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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Okay, I know its been done to death, and I have searched the forum, but I still need input here. How can I make a dual battery setup with just a solenoid, two batteries, and the appropriate cables. Thanx again!!

1987 YJ Laredo
Rylan D.
 

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6,784 Posts
Yes, but you will have to eliminate the continuous hold solenoid also, and just wire the two batteries together.
The idea of the oil pressure switch, and continuous hold solenoid is to isolate the second battery from loads when the engine isn't running.
Like when the head lights get left on overnight, ect...
By pushing the dash switch, you can jump start yourself...
If you prefer to leave all of that stuff off, then be my guest. You will have a normal dual battery arrangement.
Like they use in diesel pickup trucks...
Just remember, positive to positive, negative to negative... That will keep you at 12 volts and everything will work correctly.


"I Have The Body Of A God... Buddha"
 
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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
why is it not possible to put a solenoid b/w the batteries with a control switch running to the dash or something. How does a solenoid work?
Thanx

1987 YJ Laredo
Rylan D.
 
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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
A solenoid takes a small amount of current to throw an electrical switch that can handle a big amount of current. Kind of like a relay. You could have such a switch, but you'd have to turn it off every time you shut the jeep off, and turn it on every time you turned the jeep on. Your next question will probably be: "Why not just wire the solenoid to the ignition switch so that it comes on and off with the key?" Our electronics gurus say that the ignition switch already has too much load, and that adding more load will burn it out.

Evolution of tools: stone, hammer, wrench, socket, impact, really big hammer, blue wrench.
 
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I think I will use the switch to the dash. That way I can decide when I want my second battery on. I will only be hooking a stereo and off-Road lights to it. How will I wire the switch?
I really appreciate all this help

1987 YJ Laredo
Rylan D.
 
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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
If you are serious about doing it this way, you could eliminate the oil pressure switch and just wire it with the self-start override as your in-dash switch. When you flip the switch, you'll have both batteries. Here's a question, however: Why do you want to rely upon yourself? The oil pressure switch is idiot proof. And with the solenoid and all, you have both batteries linked together. If you have this switch only setup, you are readying yourself for a problem. If your stereo and extra lights are wired to this second battery, and you flip them on without turning on the second battery switch, you'll drain the second battery...dead. On the other hand, leave the vehicle off/switch on long enough, and the unisolated batteries will kill each other. Leave the switch on/vehicle off/headlights on, and you'll come find your jeep with two dead batteries. A lot of folks have put a lot of thought into this one. If you're running enough extra lights and stereo to need a second battery to keep it going, all you're going to accomplish is double the amount of time it takes to kill your battery. Batteries are intended as reserves...storage for peak loads, like starting and winching (and welding/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif). If you're going to be running heavy constant loads like a stereo or lights, you'd be better off upgrading your alternator. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to have the dual batteries anyhow (nice to be able to jump-start yourself when you leave the lights on), but you might want to reconsider a bit.

Evolution of tools: stone, hammer, wrench, socket, impact, really big hammer, blue wrench.
 
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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Thanks for all the help. Like you said, people put a lot of thought into this, so I should trust the experienced. So, where would I hook my oil pressure sending unit after the switch is put in? Also, what is a self start override switch?

1987 YJ Laredo
Rylan D.
 

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6,355 Posts
/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif The self start overide button is the push button on the dash that shows in TR's diagram, and is what you use to crank up under "emergency" conditions......like you left the lights on for two days. You can dismount the oil pressure sender and screw in a "Line Tee" from the auto parts and the oil pressure switch can go into the extra outlet that you will have on the side of the tee. Is this simple???? Or what??/wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif

CJDave
Quadra-Trac modified by the crack moonguy/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif transfer case team.
 
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