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Vehicle security

bradleyheathhays

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Lexington, KY
Unfortunately it looks like I have some people in my new neighborhood paying a little too much attention to my 96 XJ and for the first time I'm feeling a need to add some security system(s) to old yeller. She's stock and still looks great so it's no wonder someone hasn't tried something before now. I think just a basic remote arm system would do, not interested at all in remote start or unlock. I'm not familiar with modern alarm systems, but here's what I 'think' I need...

- Door switches for all 5 doors. Probably a PITA to install but that's only an initial idea.
- 'Bump' alarm (not sure what it would be called) for if a window breaks or if something is jarred
- Geo-location function like a low track or something similar

Additionally I'd like to install possibly 2 start kill switches. I'm not sure where inline these are normally installed but my impression is that directly in line with the key ignition switch would be common. But then what if someone jumps the starter with a screwdriver...would this type of switch work in that instance? So that leads me to the idea of a second ignition kill switch which would either be wired between the battery and starter motor, or between the starter motor and ground.

And last...security lugs.

So am I over thinking this here? What's your recommendation for what I really need and maybe a good but economic alarm system that can get this done?
 
Totally understand your concern! I live in the bay area, and as the value increases on our rigs, the likelihood of theft does as well. I run a very basic Autopage 425 with bump sensors and locking lugs. Considering a hidden kill switch as well, but I am curious as well what others are running.
 
At minimum put a kill switch in-line with the fuel pump. Vehicle will turn over but not start. Super easy to do on Cherokee's since the fuel pump harness runs right along the driver side seat under the carpet. It's convenient to just place the switch under the seat within hands reach since the wire harness is right there. Crawl under the fuel tank and look at the wire color going to the fuel pump to know which wire to cut and splice the switch into. I put kill switches in all my vehicles and figure this would slow a determined thief down by at least 2 minutes :laugh3:
 
Geo-location is going to cost you. Probably will have a monthly service charge as well.

Impact sensor and door switches are standard equipment on the low end of alarms. It is just a matter of wiring. You should be able to tie into the dome light circuit for the door switches.

A kill switch on the fuel pump is a good idea.

I run a steering wheel club. Not that it can't be overcome, but because it is an obvious obstacle that needs to be overcome. Thieves are looking for the easy victim. Don't be easy. It may also help that I have a stick shift. Probably confuses at least half of the dirtbags.
 
A kill switch is all you need unless you think you want to do something about a attempt!
 
I definitely run locking lugs, and I like to consider the 5 speed a theft deterrent these days. Though it also means they could roll it away in the middle of the night pretty quietly- which is why mine gets parked in the garage and the new truck is outside.

Assuming your XJ is not a daily moving your insurance to Hagerty isn't a bad idea as these go up in value. I'm paying about the same I was paying Geico for a year of insurance as a "second" vehicle with stated value coverage. I probably should bump the value again next year.
 
Fuel pump kill switch. Will probably start and fire for a split second, then just crank after. Older vehicle, so thief will assume it's a POS and move on.
 
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