akshay67

Can I remove something from the car to make it pretty much unstealable? I want to do something discreet (i.e. not removing the steering wheel etc) - is it possible to remove the ECU or something from the engine so that if someone gets past the alarm and immobiliser they can't steal it?

Thanks for any info guys.

RichS

You could remove the ECU.

If you lift the passenger footwell carpet from the front edge under the dash (need to undo a couple of plastic carpet screws), you'll see the metal ECU shield. Four or five bolts later and this comes off. (watch your fingers on the sharp edges!)

The ECU can then be unplugged and removed.

Should you remove the ECU?
I don't see why not, but I guess every time you do it you'll be resetting it (or partially resetting it).
Therefore, I don't think it's such a good idea to do it too often...

Rich

323roy

Find out about getting a M.R.S. kill switch fitted ,i have one on mine ,it is linked to the drivers door and injectors ,is very effective because it allows the thief to drive out of harms way and he has no chance of nicking your scooby!!!!!
cost about 200 quid
can be a pain if you forget to hit the switch yourself !

care3

snap off seering wheel?

jimbob2

Remove the locks - one less thing for the scallies to have a go at.

Looks good too

carl

Someone once advised removing the crank position sensor. Don't know where it is though.

tweenierob

If you remove the fuel pump fuse, they may get to the end of the road on the petrol, but if they boot the car it will stall straight away..
ROB

dhorwich

Or the centre (main) HT lead..... no spark no go..!!

pslewis

Fuel pump fuse - always my favourite

Pete

sammyh

iTrader: (1)

Engine
i'll get my coat..............

ScoobyK

Dopey I know, but how do I tell which one the fuel pump fuse is ?!?!

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

Remove the ECU or Crank sensor by all means - but each time you leave it? Not really on is it! Plus un-plug, re-plug and so on is a recipe for problems if done too much.
Trouble is, the scum won`t know the thing is immobile until he has broken in and already done some damage?
Visual deterrants may put them off, e.g. wheel clamps, removable steering wheel etc.?
JohnD

tweenierob

cant you read japanese????
Rob

pslewis

Its the one that smells of petrol!!

Pete

akshay67

Thanks for the replies guys - much appreciated.

I want to avoid visual deterants as it will show the owner is away.

I was considering the ECU removal - is it a pain to remove? Also, if I remove it, does it mean that the alarm will stop functioning?

I'm also worried if the alarm goes off when I'm away - and then what happens? I can't really give the keys to neighbours, dont really trust them (jealous of scooby). I think I may be stuck here.

boomer

akshay67,

you don't say what model of car you have?

More recent Scoobies allow "superlocking" which will prevent the engine from being started even with the key - read your manual for details.

However even that won't stop someone lifting the car and towing it away!

mb

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN

take the wheels off

jonc

I don't know where the fuses are, but on the Fiat Coupe 20VT you can easiliy remove thefuse for the fuel pump. That pretty much renders it undrivable, and not sure if a theif will think to look for the fuse or even have one for the car at the time

jonc

..or instead of taking something away, add a steering lock or 2, gear stick lock, foot pedal lock, failing that leave a Rotwieller(spelling?) or pitbull terrier in the car.

Ray_li

HT lead

yoza

Instead of taking some thing out............
leave some thing in.......
like a bowl of water......
a bowl of pedigree chum....
and of course the rottweiller...

akshay67

Boomer,

Its a MY99.

Rotweiler left in there for a couple of weeks would probably die of starvation.

I think I may have to remove the ECU - but would that disengage the alarm? I'm scared that the car will probably get vandalised, but I guess I take that risk anyway, and it doesn't require a rocket scientist to key a car.

So I take it that the cat 1 immobilisers are not good enough against the determined theives?

yoza

Didnt realise you were leaving it for a couple of weeks!!
What you need is to keep it out of sight,if the local scum see it in the same place for a while itll go,what ever you take off it!
Do u know anyone one with a lock up?
Or do you live near an airport?
If it was me......and I didnt have a garage Id pay the 35 quid and leave it a Local Airport in their secure compound only 10 mins from me.

scoobyvirgin

Drivers seat maybe????
sorry!!!

gibbo_ireland

What about a wheel clamp like the plod use?

Im looking at getting one for that extra bit of security, just want something easy to fit but worthwhile.

Dont think thatd get past that easy enough, or at least might make them go after something else...

http://www.powerlock.nl/uk/wheelclamp.htm

Paulo P

iTrader: (42)

Just a word of advice

be careful what you say on here because of thieving scum om here if they want to nick a scoob they can take fuses, crank sensors etc with them in their tool kit Just be careful out there because Richard Askew sent me details of my full name and address from a post I put on scoobynet about who owns a scoob if you use your real name (as I do) and put where you are from it is possible for thieving scum to find your house and nick your car Its a scarey world out there if you own a decent motor

akshay67

Just found out that my local airport will look after the car. Now I'm worried about parking it close to other cars - i.e. I come back and find nice door dents. I never ever park in car parks for this reason )if I do I take up 2 spaces! I doubt I can do this at this place...

Diesel

That Powerlock wheel clamp only goes up to 15"...

Where was that fuel pump fuse guys - under the dash, or under the bonnet?

D