How to block a checkpoint from car theft. Blocking the car from theft Mechanical alarm system on the gearbox
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Hijackers are often better equipped than CIA agents. They easily disable alarms, jam signals from satellite beacons, intercept encrypted codes for opening a car, and easily bypass various locks.
It’s clear that electronics are electronics, but don’t write off good old mechanics. Let's take a closer look at such a thing as a gearbox blocker. What is he like?
This lock is located inside the car. There are arc, pinless and pin blockers. But the essence of their work is the same - to fix the gear shift lever in one position, not allowing further shifting.
Pin locks - the gear shift lever is secured with a pin made of the strongest steel. To unlock it, use a special key to open the blocker lock and the pin comes out, enough so that it can be grabbed and pulled out.
Pinless locks also have a pin, but it is hidden inside the gearbox and there is no need to constantly remove it back and forth. There is a special lock in the cabin, in which the owner of the car activates or deactivates the lock by turning the key.
Pinless gearbox lock
Arc gearbox lock - is an arc that wraps around the gearshift lever and fixes it in a stationary position. These blockers, in turn, are divided into model and universal. Model bollards – initially manufactured for specific car brands, universal bollards, are mainly installed on “not new” cars.
It seems that the thing is quite reliable, and may well interfere with the hijacker. Let's try to weigh the pros and cons. What can be attributed to the advantages of such a method of protection as a gearbox lock?
Advantages:
It is clear that by installing such a lock, you will create an additional obstacle for the thief. After all, it will be quite problematic to roll the car back, having first depressed the clutch, so that the people around you do not pay attention. And the attackers don’t have time to tinker with these pins, trying to unlock the gearbox. This is where the advantages end.
Flaws:
If the pin and pinless gearbox lock somehow fits into the interior of the car, thanks to its compact size, then the arc locker is quite large, and somehow does not at all decorate the car interior with its presence.
If you can somehow come to terms with the shortcomings of the aesthetic plan, then it is somehow more difficult to come to terms with the fact that the checkpoint blocker is quite easy to bypass. By simply releasing the clutch, you can roll the car away from the parking lot.
Experienced car thieves sometimes get to the inside of the gearbox through the hood, so it is also advisable to close access to the space under the hood.
Everyone will decide for themselves whether it makes sense to install this blocker on their car. There is only one conclusion that can be drawn: as an independent anti-theft device, the gearbox lock will absolutely not live up to your hopes. Perhaps, as part of a carefully thought-out security complex, it will make its modest contribution to protection against theft, but it will not be a very big contribution.
Cars have been stolen, are being stolen, and will be stolen. We need to come to terms with this and shift the focus of the problem from the automotive sphere to the social one. But it is not at all easier for the owners of stolen cars because Zhorik Kosoy had a difficult childhood, and he is so offended by society that he steals cars from him. Zhoriki should be dealt with by the relevant services, which, by the way, we feed quite well with taxes. Our task is to ensure the safety of your car.
The simplest and most effective?
The simpler the device, the more reliable it is. This has been tested for centuries and cannot be disputed. The mechanical locking of the gearbox has also been tested over years of use, and many have become convinced of its simplicity and reliability, because the system has saved more than a dozen cars from these same zhoriks.
Naturally, every lock can be picked and opened, and every car can be stolen in a matter of minutes without noise or dust. This depends on the qualifications of the thief and his level of knowledge about the stolen car. As sad as it is to realize, the most advanced security systems only delay the theft process, but in no way make it impossible, despite what the sellers of cunning systems tell us. However, you need to be on the safe side, and mechanical transmission locking is one way to sleep a little more peacefully. In addition, the cost of installation and the cost of the device itself are incomparable with the cost of a car.
Operation of mechanical gearbox locks
Despite the tales about the exclusivity of this or that mechanical gearbox lock, they all come in only two types - pin and arc. Car thieves also divide them into interior and engine compartment ones. Both mechanical interlocks have no meaning as a full-fledged security system. They can only be effective in combination with other security systems. 
All mechanical locks work on the same principle - they block the transmission control drive system. There can be a great variety of blocking options:
- gearshift lever lock;
- blocking the automatic transmission control drive cable;
- backstage lock for manual transmission;
- internal mechanical gearbox lock;
- blocking the gear shift mechanism on the box itself.
This is the only way to block any box using mechanical methods. Manufacturers classify blockers in their own way, but hijackers don’t classify them, they hack them. But the principle of operation of all blockers is the same - to prevent the gearbox from operating under any conditions until the owner removes the blockage. The range of prices in the assortment of such devices is explained by the different levels of complexity of a particular design.
External shift locks have more of a psychological impact on the public. They say that the owner cares about the safety of his car and put a bright red crutch on the gearshift lever for good reason. Most likely, this is not the only protection for the car, and besides, you will have to tinker a lot with an inconvenient stick in order to carefully and silently saw it or drill out the lock in full view of passers-by. 
Although it is not at all necessary to remove it. If the car has a manual transmission, then just get into the cabin, press the clutch, and roll the car to a convenient place. There they are already engaged in dismantling the protection and searching for other devices. If the gearbox is and the mode selector is fixed in P mode, parking, then the situation is a little more complicated. You will have to look for the drive cable for switching automatic transmission modes. This will prolong the theft process by just a few minutes, but they can be decisive.
Conventionally, we called them salon ones, because they are installed in the salon, they are attached from the salon, and they are controlled from the salon. You can just bypass them from anywhere. Not only from the salon. If this is not the bulky lever described above, then it is a mechanical lock for the automatic transmission control drive cable. There are several models of them, each manufacturer recommends installation in different places, but mostly they are placed near the gear shift lever.
To bypass such a system, you do not need to drill out the lock cylinder or select a key. It is enough to get to the gear shift drive from under the hood or from under the car and switch the automatic transmission mode manually. Quiet, peaceful and without unnecessary attention-grabbing actions.
These devices directly block either the shift lever, which is located on the box, or the gearbox mechanism itself from the inside. In both cases, a regular cylinder with a lock is used. Only now the thief will have to look for the place where the blocking is installed, and if the service station employees who installed the blocking did not leak information to him, then the search may take several hours, which will certainly reduce the thief’s chances of success.
Whatever lock we would have to put on the car, it is important to know that no device can provide a 100% guarantee of the safety of the car. Often the likelihood of theft depends on ourselves. So, rely on multilocs, but don’t make a mistake yourself, have successful and safe roads!
Unfortunately, crime in the post-Soviet countries is a common phenomenon, so for many car owners the issue of vehicle safety remains open. Today, there are various ways to protect your car from hacking - these are alarms, steering wheels. But not every car enthusiast knows what an automatic transmission lock is, so in this article we will tell you everything about these devices.
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Characteristic
An automatic transmission lock or Mul-T-Lock (multilock) is a device designed to lock a transmission, both manual and automatic. Initially, the Mul-T-Lock company was engaged in the production of such devices; its products have always been distinguished by high quality and secrecy. But today, the name Mul-T-Lock refers to many anti-theft mechanisms produced by various manufacturers.
The first gearbox locking devices were quite primitive, since they were ordinary locks with fasteners that were installed on the rocker. Installation was carried out using V-shaped brackets. However, later mechanisms equipped with a pin device began to enter the automotive market. Today, the variety of Mul-T-Lock is simply amazing with its huge selection. As practice shows, such precautions help prevent vehicle theft, since such locks can be installed discreetly and will not interfere with the interior of the car.
Mul-T-Lock, mounted on a manual or automatic transmission, is a locking mechanism that is manufactured directly for a specific car model. At the same time, the developers take into account all the features of the vehicle so that the consumer does not have problems with the operation of the mechanism.
Kinds
As you already understand, the main purpose of any blocker is to ensure the safety of the machine. Regardless of the type, any Mul-T-Lock should prevent automatic or manual transmission modes from switching when the lock is closed.
There are four types of locking devices:
- Pin Mul-T-Lock. In this case, the locking device is a pin made of durable steel. The pin is removed from the system after the lock is opened by turning the key.
- Pinless Mul-T-Lock. Here the locking mechanism is built into the lock itself. But control is carried out in a similar way - using a key.
- Universal blockers can be installed on any type of car. In this case, the exception is only those machines that, in principle, do not allow the installation of a blocker due to their design.
- Custom Mul-T-Lock locks are made specifically for a specific car model.
Design
Based on the information above, we can conclude that locks for manual transmissions and automatic transmissions are divided into two main types: pinless and pin. In the case of a pinless mechanism, the motorist needs to turn the key on the device to activate the device. As for pin devices, to unlock the car, the owner needs to remove a special pin, which is installed in a special bracket. In practice, both devices are simple in design, but at the same time quite reliable.
The keyhole of any Mul-T-Lock device is usually located on the console itself - on the left, right or front. Sometimes the design of an automatic transmission lock involves installing a keyhole between the front seats or on the instrument panel, next to the steering wheel. In both cases, the locking element itself is controlled using a key.
A device on the gearbox transmits force between the cylinder and the locking mechanism, changing direction. In practice, the main advantage of manual or automatic transmission locks is the complete absence of patterns, that is, the likelihood of breaking such a lock is quite low. Even if you compare two Mul-T-Lock models - for the Hyundai Accent 2004 and 2009, their devices will be radically different. In addition, Mul-T-Lock locks are regularly updated during production, so differences may be present even in cars of the same year of manufacture, but with different engine sizes. In addition, certain differences in design may be present in identical cars, only with different types of gearbox.
If you decide to buy such a lock for a car with an automatic transmission, then you need to know the following information:
- transmission type;
- vehicle model;
- year of manufacture of the car;
- engine volume and power.
Operating principle
Let's look at the operating principle of the Mul-T-Lock device:
- A pin lock functions like this: a special pin of the lock is installed in the mounting location, thus ensuring that it is impossible to switch the automatic transmission selector. The pin itself is fixed with a key. The mechanism is unlocked in the same way - to switch the automatic transmission lever, the pin must be removed.
- The pinless mechanism functions in a similar way in principle, the only difference being that the pin is never removed. It is installed in the gearbox structure, and its movement is carried out using a key.
Peculiarities
It should be noted that before selling, manufacturers often test their products for exposure to changes in ambient temperature. During such studies, the manufacturer is able to identify even the most minor deviations from the norm in the operation of all structural elements. For example, if we are talking about the jamming of certain components or the appearance of malfunctions during operation in severe frost. Overall, transmission locks are fairly easy to use.
But the most important factor that determines the highest degree of protection of the gearbox from burglary is the “filling” of the lock itself. Specifically, we are talking about the cylinder and the patented technology used to produce it. This technology is called “Pin in Pin”. In simple words, we can say that thanks to this technology, any lock has hundreds of thousands, even millions of different combinations, as a result of which selecting a key is almost impossible.
Nowadays, every car owner needs to take care of protecting their car from auto theft. And in this matter, the main thing is not to install a sophisticated and expensive alarm system, but to make a combined protection from an immobilizer, a GPS tracker and various mechanical and electromechanical locks on the steering wheel, pedals and gearbox. How to choose the right gearbox blockers, is there any reliability, how best to install them, we’ll talk about this further.
How to protect
In short, a gearbox lock is a device that prevents the gearbox lever from moving. In cars with a manual transmission, the device fixes the position corresponding to the reverse speed. In cars with an automatic transmission - position P. The lock can be installed in the car interior or placed under the hood so that a car thief cannot easily bypass this system. However, if an attacker breaks into a car and gains access to the interior, encountering a blockage, he can simply squeeze the clutch and roll the car away without touching the gearbox. At night this option is quite possible, but during the day it will attract the attention of surrounding people.
To choose the most reliable and effective checkpoint lock, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the strength of the metal of the lock, because a car thief can drill it or simply saw it off. In addition, you should find out in advance what nuances there are in the gearbox; during installation you will have to interfere with its structure. You also need to install it as secretly as possible. After all, easy access helps an intruder quickly deal with the device. The gearbox lock together with pedal protection and a hood lock also helps to protect the car well. Because a car thief can bypass the blocking only through the engine compartment. Once you have access to the gearbox, you can easily get rid of the blockage.
Varieties and types
Today, finding a gearbox lock is not a problem. The main problem is which type (variety) to choose. All gearbox blockers can be divided by design, installation method, manufacturer, and so on. They are mainly pinned, pinless, arc, mechanical and electromechanical.
Shtyrevoy
It is a fairly simple device that is reliable to use. The lock looks like a pin; it is inserted into a special hidden hole in the gearbox. It is necessary to engage a certain gear on the transmission, for example, reverse on a manual transmission or the “P” position on an automatic transmission. Next, the pin is inserted into the hole so that it sticks out slightly. Now, in order to engage the gear and unlock it, you need a separate key inserted into the lock of the lock. This is where the disadvantage of this type of gearbox lock comes from - there is a risk of losing the key, and then the owner himself will not be able to drive away in a stolen car. But for a car thief, this option creates considerable problems.
Besshtyrevoy
It differs from the option above only in the installation method. The principle of operation remains the same. The pinless lock is installed inside the gearbox. The pin itself is present, but it is not visible in the interior; there is no longer any need to remove the pin from the box yourself. Also, a specific, special key is required to unlock. This option is good because the car thief does not see whether there is a lock and will not immediately understand why the transmission does not engage. And for the car owner it is easier to use the lock - just turn the key and the box is unlocked or locked. But a pinless lock is difficult to install on the gearbox yourself; it is better to contact a car service, which leads to additional costs.
Arc
This device looks like an arc-shaped bracket; it covers the gear lever. The lever is pressed against the lock and locked; it cannot be moved. The operating principle is simple, but outwardly it looks rather unattractive due to its specific design. There is less reliability, and at the same time the thief sees that there is a blockage at the checkpoint. But if it is made of low-quality steel, then you can safely saw it. The arc gearbox lock is not particularly popular among the population; it is gradually being replaced by pin and pinless versions.
Mechanical
Mechanical gearbox locking means that additional devices must be installed to prevent the moving parts of the gearbox from operating. Mechanical ones include the previously described options: pin, pinless and arc. Mechanical blockers can also be divided into universal and model versions. Universal devices include devices that fit any car. And model ones are intended for installation only on a specific gearbox model. They take into account all the nuances and features of the gearbox.
When choosing any mechanical gearbox lock, it is especially necessary to pay attention to the durability and strength of the metal, whether it can withstand sawing attempts, and what is the reliability of the device. You should also make sure that the selected model is suitable for the vehicle and gearbox.
Electromechanical
For lovers of modern devices, there is an alternative option - an electromechanical lock. Outwardly, it is not noticeable and does not take up space in the cabin. The operation of this lock depends on a special electronic tag. It is enough to apply it to the protection, and you can change gears again. At first glance, it is not noticeable where the small point of contact with the key fob is located. But it is quite difficult to hack the device mechanically. The system is securely fixed using shear bolts.
Where and how to install
As mentioned above, the gearbox lock must be installed directly near the gearshift lever. But it can also be placed on the gearbox in the hood of the car.
Features of the gearbox lock installed in the car interior
The blocker located inside the car is easy for a car thief to get to. For this reason, the design of the system must be as durable as possible. Otherwise, an attacker can easily dismantle the brackets and fastenings.
Features of a gearbox lock installed in the engine compartment
The principle of operation of the system does not differ from the option above. It's all about the installation location. It is necessary to install protection directly in the gearbox. It will take extra time for the car thief to get there. And if you additionally install it on the hood lock, then the effectiveness of protection will be greater.
Advantages and disadvantages
As with any device, gearbox locks contain both positive (advantages) and negative (disadvantages) aspects. Based on the opinions of users who have already installed this protection for themselves and the opinion of our experts, we will try to figure out what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of car protection against theft.
Advantages
- Installing a blocker at the checkpoint allows you to increase the time it takes to steal a car. The more a car thief tinkers with the car and gearbox, the greater the chance that the theft will fail. If more than 3 minutes are spent, the hijacker refuses further work. Only working on a tip, he will stop at nothing.
- The gearbox locks are very reliable and easy to use. All the car owner needs is a key to lock it.
Flaws
- As already mentioned, to bypass the blocking, just squeeze the clutch and tow the car away. And then in a secluded place you can safely remove the entire blockage.
- Experienced car thieves know how to bypass the blockage by reaching the gearbox through the hood.
- Self-installation of a gearbox lock in the engine compartment is quite difficult; therefore, you also have to spend money on installation in a car repair shop.
- A low-quality gearbox lock can simply be cut off or drilled out by attackers.
Hello, dear car enthusiasts! The issue of car safety has always been in the first place after purchasing it. Car safety has become especially relevant today, when the cost of a car is calculated in tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Some car owners reassure themselves by installing “sophisticated” electronic systems, although we all understand perfectly well that today’s car thief no longer goes to work with a crowbar or a master key. According to “theft specialists,” each electronic anti-theft device has its own code grabber.
What should a motorist do when from different sources about anti-theft systems there are different, sometimes contradictory opinions about methods and devices against theft? What needs to be done is the following: combine electronic and mechanical anti-theft means into a single security system. If, of course, your car deserves it.
Let's talk about mechanical anti-theft devices. In particular, about what a gearbox lock is and whether it’s worth it.
What does it mean: mechanical gearbox lock
Gearbox locking is the installation of mechanisms that make it impossible to change gears by blocking the moving parts of the gearbox.
With all the many proposed options for mechanical anti-theft systems for gearboxes, the gearbox lock, as a rule, has the same principle of operation - the impossibility of moving one or another part of the gearbox mechanism.
The traditional classification of mechanical gearbox locks implies: universal gearbox locks and model gearbox locks.
Universal blockers is a mechanical gearbox lock that is installed on any car model.
Model blockers– this is a locking of the gearbox of a particular car model, taking into account its design features. Model blockers can safely include the following systems: Mult-Lock (multilock), Defend-Lock, Bear-Lock, Construct.
In turn, both types of gearbox locks are divided into pin and pinless. There are also arc gearbox locks to block the gear shift lever. But they are still being forced out of the market by pin and pinless locks.
Gearbox pin lock: operating principle
The operating principle of a pin lock is simple. After you have stopped the car, the lever is moved to one of the required positions: this can be setting at a certain “speed” in, or in the “P” position for.
The lever is then locked using a metal pin, which is made of high-strength steel. The pin is inserted into a special hole in the gearbox, and its small “head” remains on the surface.
The gearbox pin lock is unlocked by the owner using a key. When you turn the key inserted into the blocker lock, the pin “shoots” a few centimeters, and thus the pin is removed.
Pinless lock for gearbox
Naturally, there is a pin in the pinless gearbox lock. The only difference from the pin one is that it does not need to be inserted into the socket and removed manually every time.
The pin is located inside the gearbox and is not visible from the outside at all. The pinless lock is controlled by a key and lock. He stopped, inserted the key into the lock and turned it - the anti-theft lock was activated. Before starting to drive, I turned the key and it unlocked.
A feature of the pinless locking device is that its installation requires intervention in the internal structure of the gearbox, so its installation should only be done at a car service center.
The most used gearbox locking systems are tag lock and multilock gearbox. The range of these well-known brands includes both pin and pinless mechanical transmission locking systems.
“People’s” tips for choosing a mechanical gearbox lock
- a mechanical lock should only work in conjunction with an anti-theft alarm system;
- when installing a pinless lock, you need to choose a service station very carefully, since you will have to “interfere” with the gearbox design;
- When choosing the lock itself, pay attention to the anti-vandal resistance of the lock of the lock on the gearbox; it must be made of durable metal, protected from drilling and sawing.
Mechanical transmission locking is considered one of the reliable ways to ensure the safety of your car. And the choice of a gearbox lock system depends on the capabilities of your budget and car model.
Good luck with your choice of gearbox locking system.
