FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Need help with those with dual battery setups

HI All.

I'm in the middle of doing a dual battery setup, but need some help from those that have done this project with either the dirty parts kit, DIY, etc.

I think i've figured out how I want to setup everything, but never the less, i'm still curious how the majority is doing this.

1.- Switch..

How is your switch setup? Is it mearly working as jumper? Do you have the system setup so the isolator turns on (conects the batteries) with the ignition?

2.- Isolator...

Where are you placing your isolator? Any pictures?

Thanks for any help guys.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bz on April 3, 2012 at 9:28pm

I have installed one on Back in Black's FJ gimme a call

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 3, 2012 at 10:24pm

It has been a while since I installed the dirty parts kit...I recall they had fairly good instructions. I mounted the isolater by the battery tray.

The switch has three settings (I'm digging deep here so don't hold me to it!):
1. Normal mode - spare charges while you are driving but disconnects when the ignition is off. Spare is effectively isolated and you should have a fully topped off battery
2. Total isolation - spare is complete left alone
3. Emergency mode - both batteries are go...use for drained primary or maybe for heavy winching ( point could be argued)

Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by NestahEdition on April 3, 2012 at 11:28pm

I have the DP kit too.
The isolator is mounted on the 2nd battery tray.

The 3 position switch that came with the kit to control the isolator.
Left - dual mode, batteries are charge together
Center - batteries are isolated
Right - 2nd battery only and can be used for starting the engine.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 4, 2012 at 8:19am

that sounds better! :-) luckily i have the little laminated card on my visor!lol

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Permalink Reply by 5150 Cruiser on April 4, 2012 at 9:28am

Thank Nestor. Quick question.. when the switch is in "dual mode" are the batteries only conectted when the ignition is on? Or are they always conected regardless if the truck is on or off? When your switch is in the center position are they always isolated? Thanks Nestor.

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Permalink Reply by Red Leader aka DaveF2 on April 4, 2012 at 6:22am

Brandon, I have the Painless wiring kit, it's basically what the dirty parts kit uses. The switch operates a large solenoid that connects and disconnects the batteries. I can't seem to find the pics I took when I installed it, I'll take a couple today at work and post them up. I do know it saved my butt when I gunked up my alt at Holister and drove all the way back to Concord on just the 2 yellow top Optima's.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on April 4, 2012 at 8:20am

I'm curious on the logic for two deep cycle batteries?

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Permalink Reply by Red Leader aka DaveF2 on April 4, 2012 at 12:45pm

Actually, the Optima Yellow's are not a true deep cycle, they are a cross between deep cycle and standard (red top) main use, according to Optima, is like for emergency vehicles that have prolonged draw (like winching for us) but they still recover quickly like red top, the Blue tops are the true deep cycles.