Immobilizer Power Plug

[pipesndrums]

Looking for some advice on this lil guy that the previous owner added. Located under the dash, it has a connector in it. If I remove the connector, all the lights on the dash come on, but turning the key will not start the TJ. Plugging it back in and all works as normal. Sometimes I have to unplug and plug back in, probably just vibration moving it around.

Pretty cool and useful, except there is only one of these connectors. Tried sourcing it but "power plug" is a hard one to search for and seems like it is a custom setup so not much listed on this kind of immobilizer solution.

Has anyone seen this setup before and might know where I could buy some of the connectors so I have some spares in case it gets lost?

 

[Dr. Internet]

I'm not certain, but I would guess that is a magnetically actuated safety interlock switch, probably used originally on a power tool, such as a table saw. Hold the key next to a piece of steel and see if it is magnetized. If so, any magnet that fits into the switch can be used as a key. If not, then there might be a micro switch in the bottom of the case. Test that by sticking something non-conductive into the housing and see if it reacts.
If neither of these, then I have no idea.
Good luck!

 

[CharlesHS]

The 2011 JK that I sold several years ago had a similar connector on the lower section beneath the panel to the right of the steering column; this was a dealership anti theft installation in addition to the factory Immobilizer.

 

[pipesndrums]

I'm not certain, but I would guess that is a magnetically actuated safety interlock switch, probably used originally on a power tool, such as a table saw. Hold the key next to a piece of steel and see if it is magnetized. If so, any magnet that fits into the switch can be used as a key. If not, then there might be a micro switch in the bottom of the case. Test that by sticking something non-conductive into the housing and see if it reacts.
If neither of these, then I have no idea.
Good luck!

Thanks, will check that out. Totally read your suggestion in a Tom Baker voice.

 

[pipesndrums]

The 2011 JK that I sold several years ago had a similar connector on the lower section beneath the panel to the right of the steering column; this was a dealership anti theft installation in addition to the factory Immobilizer.

Aha yep that is a definite possibility, he may have fitted one for anti-theft. Maybe I can ask around at a dealership and see where they source those. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[pipesndrums]

Adding another pic showing the pins/connector - not seeing any part numbers on it. Guessing it's wired inside to route what's needed to allow it to start. Will ask around. Just would feel better knowing I have at least one spare plug.

 

[CharlesHS]

IF you haven't already.... go beneath the dash board and trace the wiring back...
You may find a module behind the dash with imprinted manufacturers information on it.

 

[pipesndrums]

IF you haven't already.... go beneath the dash board and trace the wiring back...
You may find a module behind the dash with imprinted manufacturers information on it.

Thanks, that is a good thought. Will take a look underneath the dash today and see where it goes.

 

[bucky]

Looks like a dealer add on. It serves 2 purposes. 1 protects car on the dealer lot and may lower their insurance cost. 2 dealer can make a quick 2-3 hundred $ in profit when they sell the car. Costs them about $50 to install it. I always tell them to remove it and they just give it to me for free. Usually just connects to the neutral safety switch or interrupts the ignition switch. Very basic.

 

[LJBean]

That same device was installed by the dealer when I purchased my LJ in 2004. Never really used it, but it's never caused a problem, either. I hadn't even thought of it for years until I saw this post. It would suck to loose the "key" for sure.

 

[Ahoyt]

I have one of these in my 2004 Ford Freestar. The key has gone out once but thankfully I had a spare. Plugged in the new key and started right away. I’m having trouble with it again, and I’m not sure what to do or how to disable/remove this. I hate it. Any ideas?

 

[bucky]

Picture?