Electronic Imobilizer - Issues?

[Zilverado]

Hey Guys,

So the time has come for me to have an electronic immobilizer installed in the truck. Our local "public" insurance company in Manitoba has introduced a policy where high-risk vehicles need to have immobilizers installed in order to insure them. For some reason, my '86 is considered "high-risk" to be stolen by a 12 yr. old joy-rider... go figure. Oh well, with the $0 cost parts, free installation, $40 instant rebate, and $40 reduction in yearly insurance premium, it's not that bad a deal I guess.

So my question is - has anyone ever had issues with this type of installation? I assume with the amount of "show-quality" trucks on this forum, there have got to be immobilizer or security installations out there.

I suspect the installation should be fairly straight forward, since there are no other gadgets (i.e. security system, remote starter, etc.) to deal with.

Any thoughts or warnings? Thanks.

[Pyrotechnic]

Not sure what you mean ? How exactly does this system work ?

I know my alarm has an "immobilizer" system that will disable the starter if someone tries to start it while it's armed.

[gchemist]

Install a switch to ground the HEI. Or at least cut power to the HEI. The truck will not start unless the HEI has power. Simple switch and wiring will do the trick.

Install the switch, then go the insurance guy. Set the switch to cut off power before going into the insurance office. Hand over the keys. Tell them to go ahead and try to steal it with the keys!! The battery will go dead after a few attemps. Don't show them the switch.

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by gchemist

Install a switch to ground the HEI. Or at least cut power to the HEI. The truck will not start unless the HEI has power. Simple switch and wiring will do the trick.

Install the switch, then go the insurance guy. Set the switch to cut off power before going into the insurance office. Hand over the keys. Tell them to go ahead and try to steal it with the keys!! The battery will go dead after a few attemps. Don't show them the switch.

Interesting idea, but I think I'll stick with the "approved" system... All I need is to have the truck stolen and have them not cover me AT ALL - FOR ANYTHING (damages, injuries, etc.) just because I didn't have their approved system.

As for how the thing works, I'm not totally sure about all the detailed electronics, but it's basically a kill switch that is released only when the electronic key FOB (received with the system) is near the vehicle.

I suspect that the installation on the truck will be fairly straight forward, but I was just curious if people have had any issues with this kind of thing.

[84 400]

Should be easy with proper instructions....

As for the HEI idea that is better if you really are worried about some one stealing your truck. I did not install the alarm/ immobilizer in my truck ( previous owner had it installed). Well as luck would have it he only had one key fob for it. Well when i was out 4x4 with buddy's ( my truck is 2 wheel drive and was sitting at home) the key fob broke off my key chain. I had no experance with the system at all and i just reached under the dash and unplugged one part of the ribbon cable. guess what truck started right up. I had never messed with an alarm/ immobilizer in my life and was able to start my truck in under a minute.
Nice they are giving you a deduction tho!

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by 84 400

Should be easy with proper instructions....

...Nice they are giving you a deduction tho!

Yeah, I figured I really have very little to loose - plus I have no choice if I want to insure the vehicle again in July.

I'm not sure what kind of system will be installed - it's the "insurer-approved" one, but I assume it'll be a pretty basic installation. Even if it's easy to "crack", my theory has always been... as long as I make my vehicle even a little harder to steal - with a steering wheel lock and locking the doors - the punks will hopefully hit the vehicle just down the street without the locks... It's worked 'till now.

Better yet - round all the little punks up and throw them in juvie for a few years to cool off, and let us law-abiding people leave our doors unlocked...