Aux battery - what does it do??

I justs had to replace my solonoid . Put your multimeter onto 20v and check it .

The most common purpose for installing an Aux battery is to run you're fridge and keep you're beer cold. Of course other people (like me), get completly carried away and just go nuts.

I run my stereo, internal lights, mobile phone handsfree kit, 2 x CB's, GPS, 450w Pure Sinewave Inverter, Pressured water pump, external fluro lighting, 4 x extera ciggy lighter sockets, laptop and of course the fridge off mine. ;-)

That's why I have 2 x 100amp hour aux batteries and one 700cca starter.

The best way to go IMHO is to run almost every accessory off the aux and just leave the starter for starting. That way you can use whatever you like (ie stereo) for as long as you like and not have to worry about the car cranking up later on.

If the battery really is cactus (sounds like it might well be), I would probaly disconnect the postive terminal off the battery. The cylinder type thing you are talking about is probally a battery isolation solinoid. What this will do is disconnect the battery's when the engine is off, and join them together when the engine is on so that both batteries get charged while you drive.

If the aux is buggered, it may be taking a huge load off the alternator and preventing your good starter from being charged efficiantly. If, as you describe, the only thing running off your aux is the fridge plug and the spotlights it won't matter if it is disconnected. You could even run a temporary wire from the spotlight relay to the starter battery to keep them working.

To test to see if the solinoid is working (ie it is connecting the aux to the starter/alternator) disconnect it from the aux (as mentioned above) and just stick a multi/volt meter onto the cable and earth the other lead from the meter to the car's body. Start the car and after a few minutes you should see the voltage go from zero to somewhere between 13.8 and 14.2v. If it does, you'll know all that is wrong is that the battery is knackered. Replace the battery at a later date and you'll be all good to go.

I'm sure this is not the case with your vehicle, but out of interest I think the Japanese make a crusier (100 series?) that comes with two batteries because it runs off 24 volt, as opposed to 12. At least, thats what my auto elec tells me. Has anyone heard of this?

And there I was thinking that you were a Landrover owner

Scoey,

Same as mine 94 petrol - Even the same colour!!

Regards

Greg (Qld)

Hi Scoey

Read my article on Battery Power.

Battery Article

Regards Derek.

Scoey,

I'm on the Gold coast at Nerang. Know what you say about keeping fuel in the tank,or tanks!!. I solved the problem by having LPG fitted last year. Removed rear seats and put tank in back so as to retain orig ground clearance and both petrol tanks. Now has 230L fuel on board for ultra long range.
Are you in Bris?

regards

Greg

Scoey,

If you are still having troubles email me craigww2 AT primusonline.com.au drop around and I will give you a hand. I live at Manly and this will be for free as I have a full time job and I don't mind helping out here and there. Yes I am properly trained.

Just remember, it's fine to run EVERYTHING off your aux battery, but be sure to keep your electric trailer brakes on the starting battery.

If the car won't start, trailer brakes don't matter.
If the car will start but the other battery be buggered, you have no trailer brakes!

Scoey,

Mate, drove mine for two years without LPG, finally bit the bullet and wish I did when we bought it. We do quite a few trips from the Gold Coast to Hervey Bay, Costs about $100 return on Gas with a bit of running around there or same is about $160 on petrol. This is where the savings are noticed!

Regards

Greg