I was thinking of installing a battery kill switch that is operated by a remote on my 18 lariat. I would be using this as a anti theft device. Knowing all the issues with electronics on these trucks I was wondering if it would cause any problems and see if anyone is using one. Thanks

 

One way to do it would be to use it on just the main cable to the starter that would leave the rest of the system operable.
Just a thought.

 

A year or so ago, there was a discussion around here about intercepting the wire around the shifter/center console that goes to the antenna for the key. This provided some anti-theft capabilities, while leaving everything including remote start intact. When that wire was electronically disconnected, the truck would report no key detected.

 

I wouldn't, too much electronics. I'd rather let the Lariats alarm system do it's thing, pretty impressive imo.

 

Any time power is removed from the battery, and returned, it causes the PCM to re-boot.
That means all tables that shift according to drive cycles are Zeroed and have to re-learn every time.
This affects perceived drivability in a number of ways such as cold starts, loads on the engine, trans shifting etc. can be affected.
In addition the PCM goes into a self diagnostic routine for emissions testing that can take several drive cycles to complete and may never complete if power is removed each time.
Plus an emissions check will always show incomplete tests.
Many modules are alive until the time out period has elapsed and may be left in suspension at that time.
Basically not a good practice to keep powering down repeatedly, a system not designed to do so for any other reason but maintenance requiring it..
With power removed, nothing on the vehicle will respond to remote commands with no power to respond.
.
If I had to disable the my vehicle, there are other ways less total system intrusive to do it, I could find to do.
One is a separate wireless remote to open 'one' essential circuit to prevent any other operation from taking place I might choose.
Hoods can be opened manually. Remember this.
Good luck.

 

I wouldn't mess with power. A steering wheel lock is effective and a lot easier.

 

That's a good idea, it might stop a broken window also.

 

I was thinking it was a bad thing messing with the electronics since I have experience with how finicky it is. Just wondered if anyone has done one. I always put my remote in my pocket. The reason I brought this up is I saw a carjacking video recently and thought how to prevent it. I guess running away with the remote disables the truck from moving as it says no key detected

 

Bad idea for reasons already stated. That, and the little issue of the quickest way to steal you truck is to tow it away. Don't care if I can start what I'm parting out.