Battery Cut-Off Switch Revisited

[Pantera1]

I searched through previous posts but only found one thread about a year ago in regards to installing a battery cut-off switch. There weren't many responses and I too would like to know.

I have several older sports cars and have always installed the cut off switch. As the years roll on and the wiring gets older in these cars I worry about electrical fires.

The FGT and my 07 Shelby GT500, however, have on board computer stuff that does need to draw power to maintain idle memory, radio channels, etc. Does anyone have any concerns over a battery cut off on these cars? If the concensus is that continually re-booting the system is hard on things then I won't do it. I'll take a :chill: pill ! :ack :willy

 

[Beach-GT]

I think you are better off using a float charger with very low output to keep your battery up and not be re-starting your electronics. The computer fuel management system will perform better with history in it. I even float my 1967 with no computer stuff. The battery lasts about 7-8 years that way and is ready to go when I want.

 

[nsfkid]

I have used battery cut off switches on many of my british cars over the years. I just use a standard cut off switch and put on an inline fuse between the two sides to maintain radio presets, alarm etc. Helps to prevent thefts as well. I use a 10 amp fuse it will not prevent battery drain but it will blow in case of issues.
Mike

 

[Pantera1]

I have used battery cut off switches on many of my british cars over the years. I just use a standard cut off switch and put on an inline fuse between the two sides to maintain radio presets, alarm etc. Helps to prevent thefts as well. I use a 10 amp fuse it will not prevent battery drain but it will blow in case of issues.
Mike

I hear ya. The first battery cut off I used was on my 66 XKE. A lot of cars were lost in electrical fires. Good ole Lucas electrics!

I like your idea of the fused jumper. Do you suppose it would work on the GT? One question I would have is whether or not it would even require a 10 amp fuse. Does anyone know how much parasitic draw there is on the battery with ignition off? Also, when the battery is switched back on would that create any kind of surge on the electronics? :confused

 

[Beach-GT]

I hear ya. The first battery cut off I used was on my 66 XKE. A lot of cars were lost in electrical fires. Good ole Lucas electrics!

I like your idea of the fused jumper. Do you suppose it would work on the GT? One question I would have is whether or not it would even require a 10 amp fuse. Does anyone know how much parasitic draw there is on the battery with ignition off? Also, when the battery is switched back on would that create any kind of surge on the electronics? :confused

Looks like a good idea. You need enough fuse so it does not blow when you open the door and the courtesy lights come on.

 

[Pantera1]

Looks like a good idea. You need enough fuse so it does not blow when you open the door and the courtesy lights come on.

Good point on the courtesy lights. I could maybe get someone to put a meter on the battery and see what the draw is (at rest with the interior lights on). From there we could determine which size fuse. Thanks for the good info! :thumbsup

 

[paul b]

I installed an external keyed cut-off switch on my Viper. This was due to the inaccessibility of the battery and various electrical modifications. In case of electrical fire the power can be cut quickly. If I need to work on the car I can easily disconnect the ground. If I need to secure the car I can remove the key. I used to use it for shutting down the battery if I didn't plan to use the car for long periods but now try not to. I think it may confuse the electronics too much. After writing this I guess I'm going to do the same to the GT, probably in the grill area.

 

[Kayvan]

I believe there is a cut-off with battery post, as pictured; w/a 9-volt battery adapter in cigrarette to save presets

 

[somelee]

FYI ....last week at cars and coffee a few of us were talking to Steve Millen and he said he installed a cutoff switch for the battery in his orange GT..uses it when the car is sitting for periods of time....I doubt he'd do it if it were causing problems......but I'm still going with the float charger.

 

[paul b]

Where did Steve place the cut-off?

 

[somelee]

he had a little toggle switch on the dash next to the factory toggle switches I think.