find one great security device. This device takes 2 secs to install or remove.



www.tiredeflatorusa.com



The device is impossible to remove without the key. If it is cut off, the tire immediately goes flat.



I use it in conjunction with another device. Between the two devices my Ram is well protected. No useless alarm system needed !!!

 

[billr]

If all of the above fails and they steal your truck anyway then it would be great to have had a LOJACK installed. The police can retrieve a stolen vehicle in a very short time by tracking (through LOJACK) it to the thieves. It is somehow connected to the GPS system and constantly locates the vehicle after it is reported stolen. Cost is high. Over $800. 00.

 

[Bugman]

Originally posted by bighammer

I open my slider so my rottweiller can get anybody that reaches for the keys in the ignition.

My Rottie used to ride with me all the time out bug killing. His name was Junior, he loved my truck.



All over DFW we'd go and I never had to lock my truck or take the keys out.



He got bone cancer and I had to have him put to sleep a year and a half ago.



I sure miss that dog.



Bugman.

 

[swamp rat]

The only fool proof theft deterrent is

A 55 gallon open top drum filled to within 10 inches of the top with ammonioum nitrate, pakced tightly, topped of with as much diesel as the barrel will hold, sealed with a Hoffman device placed inside wired directly to a 9 volt battery through a relay connected to the igniton switch works wonders recivitist thieves. Once they try to steal it, you can rest assured that yous will be the last one they ever try to steal. ;-)

 

[JSkalet]

kill switch installation today

just today, i installed a double toggle kill switch under the driver's seat on my 2001 quad cab high output stick diesel. it works great. the switches in a radio shack box (about 2 x 3") are wired in series so both must be in the correct position. two wires thru the seat belt wiring hole in the carpet under the seat and up thru the hood latch cable grommet. directly to the light green/black wire coming out of the power distibution box. take the 4' x 6" cover off, unscrew the large phillips hex head bolt and pull the c130 plug out of it's socket, find the light green/black wire and cut it, then solder in the two wires that go to your two in series switches. it will crank but not start, flip the switches to the both on position (which is concealed) and it starts. email with questions. -- email address removed --

 

[JConley]

For my 12 valve when I park it at the hotel less than 7 miles from the Mexican border, I pull the starter relay. Without the relay, it wont crank over even if they did have the keys. Pop the hood, pull the relay, and 10 seconds later it is " Like a Rock"