Question: Battery Power
Submitted: Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:10
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Mapesy (QLD)
I have a dual battery system in my ute. Can I disconnect the second battery and leave the terminals (battery) loose. What would happen if the positive terminal was to "short" against the metal battery box?
Reply By: Member Andys Aussie Adventure - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:24
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:24
Hi Mapesy, I have removed my second battery and taped up the ends. Been OK for 12 months now. You might be able to remove the cable from the unit.
AnswerID:
462091
Follow Up By: Member Al (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:42
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:42
Andy, that taping would need to be very thorough. If it failed due to say vibrating against the body you would have a dramatic short circuit. But possibly you have taped it to a loom bundle where it cannot touch the body, hey?
FollowupID:
735809
Follow Up By: Member Andys Aussie Adventure - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 12:34
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 12:34
Hi Al, Yes I have taped in a loom and put a plastic yellow cover that fits on the top of a star picket post over the ends. It would take a sledge hammer to break it open.
FollowupID:
735820
Reply By: Member Al (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:38
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 09:38
Hi Mapesy,
When you disconnect that cable at the 'second' battery terminal it is still 'live' from the other battery. So it must be isolated from that battery also before the loose terminal touches the body or chassis.
There should be a fuse in the cable between the two batteries and removing that fuse is the best option. In fact, if the installation was done correctly there would be a fuse at each end of the cable. Removing either or both fuses is the best way.
If there are no fuses in the interconnecting cable then remove the negative terminals from BOTH batteries whilst ever the positive connection is loose. Then if you wish to use the vehicle with the second battery out, remove the interconnecting cable from the first battery also while the negatives are still disconnected.
But be careful. You can get an almighty current flow if that cable touches the body whilst still connected to a battery.
AnswerID:
462092
Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 16:54
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 16:54
As suggested above I would disconnect the cable at the main battery too, this will prevent the isolator switching on and off (wear an tear) for nothing.
I also recommend that when you fit the battery again that you
test and
check all components.
Regards
Derek from ABR
AnswerID:
462119
Reply By: Mapesy (QLD) - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 17:06
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 17:06
Thanks Guys,
You have answered my question nicely.
Cheers
AnswerID:
462120
Follow Up By: obee1212 - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 18:03
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 18:03
leave the positive terminal connected. it cannot do any damage there. remove the negative cable which has same polarity as the rest of the car
owen
FollowupID:
735949