Best way to intentionally disable car?

[josh93sc2]

Okay, I figure the best way to disable a car if you don't care about permanent damage is put a handful of dirt in the throttle body. Car starts, engine stops.

However if you don't want to do anything permanent, what's the best way to disable a car? You could do something simple like pull the plug wires, but what if someone has basic knowledge of cars? I figure removing the clutch sensor is the best because it causes no damage, car won't start, and it's not an obvious first place to look.

Don't worry I'm not out for vengeance, I'm just plum curious.

[sweet2002sc2]

pull the maxi-fuse for the fuel pump.... then it will even crank over!

[piney]

I would think that if you pulled one of the big fuses from the fuse box that this would likely stop it from starting or turning over (depending upon which one you pulled).

Of course up in Boca, all you'd have to do is have it not be a 2000 or newer Mercedes, Jag, or BMW & nobody up there would steal it anyhow...

Although, I do remember as a little tot hearing how my dad and his buddy poured molases in the crank case of a local kid who refused to slow down while on our street. His car lasted something less than a week after that. The molases probably saved his life or someone elses.

[L300Boy]

Some people wiring kill switches ... not sure if you are looking for an extra step of security or what.

Even a little thing would really throw off someone trying to steal your car. Its a bit unexpected, takes too much time to diagnose the problem (afterall, you are stealing a car), no one wants to steal a broken car, etc.

[djenning]

Are you trying to stop the kids from taking the car?

[Doug_E_95_SL2]

It would be easy to disconnect the connection going into the DIS unit. This is the equivalent of the Coil, and provides the spark for the spark plugs.

This is a rather obvious method.

You could also fit an empty plastic container into the air intake, stopping it up.

-Doug

[Galileo]

Just let the air out of the tires....

[Doug_E_95_SL2]

Bwaaaa! Ha haa! yes.

No tires? No go.

Can you imagine a car thief working really hard to get into a car, get it started then realize he has 4 flats?

Haaa!

-Doug

[pkschul]

If you don't mind resetting your clock all the time... mount your battery in the trunk and install a battery cable connection switch under the seat. My friend always wanted to do that with his Chevelle... not sure if he did. This might not be a good idea with newer cars... lol.

Paul

[josh93sc2]

Originally posted by djenning
Are you trying to stop the kids from taking the car?

CLOSE! Actually a friend of our family's tried to do that (didn't work, I forget what exactly he tried) so it just got me thinking how I would do it if I had kids. Maybe just run a chain through the wheels and lock it? Simple, quick, effective....

[Phil]

I would start by not giving them any keys.

Failing in that, Just put it up on jackstands, remove the wheels, and hide the lug nuts.

[Qlara]

Like Phil said:

NO KEYS! as simple as that, why need to go through all the hassles? Or simply Sell the car, as you already leave it on the driveway and let your kids take it. (Hint: You're not using it?)

If the No-key policy failed, simply remove both License Plates and lock it in some place. Let the police gives those kids a lesson, about responsiblity and liability.....