I don't recall seeing this topic being talked about that often, so you must be reading threads that I haven't.
Anyway, you can install a "kill switch" on one of several circuits, depending on what you what to do and how secure you want it. You can put a switch in line with the starter button, on some part of the ignition circuit or the fuel pump as has already been discussed. Which one you choose is up to you. The Helm manual will tell you which wire (color and general location) to splice a switch into.
On past cars, I've just put a hidden switch on the starter circuit because it was easy to find the wire and most thieves will just give up if they can't start the car. They won't bother to push start it in case the starter circuit is disabled.
On our car, with the coded key, it is nearly impossible to "hot wire" the car to make it start. If they steal your key, then a starter kill will still stop them. So will a fuel pump kill but this is a bit more invasive.

 

thanks for the info, xviper...

i definitely prefer the sound of a starter switch over a fuel switch - as long as it will work.

my and my neighbors S were stoeln a few weeks back out of a parking garage too low for a tow truck, so unless they rolled our cars out to the street, they must have hotwired the cars. plus both cars had interior panels popped out - i think where the ECU might be located...

i have been reading of a possible new wave of thefts on "immobilized" cars - apparently they are pulling out our ECUs and dropping in their own, which then disengages the immobilizer (well, something like that).

anyway, i figure the only way for me to feel somewhat comfortable in getting my S back is to create a kill switch, use my club at night, park my car backwards and get the early warning lojack system. otherwise, i'll just get rid of the S and keep my "theft un-worthy" miata.

again, anyone who knows specifically how to add a kill switch to the S, please post info or PM me.

 

You are likely not getting/not going to get a lot of specific how-to on this topic as it's a dangerous one to discuss on open forums. Thieves agree knowledge is power too and if a new way is described to disable something they are able to add it to thier repetoir of spots to check in enabling thier exit!

I have added multiple kill switches to other cars (not my S..yet) but my favorite are the kinds that allow the car to "act" like it's trying to turn over but never does, (i.e. fuel pump, distributor). You either need to get a manual, most have a wiring diagram, or ask someone to email you a scan of one and you can go from there making your own private custom kill.

I've had cars stolen before myself so I understand your quandry but the paranoia does ease over time, I wouldn't give up a car you enjoy merely because you are afraid it's going to get stolen again. Make your kill switch, get Lo-Jack, do as you described above and pray for the best

Good Luck, Travis

 

I recommend finding a reputable shop that can handle this. How much could they possibly charge? Well, don't answer that. Anyway, they may have a good idea on where to create the circuit break, ignition primary, starter, fuel, ECU, etc.
If you must do it yourself, why not break the voltage going right to the starter solenoid? Or is that too easy to bypass? Seems if a thief can't get your car quickly enough, they'll move on.
Where were you thinking to put the switch? underdash? console?

 

Just a thought......

I had someone propose to me a kill system a number of years ago in that you had to do a series of things in a specific order or the car was dead in the water from mulitple points. And it was customized to what YOU wanted. I.E. put key in, buckle seat belt (there is a circuit there), turn on lights, turn off lights, click your heels three times.....etc, you get the idea.

While this has MANY inherent drawbacks for the ultra-paranoid it may be something of interest.

I also had a Civic some years ago that had a security measure supposedly installed on all cars from this particular dealer, there was a plastic chip that plugged into a receptical under the dash, went on my keychain. The car wouldn't start without it inserted. It was wired to mutiple starting points supposedly. Obviously this is the same idea behind our current keys but may not be able to be overriden by an ECU swap?! (note: after a while, just like those super cool radios that you could take the whole chassis out and take with you....yes I'm dating myself...that chip got left in the car all the time )

I haven't seen either of these anywhere else in at least 10 years so I'm led to believe they may be outdated but since you are looking for suggestions I figured I'd throw then out there.

Travis

 

Out of curiosity, Webmaecker, have they found your car? If so, what kind of condition is it in? Good luck with your mod when the time comes.

BrotherRex, no offense man, but the last thing I'd do if I were installing a kill switch on my car is post on an open Internet forum, the location of said switch.

Drive Safe,
Steve R.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tkeedy
I also had a Civic some years ago that had a security measure supposedly installed on all cars from this particular dealer, there was a plastic chip that plugged into a receptical under the dash, went on my keychain.

 

Here it is:
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...light=antitheft

 

I think that was the name, looked different than the link you showed though

 

i can see how listing specifics on the S might help potential thieves... if anyone has specifics then you can let me know through PM.

my first thought was to find a dealer to do it... just not sure that i can trust the folks who do the install! i mean, if its just splicing some wires and mounting a switch, i think i can take it on myself... but thats info i am looking for here. if its EXTREMELY complicated and over the average joe's head... and there is the risk of damage to my electrical system, then yeah, i would rather pay someone to do it. just looking for some guidance on this from those who have done it.

thanks xviper... that ravelco gadget looks creative, but the company seems somewhat questionable. if its so great, wheres all the capitol behind the marketing, etc? maybe a kill switch would be as effective...

yeah, the same day it was reported (almost 4 weeks ago). they still havent replaced the parts yet, but they took seats, wheels and lights. my neighbors car S also taken the same night and was a total strip - so you can see my aprehension in bringing it back home (i only owned it for a week).

right next to the big red Start button