C5 Kill switch
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
C5 Kill switch
I'd like to install a hidden kill switch in the cockpit of my C5.
I was considering placing a simple one pole single throw toggle switch in line with the VATS circuit to the ignition lock cylinder. When the switch is in the on position the VATS system works as normal. When the switch is in the off position the VATS system will not see the resistor pellet in the key and disable the car accordingly.
Thoughts? has anyone ever done this?
Will adding the wire and switch change the resistance in the VATS circuit enough to cause an issue that may be seen as an incorrect pellet value?
I was considering placing a simple one pole single throw toggle switch in line with the VATS circuit to the ignition lock cylinder. When the switch is in the on position the VATS system works as normal. When the switch is in the off position the VATS system will not see the resistor pellet in the key and disable the car accordingly.
Thoughts? has anyone ever done this?
Will adding the wire and switch change the resistance in the VATS circuit enough to cause an issue that may be seen as an incorrect pellet value?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
I'd like to install a hidden kill switch in the cockpit of my C5.
I was considering placing a simple one pole single throw toggle switch in line with the VATS circuit to the ignition lock cylinder. When the switch is in the on position the VATS system works as normal. When the switch is in the off position the VATS system will not see the resistor pellet in the key and disable the car accordingly.
Thoughts? has anyone ever done this?
Will adding the wire and switch change the resistance in the VATS circuit enough to cause an issue that may be seen as an incorrect pellet value?
I was considering placing a simple one pole single throw toggle switch in line with the VATS circuit to the ignition lock cylinder. When the switch is in the on position the VATS system works as normal. When the switch is in the off position the VATS system will not see the resistor pellet in the key and disable the car accordingly.
Thoughts? has anyone ever done this?
Will adding the wire and switch change the resistance in the VATS circuit enough to cause an issue that may be seen as an incorrect pellet value?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 47
From: Helotes TEXAS
If none of you smoke, you can try using the cig lighter. When you park the car, push in the llighter and VIOLA, power killed. To re-enable the power, pull the cig lighter back to it original position. 
Ehh... ehh... ehh.... not a bad idea huh !!
Ehh... ehh... ehh.... not a bad idea huh !!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Do some research in the street rod products available. There are mechanical and electrical disconnect switches.
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. It's fuse protected and you can maintain your electrical power to the computer with a simple jumper wire between two terminals.
http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
From COLE HERSEE...
From FLAMING RIVER...
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. It's fuse protected and you can maintain your electrical power to the computer with a simple jumper wire between two terminals.
http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
From COLE HERSEE...
From FLAMING RIVER...
Last edited by hotwheels57; Feb 11, 2009 at 04:26 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 860
Likes: 3
A kill switch is a good idea, but only to disable the VATs? If someone is going to jimmy the switch it won't matter that VATs is disabled will it? Why not one that cuts power or something like that? I'm confused? 
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Do some research in the street rod products available. There are mechanical and electrical disconnect switches.
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
from Julianos Hot Rod Parts is the same for only $65.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
If the switch is tripped, it actually forces the VATS to activate, disabling fuel as well as spark. I think it would also prevent the engine from cranking.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 607
Likes: 9
From: Sandy Eggo, California
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
Do some research in the street rod products available. There are mechanical and electrical disconnect switches.
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. It's fuse protected and you can maintain your electrical power to the computer with a simple jumper wire between two terminals.
http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
From COLE HERSEE...
From FLAMING RIVER...
This one from HOTRONICS is probably the slickest. It's fuse protected and you can maintain your electrical power to the computer with a simple jumper wire between two terminals.
http://www.hotronicsproducts.com/
From COLE HERSEE...
From FLAMING RIVER...
These are battery disconnectors for race cars. I'm looking for something small and hidden to prevent the car from starting with the key. Thanks for trying to help though.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
But if you really want to do it just put a hidden toggle switch in the fuel pump circuit.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Did you notice that the first example has a micro toggle switch that can be placed anywhere in the car?
With the switch on, the car will not start at all.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
I live in a high traffic house. Keys are available to anyone. I'd like to keep good people honest and not overtly show any distrust.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
But it would also cut power to the PCM, causing it to forget long term fuel trims and similar learned programming. It would have to start from scratch relearning itself every time you started the car.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,628
Likes: 397
From: Madison Wi
What do you guys think of my original idea to add a simple toggle switch into the VATS circuit? If the circuit is broken with a switch the VATS system goes into "disabled" mode and even the ignition key is useless. It would be just like a crook trying to use a key with no pellet on it.
Sound like it could work?
Sound like it could work?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
I have one of these on my 55 Chevy. There is a pole that you can run a wire from that stays hot when the switch is off to things like radio memory etc.