icecold

I was thinking of installing a battery disconnect switch on my 1996 f-150 for security purposes. I did the search and came up empty, any experiences installing a battery disconnect switch.

unit505

We use them on every ambulance we have. They are not a theft deterrent unless they are so well hidden that it makes it a pain for you to get to it. A distributor kill switch is a much better and easier deterrent and you can hide the small switch anywhere or even use a 12v remote control unit which run about $20. The battery disconnect switch helped the guy that stole the ambulance I am driving today make it all the way to Tennessee on September 11th year before last.

To answer your question though, it's as easy as running 2 new battery cables from your battery to whatever location you choose, usually a location under the cab. Drilling a hole in the floor and mounting the switch and cables to the switch. Some switches use a built in relay, some don't. The switches can fail and do under heavy repeated use. We flip our battery switches a dozen times a day or more. Remember, most thieves watch you. When they see you reach for a switch and exit your truck, they'll have a good clue where your switch is hidden. With a distributor kill switch, You have allot smaller switch to hide or a simple remote.

MGD

Hi.

Perhaps a starter kill/interrupt instead?

http://www.the12volt.com/relays/page2.asp

MGD

unit505

Same concept as the distributor kill switch. More work and longer wiring run. With the distributor kill switch or more properly, the coil kill switch, You just put a switch on the positive wire to the coil. Boom, no spark to start. A simple 2 wire run. One to the cab mounted switch marked "air horn" and one from the switch back to the coil. Most thieves might try to flip switches to start the truck. Not one is going to hit the Air Horn button!

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

Longer wire run? The starter wire is under the dash, near where you would want the switch.

unit505

Your right. I wasn't thinking.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

I do that all the time.

icecold

Thanks for the responses.

MrKrabs1

What did you end up doing? I want to do this mainly because my old f-150 likes to set off an alarm at 3am for no apparent reason, especially in the cold, so I always keep the battery disconnected. What kind of switch did you end up getting? And do you mind sharing a few photos of the install? Thanks!