post your automotive-related Bad Ideas here, I will answer them to the best of my knowledge.
"what is a slim-jim?"
A slim-jim is a long metal tool inserted by the window used to unlock vehicles. the hook on the end of the slim jim is used to catch the locker linkage, and force it open.
how is it used?
you insert it between the glass and the seal. look on the door panel where the manual lock is, fish around there till you catch it, once you catch it, pull up smoothly. it takes time and practice, and several manufacturers have placed guards/failsafes to keep this from working.
where do I get one?
most tool suppliers won't have them on the shelf, they are specifically for reposessors and locksmiths...but they are legal to own. I have seen them at Harbour Freight before.
they are illegal to carry around. it is considered a burglary tool just like ninja rocks.
"what are ninja rocks"
ninja rocks are small pieces of ceramic that will break car windows easily. this video sums it up pretty well
"how do I disable the alarm?"
pull the fuse for the alarm.
fuse block locations and diagrams for any vehicle can be found online, just look it up on your phone. probably helps to have needle nose pliers or something to pull the fuse.
"how do I break in without setting off the alarm?"
you don't.
however, on most cars you can open the hood without setting off the alarm (SOME CARS DO HAVE SENSORS ON THE HOOD. THIS IS NOT FOOLPROOF) look for what looks like a bicycle brake line running from the driver side to the hood latch. give it a hard tug to pop the hood, find the latch, and open it.
locate the battery, and disconnect the positive (red) cable. if you cut it, make 100% sure you are not touching the metal frame of the car. than break the window or pop the lock like you normally would, sans alarm.
sometimes the battery is in the trunk or under the back seat, this is common in Volvo and BMW vehicles, as well as other european brands and aftermarket vehicles.
"how do I hot-wire a car?"
I could write page after page after page about all the different antitheft systems and immobilizers used on todays cars and how to defeat them, but I will say this-if its EFI and has a computer, good luck.
the theory is that there are 3 wires going to the key, one that is always live, one that controls all the electrics in the car, and one that triggers the starter motor. if you combine the hot wire (always has current) with the one that controls the electrics, the car will run...touch the starter wire to the hot wire to start the car. however most modern cars use 6 or 9 wire systems with "chips" in the key. GM started in the early '90s, I think the newest car I saw that didn't have one was a 2004 dodge stratus.
if it does not have an encrypted key, drilling it and using a screwdriver is time consuming but works. this will disable the alarm, steering and shifter lock.
all cars manufactured 1968 or later have to have a steering lock, my delta didn't have one because it was manufactured november '67, but my cutlass, manufactured 8/75 did. this is usually easily defeated by forcing the steering wheel until it breaks.
the shift linkage is also locked, but it can not be forced (on most cars). it can be defeated by cutting the shift linkage, and putting the trans into gear manually. if the car has a manual transmission, you are in luck.
"how do I defeat lojack?"
in short, you don't. they are powered off of the cars electronics and have their own battery even if you disconnect the battery. however, they can't reach the satellite if they are under several feet of concrete...like a parking garage.
