Preventing car theft

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Discussions' started by Janning, Sep 4, 2021.

  1. Janning

    Janning Full Access Member

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    I'm needing to make a kill switch for my car 2016 Challenger Hellcat. Everyone knows that pulling fuse 31 for a few minutes supposedly resets the PCM. I'm thinking
    of wiring this fuse on a switch, and run it under the dash.
    Will the car not start if this fuse is pulled?
    Will it damage anything if its tried to start while its pulled?
    If anyone has come up with a good "kill method" please let me know. I'm aware that if they want it bad enought nothing will stop them.
    But anything slowing them down is gonna work in my favor.
     
  2. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I had a Ravelco anti-theft device installed in my 2009 SRT 12 years ago. Read about this great product.

    https://www.ravelco.com/
     
  3. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    FYI, if we discuss how we have altered our cars to prevent theft, the thieves will also learn from us.
    I’d got to a system like Tom suggested.
     
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  4. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    ^^ Correct! Thieves will and can steal your car no matter what you have done, BUT you can make life miserable enough for them to move on to another target. That's the key. Each step you take as an owner is one more reason for a thief to think twice. "Does he also have GPS?", "Does he possibly have this or that?"
     
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  5. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    So I assume this has to be installed by an authorized dealer?
     
  6. B5blueRT

    B5blueRT Full Access Member

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    I haven't seen one in a while but remember those long metal bars that you'd lock onto your steering wheel? Guys would park with the front wheels turned all the way to one side and click the bar on. The thief couldn't drive it or even pull it up on a flatbed because the bar would smack the roof or the console.
    Sometimes a visual deterrent is enough to make them walk away.
    Old muscle cars were so much easier to do. Just a hidden switch in series with the 12V distributor feed or the neutral safety switch was enough.
     
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  7. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Yes, the installation is very involved. It took the technician over 4 hours to install mine. The black wires are so hidden and mixed with the stock wires that they are virtually impossible to trace. Also, the under-the-dash plug has over 100,000 combinations.

    The total cost is around $500.
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2021
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  8. Octane

    Octane Full Access Member

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    Many years ago a fellow was speaking of car theft prevention. His idea was when the thief got in the car the doors would lock and a hand grenade would go off. There would always be a few cars sacrificed, but when word got around the thieves would be afraid to get into a car as it might be equipped the same way. Car theft should be a capital offense. After all, in the old west days a horse thief was hanged, so?
     
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  9. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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  10. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    I still use mine. I have had it for a really long time and take it whenever I head anywhere 'sketchy' like Atlanta for instance. A definite visual deterrent unless the thief has a hacksaw or is able to pick the key lock (not easy).
    No way you will be turning left in this instance :rofl:
    I think 'modern' versions are called 'the club' and they are on ebay. A search for 'steering wheel lock' will get you many results if you want one.

    DSC07886.JPG DSC07884.JPG
     
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2021
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