9 replies to this topic

[Phil64jones]

Is there any reason why I shouldn't use one of these whilst my (1999) MPI is in my garage? The idea is to just be able to quickly disconnect to stop the battery draining but just wondering if repeatedly disconnecting & reconnecting the battery would have any adverse affect on any other part of the electrics/ECU etc. Thanks.

[RedRuby]

Can't see a problem other than the clock and radio will need to be reset each time and oth course the immobiliser and alarm will not function whilst battery disconnected.

[Alpenflitzer]

There are battery disrupters with a by pass to avoid radio and clock re-setting. Easy to handel, just turn a wheel and battery is disconnected and only a minimum of electricity is provided for radio, clock etc. Best against theft of the car.

 

 Stromunterbrecher2.jpg   26.96K   14 downloads

Edited by Alpenflitzer, 19 October 2014 - 09:00 AM.

[b_sdaddy]

can I please hi-jack this thread...?

 

I have a '78 998 and as the winters coming, having read this, thought that I might add an isolator switch so as to limit discharge.

 

IF left alone, would a battery from a non computerised/non-alarmed/non-radio'd/non-clocked 1978 go flat.?

 

My wife's 'modern' run-a-round if left on the drive for 6 months, would need a boost/charge to get it going again.

 

IF I could just flick a switch under the dash, rather than manually disconnect the battery..perhaps if standing a round weeks on end, it would help.?

 

 

and If concealed, would function as an immobilizer perhaps.?

 

 

 

cheers

[Alpenflitzer]

can I please hi-jack this thread...?

 

I have a '78 998 and as the winters coming, having read this, thought that I might add an isolator switch so as to limit discharge.

 

IF left alone, would a battery from a non computerised/non-alarmed/non-radio'd/non-clocked 1978 go flat.?

 

My wife's 'modern' run-a-round if left on the drive for 6 months, would need a boost/charge to get it going again.

 

IF I could just flick a switch under the dash, rather than manually disconnect the battery..perhaps if standing a round weeks on end, it would help.?

 

 

and If concealed, would function as an immobilizer perhaps.?

 

 

 

cheers

 

 

Among other reasons that is why many have the main cable from battery to engine put inside the car. Then it is easy to install a switch or a disrupter.

Otherwise if you put a disrupter in the boot this will not be a pain to just open, turn the switch  and go.

[Fast Ivan]

each to their own but it takes literally 30 seconds to disconnect the battery

[Phil64jones]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Phil-R]

...

I have a '78 998 and as the winters coming, having read this, thought that I might add an isolator switch so as to limit discharge.

 

IF left alone, would a battery from a non computerised/non-alarmed/non-radio'd/non-clocked 1978 go flat.?

...

 

If there is no drain on the battery, a cut-off switch will make no difference. Alarms, clocks etc will make things worse, but a car battery will discharge slowly all by itself, especially in cold conditions.

 

If you suspect the battery will let you down, check the condition of the battery, charge it fully, then either attach a trickle charger or a fit solar panel.

 

Personally, I think fitting a switch as an immobiliser is almost pointless - you wouldn't put a steering lock on then hide the key under the seat would you?

[spiguy]

Get one of those solar trickle charge panels. About 15 quid on eBay or maplin. Leave that attached to the battery via cigarette lighter or if you don't have one then use the crocodile clips they come with. As long as the panel has light falling on it during daytime, it will keep your battery topped up. I put mine in the garage window angled up slightly.

[Alpenflitzer]

If a battery is serviced and healthy and the generator is properly working there should be no problem with discharging over night. If the car stands for a week or so in the cold, it is faster to take the battery out into the warm then installing all those different helpers. The money is better spent for a high quality battery.