I was wondering what would be a simple and reversible way of disabling a TDI engine from starting, so if some toe-rag got hold of your keys the car wouldn't start. I'm thinking of a relay or fuse that could be removed, that won't interfere with the remote central locking or alarm, and won't produce an EML warning.

In the old days you could remove the rotor arm from the distributor, or the HT lead to the coil but none of these options are possible on a Diesel (or even a modern petrol)

take the starter motor out. Bit of a PITA to do daily, but a viable solution.

....Or just stop when you disconnect the positive feed from the starter....but even that is way to much of a PITA to do daily.

There is a fuse that can be removed to do this. I swapped the wrong one once when attempting to fix the wipers and the engine wouldn't start.

Fuse #24 is Engine Electronics, 10A. That might do it.

http://www.ppcgb.com/Richbrook-Immobiliser-Battery-Switch/prod8539/?LGWCODE=8539;41527;1492

Something like this is very simple to fit and use.

Fuel pump fuse?

http://www.ppcgb.com...8539;41527;1492

Something like this is very simple to fit and use.

It's a bit of a give away if anyone pops the bonnet to see why it won't start.

DB.

Granted, but unless they have a bolt or a jump lead on them

they are still knackered aren't they.

It's a bit of a give away if anyone pops the bonnet to see why it won't start.

Don't think a potential thief would go as far as look under the bonnet anyway...they'd just give up.

But, an ingenious a device it may be, it would break one of my rules...,,,interfere with the Remote Central locking and Alarm.

I like the sound of fuse 24.

Don't think a potential thief would go as far as look under the bonnet anyway...they'd just give up.

But, an ingenious a device it may be, it would break one of my rules...,,,interfere with the Remote Central locking and Alarm.

I like the sound of fuse 24.

No it wouldn't.

They've thought of that... It has a connection with an in line fuse that can cope with the draw for these

but would blow if a start was attempted.

Taken from an ebay ad for above product.

Auto Express awarded it 5 out of 5 and said "Like all the best ideas Discarnect is simple and very effective"

Allows your car battery to be quickly disconnected for the ultimate immobilisation. Simply unscrew the knob to foil even the most ardent of thieves.

A universal fit to all battery posts including Ford 'square' style.

A fuse link is supplied. If fitted, this supplies a small current to alarms, clock, radios etc. but won't take the current required for ignition.

If the fused link is not fitted, Discarnect becomes the perfect 'lay-up' device for protecting the battery on a cherished classic - at around a fifth of the cost of a new battery. A no-brainer on every level!

Brand new in the original packing comes with full fitting instructions

Even more ingenious than I thought!

What about a hidden switch linked to one of these fuses? Then you don't even have to remember to remove it - just flick the hidden switch located somewhere totally random (I was thinking under that piece of removeable trim under the handbrake lever )

Yonks ago with the original 1960s mini we took the ignition wire, cut it and fitted it to both sides of the female socket part of a two pin plug. The male part had both pins joined internally. Pull the plug; no power to ignition and the socket was placed under the steering column so it wasn't obvious what it was.

Yonks ago with the original 1960s mini we took the ignition wire, cut it and fitted it to both sides of the female socket part of a two pin plug. The male part had both pins joined internally. Pull the plug; no power to ignition and the socket was placed under the steering column so it wasn't obvious what it was.

Good idea.

Back in the mid 80's my dad had a MK 2 Ford escort with a similar setup. Except it was a switch mounted behind the trim above where your right knee/throttle pedal was.

Unfortunately, being a 1970's car, on a frosty morning it wouldn't start no matter what position the switch was in!

Unfortunately, being a 1970's car, on a frosty morning it wouldn't start no matter what position the switch was in!

Oh the joys of 60s and 70s Fords. I remember them well