A battery isolator is an important part of a multi-battery electrical system. When it is operating properly, it ensures that both vehicle batteries are charging when they should be, and that the vehicle's main battery will have enough juice to start the car in the event that the accessory battery has been drained. If the isolator is not operating properly, a number of problems can occur. Being able to troubleshoot an isolator may be the difference between your car starting or not starting at all.
- Noco Battery Isolator Instructions For Kids
- Battery Isolator Diagram
- The Noco Company Battery Accessories
- Noco Battery Isolator Instructions 2017
- Noco Battery Isolator Instructions 2016
Step 1
Understand that a standard battery isolator has four contacts, two large contacts and two smaller ones. To start, disconnect the large gauge cables from the larger contacts. These cables lead to each battery's positive terminal, so care must be taken to keep the end of the cables from grounding out on the exposed metal of the engine compartment. Use the electrical tape to cover these ends.
Step 2
- Is the Battery Isolator “waterproof”? Battery isolators are designed to be dust and shower resistant (water-resistant). Normal use, including river crossings and light engine washing, should not pose any problem. Direct high pressure washing of the battery isolator (or if the vehicle is submerged for a period of the time) may.
- A battery isolator will prevent current from flowing from one battery to the other and each battery will act as an independent power source. This will ensure that the battery you dedicated for starting never gets drained. Isolate your starting battery from your accessory battery. Eliminate multiple battery drain.
Place your meter leads on the large contacts that were previously attached to the batteries. Trigger the isolator to engage. Most triggers come from a switch or from the vehicle's ignition. Set your meter to ohms. A reading of 0 ohms indicates that the isolator is working. An open load reading indicates that it is not working.
Step 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: If installing a Battery Isolator on a Toyota (alternator group type #2) or a Motorola/Bosch (alternator group #3), refer to the special instructions before disconnecting any part of the existing system.
If an open load is observed, test the triggers by disconnecting the wires going to them. Place an alligator clip on one trigger and connect the free end to ground. Connect the other alligator clip to the remaining trigger, and place its free end on a 12V source. You should feel and hear the isolator click and the meter should read 0 ohms. If there is no click, or if the meter still reads open load, replace the isolator.
Noco Battery Isolator Instructions For Kids
If the isolator passes the test but you are still experiencing problems, you may have more serious electrical issues.
Tip
- Since you will be disconnecting the battery leads to test the isolator anyway, you may consider using this as an opportunity to clean your battery contacts and terminals. Your battery connections can never be too clean. Test your meter before you begin by measuring resistance across a clean piece of metal.
Battery Isolator Diagram
Warning
The Noco Company Battery Accessories
Noco Battery Isolator Instructions 2017
- Always observe proper safety procedures and equipment when working with or near a vehicle's battery.
Items you will need
Noco Battery Isolator Instructions 2016
- Digital multi-meter or a volt ohm meter
- Alligator clips
- Electrical tape
- Sockets