Feel-IX

I want to install a battery cut off switch for numerous reasons on my FC but I don't really know how to do it...

I found some switches online such as this one :



but I don't know if it's suitable for what I plan to do ?

I don't want a switch that'll actually stop the car from running, I just want a on/off switch to prevent battery drain and that I will only flip when the car is NOT running...I want to mount it on my dash next to a fuel pump cut off switch and therefore would like two switches that looks the same and a bit more "clean", maybe more like this :



I don't know if that's possible and would like your ideas and thoughts about how I should do it.

thanks and sorry, i'm a REAL noob when it comes to electrical stuff...

JerryLH3

iTrader: (11)

Something for a battery cut off needs to be made for the job as it will have to carry a lot of current. A simple tiny little switch is usually not up to that job.

There aren't many things that will cause massive battery drain anyway. Just sitting there will cause drain.

evot23

iTrader: (17)

the top switch will do..just have to use appropriate gauge wire. I'm with Jerry though...no real reason to disconnect the battery when the car is off anyway.

87 t-66

iTrader: (133)

i used to have to disconnect my battery when i was not driving the car...

then i fixed my wiring and all is well

Feel-IX

alright ! thanks for the answers guys

the problem is that i'm tired of always wondering if my rx7 is gonna start or not when I get in it :S ... I have to carry a 2nd battery and jumper cables in the trunk because half of the time...the main battery is drained and the car won't start... my mechanic told me the problem comes from my alternator, a fellow rx7 owner told me that it comes from my anti-theft system... another told me that I was locking my doors the wrong way ! a guy on the forum told me that my alternator was not wired correctly or that the pulley was too big... the fact is that after 1 year of research is still don't know what's causing the problem...

So, the simple, cheap and quick way to make my rx7 more "reliable" is to install a 50$ battery cut-off switch... :S ....I know it's NOT the best solution but i'm a student and i'm tired of not being able to enjoy my car because of the battery always draining.. hope you guys understand !

sharingan 19

iTrader: (16)

Might as well relocate your battery to the pass storage been if you're going to do all that. Then you can use a breaker to cut power to the car while also protecting the addition length of cable you have to run. Additionally, a large switch like that on the dash would look tacky and I wouldn't want to risk accidentally tripping it while driving.

If that's too expensive, just get some quick connect battery terminal ends, or install an on-board trickle charger and run an extension cord to where u park it.

texFCturboII

iTrader: (17)

or just disconnect the (-) cable when you park it.

sharingan 19

iTrader: (16)

...hence the quick disconnect terminal recommendation.

All of which are sub par solutions when weighed against the prospect of finding what is causing the abnormal battery drain and fixing the problem.

Nightstrife

i agree putting your battary in the passanger storage box with a qwick disconnect would probably be better but its a bandaid for your fix.....

assuming your battary is up to par and doesnt drain by itself

when you have the time you need to "isolate" your curcuts
i would systimaticly pull fuses in your fuse box...(remembering what and when you pulled them) wait the apoximate ammount of time your battary normaly dies and if your battary drains you have started to locate your problem...

SpikeDerailed

iTrader: (7)

I have relocated my battery to where the bins would be on my vert and have a resettable 150amp breajer inside I can reach behind the seat and hit, works well. The car, is used for drift, mtn runs, and autox and not much more anymore, so it'll spends weeks not moving if I am working on it so killing the batt will help.