So I'm thinking of fitting a small switch between the ignition barrel switch to power the starter motor to start the engine and the supply to the starter circuitry so that when switched off the key can be turned to the on position with no effect but when turned to crank position nothing happens unless switch is in the on position acting as a manual imboliser and preventing engine starting so helping prevent theft (atm this is just an idea so looking for advice help etc)

I don't see the point


They are fairly hard to start without the correct transponder key. Unlike some more modern keyless entry cars


The Panda and parts has little value

OK that's helpful to know the panda may have little value but to me my car has far more value than just being a car

correct they have value to the owner

But to strip for parts. Gearbox C510 has remained unchanged since the 1990s
Used in Alfa, Fiat, Ford. Plenty of Puntos being broken. Without warranty or low mileage there under £100 and the tiny CAT hasn't enough precious material to make it desirable to cash in


If you are going to steel a car there more lucrative and easier options

The best way to stop joy riders wanted a ride home is use a Stop Lock. It won't stop a professional, but they won't be interested in a Fiat Panda.

If you really want to isolate the starter, then fit a race type isolator switch. It means running a thick positive battery cable to the switch and on to the starter/alternator but when switched off the battery is isolated and nothing electrical can happen. Fit a 5 amp fuse across the switch to keep radio and clock active. Any start attempts will pop that fuse so put it somewhere easy to access and keep some spares handy.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIA-Type...012323?hash=item284e7574e3:g:1TkAAOSw05taZhs-

Or go the full monty with an FIA version
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brise-EV...302686?hash=item547cd0aa1e:g:LL0AAOSw~5ReEEjm

A stop lock is indeed the way to go. It’s been noted that once a car thief sees a lock like this in a vehicle, it’s not worth the hassle and moves on. As said though a professional car thief who comes prepared with the tools of his trade really will not be interested in a wee Panda A stop lock is more than enough to deter your average joy rider.

But how is a joy rider going to start the car


Without having and fitting a spare ECU and Body computer with key for exactly the correct model and year.

Even then they will have to brake out the steering lock with a slide hammer.


Not quite as easy as in the films

koalar said:

But how is a joy rider going to start the car


Without having and fitting a spare ECU and Body computer with key for exactly the correct model and year.

Even then they will have to brake out the steering lock with a slide hammer.


Not quite as easy as in the films

Click to expand...

Oh indeed I get your point. I suppose what I’m generally saying is a stop lock is a deterrent for any car and might stop any damage done to a vehicle by being in sight alone. Not all joy riders are equipped with brains that function properly

I had a joy rider try to take my Montego diesel - probably because he could the security was on the non-existent side of crap and I had forgotten to fit the Stop Lock. Thankfully the steering lock clicked on a few yards down our extended grass verge "drive". The car was not badly damaged and easy to repair.


I did fit a cheap alarm with the siren under the dash (triggered by air pressure and door switches). It impossible to sit in the car with that thing screaming. The flashing LED was a deterrent, but more importantly I now used the Stop Lock every time.

Having your car nicked no matter the circumstances, is not good to say the least. I’m lucky enough to live in an area where car crime such as joy riding is zilch. It’s not that long ago I’ve had youngsters at my door informing me, your keys are hanging in your lock or you’ve left the lights on, on your car. In summer months I’ve left windows down, only realising the next day. Mind you I certainly wouldn’t push my luck by knowingly do this by choice. Not as sharp these days..:chin:

jimboy said:

Having your car nicked no matter the circumstances, is not good to say the least. I’m lucky enough to live in an area where car crime such as joy riding is zilch. It’s not that long ago I’ve had youngsters at my door informing me, your keys are hanging in your lock or you’ve left the lights on, on your car. In summer months I’ve left windows down, only realising the next day. Mind you I certainly wouldn’t push my luck by knowingly do this by choice. Not as sharp these days..:chin:

Click to expand...

It's similar where I live, but it usually rains when I leave a car window open. My father-in-law is a retired a policeman so you can guess my wife is well trained to keep everything properly locked.

On my other older car with no immobiliser I've wired a simple toggle switch on to the fuel pump circuit in a hidden place.

So yes, it's easy to do.

But as koalar says, the 169 Panda can't be started unless the transponder chip is present in the key, so it's already pretty safe from theft.

The main thing is a Stop Lock will avoid the bar stewards from having a go in the first place. If they do get into your car but can't get it started you'll probably find it gets trashed anyway. If they simply moved on because (a) it's "only" a Panda and (b) its got a Stop Lock you won't be walking in the morning.

DaveMcT said:

The main thing is a Stop Lock will avoid the bar stewards from having a go in the first place. If they do get into your car but can't get it started you'll probably find it gets trashed anyway. If they simply moved on because (a) it's "only" a Panda and (b) its got a Stop Lock you won't be walking in the morning.

Click to expand...

Indeed, my point exactly..

I always thought a stoplock were a waste of time

People use to steel airbags and to stop this coved them with a stoplock.

They were still stolen. In fact more so.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM9f7mBw8sQ


The beauty of a low value car is it isn't such a target as long as you don't leave valuables or even empty bags inside

DaveMcT said:

The main thing is a Stop Lock will avoid the bar stewards from having a go in the first place.

Click to expand...

Yes, that's a good point. If the OP is worried about their car being targeted, then a visual deterrent is a good idea. These people* are often looking for an easy target.

Some of them seem to think it's just more fun to pick on an older low-value car anyway.

When my sister had her 2CV at university, some (presumably) drunk students thought it would be fun to run over the top of it. 2CV bonnets and canvas roofs aren't the toughest things in the world.

Then when I had the 2CV in a not-so-great part of Manchester it started getting vandalised. I used to disconnect the coil when I wasn't using it, but came home to find it gone anyway. OK they couldn't start it, but pushed it a couple of streets away and set fire to it instead.

Stop Lock will not halt anyone who really wants your car or the airbag. But that's not really the point on a Panda. It's a visual deterrent to (hopefully) cause someone, thick enough to think he can drive it home, to go to the next car in line. It avoids further damage being caused when they find they can't start the car.

DaveMcT said:

Stop Lock will not halt anyone who really wants your car or the airbag. But that's not really the point on a Panda. It's a visual deterrent to (hopefully) cause someone, thick enough to think he can drive it home, to go to the next car in line. It avoids further damage being caused when they find they can't start the car.

Click to expand...

That's my whole idea it's more to stop some little dip **** from taking my car (did I say that my last car was a citroen ax least it was until my cousin drunk decided to "borrow" it lucky for him the timing belt snapped at a set of traffic lights so didn't dammge the engine but it cost more for recovery that it was worth and got more for it in scrap value needless to say I don't want my panda "borrowed")

A hidden switch in the fuel pump power supply will stop "friends" taking your keys. The Stop lock will divert potential joy riders elsewhere.