Battery – Disconnect Switch

One of the most common issues we hear about at the club is flat batteries even after a week. The Figaro seems to have issues in this area which we suspect in many instances is down to what they refer to as ‘leakage’. When the battery is left connected to the car and not driven there is still an electrical drain happening. This can be down to items such as the radio, clock and other parts of the car. Current thinking is that the analogue clock could be the main culprit. However it can also be due to how an after market item has been installed on the car, such as an alarm / immobiliser, or even central locking.

We would recommend trying to establish the cause of the battery drain, although this can take some time as it’s a matter of disconnecting each item individually to try to rule things out. Even then, some have been unable to establish the root of the problem.

Please be aware that disconnecting the battery will reset the car’s ECU, so the car will restart on default settings while it re-learns.

One option is to simply disconnect the battery terminals, however, doing so can wear out the terminals and connectors and can also be fiddly and messy to keep doing.

A better solution is to install what is known as a Battery Disconnect Isolator Switch. The switch mounts directly to the negative battery posts. To disconnect the switch turn the wheel a 1/4 turn anti-clockwise. To re-connect turn the wheel clockwise until the wheel is tight. For added security, the wheel can be completely removed.

The specifications are 6-24V at 500A which should be more than the cold starting rating (CCA) value of most batteries.

HOW TO ORDER – MEASURE YOUR BATTERY STUD
The first thing you need to do is measure the negative diameter of the battery stud as these can come in two sizes – some 13mm and some 17mm.

17mm Diameter – £5.99 Buy From EBay – Click here
11-13mm Diameter – £11.99 Buy From The Figaro Shop – Click here

If you have bought the one that is too large, you can get some enlargement adaptors.

There are also remote control ones available. We have seen good reviews of this one from Ctek which may be available from places such as Amazon at a discounted price.

WARNING – NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE
By installing a Battery Disconnect Switch you will be preventing any alarm or immobiliser you have installed from working. If this is something you have advised your insurance is on the car, then let them know that you are fitting the Battery Disconnect Switch. They will often be fine with this as long as the car is located somewhere secure while the battery isolator swith is activated.

HOW TO FOR THE CONNECTOR