Engine "Kill" switch

[RMHanes]

Would like to install a 'kill' switch to the fuel pump as a cheap theft deterrent device. This will also allow turning the engine over without it starting. On the 12v engines this was done by instaling the switch in the fuel shutdown solenoid wire from what I can remember. Heard and read that to do this same on the 24V requires taking the connector off of the engine computer and installing the switch there. Do not like the idea of this. First of all the area is tight and it would be real easy to slip and cut/nick another wire. There is also the matter of getting that connecter back on and torqued correctly. Over torque and need to replace more expensive parts.
Is there another place where this 'kill' switch can be installed?

 

[HVAC]

Take a look at your number 9 fuse on the fuse panel in the cab. I believe it's marked "Engine". That fuse may enable/disable the VP44 injection pump. You could interupt that circuit with a toggle to accomplish your anti-theft device.

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Nowel/Performance Diesel

 

[illflem]

If you have a manual trans you can install a switch in series with the clutch safety switch. If you have an AT there is a jumper wire in the place where the switch would be on a manual,install your switch wires there. This will only disable your starter,which is probibly enough to keep your truck where you left it. The clutch safety circuit is a ground path,you will only need to run one wire to your switch,the other leg of the kill switch can go to a nearby ground.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[Thomas]

The clutch pedal position switch on my 2000 RAM (and the bypass jumper on A/T 2000 RAMs) is in series with and between the start contact of the ignition switch and the engine starter motor relay (in PDC). If you break this circuit—I have—you need to install a switch to complete the circuit in order to crank the engine. A single wire to a switch and then to ground won't work. If you ground the side of the circuit that involves the ignition switch I believe you'll see smoke if you turn the key to START.

Check your wiring diagrams!

[This message has been edited by Thomas (edited 12-30-2000). ]

 

[illflem]

By all means check your wiring diagrams,I wasn't aware that the wiring may have changed.

 

[DavesDodge]

I originally put a switch in the clutch safety circuit so I could cut out the clutch to pull myself out of a jam with the starter motor if needed-yes-I know-it'll probably ruin the starter motor. Anyway-I went one step further and put in switch with NC/NO/NC (I think). One posistion allows normal operation-clutch must be depressed before starting, next posistion bypasses clutch, next posistion does nothing, but will not let the truck turn over-i. e. theft deterrent. Works for me...

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2001 QC,SLT,4x4,Cummins HO,6 spd. ,3. 54 gears,SBox,Dark Garnet/Pearl, all options but leather/snowplow/Sport, the elusive front license plate bracket,"Cup Smoothie" Autometer gauges on A pilar, LineX bed liner, Cobra CB,Westin nerfs, Power tailgate lock,auto on/off headlights, backup alarm, real backup lights. More To Come! Big Dog on the Mountain! Engineer Pass,Co.

 

[merryman]

I wired a push button into the wire from the ignition to the starter relay--if you do not hold the button down( Its located on the driver seat skirt and looks like it might have something to do with power seat), it won't crank. Also wired in a toggle switch I can throw to give it normal operation if I leave it for service. Everything but the Button and the wires to it is under the hood, and I think it unlikely that a thief would sort it out very soon. My system won't give you crank with out start, but should cause a would be thief to look elsewhere.

Vaughn

 

[N5SBP]

There is a product called Revelco that I purchased in Texas for my Ram that does something like that. It interupts at least two of the wires and has a coded plug (a dongle?) under the dash. Supposedly millions of combinations and they haven't had a successful car theft since its invention. Cost was under $200 installed. No lights, no automatic door unlocks or anything but the system is supposed to be unbeatable. Don't know if they have branched out to other parts of the country but their phone number is 281. 341. 6222. Good luck. #ad

 

[Phil Stuart]

merryman,
I installed a momentary pushbutton switch and a toggle just like you did. Will not crank unless the button is depressed on the seat frame. Will operate normally when toggle is switched. Just comes naturally to me now when I start it.

Phil

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`01 2500,4x4,QC,LB,ETC,DDX,DHG
3. 55 LSD,Tow Pkg. ,Snow plow pkg. ,Forest Green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps with Cummins logo,Mist grey seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns,Pacbrake.
Built in St. Louis
THE BIG GREEN MACHINE

Phil Stuart

 

[Ram Bear]

RMHANES
I Have a 2000 and had the same problem. I did not want to get into the ECM module. I pulled the shop manual and found that same wire goes to connector #125 which is on the firewall under the hood. If pulling fuse nine does what you want it to do then picking up the wire at that connector will do the trick. If you have a 2000 this will work as I have cut the wire at the connector and installed a switch. It works great and am very happy with it. Make sure the switch will handle 10 amps because that is the fuse rating for that wire. By the way for the 2000 it is Light green with a black tracer.
Hope this helps

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'00 2500HD Quad Cab 4X4 SLT Laramie AT 3. 55,LSD, Tow package, White, All options except Cab lights and Remote entry.

 

[Ram Bear]

RMHANES
I Have a 2000 and had the same problem. I did not want to get into the ECM module. I pulled the shop manual and found that same wire goes to connector #125 which is on the firewall under the hood. If pulling fuse nine does what you want it to do then picking up the wire at that connector will do the trick. If you have a 2000 this will work as I have cut the wire at the connector and installed a switch. It works great and am very happy with it. Make sure the switch will handle 10 amps because that is the fuse rating for that wire. By the way for the 2000 it is Light green with a black tracer.
Hope this helps

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'00 2500HD Quad Cab 4X4 SLT Laramie AT 3. 55,LSD, Tow package, White, All options except Cab lights and Remote entry.

 

[Ram Bear]

RMHANES
I Have a 2000 and had the same problem. I did not want to get into the ECM module. I pulled the shop manual and found that same wire goes to connector #125 which is on the firewall under the hood. If pulling fuse nine does what you want it to do then picking up the wire at that connector will do the trick. If you have a 2000 this will work as I have cut the wire at the connector and installed a switch. It works great and am very happy with it. Make sure the switch will handle 10 amps because that is the fuse rating for that wire. By the way for the 2000 it is Light green with a black tracer.
Hope this helps

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'00 2500HD Quad Cab 4X4 SLT Laramie AT 3. 55,LSD, Tow package, White, All options except Cab lights and Remote entry.

 

[RMHanes]

Thanks for all the good hints and tips. My truck is a 98. 5 and I do need to dive into the electrical diagrams to see if fuse #9(?) is the right one. There was an article in a previous issue of the magazine that detailed this installation pretty well. Just can not find it so decided to ask the members! What a response! Thanks for the tip about making sure that the switch is rated at least as high as the fuse.

 

[Dane]

N5SPB - That indeed is a "Dongle"! I Don't meet many folks who've heard of them #ad
I've always wondered how the name was chosen originally...

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover