I'm doing some research on how to most effectively use a kill switch. I'd like to hear about how the theives started the car. What did they break? How did they break the steering column? Did they smash off the ignition barrel to reach the electricals behind? Did you have a kill switch that they defeated or found? Did you have an aftermarket alarm that they defeated? Did you have an alarm or kill switch that prevented the theft? If so, without giving away too much info, how does your kill switch disable the vehicle, and is it an existing accessory or hidden dedicated switch. Does it auto-arm or must you enable it manually?

Thanks!

( BTW - CLUB owners - theives would like to thank you for providing them with a built-in breaker-bar for your steering lock ) If you are going to use the club, have the long end pointing to the windshield side of the A-pillar (if it will fit) because the 'StopLock' that I had in England was a nice fit right in that corner, and theives couldn't turn the wheel far enough to use the long end as a breaker-bar. If this doesn't work for you, try to find another place where the club will not be able to turn at all.

(Posted in General Max, and 4th Gen)

 

Well, when they tried to steal my maxima what they did was smashed the passenger side front window in and then broke the bottom half of the steering column (the plastic cover off) and popped out the whole ignition assembly to get to the wires behind it. Who knows why they didn't end up taking it though. I did have an alarm on it although the siren was not hooked up... it did still have the starter kill armed where you had to press the button on the remote to be able to start it. It is a very simple starter kill, but it was broad day light on a relatively busy street so I'm thinking the little starter kill stopped them long enough for them to get spooked? Either way that's the method they used to try to steal the car.

Coincidentally, I work for an insurance company and 2 days after this happened to me I got a claim from a woman who had a 99 maxima and had the same exact attempted theft in the same area.

Maximas are hot hot hot in nyc boy.

 

I had my car almost stolen in queens (union tpke and queens blvd about). They broke the passenger side window (ofcourse the stock alarm won't go off with a broken window). They popped off the plastic cover off the ignition and just pulled the damn thing out that you put the key into. Its so simple, beind it is just a little thing that you turn and it starts the car, but you have to hold it a certain way or else the steering wheel locks when you move it. I know this because I drove it home with a screwdriver that day. My car was saved by the multilock transmission lock. They managed to bend it into reverse but that was about it. The shop managed to get close to 3500 out of the insurance company, on a 750 dollar job. Got a new multilock, window, and ignition, as well as all new keys (and damnit they had to give me a gray set!). I think the multilock is definitely a good investment.

 

my max was a theft recovery
the only thing that was damaged was the steering column lock(to prevent it from turning) was broken, and the ignition,

 

My Maxima was stolen (before I got it)...here is how they did it.

They broke the door lock...shut the alarm...and started the car within minutes because it was stolen from a lot that was very busy.

Police were notified 2 hours later when they chased the Maxima for 20 minutes and lost sight of them before the crossed to NY.

Car was found with no Doors/interior/trunk/rims/hood/bumpers 3 days later.

No damage to any parts of the vehicle....the parts were recovered seperatly during the next several months.

How do I know the story? The police ran the VIN and got the full report for me.

I bought it and put parts from other Maxima's to build mine.

I see hundreds of stolen/rec. everyday...most professionals don't break the car...they are able to start it directly at the ignition without extensive damage...joy riders will destroy a car...

Erik