Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine Run Lockout

[bmack]

I will keep this short. My '99 was stolen in March in Texas over 1,000 miles from home, I think by High School kids (based on what was in it when I got it back). After 2 months and lots of insurance $$$$$ (they really wish they had not recovered and and called it repairable) I have it back.



I am looking at solutions to prevent a thief from driving off with one of my trucks again.



I am really looking at options to prevent the engine from running. The most promising option I have found is the Cummins Road Relay 4, for ISB engines there is an option to lock the ECU to No Run and to "Idle Only" but I don't know if it will work with the Dodge. Does anyone know if this is an option for our Dodges?



Is there a way to lock the ECU using other software or ???



What would others recommend?



Thanks!

 

[gregdoerfler]

You can get a smarty programmer there are 2 options for anti theft for them plus you can have a little extra boost in power.

 

[JLandry]

You can get a smarty programmer there are 2 options for anti theft for them plus you can have a little extra boost in power.

Greg,



Can you please expand on this?



I looked all through the owner's manual and FAQ online for the Smarty S-03 which covers the 1998-2002 Dodge CTD truck, and I don't see any mention of anti-theft options. Maybe I'm missing something.



Thanks,



John L.

 

[Beast2B]

you have to look at the different downloadable software options. go to MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - Download

 

[JLandry]

you have to look at the different downloadable software options. go to MADS Electronics - Smarty - CaTCHER - Download

Thanks Galen... I see the files now! Apparently this isn't documented in standard instruction manual.



Pretty neat idea but the downside is you'd have to reflash the ECM each time you want to enable or disable the anti-theft features. Nonetheless it could be very handy in high-theft-risk circumstances.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[KLockliear]

Given it's a 99 with an APPS, you could easily install a switch on the APPS output wire. Switch in the ON position allows signal through, in the OFF position, sends . 5v (IIRC, that is the idle setting). Just need a resistor off the 5v power to give that. If you break the signal completely, you'd get a check engine light.



Now, for theft recovery, check out http://www.GPSTrackingDaddy.com The unit listed under FLEET on that site is the bomb. Real-time GPS updates over the internet of current vehicle location, speed of travel, time at a stop, etc. If you are going to leave your vehicle somewhere, you can set a "geo-fence" around it (draw a box around a certain area on the internet map), and if the vehicle crosses that boundary, it can notify you by e-mail or text message. With the FLEET model unit, you can even have it trigger a relay remotely. This would be great if the vehicle was stolen; you call the cops, tell them where it is, and when they approach, disable the APPS remotely, rendering the vehicle to idle only (still have brakes, steering, but can't accelerate).



The other unit is great too, but doesn't have the real-time tracking. It's a use-it-as-you-need-it type of thing. You get 300 "pings" over 3 years or something like that. If you want to see where the vehicle is, you log in to the internet site and hit PING, then it will tell you where the vehicle is at that time.



Pretty cool technology. Uses GPS to determine location, then sends the GPS data back to the servers via cell service. This ensures that the last known GPS location is always available to the servers as cell works almost everywhere. The system also uses any cell service available and is not limited to one carrier.



Anyway, another option.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Go to Ravelco Anti Theft Device Ravelco anti theft device. 100% success rate over 34 years. never had one stolen yet and is undefeatable. I am stationed down next to Mex border near Sierra Vista, Nogales, Naco AZ etc and they steal these trucks at a rate of 40-45 a month in tri county area. I now have piece of mind with this Ravelco thing. Not cheap, not expensive and most importantly. . undefeated.

 

[JLandry]

Another temporary, simple, effective, and free method of disabling a 98. 5 to 02 CTD truck from starting or running is to pull either (or both) the "ASD" relay or the "FUEL PUMP" relay (sometimes labeled "FUEL INJ") from the PDC (Power Distribution Center) on the driver's side fender under the hood.



I doubt a thief would know to check if one or both of these relays were missing in the event of a no start condition, but for added security a dummy relay could be swapped in place of a properly functioning relay to eliminate that possibility.



How they work:



When the ASD relay is missing or isn't working properly, the ECM can't receive a signal from the PCM that it's OK to operate the VP44 injection pump. Thus the ECM keeps the VP44 in a shut down state. You can crank and crank until the batteries are dead and the engine just won't start.



When the FUEL PUMP relay is missing or isn't working, the VP44 simply receives no power at all and doesn't turn on. Turning the ignition key on with this relay pulled will immediately set one or mere DTC's.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[Pistazie]

How about a hidden torque converter lockup switch (mystery switch) - it would make the truck stall on start-up, correct? I was thinking about this for my 3d gen, as there are so many thefts in our city, and I think the thieves can circumvent just about any security system.

 

[johncameron]

I went to a remote fishing area a few years ago and I pulled my starter relay where I left my truck parked. I doubt a theif carries those in their pocket (-:

 

[KCraft]

i have kill swiches on both my trucks. its cheap and effective. the thief cant bypass it unitl he know what was shut off. good luck finding that out!!!! one of mine is on the position switch, you cant start the vehicle unless you hold the switch AND turn the key at the same time!!!