How to Attach a Car Battery Cut off Switch

Installing your own cutoff switch is relatively easy, but please heed the cautions outlined below., A cutoff switch is installed on or near the battery, and is used primarily to prevent battery charge depletion and for long-term storage., Buy a new...

23 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Installing your own cutoff switch is relatively easy

    If you are skittish about playing with electricity, or not sure how to continue, consult a professional.

    They’ll be glad to help, and you’ll get a first-rate, firsthand education from a professional.
  2. Step 2: but please heed the cautions outlined below.

    A fused switch will maintain current to your alarm, on-board computer, central locking system, and stereo, but still prevent your car from starting
    - the current generated when attempting to start the vehicle will blow the fuse and shut down all electrical connections. , The easiest type of switch you can use is a simple terminal disconnect switch.

    Be sure your new switch is rated to handle the load of your vehicle’s battery.

    This is very important! Choosing a switch that is used, worn, or underrated can result in serious electrical problems or even fire. , Do this first to avoid the possibility of electrical short circuiting or shock, neither of which are good for your vehicle or your body! ,,,,,,, Test the system by starting your vehicle. , Make sure you still have power to all systems. ,
  3. Step 3: A cutoff switch is installed on or near the battery

  4. Step 4: and is used primarily to prevent battery charge depletion and for long-term storage.

  5. Step 5: Buy a new switch.

  6. Step 6: Disconnect the negative terminal (usually black

  7. Step 7: marked with a “—” sign).

  8. Step 8: Disconnect the positive battery terminal (usually red

  9. Step 9: and marked with a “+” sign).

  10. Step 10: Carefully remove the battery clamp from the negative lead and save it should you want to remove your cutoff switch later.

  11. Step 11: Clean your terminals and check the fluid levels in your battery.

  12. Step 12: Attach the battery cutoff switch to the negative terminal

  13. Step 13: and tighten securely.

  14. Step 14: Reattach the positive lead to the positive battery terminal

  15. Step 15: and tighten securely.

  16. Step 16: Following the instructions that come with your switch

  17. Step 17: reattach the negative lead to the switch

  18. Step 18: and tighten securely.

  19. Step 19: Make sure the cutoff switch is turned off.

  20. Step 20: If all is works as expected

  21. Step 21: turn off the vehicle and engage the cutoff switch.

  22. Step 22: Do not attempt to start your vehicle with the cutoff switch engaged

  23. Step 23: or you will blow the fuse.

Detailed Guide

If you are skittish about playing with electricity, or not sure how to continue, consult a professional.

They’ll be glad to help, and you’ll get a first-rate, firsthand education from a professional.

A fused switch will maintain current to your alarm, on-board computer, central locking system, and stereo, but still prevent your car from starting
- the current generated when attempting to start the vehicle will blow the fuse and shut down all electrical connections. , The easiest type of switch you can use is a simple terminal disconnect switch.

Be sure your new switch is rated to handle the load of your vehicle’s battery.

This is very important! Choosing a switch that is used, worn, or underrated can result in serious electrical problems or even fire. , Do this first to avoid the possibility of electrical short circuiting or shock, neither of which are good for your vehicle or your body! ,,,,,,, Test the system by starting your vehicle. , Make sure you still have power to all systems. ,

About the Author

C

Charlotte Brown

With a background in writing and publishing, Charlotte Brown brings 3 years of hands-on experience to every article. Charlotte believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.

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