Loctronics Ignition Kill Switch

[cbeaven76]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to install a Viper 4105V in my 95' XLT so I can have remote start and keyless entry. However a past owner had a Loctronics security device installed. It's one of those key cards that doesn't allow the vehicle to start when it is unplugged.

Will this cause issues with a Viper system? I'd like to leave the device installed, mostly because it looks like a pain to remove.

Here are pictures of the device: https://imgur.com/a/mcB6V

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd guess it'd be fine as long as it's always plugged in. I would want it removed, myself, as it could leave you stranded if it ever fails.

 

[Mbrooks420]

A quick search of this Loctronics system shows it's really just an expensive pile of garbage. It just breaks the coil wire to the starter. It's a three wire device and can be bypassed with a jumper. I'd cut it out, and toss it in the garbage.

 

[J_C]

Shouldn't be hard to remove, just a few minutes under the dash. Odds are that its installation cut an existing wire that was spliced into it. Simple unsplice it and reconnect the two factory wire ends back together. Solder and heatshrink tubing over it. 3rd wire? Maybe power, cut that and insulate it so it won't short out that circuit.

It's less work than installing the Viper, or if you're having someone else install the Viper, if they're competent to do that then it should be trivial for them to see how the Loctronics is removed.

 

[1998Exp]

One of those silly boxes was in my Ex when I bought it. Not sure about the brand, but it was operated by a remote control (which was missing). Must have been left in a "disarmed" state, because it didn't affect anything. A few days after the purchase I noticed a little LED poking through the cover under the dash, and got curious. Found that they cut the starter control wire from the ignition switch and inserted this box. It had a bunch of electronics and a relay to disrupt the starter circuit. Because the '98 version of PATS didn't disable the starter, the dealer who sold the truck must have demonstrated to the sucker who originally bought the truck that it disables the starter and collected the big bucks for it. Needless to say, I spliced the starter circuit wire back and threw the idiot box in the trash.

 

[cbeaven76]

Thanks for your replies everyone, it helped big time! On my setup, its a 5 wire. One ground wire, and 4 wires that complete the one wire circuit. 2 from the ignition to the box, 2 from the box to the starter!

I chopped it off and did a sloppy splice to hold me over till I get my viper.

What a scam, it seems like a really sophisticated piece of equipment on the surface, but its really just a glorified circuit breaker!

Thanks again!

 

[J_C]

There's an up side to that. If it was really intrusive into the wiring then it would be that much more of a PITA to troubleshoot or remove now.

Plus yours doesn't have PATS so it's at least more of a challenge than just forcing a screwdriver in the ignition cylinder. Lots of people used to put kill switches on vehicles, just hidden under the dash where you'd have to look/guess to find it, but that only costs a couple bucks to DIY.