Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start

"Fred" <Fred.DeleteThis@Cross.Bal> wrote in message
news:9pednX7HR94PWyPfRVn-tQ@comcast.com...
 >
 > "gobler" <UseLinkToEmail.DeleteThis@AutoForumz.com> wrote in message
 > news:1_614899_00296b4042a1efe3de100416f8c16c98@autoforumz.com...
  >> Hello,
  >> Someone broke into my 1996 Acura Integra GSR recently.
 > They removed
  >> the plastic around my steering column and broke the ignition off and I
  >> found it hanging by it's wires.
 >
 > Most likely he/she tried to hot wire your car but couldn't get it started.
 >
 > Also, the passeger-side plastic panel
  >> between the passenger door and the firewall was removed and now there
  >> are three green plugs hanging out from under the glove box. Where do
  >> they plug back in? Was there an electrical component there?
 >
 > Yes, major component - they stole the car's computer.
 >
That is not as grim as it sounds. Don't even think of going to the dealer
for one - they run around $1000 new. But they are widely available at
wrecking yards for roughly $100 and are as good as the one you lost. Call
around, because the last time I needed one I got prices from $75 to $150.

Mike<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

gobler <UseLinkToEmail RemoveThis @AutoForumz.com> wrote in
news:1_614899_00296b4042a1efe3de100416f8c16c98@autoforumz.com:

 > Hello,
 > Someone broke into my 1996 Acura Integra GSR recently. They removed
 > the plastic around my steering column and broke the ignition off and I
 > found it hanging by it’s wires. Also, the passeger-side plastic panel
 > between the passenger door and the firewall was removed and now there
 > are three green plugs hanging out from under the glove box. Where do
 > they plug back in? Was there an electrical component there?


The unit stolen is the ECU;engine control unit,it runs the fuel injection
system.
My 94 GSR had the same thing happen,it took 6 WEEKS for Acura to get a new
one from Japan,it had to be made,they don't stock them.Cost 2 yrs ago was
$775 USD. from the dealer.

The car is DEAD without it.

They stole it to use in another car,probably for re-programming for higher
performance.

I suggest you invest in an auto alarm to keep them from using your car as a
parts source in the future.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

"Michael Pardee" <michaeltnull DeleteThis @cybertrails.com> wrote in
news:aI-dnULMH__hUyPfRVn-hA@sedona.net:

 > "Fred" <Fred DeleteThis @Cross.Bal> wrote in message
 > news:9pednX7HR94PWyPfRVn-tQ@comcast.com...
  >>
  >> "gobler" <UseLinkToEmail DeleteThis @AutoForumz.com> wrote in message
  >> news:1_614899_00296b4042a1efe3de100416f8c16c98@autoforumz.com...
   >>> Hello,
   >>> Someone broke into my 1996 Acura Integra GSR recently.
  >> They removed
   >>> the plastic around my steering column and broke the ignition off and
   >>> I found it hanging by it's wires.
  >>
  >> Most likely he/she tried to hot wire your car but couldn't get it
  >> started.
  >>
  >> Also, the passeger-side plastic panel
   >>> between the passenger door and the firewall was removed and now
   >>> there are three green plugs hanging out from under the glove box.
   >>> Where do they plug back in? Was there an electrical component
   >>> there?
  >>
  >> Yes, major component - they stole the car's computer.
  >>
 > That is not as grim as it sounds. Don't even think of going to the
 > dealer for one - they run around $1000 new. But they are widely
 > available at wrecking yards for roughly $100 and are as good as the
 > one you lost. Call around, because the last time I needed one I got
 > prices from $75 to $150.
 >
 > Mike
 >
 >

I think you can find them on Ebay,too.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

 >
 > I suggest you invest in an auto alarm to keep them from using your car as
 > a
 > parts source in the future.
 >

I had my GSR stolen in San Diego with a good alarm system. Car was
completely stripped within 2 hours and the parts were already on its way to
Mexico - very common for stolen Acuras/Hondas in that part of the area.

Alarm or no alarm, I don't know, doesn't stop the pros and my insurance did
not cover any of the after market installations including the alarm, power
amps, subs, cd/mp3 changer, etc. I got about 75% of the street price for the
car and nothing for the aftermarket stuff. Victimized twice, once by the
thieves and again by my insurance company.

What can you do? This country has an endless supply of losers, and given
enough time, when I get my new car, it will be keyed, vandalized or stolen.
Best defense is a good insurance policy, and a high level of tolerance.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

"Fred" <Fred.TakeThisOut@Cross.Bal> wrote in
news:zvGdnSQSwoH-qiLfRVn-qA@comcast.com:

  >>
  >> I suggest you invest in an auto alarm to keep them from using your
  >> car as a
  >> parts source in the future.
  >>
 >
 > I had my GSR stolen in San Diego with a good alarm system. Car was
 > completely stripped within 2 hours and the parts were already on its
 > way to Mexico - very common for stolen Acuras/Hondas in that part of
 > the area.

Were you nearby to hear the alarm going off?

 >
 > Alarm or no alarm, I don't know, doesn't stop the pros

I agree that no alarm alone will stop pro thieves.

 > and my
 > insurance did not cover any of the after market installations
 > including the alarm, power amps, subs, cd/mp3 changer, etc. I got
 > about 75% of the street price for the car and nothing for the
 > aftermarket stuff. Victimized twice, once by the thieves and again by
 > my insurance company.
 >
 > What can you do? This country has an endless supply of losers, and
 > given enough time, when I get my new car, it will be keyed,
 > vandalized or stolen. Best defense is a good insurance policy, and a
 > high level of tolerance.
 >
 >
 >

I still like to make it a bit more difficult for the thieves.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

"Jim Yanik" <jyanik DeleteThis @abuse.gov.> wrote in message
news:Xns9681D5A513165jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.83...
 > "Fred" <Fred DeleteThis @Cross.Bal> wrote in
 > news:zvGdnSQSwoH-qiLfRVn-qA@comcast.com:
 >
   >>>
   >>> I suggest you invest in an auto alarm to keep them from using your
   >>> car as a
   >>> parts source in the future.
   >>>
  >>
  >> I had my GSR stolen in San Diego with a good alarm system. Car was
  >> completely stripped within 2 hours and the parts were already on its
  >> way to Mexico - very common for stolen Acuras/Hondas in that part of
  >> the area.
 >
 > Were you nearby to hear the alarm going off?
 >

No, my alarm installer said there is a device the thieves use that disable
the alarm system from the outside. If you are in a big city, alarm goes off
all the time and no one pays any attention. Better alarms call your cell
phone but you really have to respond fast - 7 seconds, its gone! Even lojack
is no use after the first hour of the thief. It would stop most armatures
but those are pros.

Steering wheel locks - cut within 15 seconds. I use a lock for the gas or
brake peddle - slows them down and the San Diego police likes that better
than the steering wheel lock. I would also install a hood lock, power and
gas shut off device.

The RSX continue the tradition as one of the most stolen cars - you would
think Acura would have done a better job against thieves.


  >>
  >> Alarm or no alarm, I don't know, doesn't stop the pros
 >
 > I agree that no alarm alone will stop pro thieves.
 >
  >> and my
  >> insurance did not cover any of the after market installations
  >> including the alarm, power amps, subs, cd/mp3 changer, etc. I got
  >> about 75% of the street price for the car and nothing for the
  >> aftermarket stuff. Victimized twice, once by the thieves and again by
  >> my insurance company.
  >>
  >> What can you do? This country has an endless supply of losers, and
  >> given enough time, when I get my new car, it will be keyed,
  >> vandalized or stolen. Best defense is a good insurance policy, and a
  >> high level of tolerance.
  >>
  >>
  >>
 >
 > I still like to make it a bit more difficult for the thieves.
 >
 > --
 > Jim Yanik
 > jyanik
 > at
 > kua.net<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

Hello,
I am Gobler, the guy with 1996 Integra that was broken into and now won't start. Yes, my ECU (the engine computer) was stolen and my ignition switch was broken off. The good news is that I got both a new used ignition switch and new used ECU from EBay. The switch was $59 and the ECU was $75. The installation of both items was fast and easy and now I enjoy my car again. I am still very pissed but I am pleased with the outcome of this unfortunate event.

My car was not Clubed in any way at the time. I now have a standard steering wheel club PLUS a club that connects the steering wheel to the brake pedal. I am ordering a blinking LED from Radio Shack for $3.89 and intend to install the LED somewhere in my front console.

I want to install a fuel pump switch too but don't know how. If any one has any other suggestions or know how to install a fuel pump switch please let me know.

I learned that EBay can be very helpful in times like these.

Thank you all for your help and advise.
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

gobler <DoNotEmail.TakeThisOut@AutoForumz.com> wrote in
news:1_624555_63a488f9cb6091ca27e5c694b43fb2b3@autoforumz.com:

> "gobler" wrote:
> > Hello,
> > Someone broke into my 1996 Acura Integra GSR recently. They
> > removed the plastic around my steering column and broke the
> > ignition off and I found it hanging by it's wires. Also, the
> > passeger-side plastic panel between the passenger door and the
> > firewall was removed and now there are three green plugs
> > hanging out from under the glove box. Where do they plug back
> > in? Was there an electrical component there?
> >
> > Anyways, now the car won't start and, at best, I can hear the
> > seatbelt ringer and the dome-light works when the key is in
> > position I. The gauges work but not the windows or head
> > lights.
> >
> > Does anyone have any idea on what I should do? I have
> > visually checked all of the fuses and they all seem to be
> > okay. Could the burgler have shorted something? Please
> > advise.
> >
> > Thank you,
> > gobler
>
> Hello,
> I am Gobler, the guy with 1996 Integra that was broken into and now
> won’t start. Yes, my ECU (the engine computer) was stolen and my
> ignition switch was broken off. The good news is that I got both a
> new used ignition switch and new used ECU from EBay. The switch was
> $59 and the ECU was $75. The installation of both items was fast and
> easy and now I enjoy my car again. I am still very pissed but I am
> pleased with the outcome of this unfortunate event.
>
> My car was not Clubed in any way at the time. I now have a standard
> steering wheel club PLUS a club that connects the steering wheel to
> the brake pedal. I am ordering a blinking LED from Radio Shack for
> $3.89 and intend to install the LED somewhere in my front console.
>
> I want to install a fuel pump switch too but don’t know how. If any
> one has any other suggestions or know how to install a fuel pump
> switch please let me know.
>
> I learned that EBay can be very helpful in times like these.
>
> Thank you all for your help and advise.
>

$200 bucks at Best Buy will get you a real auto alarm -installed,while you
wait.
It would help prevent them from removing other parts from your car.

I would not depend on a blinking LED alone to protect your auto.
Note that at the time my ECU was stolen,the Acura parts guy related to me
how a dealer on a major Orlando highway had a Integra that thieves stripped
the *entire engine and tranny* from while on their parking lot.
I also understand that thieves cut the steering wheel apart to defeat the
Club,not that that would stop them from stealing your ECU or other parts
off your car.

Thieves often revisit their victims to steal more from them.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

Jim Yanik <jyanik DeleteThis @abuse.gov.> wrote in
news:Xns968ECDE3C8214jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.83:

> Thieves often revisit their victims to steal more from them.
>


Two words: theft insurance.

It might seem expensive when you buy it, but...

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

"TeGGeR®" <tegger RemoveThis @tegger.c0m> wrote in
news:Xns968F289AEE66tegger@207.14.113.17:

> Jim Yanik <jyanik RemoveThis @abuse.gov.> wrote in
> news:Xns968ECDE3C8214jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.83:
>
>> Thieves often revisit their victims to steal more from them.
>>
>
>
> Two words: theft insurance.
>
> It might seem expensive when you buy it, but...


I really hate it when someone suggests that "just let insurance cover it".

I had theft insurance.There's still a deductible to pay,and the loss of use
of your car while it gets fixed.
When the thieves took my ECU,it took 6 weeks to get a new one.
So,I was without my car for 6 weeks.

Far better to NOT have them take anything than to replace it afterwards.
Besides,those thefts raise the cost of insurance to EVERYBODY.


--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start 

rant:


Agree, insurance is for the irresponsible. Once you give responsibility to
a 'guardian,' that 'guardian' can regulate their liability.


Ever wonder why the law requires seatbelts?

Insurance Companies lobbied congress to protect against their liability, the
insured, by enforcing laws to protect their profits.

Insurance is a voluntary guardianship contract that ultimately takes away
liberty.



The functional car alarm is also my choice, and a choice that pays in the
end.







"Jim Yanik" <jyanik.DeleteThis@abuse.gov.> wrote in message
news:Xns968F979201C00jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.83...
> "TeGGeR" <tegger.DeleteThis@tegger.c0m> wrote in
> news:Xns968F289AEE66tegger@207.14.113.17:
>
>> Jim Yanik <jyanik.DeleteThis@abuse.gov.> wrote in
>> news:Xns968ECDE3C8214jyanikkuanet@129.250.170.83:
>>
>>> Thieves often revisit their victims to steal more from them.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Two words: theft insurance.
>>
>> It might seem expensive when you buy it, but...
>
>
> I really hate it when someone suggests that "just let insurance cover it".
>
> I had theft insurance.There's still a deductible to pay,and the loss of
> use
> of your car while it gets fixed.
> When the thieves took my ECU,it took 6 weeks to get a new one.
> So,I was without my car for 6 weeks.
>
> Far better to NOT have them take anything than to replace it afterwards.
> Besides,those thefts raise the cost of insurance to EVERYBODY.
>
>
> --
> Jim Yanik
> jyanik
> at
> kua.net
 >> Stay informed about: Someone broke into my 1996 Integra, now it won't start