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I've added kill switches to simpler cars by using an open/close switch on one of the clutch pedal position sensor wires and am considering it on the C7. I have 2 questions -
Would this be an effective deterrent? I'm assuming with the popular OBD and/or the key signal amplification theft methods, that this would still prevent the car from starting and sending the would be thief on their miserable way.
Technically I am wondering if interrupting the position signal wire ECM 48 is the way to do this. I found the sensor logic table below (thanks @laserdude2215 ) and this would likely violate this - breaking wire ECM 48 should float it and the pulldown resistor in the ECM would take it to ground, where 1 or 4 volts is instead expected. I could use a multi-path switch instead and always tie pin 48 to the 5V pin 47 but with a resistor to get the 4V (clutch released), then tie it to back to itself with the kill switch 'disabled' (normal operation).
Clutch position sensor logic
Sensor Pin A is grounded by the ECM.
Sensor Pin B is the position signal to the ECM.
Sensor Pin C is the 5 volt reference from the ECM.
The ECM is looking for 1 volt with the pedal applied or 4 volts with the pedal released. Jumping will get you either 5 volts or zero volts and a DTC.
If you could market or install a good workable system. You could monetize the method. I'd pay for the installation of a kill switch on my C7, for instance. Most everyone knows zilch about how to safely/properly do much if any involved electricals. <Including me.
But, yah, mine's an M7 too...
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; Dec 4, 2024 at 05:49 AM.
A kill switch on the clutch sensor would work, BUT the car will display a "Press Clutch To Start" message on the dash, which will clue the thief as to why the car won't start. It will probably also cause a DTC and check-engine light. The clutch position sensor is also used by the Rev-Match feature.
A better, and easier solution is the "NOStart" relay from Mobilistics. NoStart Remote Controlled Intelligent Relay w/ Remote - Starter/Fuel Pump Immobilizer - Mobilistics™
A 3 minute no-wire-cut-plug-it-in install, no warning on dash, no hidden switch for a thief to find, and it self-arms everytime the car is shut off. (rather than a kill switch which you might become lazy and just leave is always in the ON position.)
I've added kill switches to simpler cars by using an open/close switch on one of the clutch pedal position sensor wires and am considering it on the C7. I have 2 questions -
Would this be an effective deterrent? I'm assuming with the popular OBD and/or the key signal amplification theft methods, that this would still prevent the car from starting and sending the would be thief on their miserable way.
Technically I am wondering if interrupting the position signal wire ECM 48 is the way to do this. I found the sensor logic table below (thanks @laserdude2215 ) and this would likely violate this - breaking wire ECM 48 should float it and the pulldown resistor in the ECM would take it to ground, where 1 or 4 volts is instead expected. I could use a multi-path switch instead and always tie pin 48 to the 5V pin 47 but with a resistor to get the 4V (clutch released), then tie it to back to itself with the kill switch 'disabled' (normal operation).
Clutch position sensor logic
Sensor Pin A is grounded by the ECM.
Sensor Pin B is the position signal to the ECM.
Sensor Pin C is the 5 volt reference from the ECM.
The ECM is looking for 1 volt with the pedal applied or 4 volts with the pedal released. Jumping will get you either 5 volts or zero volts and a DTC.
Clutch electrical diagram - Corvette C7 Manual
Thanks for any input!
I’m a little curious. Are there a lot of C7 Corvettes being targeted for theft or stolen recently? I see a lot of posts about “kill switches” on the forums.
I realize that if your vehicle is stolen, no matter what kind, it’s an issue.
Anyone have numbers for C7 Corvettes reported stolen? All series of Corvettes stolen? Any particular series considered more likely to be targeted?
BTW, the fuel relay with remote linked in this thread seems like a ready solution. And if you lose the remote, just swap in the old relay.
Adding a kill switch via clutch pedal sensor
