Pull Fuse or Use Battery Disconnect Switch?

[LowRumble]

Hi guys...I need your opinions on this, as I'm still learning as I go:

I always kept the fuse pulled that powered the clock, radio, and courtesy lights in my '76 because my battery would drain pretty quickly from the clock constantly running. I just installed a new stereo system, however, including an amp. So, now I have the fuse installed again and within 10 days of sitting in the garage, the battery drained.

So my question is this: what would you do in this situation? Would you pull the fuse everytime you were done using the car and put it back in every time you fire it up? Or, would you install the battery disconnector switch instead and just disconnect the switch when you were done using the car and hook it back up when starting it up again? I'll usually go 1-2 weeks in between starting it up, if that matters at all.

Here's a link to a picture of the disconnect switch I own:
Amazon.com: Moroso 74103 Battery Terminal Disconnect Switch: Automotive

Also, because the amp is hooked up to the battery, does anybody know if I can even use this battery disconnect switch, since there are now two separate cables going to the negative terminal?

Thanks for the help!

--Frank

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/317RTZ7F7GL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

 

[mike82]

if it were me, I'd rather open the battery compartment door and reconnect/disconnect the battery than climb in & out from underneath the dash to remove/replace the fuse.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I wouldn't disconnect anything.

I'd buy a "smart" battery charger. The ones I use are the AutoMeter Battery Extenders. I have three of them.

See the review at:Battery Extender - Corvette Product Reviews

 

[minifridge1138]

I have a battery disconnect on mine.

I don't worry about the battery draining on me, a random electrical fire in the garage (it only takes 1 horror story to keep me awake at night), and it only takes 2 seconds to disconnect the battery to do work.

 

[Rodney Gold]

I also have a disconnect switch mounted in the batt compartment ....ideal if you dont use a vehicle for some time, I have one installed on all my v8 "toys"
Problem is...my clock is never right.
Another problem with a batt disconnect switch is that some fancy aftermarket audio systems head units need a code to be input when they are "disconnected" ...this could be a schlep.

 

[gmjunkie]

I'd fix the original problem!!
Got news for you,That clock ain't whats running the battery down in 10 days,unless the battery's weak!! You have another drain somewhere!!

 

[Vette79]

I'd fix the original problem!!
Got news for you,That clock ain't whats running the battery down in 10 days,unless the battery's weak!! You have another drain somewhere!!

Yeppers! When or if you do resolve the problem, go with the battery quick disconnect. As mentioned, much easier to flip the compartment lid open and turn the knob. Also, as previously mentioned, get a battery tender. They are worth every penny! I have no problems but use both regardless....

 

[fm1]

You have another drain somewhere!!

Definetely another drain somewhere. Check the underhood light or the vanity mirror lamps in the visor. These are the usual culprits.

As for your question, go with the disconnect rather than pulling your fuse each time. Hands down its more civilized. :cool

 

[LowRumble]

Thanks

Gentlemen,
Thanks for all the great input. I'm new to all this, so even some of the most basic questions/problems give me pause...and I'd rather get opinions before I really screw something up. Much appreciated.

 

[LowRumble]

One More Thing...

For the guys that currently use the battery disconnect switch:

When disconnecting, do you just turn the knob a little but leave the switch intact or do you turn the knob completely out and pull apart the two pieces of the disconnect switch? Thanks.

 

[Rodney Gold]

i use a different cut off switch , its a handle that you turn and the handle can actually be removed from the switch if you want , so the switch cant be turned on. It can be mounted anywhere inline with one of the batt cables.

 

[fm1]

Just a note on battery drains, while reading the Sept '09 issue of Corvette Magazine, in the letters to the editor section a guy wrote in about a serious battery drain on his Vette whenever he let the car sit for a few days. As it turns out, the Vettes previous owner had LoJack installed and nobody knew it. After 3 trips back to the dealer they figured out that the unit was constantly sending a signal causing the battery to go dead.

Good one huh ?

Kudos to the mechanic who figured that one out !