Thanks for that Pete, nearly Blew Nottingham up!!

 

hi guys,
just a short note about all the post regarding thefts from home ect. Why don't you do what I do and have done for friends with nickable cars...Put a hidden switch into the fuel pump cable ????????? hidden where you and authorized people know where it is, thieves ain't got the time or the intelligence to figure it out..Almost guaranteed that the car ain't going nowhere unless uyou want it too.

 

Simple but sooooooo effective, nice one. I shall investigate in the morning

 

Hi Tim

Where is a good place to get access to the fuel pump cable on a MY00? Also, is just a serial in line switch or do you need to ground one side?

Phil

 

Before you all go rushing to find a switch in the local motor factors.

Check the fuse in the fuel pump line

About 20 Amps?

That makes the current drawn to blow the fuse 20Amps!!!

Now go and find a switch capable of handling that current AND to be a sensible size - not too easy?

Just dont want you all setting fire to your pride and joy

Best way is to buy a military spec 2 pin connector - say a baynett type - and connect the two pins together with 20A rated wire - then put the other half of the connector in the fuel line.

The connector is 'made' when the car is running - disconnect the connector and hide the mating half when you leave the car.

Pete

[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 17 February 2001).]

 

Ok guys,
Well without giving the game away too much
I use Military Aviation type switches, which are water proof and "bomb proof" which does mean you can fit it out side the vehicle if need be. I usually mount it in the boot area, as most vehicles fuel pump cable is relatively accessible from there. As pslewis says the current drawn can be quite high, so, Yes, don't disappear down to your local factors and get a cheap and cheerful £1.00p toggle switch.I think pslewis's idea is also good and along the same theme but has the disadvantage of losing the plug or,even, God Forbid a bright thief !!!!!

 

pslewis

Fuses are designed to carry peak currents of their rating plus approx. 10% before blowing. I doubt though in normal operation the fuel pump would draw 20A.

Also, try checking Maplin or RS Components for switches. A quick search reveals a number of options.

Maplin:

(1) 250A Power Switch (Rotary on-off) - Marine Grade Constuction £19.99

(2) Battery Isolator Switch 300A - £8.99

RS:

(3) 20A Toggle Switch - £6.92

(4) 20A Waterproof Toggle Switch - £8.44

Personally I rather hide the switch within reach of the driver than have to fiddle in the boot each time.

Phil

 

Thanx for that Phil - As an electronic Engineer I am aware of the fusing issue and that the fuel pump will not take 20A in normal use (I was trying to keep it simple )

I dont want the switch acting as a fuse as it melts at, say 10Amps see? so tried to guide everyone away from just popping in a cheap swich.

Have you got the part number of that RS Toggle?? I use RS all the time through work - and when I looked, quite a few years ago, the size was always a big issue - way too big for car use really.

And yes, I would always keep the switch in drivers arm reach - NOT in the boot!!! - a tealeaf sees you playing in the boot without taking anything out? hmmmm he KNOWS!!

Pete

[This message has been edited by pslewis (edited 18 February 2001).]

 

Hi Pete

RS part numbers for the toggle switches are:

Standard 198-8462 (Double pole only therefore could make it 40A!)
Waterproof 317-421 (Single pole - 20A)
Waterproof 317-437 (Double pole)

I'm still not sure how to access the fuel pump wire from inside the cabin. I'd be interested to know whether to locate the wire in the boot and run through to the driver or how locate the wire nearer the driver if the first place - any ideas/experience welcome.

Phil

 

Just to confuse things even more,most fuel pumps run off a relay so why not interrupt the switching supply to that which usually only has a very small draw on it anyway or is this too simple this is what i have done on many motors.

cheers paul

 

Yep Paul - good idea.

I would guess the fuse for the fuel pump line will be in the fuse box next to the drivers knee?? should be in about the right place to run a short wire then??

Has the supply to the fuel pump relay got a fuse somewhere?? should have? maybe it would be easier to use that one (as Paul says above)

Pete

 

OK - so no one knows or is going to tell me how to get access to the fuel pump wire or relay inside the cabin. So how do I get hold of a wiring diagram for a MY00 5 Door?

Phil

 

A quick look at the handbook reveals little information about the Fuel Pump relay or fuse location. Can anyone advise from experience?

Phil

 

If you have a GOOD Thatcham Cat 1 alarm fitted it should have already isolated the fuel pump supply/relay supply as part of the install.

Or they did when I fitted them .

 

Matrix

Agreed - but I think we are considering a non-standard 'custom' security addition which could prevent movement of the vehicle in the event of the thieves having stolen the keys and alarm fob - something which appears to be more prevalent these days.

Phil

 

alternatively post the details of said custom anti-theft device at great length here, for all to see. Can anyone supply photos

Still at least they'll spend longer looking for something that may or may not be there ;-)

(I am kidding!)

 

PhilH

All noted mate...... No Problem.

Interrupting the fuel pump auto cut off (the one that pops in the event of a bump )is another good idea. (don't know where it is on a Scooby though.)

 

Might be easier to do the wire to the starter motor from the ignition?