Let the car run with a kill switch on the transmission?

I just got my 2021 4runner and I want to put a kill switch on it. But then I was thinking, I drive a lot with my dogs and I would love to be able to leave the car running with the AC for them. Will I be able to lock the doors? Can I put a kill switch on the transmission lock so it can start and run but not be shifted into gear? Is there a better way to do that?

 

use metal key to lock doors with engine running, if you don't have remote start. But: in NYS it is illegal to leave inside a car kids, elderly or animals, hot or cold outside, engine running or not. Check your local code. And: do you have leather seats?

 

Yeah leather lol but they are small dogs and i'm looking at one of those dog seat covers for the back row.

 

It can’t be shifted into gear without applying the brake but it can be bumped into neutral so apply the parking brake.

 

Right, but is that mechanical or based on the brake switch? If it's the switch I could put the kill switch inline with it (to short or break the circuit), so even if you press the brake it wouldn't let you shift.

 

If your dogs become such spazs in the car that your genuinely concerned that they will hold the brake pedal down while shifting it into gear then they are going to rip apart your interior and shouldn’t be left alone in there anyway…

 

I think you're missing the point. I'm not worried about my dogs. I want to install a kill switch so my car isn't stolen. And it would be nice if it still functioned while I leave the car running.

 

You can bypass that switch with the shift interlock bypass.

 

Gotcha, that’s much more logical.

The the brake pedal switch is an input, the shift lock solenoid is an output. You could disable either one with a kill switch. Keep in mind that little square cover next to the shifter lets you bypass the shift lock operation all together.

 

Are you concerned about potential damage? An unoccupied running vehicle in some areas will draw thieves like nothing else. A well-concealed kill switch may prevent theft, but damage incurred by attempted theft which becomes much more likely when the vehicle is empty and running.

 

Leave the transmission and transfer case in neutral, with the parking break set.

Millennials can't steal cars with manual transmissions, so how are they going to figure out a transfer case? Besides, if your dogs are barkers, who's going to be stupid enough to risk getting bitten?

Mike

 

Trade the dogs for a cougar, leave that in the car and nobody will touch it. signed - Ricky Bobby

 

just get a remote start, then when you get out remote start it so it can't be driven without the key.