Senior Moment

Interesting.

My take away is that using the battery tender and a really long extension cord, one can eliminate the battery to save weight!

 

We've all been there Alan!

 

On a somewhat related note, here is a pop quiz:

Does anyone know what should happen if the car is running and the battery cutoff switch is opened?

 

I haven't...
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lately!

 

I'm not sure, but I'd worry about frying the alternator and/or sending a voltage spike through the sensitive and ultra expensive Ferrari electronics causing all sorts of consternation.

On the other hand, perhaps nothing will happen. Please try it on your car and let us know the results. Thank you.

 

I haven't looked at the wiring diagram but since it cuts the main battery connection I will make a guess. If the car is running and you disconnect the switch the car should keep running until you turn it off. Then it will be dead. Not sue I what would happen during a shutdown: will it store things correctly, will you get any V spikes, etc. As noted, I am not sure I would want to find out if there is a downside during shutdown but turning the switch shouldn't' produce an ill effect.

 

I would never try it unless it was absolutely necessary. However, a few months back, the lock actuator on the passenger door malfunctioned, causing the alarm system to cycle the locks back and fourth to try and correct itself. Before I could realize what the issue was, I stepped out of the car while it was running and accidentally closed the door. It just so happened that the cycle stopped with the locks closed, locking me out...

So, I thought I could at least turn the car off before having to deal with the situation and I turned the battery switch off, several times. Nothing happened at all...

I believe if the car is running and the battery circuit is opened, the output of the alternator will keep the car's electrical systems up. Not a good idea but interesting nonetheless...

 

How did you get the bonnet open to turn off the switch?

I was just thinking of the reverse scenario.
i.e. I turn off the switch for a RESET or long sleep and then some helpful person closes the bonnet for me.

 

The car had been sitting for a few weeks so I always made sure to leave it open in case the battery tender failed (which has happened to me before), in which case, I would have opted to turn the switch off and not allow the battery to drain.

 

There is a pull cable under the dash to open the bonnet manually without power. There is also a pull cable under the gas lid to open the engine cover, and another cable in the engine compartment behind the drivers side tail light to open the gas lid. I think they covered the bases regarding opening the compartments in emergency/unusual circumstances.

 

Hi - OK, sounds logical -------- but what do you pull if you can't open both the gas lid and the engine compartment ?

Glass of Cabernet, please. Answer is: your hair

Cheers, Hank

 

It happens to the best of us Alan.

Have a great Sunday.

Dan

 

I guess that would be the only way!

I think the chance that being locked out of both would be very slim since the engine cover release is a mechanical release in the door jamb. I'm sure it's possible though, so if it happens, just start pulling your hair and hope that it opens for you! LOL

 

I agree - a sudden change in load on the alternator by removing the battery risks a surge through the system. The risk is similar to disconnecting a good battery from the car after jump starting.