I read as one security measure against car theft is to remove the EFI fuse so that the car won't start. Of course, the car thief may look at the fuse box to diagnose the problem, or he might just think you have a crappy car and leave your baby alone.

So, my question is this: are there side effects to removing your EFI fuse? I am not, by any measure, an expert in car electronics or mechanics, so before I try this experiment, I like to know what are the unintended side effects to removing the EFI fuse. Does a blown EFI fuse affect any pre-programmed settings in the car engine/electronics?

Thanks for any help.

Chris

as i know that if u unplug the EFI fuse...mostly will reset to the original programing of the EFI system..

correct me if i'm wrong~!

Ok, what happens when the EFI system is reset? If the EFI fuse is put back on, is my car good to go, as if nothing happened?

unplug the fuse will only reset ur ecu... no problem as u wont lose any data... not that u've programmed anything inside also.. lolz..

Technically, pulling and reinserting d fuse would just reset it.

D only possible issue is risking static shocks when u pull or install it since u probably sat on d seat for s'time and might generate some static charges. Might fry d fuse, d neighbouring fuses or even d whole board if not careful.

Thanks for the reply. Ok, would it help if I touched metal or wear a static-discharge wrist strap to discharge static prior to removing/returning the EFI fuse?

I am really amazed by your thought process of removing the fuse. Maybe this can be used if you are going to leave your car out for a long time but practically doing it daily would just loosen the socket and one day while you are driving the car on a bumper the fuse might just fly off. Then how???

Also daily you carry the fuse in your pocket and there is every chance that monthly twice you will misplace it. So you have a whole car which is not working because you misplaced the fuse.

One more thing, you just need to wear the antistatic band even to remove the fuse from your pocket.

Better buy a good alarm system and become 007...

By the time u discuss here, the thief probably reading this topic and would be ready for next challenge.

Thank you for your input, albeit rather crassly expressed. It is interesting to read that you were so sure about my intention of using this method on a daily basis and that my current car security is weak. Though I made no mention of these two points in my previous posts, you (wrongly) assume them to be true -- and perhaps giving yourself an orgasm by belittling this question.

Just because the answer is blindingly obvious to you, it does not mean it is also blindingly obvious to everyone else. If no one asks "stupid" questions, would anyone learn?

"Better buy a good alarm system ..." -- this statement makes a wrong assumption just like most of your response

"...and become 007 ..." -- idiotic statement

Chris

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Added on October 14, 2010, 4:33 pmIn that case, following your logic, no one should be talking about car security issues. There are, however, some security issues that are no-go topics, such as detailed method of bypassing car alarm systems (such as which wires to cut/hack in the Viper or Clifford brands) or where car GPS tracking boxes are usually hidden in cars. One good example is about websites that review steering wheel locks. The reviews will say things like "the key lock in this steering wheel is weak" or "this steering lock has a weakspot in the locking mechanism", but the reviews don't spell out exactly what they did find out or how they overcame the steering locks. The same goes for brake/clutch locks.

P.S.
Okay before anyone gets too excited, most steering locks can be removed (and more easily) by cutting the wheel, but some steering locks are "extra special" that makes this path more difficult or, at least, not the first choice.

Chris

This post has been edited by cbsteh: Oct 14 2010, 04:40 PM

hi Chris,

Apologies if I hurt you so badly. I never thought a little humor would mess up so badly.

1) Removing the EFI fuse wont reset your ECU, removing your battery does (correct me if im wrong)

2)Highly unlikely that electrostatic from sitting on a car seat could fry your fuse. Semiconductors are sensitive to electrostatic, not not a 12A (or more safety feature)

3) If you lose a fuse, there are usually spares located in the fuse compartment itself, just in case you need a replacement.

4)When removing the fuse, pull it straight out, not wiggle it side to side.This way, your fuse socket wont get loosened by repetitively removing and reinserting it.

Removing the EFI fuse *will* reset the ECU. You may notice poorer fuel economy if you do this each time you leave the car as the ECU has to relearn A/FR and ignition timing maps.

It makes more sense for you to remove the fuel pump fuse, or better yet install a hidden killswitch along the +12V to the pump.

It's not a very good deterrent though, most experienced thieves will know what's wrong fairly quickly. An immobilizer with black wiring hidden behind the dashboard is still your best bet if you're worried about someone stealing your car.

*edit* Bypassing alarms and immobilizers have more to do with knowledge of the car's wiring looms in particular rather than the brand of model immobilizer in use. A good alarm installer will usually wire the immobilizer to the central loom or spots where a thief can't get to without removing the entire dashboard, rather than an easily accessed spot like the ignition barrel. Everything can be bypassed given sufficient time; once a thief finds the 'brain' you're pretty much screwed as it's exactly the same as finding your hidden killswitch.

A good alarm system has black wiring and simple basics like rolling code transponders, apart from that the main difference between a good and lousy system is the reliability of the system itself - you want something that will last you the life of the car because removing a faulty immobilizer is a huge PITA.

This post has been edited by skyther: Oct 22 2010, 06:46 AM