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Hidden Switch connection - Prius gen2

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Steggianas, Sep 2, 2022.

  1. Steggianas

    Steggianas New Member

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    I am planning to install an Anti-Theft Hidden Kill Switch with connections as shown in the attached diagram.

    The question is if this is correct, as a design, or if it could cause potential problems with the Prius' circuits.

    This line, (IGN) has a 7.5A fuse from the factory so, I assume it will behave as if its fuse has blown (?)

    (eg there will be a delay of the relay on the - now cut - ING line at each engine start)



    Also on the same line (ING), a tilt sensor (507M) will be connected according to the instructions I found on this forum!



    Τhank you for your answers

    (sorry for my english)
     

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  2. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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  3. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    I couldn’t recommend this modification, or indeed any changes that might cause the vehicle to stop unexpectedly in traffic, which is potentially a very serious hazard.
    The IGN fuse supplies the hybrid vehicle control ECU, engine control module, battery ECU, and ID code box, and the coil of the C/OPN relay (circuit opening relay), which controls the fuel pump, so the fuse isn’t likely to blow. Adding a switch and relay to the circuit would decrease its reliability, and Toyota’s published information doesn’t tell us how these ECUs would respond if the IGN circuit were opened.

    If you choose to proceed despite this warning, there are many considerations for selecting an appropriate relay, some of which are reviewed in Panasonic’s Automotive Relay Users Guide (PDF).
    I couldn’t recommend this, either: it might cause the car to stall if the sensor is actuated because of a bump or an ascending or descending grade. I’m also not sure it’s of much value: if thieves are tilting the car, to load it onto a tow truck or reach the catalytic converter, they’re probably not trying to start or drive it.
    Neither the Electrical Wiring Diagram (more info) for 2006 Prius cars nor the page you linked shows a D/C CUT fuse or shorting pin. On other models that do have such a fuse or pin, removing it wouldn’t prevent the car from being started or driven; it just reduces the dark current (parasitic load on the auxiliary battery) by disabling the radio and other convenience features.
     
  4. Steggianas

    Steggianas New Member

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    Thank you for your response and suggestions

    Alternatively and perhaps less hazardous, I could cut one of the ground lines (there are 2 if I'm not mistaken in my interpretation of the manual, I'll measure them later) to the start button without possibly causing the car to malfunction while I am driving,
    they only work at startup and shutdown.

    The new question is which of the two lines should I interrupt?
    (I'm assuming each one is for the two modes of operation)

    I have also designed a way to bypass the circuit (in case of failure or a visit to a repair shop, etc.).

    Any knowledge / help in this scenario ?
     
  5. Steggianas

    Steggianas New Member

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    My mistake...

    I just saw in the manual that the Start Push Button has only one ground wire!

    (pin 6 connector P11)
     
  6. Elektroingenieur

    Elektroingenieur Senior Member

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    You’re most welcome.
    I agree that disabling the power switch might not be quite as risky, but it could still defeat a built-in safety feature, the ability to turn off the hybrid system while driving, as might be desirable in case of a stuck accelerator pedal or other malfunction. As Toyota writes in the Owner’s Manual (PDF) for U.S.-specification vehicles, on pages 141 and 143:

    If, in an emergency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving, press the “POWER” switch more than 3 seconds. At this time, the “ACC” mode and shift position “N” are automatically enabled.

    In addition, consider that there could be electromagnetic compatibility or other reasons that the power switch requires a continuous connection to body ground.
     
  7. Steggianas

    Steggianas New Member

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    Thanks again for the reply, I'll obviously take the risk of modifying the car, starting tomorrow.
    Wish me good luck...
    I am open to any better ideas that any of you might have.
     
  8. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    I'm experimenting with a modified push button start-stom switch that will light up but will not turn on the accessories or start the car. Finding the pins to clip off will be the tougest part.

    Keeping the totally functioning start-stop button in a hidden place and putting in the modified dummy switch will really deter the thief. Another method might be just to put a kill switch in the wiring harness to the start function in the start-stop circuit.

    It very low 5 volts, so a small micro switch will work. It could also be a hidden micro push button that needs to be held dowi with your left hand finger to complete the circuit to start the car. Because it is a momentary push button, it will automatically reset after each use.
     
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