Battery disconnect
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 451
Likes: 14
From: Okehampton Devon
Battery disconnect
I was having trouble with my battery going flat after a couple of weeks sitting (it's been cold and wet for months here in the UK!). So I fitted a battery isolator which has cured the problem. However after i re-connect, the engine fans seem to kick in immediately on starting, and cut off after a couple of minutes, and of course the trip computer takes a while to sort itself out.
Do you think using the isolator is likely to upset any of the electrics, or am I worrying over nothing?
Do you think using the isolator is likely to upset any of the electrics, or am I worrying over nothing?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
I do not know for sure but personally wouldn't be shutting down the computer this often. Why not purchase a battery tender that will keep the battery charged?
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...-021-0128.html
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...-021-0128.html
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
I do not know for sure but personally wouldn't be shutting down the computer this often. Why not purchase a battery tender that will keep the battery charged?
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...-021-0128.html
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-...-021-0128.html
Battery Tender Plus works great and is a very good value. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
The ECM stores the tuning info in RAM. When you disconnect the battery the RAM gets erased and the ECM has to relearn all the parameters. Same applies to radio station settings and the setting of the HVAC system if you have the C68 electronic version.
You're much better off using a Battery Tender. As well as the benefit of not losing all the settings in your electronics the battery will last much longer.
You're much better off using a Battery Tender. As well as the benefit of not losing all the settings in your electronics the battery will last much longer.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Killing the battery will have little to no effect on the ECM and it's learning process/performance.
Drive a few blocks and it will have all the info it needs.
Only hassle is resetting the radio/clock.
Using a battery tender is a wise decision if the car sits for extended periods in between uses.
Disconnecting the battery will not save the battery's charge, only the unregulated discharge.
Need to find if you have a load when the ignition switch is off.
In other words, fix the problem......
I have a battery kill switch that is used mainly for maintenance.
A battery tender is always on when parked in the garage.
During the winter season the switch is turned off and the battery tender stays on.
Batteries and alternators have a long life in my 86.
Drive a few blocks and it will have all the info it needs.
Only hassle is resetting the radio/clock.
Using a battery tender is a wise decision if the car sits for extended periods in between uses.
Disconnecting the battery will not save the battery's charge, only the unregulated discharge.
Need to find if you have a load when the ignition switch is off.
In other words, fix the problem......
I have a battery kill switch that is used mainly for maintenance.
A battery tender is always on when parked in the garage.
During the winter season the switch is turned off and the battery tender stays on.
Batteries and alternators have a long life in my 86.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; May 31, 2013 at 01:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 451
Likes: 14
From: Okehampton Devon
Killing the battery will have little to no effect on the ECM and it's learning process/performance.
Drive a few blocks and it will have all the info it needs.
Only hassle is resetting the radio/clock.
Using a battery tender is a wise decision if the car sits for extended periods in between uses.
Disconnecting the battery will not save the battery's charge, only the unregulated discharge.
Need to find if you have a load when the ignition switch is off.
In other words, fix the problem......
I have a battery kill switch that is used mainly for maintenance.
A battery tender is always on when parked in the garage.
During the winter season the switch is turned off and the battery tender stays on.
Batteries and alternators have a long life in my 86.
Drive a few blocks and it will have all the info it needs.
Only hassle is resetting the radio/clock.
Using a battery tender is a wise decision if the car sits for extended periods in between uses.
Disconnecting the battery will not save the battery's charge, only the unregulated discharge.
Need to find if you have a load when the ignition switch is off.
In other words, fix the problem......
I have a battery kill switch that is used mainly for maintenance.
A battery tender is always on when parked in the garage.
During the winter season the switch is turned off and the battery tender stays on.
Batteries and alternators have a long life in my 86.
p.s. Is it possible to charge via the cigar lighter to save popping the hood every time? (I'm starting to speak American English now!)
Last edited by maddogwyatt; May 31, 2013 at 01:30 PM.
