Battery Isolation Switch

[Gerald-TVR]

Thinking about fitting an isolation switch and was wondering if it could give rise to any issues. My S2 isnt fitted with either an alarm or immobiliser and the radio isnt coded so no need for trickle supply but will it effect the ECU if the barrery is regularly disconnected?

[ketvrin]

I fitted one of these as I didnt want my battery to flatten during long spells off the road, but have re-thought this as if you disconnect the battery via one of these switches, you reset the ECU each time...

So. if you want one, I have one in "hardly used" condition which I will give you at SCH so you can try for yourself...

K

[Gerald-TVR]

Thanks Kevin buts whats the effect of the re-setting of the ECU, good, bad or indifferent?

[ketvrin]

I had lumpy cold running and couldnt figure out what was wrong and TVRGIT suggested that after the battery is disconnected the ECU needs to go thru several cold/hot cycles before the it "settles down"... sure enough I stopped using the isolator and the lumpy running went away...

K

[Gerald-TVR]

Thanks Kevin

I think I will get one with a low amperage by-pass

[ketvrin]

You could still have mine free of charge and fit a 5amp fuse as a bypass which would keep the connection but prevent a heavy load, like someone trying to start her up on a hot-wire.

K

OOPS!!! sorry Norman - edited to say "Start HIM" up (not her... sorry Gerald

Edited by ketvrin on Friday 6th June 13:59

[Gerald-TVR]

Thanks Kevin

I've ordered one now but thanks very much anyway

(Dont worry Gerald is ambidexrous !!! __)

Edited by Gerald-TVR on Friday 6th June 14:52

[T' Veteran Racer]

Another alternative is to fit a switch in the low tension side of the coil, this would isolate the ignition and so disabling the car. you just need to hide the switch somewhere in the cockpit that only you know, but where you can reach it without being obvious.

Pete

[MarkS4]

Just spotted this topic. Maybe it explains why my car won't start after fitting a new battery. Has the ECU been scrambled? Or could it be the immobiliser didn't like the battery being disconnected? Anyway, looks like a visit by RT Racing's pick-up is the next step. Grrrrrrr.

MarkS4

[Gerald-TVR]

Hi Mark
Disconnecting the battery shouldnt 'scramble' the ECU just re-set it and then a couple of cycles of running the engine until the fan cuts in and allowing it to cool down to fully re-set the ECU.

Cant think of why a new battery should not start the car - unless the new battery is faulty.

No doubt the 'gurus' will be along later to give you guidance