Security - battery master switch?

estoril · 25-03-2015, 06:31 PM

I was thinking about security when out and about and thought about the "battery master switch" that is listed on all the cars that were exported overseas (AFAIK), this master switch is just a regular motorsport type switch that they connected between the main positive connection to the battery and the battery itself.

I was thinking of fitting something slightly more permanent, the same type of motorsport master switch but mounted into the rear portion of the battery cover with connections to the negative terminal since it's on that side.

As long as the leads are long enough to allow the cover to be lifted it would be easy to fit/remove the cover, and there is space behind the battery for the leads to drop into when the cover is fitted.

All you then need to do is to fit a fused connection between the master switch connections so that the alarm etc is still powered when the switch is disconnected.

If someone breaks in, or even gets the keys, when they try to start the car the ignition lights will come on but as soon as the starter draws current the fuse will blow and the car will be immobile. Obviously it would be best to keep the master switch separately from the normal keys, and you'd have to remember to put the master key back in before you attempt to start the car yourself!

Thoughts?

**shimmy** · 25-03-2015, 07:16 PM

Seems logical.

On my old Mini 1275GT I used to have a switch under the dash linked to the ignition coil so it would turn over and not start.....bloody thing used to not start anyway!

LHutchin · 25-03-2015, 10:01 PM

Easier to fit?

http://www.richbrook.co.uk/dis-car-n...t-off-switch90

0836whimper · 25-03-2015, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shimmy

Seems logical.

On my old Mini 1275GT I used to have a switch under the dash linked to the ignition coil so it would turn over and not start.....bloody thing used to not start anyway!

I had that on my old Astra GTE (actually it was an LHD Opel Kadett GSI) and this saved it from being stolen at least once. Thieves broke in and it wouldn't start unless you press a blanked switch, actually more effective than complex immobilisers etc.

still no worries · 26-03-2015, 12:52 AM

A friend of mine had a hidden fuel on/off, his car got nicked once and got as far as the main road, I bet they didn't hang around long trying to start it.

estoril · 26-03-2015, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LHutchin

Easier to fit?

http://www.richbrook.co.uk/dis-car-n...t-off-switch90

I've got one of those on another car but on the CSL you'd have to take the battery cover off to remove the screw....

**CraigMillwardCroft** · 26-03-2015, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estoril

I've got one of those on another car but on the CSL you'd have to take the battery cover off to remove the screw....

This would also disconect the Tracker system

MisterCorn · 26-03-2015, 06:07 PM

I use a low cost tracker in mine. I can control it via SMS messages and can remotely disable the car if needed. I have them on most of my cars now. Only takes a few hours to fit.

MC

CSLScot · 27-03-2015, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterCorn

I use a low cost tracker in mine. I can control it via SMS messages and can remotely disable the car if needed. I have them on most of my cars now. Only takes a few hours to fit.

MC

Can you provide some more detail?

25-03-2015, 06:31 PM	#1
estoril S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Bucks Posts: 143 Casino cash: $9222	Security - battery master switch? I was thinking about security when out and about and thought about the "battery master switch" that is listed on all the cars that were exported overseas (AFAIK), this master switch is just a regular motorsport type switch that they connected between the main positive connection to the battery and the battery itself. I was thinking of fitting something slightly more permanent, the same type of motorsport master switch but mounted into the rear portion of the battery cover with connections to the negative terminal since it's on that side. As long as the leads are long enough to allow the cover to be lifted it would be easy to fit/remove the cover, and there is space behind the battery for the leads to drop into when the cover is fitted. All you then need to do is to fit a fused connection between the master switch connections so that the alarm etc is still powered when the switch is disconnected. If someone breaks in, or even gets the keys, when they try to start the car the ignition lights will come on but as soon as the starter draws current the fuse will blow and the car will be immobile. Obviously it would be best to keep the master switch separately from the normal keys, and you'd have to remember to put the master key back in before you attempt to start the car yourself! Thoughts?

25-03-2015, 07:16 PM	#2
shimmy CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Uk Posts: 14,646 Casino cash: $43909	Seems logical. On my old Mini 1275GT I used to have a switch under the dash linked to the ignition coil so it would turn over and not start.....bloody thing used to not start anyway! __________________ .

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25-03-2015, 10:01 PM	#3
LHutchin S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 124 Casino cash: $5775	Easier to fit? http://www.richbrook.co.uk/dis-car-n...t-off-switch90

26-03-2015, 12:52 AM	#5
still no worries S4 - Getting the hang of it Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 127 Casino cash: $6333	A friend of mine had a hidden fuel on/off, his car got nicked once and got as far as the main road, I bet they didn't hang around long trying to start it.

26-03-2015, 06:07 PM	#8
MisterCorn S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 391 Casino cash: $8663	I use a low cost tracker in mine. I can control it via SMS messages and can remotely disable the car if needed. I have them on most of my cars now. Only takes a few hours to fit. MC