fritz

The original facts of "switch optional" thread were not completely grabbed .. in spite of some nice comments one way or another. It was NOT limited to the otherwise excellent added "harness".
Thanks a lot to bdl who on 18-June-2012 gave some comparison on the "switch optional" thread, thus saving me showing apparent "sour grapes"!

The "Switch optional" thread was for speed, inspections, safety stazi, service, or security.
It gives (at the flick of a switch any time...no fear):
a) OE (stock) mode or
b) Lock cycles eliminated
c) IMPROVED vehicle security whereby the OE key, or a hacked key, is rejected.

..Twisting or clipping the cut wire can do the same thing in a minute or so and
It is done far from electronics centers and is virtually undetectable.
Professionalism (but DIY safe) was added.
"Cutting the brownie" is a pro thread by rhd with attention to detail/photos.
A harness (a "snip" at 50 USD!) can be fitted in seconds, with no snip to the OE wire.
rhd's thread "Cutting the brownie", makes switch fitting a snap.
......And a kitchen table comes in handy for wiring a switch to a harness..then fitting it.

Then came "For Real": 5stars and gung-ho euphoria.....too good to be true...but apparently excellent for some folk.
The fuse, labelled, is in the "non-serviceable" IPDM. DIY errors there are easy.
After pulling hood, the lock may engage...so fuse removal may need to be done again.
Time to get there and back is 10 mins claimed (way, way, OTT for me)
[BUT NOTED that some people could not get the stock harness off fast (try asking your kid!). But It was not necessary for the wire snip! ]
Bat neg is best dis for this. (Radio stations lost and re-program windows)
Two CPU circuits are dis. OK-ish here, but very ill-advised as routine DIY.
IPDM is a babe ! Be gentle and with its 100 odd feed cables. They
(too short ?) may get pulled internally. Possible drama. Consult3 handy?
Windshield base protection is uncovered (See Nissan TSB). Cover re-fit takes patience.
Bat reconnect if needed must be firm...or get very costly results.
"A DIY with too many risks attached"? Arguable....BUT....

It cannot do a comprehensive job "for real", (but does one job nicely).

"Pulling a fuse" at first blush seems so simple, but not from the IPDM...was not for me.

Dealer (ever able to pass blame perhaps);
"Electronics probs?" ...."And who fiddled?" "For real?" "Electronics HQ, has no fuse !"
Shite happens.

Inspection drama:
"Fail... due to steering lock is a legal requirement and not working".

Key hacked? OE key stolen ?
Car stolen ? ...You COULD have prevented that (by the flick of a secret switch or even a wire twist.)

Doing "stuff" at a circuit "end user" still seems the way to go, but I've said that before !

Fritz