Cole Hersee switch; how to use?
Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 18:06
ThreadID:
41272
Views:
3762
Replies:
8
FollowUps:
5
This Thread has been Archived
texaspete
Hi all, before I posted this I did a search for Cole Hersee but couldn't find the answer I was looking for, which basically is... what is the theory behind using these dual battery systems?
I bought a Patrol recently that has one installed. I only got to speak to the previous owner briefly before he headed overseas so I didn't get the full run down on how I should be using it - just something quick that I promptly forgot in all the excitement of buying the dream fourby :)
Should I be leaving it on "1" all the time then switching over to "Both" while travelling; or alternating every now and then between "1" and "2" to even up the usage? The last couple mornings it seems a bit hard to start... like the battery is struggling. The first couple mornings I had the car it was cool as. I also ask because it would appear to be telling me on the switch not to operate it unless the vehicle is off? I have to double
check that detail...
I would have switched it over from 1 to 2 overnight, but then I might make myself late for work in the morning (and there are not enough hours in the day as it is). Same as leaving it in the car park while at work - I want it to start, and I work on the philosophy of "if you don't know, don't mess with it"
Any guidance or
feedback is greatly appreciated - cheers.
Reply By: Thylacine - Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 23:00
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 23:00
The salesmen never seem to be too far away.
All depends on how things are wired Pete.
A Cole-Hersey switch connects either/both batteries to one output. You need to
check what is connected to your output terminal (ie the one without a lead to a positive battery terminal).
Personally, I use a 100A solenoid to join my batteries once the alternator is charging and the engine oil-pressure is up. The C-H output goes to my winch.
Whenever the C-H is set to any position bar off, the batteries isolate and I can select which/both to use.
cheers
ed
AnswerID:
215785
Reply By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 23:26
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 at 23:26
a typical cole hersey isolates the negatives with the posatives of the 2 batteries joined. It doesnt matter what accessaries go to which battery as it will only draw from the battery which is selected or from (the exception is if an accesory is joined direct to the posative and negative termanals as this cercamvents the cole hersey)
I just flick the switch to 1 when pulling up for the night and usually strt and run on that battery for a bit before switching to both.
If you believe you have drained your selected battery or put significant drain n it then start on the other battery then charge your aux battery for a good while before switching to both
any battery not selected will also not charge
and for Mainys info I dont have to read instruction manuels etc to come up with an opinion this info is gained from using quite a few Cole herey equpd vehicles including my own
AnswerID:
215795
Reply By: V8Diesel - Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 at 13:42
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 at 13:42
First thing to do is
check it works and actually does isolate each battery.
Second is to work out what draws what from each battery. For example, some people like to use their second battery for the accessories like fridge etc. I don't and use battery No.1 for EVERYTHING, battery No.2 ONLY for getting me out of the poo. There is no hard and fast rule here so it's pointless unless you know where you're coming from right from the start. They switch negative's from memory so it is not a simple as you'd think.
I drive on two from time to time on long runs to ensure both are fully charged and hang something I'll need straight away (remote lock button) off one of the cables so I cannot forget to switch it back to battery one when I get out of the car. If you don't do this you will forget.
Works
well for me. Any setup that draws from both simultaneously defeats the purpose of dual batteries in my opinion. For example, using that wiring method if you leave you headlights and stereo (batt 1) on and the fridge too (batt 2) your stuck (a not unlikely scenario when bleep ). My way you're not. Each to his own though.
AnswerID:
215885
Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 at 14:34
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007 at 14:34
Only if you pull up and leave it switched to both. Otherwise regardless of which battery your HF and fridge is conected to it will still only draw from the selected battery as
well as your headlights. so even if your fridge is connected to batt 1 it will only draw off of batt 2 if that one is selected as batt 1 earth is isolated
FollowupID:
476197