Car Security

[NovaStorm]

Having just recently changed out my ignition switch key cylinder I realize just how easy it might be to steal a car this way. In the case of our 2's it would take about 30 seconds to switch out the key cylinder and have turn key access to start the car. Or would it? The cylinder has to be in the ACC position in order to easily remove it with the push of a button. But toyota parts told me a screwdriver and vice grips would work if it was stuck. Does that mean the battery is cut in the time between the cylinder is removed and a new one inserted, therefore the starter is also debilitated? Or can someone just drive away with your car in this way!
I have the factory alarm which I figured was fine for my neighborhood

[ModifierMR]

If you install an alarm I think the best place to put the starter kill is in two places. One starter kill relay on the wire for the starter solenoid. Then another starter relay for the fuel pump (this way even if they get it to turn over it wont go anywhere).

Other things you can do to protect your car:

-Remove the door lock and handle linkage from the inside drivers door handle. This way no one can jimmy the door open with a stick or a tool. (but it also means you have to open the car with the outside handle to get out of the car).

-Remove the Fuseable Link(s) when you leave your car (that way the car wont start or even run).

-Install your Alarm siren in a place where an intruder cannot get to it, Like inside a fender or deep in a bumper.

-Instead of using a just a siren, use both your horn and your siren (if alarm has feature) that way people who usually disregard a siren going off will hear the sound of two vehicles beeping and will usually look to see whats going on.

-Run ALL your wires for the alarm with factory wiring, even better if you run the wiring inside the factory loom and tape it back up exactly as it was from the factory. This way no thief can tell the difference between factory wiring and aftermarket, thus nothing he can really cut to disable.

-Install your alarm brain somewhere you cant find it. No, not your drivers dashboard, thats the first place they will look. Try extending the wires and mounting the alarm behind the drivers seat under the carpet, or underneath the glovebox in the dash. Even behind the black shroud in the frunk.

-For your radio and audio equipment use Torx screws with the center pins to prevent theft. or take it a step further and use 4 different types of mounting screws so its impossible for someone without a big tool kit to remove it. (and ALWAYS ISO mount, i.e. with brackets)

-Get a removeable steering wheel with a unique mounting pattern for possible added security


In the end none of those can help you if the thief has a tow truck. Which around where I live is the most comon way to get your cat stolen. Even if you have lo-jack by the time the cops find a car like ours it is already been stripped to some level. (and when that happens you dont get your car back at all because it becomes unregisterable).

[MR2Jedi]

Wow! Some good info there Brian...Thats a big help to many..

[MRQtwinturbo]

i use two battery backup sirens along with the reg one.....when it goes off everyone hears...

[NovaStorm]

Thanks. these sound like good ideas I shall keep them all in mind

Hope to revamp the door to pillar wiring soon and will want to wire for an alarm at that time.

[tHa kNiGHt FaLL]

my alarm has two control modules w/ motion sensors, so i can leave the t tops off and the alarm will still trigger if someone reaches in to unlock the door... and i had blocker plates installed and welded to the inside of the door so a slim jim can't be used release the door.