Battery disconnect switch, looking for info
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Catawissa Pa
Battery disconnect switch, looking for info
Last Feburary I had a garage fire that destroyed my garage and everything in it. The fire marshall said he was 99% sure that the fire started in the battery compartment of my 1992 Corvette.(I had a trickle charger on the Vet for the winter) I am going to look at another 1992 Corvette this weekend with the intention of buying. I would like to know if I put a battery disconnect switch in the system and turn it to disconnect each time I park in my new garage, will it effect the electronics? I know I will loose the preset radio stations and the clock settings, any thoughts on this will help. Also does anyone else know of any C4 that may have caused a fire? Thanks in advance.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 125
From: Birmingham AL
I have heard of that happening due to power wires rubbing the edge of the battery tray. If they are, then a piece of heater hose spit down the middle would make for good protection for the harness.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: Northern VA
Don't forget the alarm. You won't have that either.
Was there a current draw somewhere that caused you to have keep a trickle charger on ALL winter?
I usually just start it up every 2-3 weeks and let it idle with the garage door open no matter the weather. I also use a yellow top optima so that I can recharge safely. I wouldn't keep a trickle charger on the new one. You really don't need them.
Sorry to hear about your fire. Wow! Good luck finding your next one.
Was there a current draw somewhere that caused you to have keep a trickle charger on ALL winter?
I usually just start it up every 2-3 weeks and let it idle with the garage door open no matter the weather. I also use a yellow top optima so that I can recharge safely. I wouldn't keep a trickle charger on the new one. You really don't need them.
Sorry to hear about your fire. Wow! Good luck finding your next one.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
Yeah, mine doesn't need any charger over the winter. The battery has lasted weeks, probably close to a month between starts on occassion, and fired right up when I got into it. If there's no elctrical draw you shouldn't need the trickle charger. Or make sure it has a full charge and disconnect the battery for the winter and if needed come nice weather give it a a short charge. Vette's don't normally spontaneously combust. I think disconnecting the battery every time you park is overkill.
