Running car anti theft device

So, for work I am currently running around apartment complexes checking on progress/ quality of work. I would like to leave my car running all of the time to keep the AC going (Phoenix/ Tucson).

I am planning at looking at older cars than push start and locks that won't let you drive without the fob in the car. I was thinking of a ignition switch with a couple of toggle switches. I was going to wire the relay for leaving the car through the brake switch so that if it is pressed, the relay opens and kills the ignition.

Any other ideas for simplicity?

My 96 F-150 has a Python remote start system. If you remote start it, it shuts off as soon as you hit the brake, which you have to do to release the shift lever interlock.

You can also "remote start" it when it's already running, because it checks to see if it's running before it tries to crank. So, if it's really hot/cold out, I hit the start button, wait for the parking lights to come on (a few seconds), turn off and take the key, and walk away. It then gives me 20 minutes to get back, or it shuts itself off.

This lets me use the fob to lock/unlock the doors, and solves a legality problem in PA, because it's illegal to leave your keys in the car.

They make a few security systems for police vehicles and I have been looking for something similar.

A quick search brings up TREMCO, but there are a few available iirc. Some involve pins in the area of the gear shift in order to lock it into place. Another includes a foot switch that locks and unlocks the gear shift in a similar fashion. Some P71s have them left in them. I've been looking for one of those.

I wish I knew more at this time, but maybe this give you an avenue to look down.

How about a parking brake release that no one can figure out? Like a hand brake fly off pawl? (Press button sets the brake, rather than release)

Is it an auto? If so just put the shift lock solenoid that locks the car in park until you press the brake on some other switch. Put that switch somewhere inconspicuous and you are set.

Manual transmission

oldtin wrote: Manual transmission

Use an inconspicuous switch to reverse the function of the clutch "prevent start" switch.

Make it so when you press the clutch down, the car shuts off.

Why not just carry two sets of keys? Leave one in the ignition with the car running, use the other to lock and unlock the door.

snailmont5oh wrote: My 96 F-150 has a Python remote start system. If you remote start it, it shuts off as soon as you hit the brake, which you have to do to release the shift lever interlock. You can also "remote start" it when it's already running, because it checks to see if it's running before it tries to crank. So, if it's really hot/cold out, I hit the start button, wait for the parking lights to come on (a few seconds), turn off and take the key, and walk away. It then gives me 20 minutes to get back, or it shuts itself off. This lets me use the fob to lock/unlock the doors, and solves a legality problem in PA, because it's illegal to leave your keys in the car.

Quoted this in full for truth. It's pre-engineered and foolproof - if you touch the brake, the car shuts off unless the key is in the run position.

Good to know about the ability to "arm" it with the engine running! I never knew that.

A turbo timer will work for this. Shuts the car off when the parking brake is released.

stuart in mn wrote: Why not just carry two sets of keys? Leave one in the ignition with the car running, use the other to lock and unlock the door.

I already do this. It works great until you lock both sets in the car.

Funny story about leaving a car locked and running. Last summer I was in the middle of a Frys Grocery renovation. Work is overnight and inspections are during the day.

I got a double whammy phone call about something that needed to be moved in the back and that an inspector was coming on a holiday that I thought they were closed. I parked my car (G37 Sedan) in the back with it running in front of a semi trailer (hot out). Moved my stuff and before I could move the car the inspector called me and I went in to meet with him.

Inspection ran long and the car was parked in back running for about an hour or so. When I walk around from the front back to it, there were 6 squad cars and about 10 officers standing around it. I received the 6th degree about who I was and what was the car doing back there, I am not sure what the issue was, but I ended up having to have the store manager come out and let them know I belonged there.

I then proceeded to receive a lecture for about 10 minutes on how dumb I was and how I was lucky my car wasn't stolen. I did not want to get into the details of how it was a push start with the doors locked and it wont go anywhere until the keys are back in the car.

This is the Frys at 83rd Ave and Deer Valleyin Peoria for the locals, nice neighborhood, not much of a crime hotbed.

Manual transmission is in itself a theft deterrent.