Board logo

Fitting a battery cut off switch for iva
leon51274 - 23/11/12 at 09:44 AM

Morning all

For my 2nd way of immobilising my car for iva I'm fitting a battery cut off switch. My question is, do the hazard warning lights still need to operate when the switch is off? Or any other lights for that matter?

Cheers
Leon

Charlie_Zetec - 23/11/12 at 10:01 AM

Don't quote me on this, but I thought I read somewhere that a master kill switch or battery kill switch wasn't accepted as a valid form of immobiliser? I was going to install one, but am going with a different type that just kills the fuel pump or ignition circuits....

BobM - 23/11/12 at 10:17 AM

No good, you need to read the relevant section of the manual. It specifically states "A manually operated battery master switch or a removable steering wheel
would not be considered to be an anti theft device."

You need either a mechanical anti-theft device or fit an electronic immobiliser.

leon51274 - 23/11/12 at 10:22 AM

Bugger, i could of sworn it said that one would be ok. Well thats sorted that then. Does anyone have any recommendations for an immobiliser?

Cheers

loggyboy - 23/11/12 at 10:29 AM

Any cheap electronic imobiliser from ebay will surfice.

Charlie_Zetec - 23/11/12 at 10:54 AM

When it comes to doing my immobiliser and wiring, I'm going for one of COBRA 8510 THATCHAM APPROVED CAT 2 TOUCH KEY CAR IMMOBILISER. NEW IN BOX

bodger - 23/11/12 at 11:03 AM

Although it isn't allowed as an anti-theft device (I'm using the steering lock & an immobiliser for anti-theft), is it still ok to fit one pre-IVA. I've got one installed & am also wondering about the sidelights / hazard issue. It's hidden under the dash at present and was hoping I could just leave the key in.

Charlie_Zetec - 23/11/12 at 11:05 AM

If you're leaving the key in for the test, then surely it doesn't have any bearing on the hazards etc.? I would think the tester is more concerned about having the the car meeting the required standard - anything else must just be a bonus!

wylliezx9r - 23/11/12 at 11:13 AM

quote:
Originally posted by leon51274
Morning all

For my 2nd way of immobilising my car for iva I'm fitting a battery cut off switch. My question is, do the hazard warning lights still need to operate when the switch is off? Or any other lights for that matter?

Cheers
Leon


Has your car not got a built in steering lock, thats all you need isn't it ?

matt_gsxr - 23/11/12 at 11:21 AM

quote:
Originally posted by wylliezx9r

Has your car not got a built in steering lock, thats all you need isn't it ?


It was good enough for mine going through SVA.

adithorp - 23/11/12 at 11:56 AM

If you do fit one bear in mine that they don't meet the radius requirements.

loggyboy - 23/11/12 at 12:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by wylliezx9r
Has your car not got a built in steering lock, thats all you need isn't it ?


Correct, the manual specifically states:

1.
A vehicle MUST be fitted with either a mechanical anti – theft device or an electronic immobiliser

A mechanical anti-theft device could be a steering lock or transmission lock.

As for the hazard lights, if you get a proper FIA cut off, the cut off doesnt not shut down the anciliary circuits, so hazards etc can still work, it will just cut the main circuit to the starter etc.

[Edited on 23-11-12 by loggyboy]

leon51274 - 23/11/12 at 12:43 PM

I was under the impression that you had to have 2 means of immobiliser! One being steering lock which i have and a other. So will just a steering lock do?

deezee - 23/11/12 at 12:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by leon51274
I was under the impression that you had to have 2 means of immobiliser! One being steering lock which i have and a other. So will just a steering lock do?


The IVA manual (Section 13A Anti Theft Immobiliser) says
"in addition to the normal “ignition” switch, that the vehicle is permanently fitted with an anti-theft device or an electronic immobiliser that can be activated to prevent the vehicle being driven or moved under its own power."

So yes you need two. But one of these can be the ignition key. I seriously recommend you sit down with the manual. Everyone has to do it at some point to pass the IVA.

snapper - 23/11/12 at 12:53 PM

Ignition key and steering lock together make the 2 required methods, electrical and mechanical

matt_claydon - 23/11/12 at 06:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by snapper
Ignition key and steering lock together make the 2 required methods, electrical and mechanical


This ^

wilkingj - 24/11/12 at 10:34 AM

Always fit a Thatcham approved Imobiliser. It will help reduce your insurance a little.
Anything thats NOT Thatcham approved will do nothing to help your insurance.
Remember the imobiliser is a one off cost. Insurance is ongoing every year.

If you fit a Thatcham approved device, you need to get the certificate signed by an approved installer or the insurance co wont accept it for the discount. Many of these approved installers wont sign off an instalation not done by them.
SO check with your local one before fitting.

I spoke with my local man, and he told me what he expected to see as an installation. Then when it was on the road, I took it to them and they signed off the certificate for a Tenner fee. They would have come and installed or inspected for a bigger fee.

Talk to your local approved installer to see what you can do / get away with before installing it.

Just my 2d's worth.



EDIT:
I also had a "Longarm" steering bar on the steering wheel justfor good measure, as its VERY visible. Which also holds up the tarpaulin / dust sheet in the centre when put on vertically
Every little helps.

[Edited on 24/11/2012 by wilkingj]