CAN bus runlock system
Keep the engine running with the key out and the vehicle secure, so beacons, hydraulics and equipment stay powered at a scene, with the safety conditions read off the CAN bus.
What a CAN bus runlock system does
A runlock system lets a vehicle's engine keep running after the key is removed, so it can be locked and left while beacons, hydraulics, heating or scene equipment stay powered. Take the driver's seat and release the handbrake or touch a pedal, and the engine cuts, so the vehicle cannot be driven away.
A CAN bus runlock reads the conditions it needs, handbrake, gear, footbrake and door state, off the vehicle network rather than splicing into each circuit. That keeps the install clean and lets the system enforce the safety rules reliably.
Why emergency and utility fleets fit runlock
Some vehicles have to sit at a scene with the engine running: an ambulance keeping equipment live, a recovery truck working hydraulics, a utility van running a compressor. Leaving the key in is a theft and safety risk. Runlock removes it while keeping the power on.
- Engine runs, key out: power stays live while the vehicle is locked and secure.
- Drive-away protection: releasing the handbrake or pressing a pedal cuts the engine.
- Conditions read off CAN: handbrake, gear and door state come from the network, not spliced wires.
- Right for blue-light and utility: built for the vehicles that work while parked.
Where runlock fits
Runlock is built for the vehicles that have to work with the engine running.
Ambulances and blue-light
Keep medical and scene equipment powered while the vehicle is secured.
Recovery and breakdown
Run hydraulics and winches at a scene without leaving the key in.
Highways and utility
Power compressors, lighting and tools on utility and maintenance vehicles.
Refuse and municipal
Keep body equipment live on stop-start municipal rounds.
Airport and ground support
Secure vehicles that idle to run onboard equipment.
Welfare and mobile units
Hold power to welfare, catering and workshop bodies while parked.
Running vehicles that work while parked?
Tell us the vehicle and how it's used, and our engineers will confirm the right runlock setup.
Reference
How CAN runlock works
It holds the engine on while it watches the network for any sign the vehicle is about to move.
- 1
Hold the engine running
When the driver sets the conditions and removes the key, the system keeps the engine running and the vehicle powered.
- 2
Secure the vehicle
The vehicle can be locked and left, with beacons, hydraulics or equipment still live.
- 3
Watch the safety signals
It reads handbrake, gear, footbrake and door state off the CAN bus to know if someone is about to drive off.
- 4
Cut on drive-away
If the handbrake is released or a pedal pressed with the conditions broken, the engine cuts immediately.
Which vehicles it covers
Runlock suits the vans and trucks that carry handbrake, gear and door state on the CAN bus, which is most modern emergency, recovery and utility vehicles. The system reads each manufacturer's signals in configuration.
Coverage keeps current as new models arrive. Speak to us with the vehicle and how it's used, and we'll confirm the right runlock setup.
Runlock pairs naturally with the other outputs on a working vehicle. The ignition and accessory output keeps kit powered, and the beacon and work-light control switches the warning and scene lighting that runs alongside it.
As a UK manufacturer with in-house R&D, and with group company Intellitec MV building power and control for emergency and specialist vehicles, we can supply runlock as part of a wider vehicle build.
Common fitments include:
Common questions
What is a runlock system?
It lets a vehicle's engine keep running with the key removed, so it can be locked and left with equipment powered. Releasing the handbrake or pressing a pedal cuts the engine, so it cannot be driven away.
How does a CAN runlock read the safety conditions?
It reads handbrake, gear, footbrake and door state off the vehicle network rather than splicing into each circuit, which keeps the install clean and the safety logic reliable.
Which vehicles use runlock?
Ambulances and blue-light vehicles, recovery trucks, highways and utility vans, refuse vehicles and other kit that has to work with the engine running while parked.
Does it stop the vehicle being stolen while it idles?
It removes the need to leave the key in and cuts the engine if someone tries to drive off, which closes the drive-away risk of an idling vehicle.
Can runlock be fitted as part of a wider build?
Yes. We can supply runlock alongside ignition, lighting and body control, and group company Intellitec MV builds power and control for emergency and specialist vehicles. Speak to us about the build.