Battery Disconnect Installation
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hudson OH
Battery Disconnect Installation
I have a C5 and C4 that I bought disconnect switches for from Midwest. Side mount batteries. Typical green **** or black (in this case). Just want an easy way to disconnect for storage primarily. Any down side to disconnection? I can only see possibly radio and clock reprogramming issues.
One would imagine this to be a "no brainer" installation. So simple they don't even provide any instructions at all. I installed the switch on the negative terminal as this seems safest.
The problem is the battery cable won't tighten down completely on the switch using the hardware I have. The swiitch came with one bolt. The bolt is used to secure one end of the switch directly in the battery where the cable originally was. The other end is threaded to accept the factory cable-end captive bolt to the other end of the switch.
Though this seems OK the cable won't seat on the switch tightly. It seems to bottom out. No matter how tight you try to make it, it still wiggles enough to cut out.
One would imagine this to be a "no brainer" installation. So simple they don't even provide any instructions at all. I installed the switch on the negative terminal as this seems safest.
The problem is the battery cable won't tighten down completely on the switch using the hardware I have. The swiitch came with one bolt. The bolt is used to secure one end of the switch directly in the battery where the cable originally was. The other end is threaded to accept the factory cable-end captive bolt to the other end of the switch.
Though this seems OK the cable won't seat on the switch tightly. It seems to bottom out. No matter how tight you try to make it, it still wiggles enough to cut out.
Last edited by brock71; Oct 24, 2011 at 01:25 PM. Reason: Mistake in description. No nut.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
You will also lose the MPG and RANGE info on the DIC when the battery is disconnected. The PCM will also have to "relearn" after the battery is reconnected, but just drive the car normally and you can't event tell it was effected.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
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From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
What's wrong with just disconnecting the negative cable at the battery for storage? It takes less than 10 seconds to do, with only a 5/16" wrench or socket.
It the disconnect switch doesn't make a tight electrical connection, you're only asking for trouble with it.
It the disconnect switch doesn't make a tight electrical connection, you're only asking for trouble with it.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
With time, vibration and heat from the engine compartment, those plastic ***** will fail. They will loosen at the most inopportune times. Ask me how I know.
The hot rod industry realized the weakness of that type of disconnect and came up with much more reliable products.
One company called WATSON'S STREETWORKS came up with a micro toggle switch, or key lock, or magnet, or touch pad type switches in combination with a solenoid switch.
The switches can be hidden out of sight anywhere in the car. The solenoid is rated to 110amp continuous or 750amp surge. Each type has provisions for a short jumper wire across two terminals which provide power to memory/security features. However if someone tries to start the car, a fuse is blown.
This is the micro toggle switch version...
The hot rod industry realized the weakness of that type of disconnect and came up with much more reliable products.
One company called WATSON'S STREETWORKS came up with a micro toggle switch, or key lock, or magnet, or touch pad type switches in combination with a solenoid switch.
The switches can be hidden out of sight anywhere in the car. The solenoid is rated to 110amp continuous or 750amp surge. Each type has provisions for a short jumper wire across two terminals which provide power to memory/security features. However if someone tries to start the car, a fuse is blown.
This is the micro toggle switch version...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,450
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
What's wrong with just disconnecting the negative cable at the battery for storage? It takes less than 10 seconds to do, with only a 5/16" wrench or socket.
It the disconnect switch doesn't make a tight electrical connection, you're only asking for trouble with it.
It the disconnect switch doesn't make a tight electrical connection, you're only asking for trouble with it.
Why purposely install on more possible point of failure/trouble....when disconnecting the cable yields the same outcome for storage purposes?
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
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