Anti-theft disconnect

I have a 2002 Tacoma that had an anti-theft device. I am having a few problems with it now. How it works is:
1-You pull back on the light switch on the left side of the steering column
2-Turn key to start

Pretty simple, but now it doesn't work all the time and I would like to find out how to disconnect it. I have looked in the steering column, but I don't see anything there that isn't factory. I don't have a clue where else to look.

Any help on this would be helpful.

Jim

 

You HAD an immobilizer? Or you still have it and it sometimes doesn't act as it usually does normally?

Is this some Homebrew system? Or an actual alarm? If it's the latter:
I'd contact a company that specializes in the model you have installed. Or pull the dash and have a look. Pulling the lighting stalk towards the steering wheel is the "flash" function. The immobilizer's ecu? has a relay input for the "Flash" to disable the immobilizer or the voltage supply for the starter relay..
Could be a few different things. Starter relay, head relay, light stalk, alarm ecu, etc.
Could even be a faulty butt- splice.

 

Are you sure it's not the starter going bad rather than the anti-theft device?

 

It was on the Tacoma when I bought it used so I have no idea on what type or brand. Yes, I am sure it's not the starter.
Like I said you have to pull back on the turn signal (pull it back toward the driver, the lights come on when it is back all the way), turn the key and the vehicle will start, if you don't pull back on the turn signal, nothing. Since this isn't my daily ride anymore, I have had to replace the battery twice in three years because of lack of driving to keep it charged. When the battery is low, it hums and will not start. Also, sometimes when you pull back on the turn signal, at a point barely back, it will start and when fully pulled not. This is about all the information I have. I have an electric brake installed, four overhead off road lights (on switches, relays and fuses). That is about all the extra items on my truck.

 

Odds are it's using the high beams to activate a relay they put in line with the ignition wire. Trace to the relay and bypass it.

 

Pull under dash out and take pic's of all wiring. Its not easy for online members to give you an answer when it comes to electrical issues.

 

Yep. Time to pull the dash. Could be a dozen different ways to skin that cat...

But I'd follow any non oem wiring from the stalk if that's how it's wired.

 

"I need some advice on how to disable the immobilizer on this Toyota I just stole...."

 

That's exactly what somebody who just stole the truck would say!



But I agree with the others; find the non-OEM wire that goes to the headlight switch and trace it.

 

Might not even be under the dash. I tapped into the high beam wire at the headlight to operate the relay for my offroad lights. This could all be out under the hood.

 

Look for a wire with a single in line fuse from your battery positive. Pull the fuse.

I found the previous owner's aftermarket alarm system was still functional when it immobilized the truck after swapping a fresh battery. Pulled the fuse as a quick fix till I had time to rip it all out.