Battery switch installed

[Colt45ws]

Heres a mod I completed recently on my friend's 2011 Crown Vic LX. He requested a battery cutoff switch as he is sometimes out of state for weeks at a time and he's tired of jump starting it everytime he comes home. Optimally a battery tender would be best, but he lives in an apartment complex; no access to 120V.
So I made him a new positive battery cable from 1/0 SGX cable to connect to the cutoff switch. The factory battery cables were shortened and 3/8 lug crimped on them for connection to the switch.
The cable going to the starter is on the battery side of the switch. Its always on. I did this as it will not start without power to the switched side anyway, and this will save the switch from carrying the start current.
The alternator is connected to the switched side, as well as the battery junction box via a new 4ga SGX cable I made.
I loomed and taped it to give the most factory looking appearance as possible.

 

[RooflessVW]

Go Solar!

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Go Solar!

Seattle + covered parking

 

[Donald]

So his transmission has to learn everything along with radio and clock? That would seem a PIA.

Boats have had battery switches for decades.

 

[berniedd]

Repeatedly discharging a battery shortens its life. I am in a similar situation, but I simply unhook the negative cable from the battery and reconnect when I'm ready to use the car again. No need to recharge or jumpstart the battery. I just use a 10 mm wrench.

 

[SOHCman]

Did this bypass any sort of fusible link between the alternator and battery?

 

[Linctex]

The computer will have to relearn every time.

I guess that's a sacrifice one has to make.

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: SOHCman
Did this bypass any sort of fusible link between the alternator and battery?

No. There is a fusible link but its farther down the cable. Its in between the engine and fender well. I dug for it so I knew where it was at.

Originally Posted By: berniedd
Repeatedly discharging a battery shortens its life. I am in a similar situation, but I simply unhook the negative cable from the battery and reconnect when I'm ready to use the car again. No need to recharge or jumpstart the battery. I just use a 10 mm wrench.

He wanted a tool-less method....plus I have to admit I actually like the convenience if you're doing work that requires the battery be disconnected before hand. 90 degree twist and its off.

Originally Posted By: Linctex
The computer will have to relearn every time.

I guess that's a sacrifice one has to make.

Only thing I notice is the first crank it takes like 5 seconds before it lights off rather than the almost instant light off after only one or two revolutions every other time.
I suspect the PCM might be learning the crank and cam signal variances before it feeds fuel.

 

[zzyzzx]

Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Go Solar!

Seattle + covered parking


Park the car outside. Even with the disconnect, I'd want the trickle charge.

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Go Solar!

Seattle + covered parking


Park the car outside. Even with the disconnect, I'd want the trickle charge.

So it can get covered in tree poop?

 

[meep]

nice quality work there. and the taping will pay off to resist abrasion on the hot line.