Dual Batteries on 3.0L Surf.

Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:08

ThreadID: 8940 Views:2609 Replies:3 FollowUps:4

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jeff-wa

I have just about signed up for a 3.0L Surf, the guy is bringing the paperwork out tomorrow. Just wondering what the deal with the Dual Bat's on these was. Do they run seperate circuts with an automatic switch or do they just run in series? It's a 1995 but the older shape (not the prado running gear). Basically what I want to know is if I can run one Bat flat and still start the engine from the other.(camping use mainly).

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Reply By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:18

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:18

if you run em in series you will have 24volt....
In parallel you will run them both flat and they will charge as one (so to speak)...
You can switch from one to the other if you want control or just buy a management system for $300 from pirahna or whoever and it will switch automatically.._____________________________________________
Cant think of anything to put here just yet !
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AnswerID: 39302

Follow Up By: jeff-wa - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:24

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 16:24

Sorry! You are right, series!!?? What was I talking about!
I could not see any switch in the Surf for going between the Bat's, they are a factory Dual System, is there a switch under the bonnet or something??

FollowupID: 257038

Follow Up By: Voxson (Adelaide) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 17:01

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 17:01

Sorry.. I didnt read the question properly... I just realised you have said it already has a dual batt system...I dont know how they are..... I thought you were asking about how to do one.... *DUH*...._____________________________________________
Cant think of anything to put here just yet !
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FollowupID: 257043

Follow Up By: malcom - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 10:19

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 10:19

There are dozens of ways of doing this link up.I had a rotary solenoid, which, brings in both batteries to start, and charge. Igot caught,after a rough night trip, slow road and full lights, one flat battery and one half charged. When starting, the flat battery took all the power. I had a good run with the Warn system, but my last effort was with with a solenoid between batteries, aqnd of course a marine switch. The vehicle starts on battery one, and when the enghine is going and charging, t5he solenoidbrings in the second battery to charge. Actually, the best bet now,is toget a good power pack instead of the second battery.It willcharge off the cigaret lighter and do all that a second battery will, is portable,and is handy for many other things, travelling and at home.
Thereare a lot better plugs than the lighter plugs ,they have a tendency to loosen and heat up and melt,have a look at the Hella single pole sets

FollowupID: 257111

Follow Up By: malcom - Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 10:19

Thursday, Dec 04, 2003 at 10:19

FollowupID: 257112

Reply By: Mickl - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 17:11

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 17:11

Jeff,
The batteries are not seperated by an isolator from the factory. They are wired in parallel and will both go flat. Fitting an isolator is not a major drama, search the achives for more info on the set up that best suits you.

Mike.

AnswerID: 39311

Reply By: Jeff (Beddo) - Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:28

Wednesday, Dec 03, 2003 at 21:28

The dual system is in line - and the batteries are lot that large - go get another lot with an isolator etc. I have a 97 model Surf and had no worries with the batteries until I headed to the Kimberley - the heat resulted in them failing. I did not run any fridges off it or anything - except for a small fluro light now and then. It's a bugger when you have an auto aswell. Managed to get a fellow camper to jump start me with my jumper leads.
Have a look at the surf web site www.toyotasurf.asn.au they have some extremely useful info. You should be happy with the Surf - keep a check on oil levels, use good quality oil and do regular 5000 Km services. Larger radiator may be a bonus for the hotter temps here. I had a 95 model and it was a great car with no mechanical problems - I sold it for the newer shape when the imports were being closed down - I have had no problems with this one and have done some big trips in it to Cape York and the Kimberley. Parts have not been a problem either - the 95 model would be easier to find parts for as there are more of these about.Cheers, Beddo
Surf KZN185
<- Yengo NP, Central Coast NSW

AnswerID: 39338