car finance pass time device fitted

Stoke

So, we've ascertained that the OP really didn't have any cash and this was a way of getting round it, but there's a few things that concern me. Exactly how is the immobilizer disabled/enabled remotely? Does it use something like 3G/2G telephony? Or is it something more ubiquitous? If it's the first, imagine being stuck in Wales and you can't reactivate the immobilizer because you've got no signal or something ridiculous? Sounds nuts but it wouldn't surprise me.

As a system, it's not something I'd ever go for, but I can understand the OP's position, especially when the other half has cleaned them out. I don't know what job it is you do, but if your vehicle is merely a mode of transportation, I might have been tempted to flick to somewhere like Gumtree and get a quick sale vehicle off there. I just put in a search in my local area with a max of £300 and I was able to find a fairly rough looking 206, with 12 months tax and test. Ok, so it's a little rough, but it does run, at least according to the ad and if that might have been able to tie you over for a few months that might have been more prudent.

However hindsight and all that, well done on getting it sorted and I hope you're able to sort all the finance problems out with your ex.

[Deleted User]

Stoke wrote: »

Exactly how is the immobilizer disabled/enabled remotely?

I don't think it is disabled/enabled remotely.

The OP stated he/she has to enter a code (supplied by the company in exchange for the payment) each month.

This implies the immobilizer operates on a timer, rather than a transmitted signal.

colino

OP you might be entirely genuine, but why would someone, who has already, "done the deal" post such an awareness raising post of sub-prime finance on a money saving website? Next it will be gratitude for the local, "Buy here, pay here" thug bombsite that has opened up or recommendations for prepaid energy meter cards to save the hassle of direct debits. By all means as a lender of absolute last resort let people know it exists, but there are plenty, cheaper, alternatives in transport.

jazzajack

colino wrote: »

OP you might be entirely genuine, but why would someone, who has already, "done the deal" post such an awareness raising post of sub-prime finance on a money saving website? Next it will be gratitude for the local, "Buy here, pay here" thug bombsite that has opened up or recommendations for prepaid energy meter cards to save the hassle of direct debits. By all means as a lender of absolute last resort let people know it exists, but there are plenty, cheaper, alternatives in transport.

i asked for advice about the reliability of the system . if i had not explained why i had the systemthe system , people would have just said remove it.
I bought some cheap coffee from tescos the other day , oops i have told you , so i must work for tesco:rotfl:

patman99

These passtime devices are apparently common in the USA where they are fitted to lease & hire cars. They are also incredibly easy to bypass by cutting and joining the blue & purple wires.
The car can then be started & the box will still send behave as if it is fully active in that it will still chime and will still allow the car to function even if it is 'shut down'.

Stoke

patman99 wrote: »

These passtime devices are apparently common in the USA where they are fitted to lease & hire cars. They are also incredibly easy to bypass by cutting and joining the blue & purple wires.
The car can then be started & the box will still send behave as if it is fully active in that it will still chime and will still allow the car to function even if it is 'shut down'.

Sounds good to me

colino

That's as true as opening locked car doors with a tennis ball, Youtube fantasy.
The most up to date ones even shut off when you try to shield them from the satellites and you need another code to restart them.
No doubt there are smart cookies out there who will be able to keep the thing running and fool the black box that it is authorised to run, but cutting a wire and joe public having a free car - no chance.

AdrianC

colino wrote: »

The most up to date ones even shut off when you try to shield them from the satellites

Just make sure you never park in an underground car park, eh?

patman99

There are 5 wires connecting the box to the wiring loom.
Red = permanent 12v live feed - keeps box active for comms.
Black = negative (ground)
Pink = linked into ignition
Blue = power in to start car
Purple = Power out to start car

The device works by preventing connection between Blue & Purple lines so long as the unit has an active code.
By joining the 2 wires where they go to the main loom (rather than forming a loop back into the box) you are bypassing the start inhibitor in the box.
The box still has the 12v + feed, ground & link from ignition. All it doesn't have is the ability to actually disable the car's ability to start.

The info was not gained from youtube.
As for the reliability, this is proven technology so should be 100% reliable. After all, it is not high-end tech. It is very basic circuitry and is made as un-complex as possible (keeps down costs).

One thing though, as it has a tracker built in, I am wondering if once the loan has been paid-off, the providers could leave it in place and reprogram it to become a security tracker with pin entry for starting the car and charge a small monthly fee for the service. As it is already installed, it would be a good extra security feature that could actually lower the insurance premium.

patman99

colino wrote: »

That's as true as opening locked car doors with a tennis ball, Youtube fantasy.

You actually could pop the locks on a Vauxhall with c/l using a tennis ball. This could be done on most of them prior to 1996 when they added a small air hole.
Not sure about other makes, but did have to do it on my Carlton.