Looking for an immobiliser? Probably a good firm to avoid

[Guest Andy Hardi ng]

Changing my motorhome (from a 1993 Hymer 660 t o a 1993 Hymer 694) and needing to have an immobiliser fitted I first asked the dealer supplying the new van. "About £100 but I'll ring back with a proper quote". I decided to shop around anyway so I rang a large local specialist. Helpful man on the phone quoted me £99 fitted. Each time the cost was for a Thatcham approved immobiliser. Then I rang Falcon (World Class Security). The operator asked my postcode and promised that "our local man" would call me back. Ten minutes later he did. After asking my postcode (and having no idea where "Looe" was - strange for a "local" man as it is one of the more popular local holiday resorts) he said , "Couldn't quote you exactly but you're looking at a ball-park figure of about £200." I told him that I had already had quotes for around £100. "They'll be quoting you for a car immobiliser." (?????) I said that double the outlay seemed rather a lot and he replied, "Serves you right if you break down on the motorway then!" and slammed the phone down. So I called an auto-electrician and asked about the difference between "car immobilisers" and other sorts. He fell about laughing. An immobiliser for a 2.5 litre Fiat car and a 2.5 litre Fiat campervan is the same immobiliser. I knew that but I wanted confirmation. Then I called Falcon back (why not, it's a freephone number) and the "local" man answered (strange - when I rang that number before they said they would have to get in touch with their "local man" and get him to ring me). I got as far as, "I rang about 10 minutes ago to ask about fitting an immobiliser to a Hymer motor........." and my friendly "local" man snarled , "F*** off!" and slammed the phone down again. So....if you want an immobiliser fitted and want to ring Falcon for a quote the number is 0800 195 2826. Go on, ring them now. With customer service like that how could you not? Oh, and could you ask them to explain the difference between an immobiliser for a car and one for a motorhome while you are there? They don't seem to want to talk to me any more.

[Guest Clive]

I tried! I just had too! But the bloke with the scottish accent just told me to ring in the morning. Oh yes, 0800 numbers work with 141 in front!

[Guest Peter Lawton-Harris]

Immobiliser? Of the nine children I have one is a very experienced and active criminal( well on the law of averages I was bound to get one ,wasn't I ?) and electric immobilisers present no problem to him. I went another route. I have a secret fuel tap and in oder to steal my M/home they would need a transporter and my motor home is not worth stealing. 1992 Hymer S. Clapped out ??? Good luck Peter

[Guest Clive]

Modern motors have the magic chip in the key fob, without it the ECU doesn,t make anything happen. New key costs about £170 if you have one good one to copy. If you have stollen the motor and need new keys then its a new ECU as well, closer to £1700. If you sell your oil shares perhaps you could purchase a nice new motorhome with these features? On the other hand if you give them to me them I could!

[Guest Peter Lawton-Harris]

Clive. Why would I need a new motorhome? and I don't need to sell any shares. So I could start buying more gadgets? I am more concerned about the "immobilliser" in my body which seem to have a life of it's own and nobody wants to steal me. Peter