200 Series Twin battery setup - Advice

Have a look on LCOOL, on both the 200 series and 100 series sections.

In Japan and other very cold countries the Pajero Diesel comes with two batteries - elswhere with one.

Where there are two batteries they are just wired in parallel.

Gday Terry,
I would be leaving the dual batt set up alone mate, that is one beast of a motor to crank!!
Huge compression and cold starts after a night opening the engels continuously would be leaving you stranded. Remember starting a diesel isn't just a quick turn of the key, you should be leaving the ignition in the on position for a five or a ten count before starting. A lot of circuits open and pumps start drawing power in that short time.
I don't know your fridge size or camping requirements but if you intent on starting the V8 in the morning I would be investing in a third battery isolated from the two crankers for sure.
I don't suppose your initials has anything to the engine choice.LOL.
Cheers Chard.

Terry,
Ever wondered why the 200 comes with a twin battery set up?
Maybe the manufacturer fits the second battery because they buy them really cheap and just want to get rid of them, nahh probly not lol.

The ""two different 4WD shops told me you shouldn't touch the existing set up"" so why not believe them, can they can explain why not ?

I have NO personal experience with the vehicle, however I have a small amount of experience with batteries, I even know aa is smaller than aaa, cause one a is missing, lol.

My advice, use an AGM Deep Cycle battery
place it in a battery box in the vehicle, near the fridge

Mainey . . .

A couple of observations;
The two batteries are probably there to cope with very cold start situations. The 4.5 V8 motor is not much bigger than the Nissan 4.2 diesel, which has higher compression than the V8, and that starts ok with a single N70 battery.
But, knowing manufacturers, if you change their wiring configuration, and if you have an electrical fault, or it's hard to start, they will knock you back on warranty. They will probably even blame that for the back wiper or the audio system not working.
If the vehicle was out of warranty, I'd have no hesitation in reconfiguring the batteries, one for start and one for aux.
But...I've found that even as a technical person, arguing a technical issue with a dealer is like arguing evolution with a creationist.
just my thoughts, Gerry

Question was asked on another fourum about extra battery and warranty problems.

TOYOTA H.O. CONTACT RESPONSE...

Toyota published information relating to modifications is:
Toyota New Vehicle Warranty will not apply to any non genuine part or accessory, nor to an original component or accessory if a failure occurs that is attributable to a modification or to a non genuine part.

Additional comment:
Toyota would not usually specify any particular modification in regard to any “blanket ban” on warranty coverage, and can only provide specific information and advice in relation to genuine Toyota vehicle components and accessories. It is essential that owners considering modifications to Toyota vehicles ensure they are carried out only by expert suppliers who can demonstrate a full understanding of, and will accept responsibility for, any impact of the modification on the vehicle systems and components.

To assist forum members, the following observations are made in regard to fitting an additional battery to the LC200 1VD-FTV common rail diesel engine version (w/dual battery std.equipment)

• Space in the engine bay is very limited and, critically, the engine wiring harness connectors to the main engine ECU are located at the firewall at the rear passenger side. It is essential that no interference or loading is placed on the wiring harness and/or on these connectors if an additional battery is located into this very limited space.
• Other components in this area include electrical junction box, the fuel filter/sedimenter, the EDU relays / injector drivers (300V output) - very careful consideration required if relocating these parts.
• Mounting additional batteries on inner fender panels applies significant additional loadings, especially if operating in severe conditions - panel cracks may occur.

As a possible alternative to fitting an additional battery in the engine bay, consideration is being given in the aftermarket industry to upgrading the original LC200 55Ah dual batteries with batteries of similar or more capacity to the single 65Ah battery fitted to the LC 7# with the basically same 1VD-FTV engine. (Same capacity /compression ratio, reduction type starter motor etc, - additional battery capacity provided on LC200 to cope with the many additional electrical systems). (LC 7# w/1VD has 1560watt alternator - LC200 w/1VD has 1800watt.)

The LC200 drivers side battery is wired in parallel to the passengers side battery which is connected directly to the vehicle electrical systems. The proposals noted consider using the addtitional capacity of an upgraded battery on the drivers side to power accessories, in conjunction with low voltage cutout and suitable isolator to protect the passenger side battery capacity for starting.

In considering any such modifications, owners are again urged to engage only expert suppliers who can assure a complete understanding of the vehicle electrical systems and specifications.
end