Anyone fitted a battery cut off switch?

[Garlick]

As I intend to leave the Chim in the garage during the salty winter weather I am considering fitting a battery isolator like this: http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorsport/Electrica...

I was wondering if anyone had fitted similar? If so, any tips on location (passenger footwell seems the most obvious) or fitting.

Ta in advance.

[scotty_d]

Seem expensive and you will need to buy more cable and Ends to fit the likes of this.

Been using these on both my Tvr's for years now does the job very well and simple and easy to fit.
For a chim all you need to do is pull the heel plate away reach in and turn it nice and easy.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-RS-ST-Capri-Cortina...

[Roy C]

scotty_d said:

Seem expensive and you will need to buy more cable and Ends to fit the likes of this.

Been using these on both my Tvr's for years now does the job very well and simple and easy to fit.

Richbrook Discarnect.

It bolts straight on to the battery terminal. Get the version with the fused link to keep your radio memory going.

[Garlick]

A nice (and cheap) solution. Ta.

[tivver500]

Much better option is to leave battery alone and fit an Optimate battery conditioning unit (as I have in my Griff). Either mount it in the boot with permanent wiring or connect it through the cigarette lighter socket (which is live all the time).

[scotty_d]

tivver500 said:

Much better option is to leave battery alone and fit an Optimate battery conditioning unit (as I have in my Griff). Either mount it in the boot with permanent wiring or connect it through the cigarette lighter socket (which is live all the time).

Only if you have main supply to feed it.

[Roy C]

scotty_d said:

tivver500 said:

Much better option is to leave battery alone and fit an Optimate battery conditioning unit (as I have in my Griff). Either mount it in the boot with permanent wiring or connect it through the cigarette lighter socket (which is live all the time).

Only if you have main supply to feed it.

...or fit both.

[Garlick]

scotty_d said:

tivver500 said:

Much better option is to leave battery alone and fit an Optimate battery conditioning unit (as I have in my Griff). Either mount it in the boot with permanent wiring or connect it through the cigarette lighter socket (which is live all the time).

Only if you have main supply to feed it.

I don't have mains, so this won't work for me (unless I'm missing something, which is quite likely)

[Templedog]

Solar power trickle charger? About £20 off Amazon.

[gerradiuk]

The solar trickle chargers are not all that good really, I have a conditioner & the battery cut off switch under the Lucas bonnet.

Edited by gerradiuk on Wednesday 23 November 16:28

[coetzeeh]

I had an isolator fitted to my Griff and my battery worries went away. Just do it.

[blueg33]

Roy C said:

Richbrook Discarnect.

It bolts straight on to the battery terminal. Get the version with the fused link to keep your radio memory going.

I had this one fitted to the G33. I would recommend it, but use the fusible link to keep alarm and radio memories.

[storm grey]

ive fitted one on mine on the panel in front of the battery very handy if your working on the car and want to disconnect the battery quickly.

[Bassfiend]

Roy C said:

Richbrook Discarnect.

It bolts straight on to the battery terminal. Get the version with the fused link to keep your radio memory going.

But that will still drain the battery over a few weeks - it just delays anyone trying to steal it as the fuse link won't pass enough current to start the car!

I have a battery isolator fitted inside the nearside inner wing - between the AFM and bulkhead - works like a charm when I remember to use it.

Phil

[Garlick]

So. In my situation a proper cut off switch is best, yes?

[Bassfiend]

Assuming that what you're wanting to do is stop your battery draining over winter then yes...

Those battery disconnect things that have the fuse bypass are just to stop anyone trying to start your car and steal it - they still allow the clock, alarm and stereo etc to draw any support current they need up to a maximum of 5 or 10 amps or so.

You could (of course) always use one of those *WITHOUT* the bypass fuse fitted which would be a full disconnect...

Phil

[Mark.]

Not read all the thread Paul, so may have been mentioned.

There is this device you fit to the battery that monitors the charge, once it drops below what is needed to turn the engine it disconnects. Benefit is, it's passive so you park up and go - nothing to turn/unlock/fit/or remember to do.

[MPoxon]

Hi Paul,

I know a number of Tiv owners use these:

http://www.batterybrain.co.uk/

They are supposed to be very good if you leave the car at the airport or layed up etc.

Just bear in mind the insurance implications of isolating the battery as you may find it will invalidate you policy for theft.

Matthew

[Mark.]

There you go - knew I wasn't completely

[Garlick]

MPoxon said:

Hi Paul,

Just bear in mind the insurance implications of isolating the battery as you may find it will invalidate you policy for theft.

Matthew

Thanks guys.

Interesting comments regarding insurance too, hadn't thought of that.