Well....As I have become more familiar with these cars, I have learned how touchy the battery issues are, and particularly when connected to OBDII devices/readers.

Thanks to many on this forum, I have learned that it is usually a quick and simple "Battery Reboot" fix, to clear and allow the car to go to sleep mode again. After a couple of times, I was
getting tired of disconnecting the cable etc...So came up with the solution/mod in this DIY. There are obviously all sots of alternative approaches you could do here...

I fully recognize this is nothing pervasive, or genius, but may be helpful to any that want to do it. And it is a simple mod that is somewhat useful....And something to do while on lock-down!

Hopefully some (or one) will find it useful/helpful.

DC

 

Thanks for putting that together. Simple and straight forward.

 

A really good idea. Thanks.

 

Thanks.....And my pleasure.

Pretty sure it was one of your posts that educated me on the process. So thank you

DC

 

Yep, great idea, I just bought one on Fleabay.
But I'm not sure why you would need to disconnect the negative battery terminal first?
Surely just unbolting the earth lead from the floor of the trunk/boot (the first part of Step 3 anyway) does the same thing?
Or do you need to disconnect the neg terminal to avoid upsetting the BMS?????

 

Thanks.

On the disconnecting the negative terminal...It is not an absolute must (I document how I do the DIYs). The suggestion to do so is more as a simple precaution for the electronics in the car. Given the many modules, sensors, and other delicate electronics, it is safer to not have the circuit complete while you are working with it. As you are fastening, and removing the cable, it would create multiple arcs and sparks as the metal intermittently makes contact....This is not good for IC's and other electronic components.

So, all that to say...It is just a precaution while you are fitting the cable back to the grounding bolt and switch. Not absolutely necessary.

DC

 

Thanks for the post.
I'm so stupid that it took me after the 2nd annual inspection to read on here to figure out that the OBD reader completely drained the battery a few days afterwards.
Assume almost same install for convertibles...

Ques:
A few videos on install attached the negative cable to the side post on the switch itself, instead of attaching it to the floorpan bolt:

Same for instructions from the switch company:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Heavy-Off...500-/247218933

Any advantage/disadvantage of either install?
Thanks,

 

Either approach would/will work. I simply did it the way I did, as it fit well. The battery area is pretty tight. Any way you can make a switch that disconnects and reconnects your negative terminal would work fine. As always....This is just ONE way to do it.

Good luck.
DC

 

Maybe a battery disconnect switch as used on racing cars? Definitely more work because of mounting, but it could be mounted in a more accessible location.

I don't connect an OBDC device often enough to care, but it's an idea.

 

I was thinking the same thing. They have those fancy red ones! But like you said, I wouldn't use it often enough to make the effort of mounting worth while. I'll just go with what what Rock did.

 

I bet you would buy one in a minute, if offered in Firesand!

 

Great idea! Ordered one today!

 

Hey! I feel like that was in reference to them damn calipers! LOL

 

Anyone has good sugg on how to easy access/install onto the negative terminal on convertibles?
Looks like not too much room here...

 

I don't have a 'vert but surely that panel covering the edges of the battery can be easily removed and replaced, giving you easy access to the negative terminal?
Otherwise how else do you replace the battery?????
Also, you don't really need to remove the negative battery cable connection from the battery itself, you only need to undo the bolt holding the other end of that cable (the earth/ground) to the floor of the boot, see earlier posts by Therock88. Just be careful when fitting the gizmo and reconnecting the cable to avoid sparks!

 

I am considering this disconnect for an install, seems like a good idea. Looking online for a switch. Many are listed at 500 Amp max. Jag F type batteries seem like about 1000 Amp during start. Is this an issue? Which switches have been installed and worked well?

 

On my XJR I like to leave the OBDII device plugged in all the time. I found this unit which powers down with the car and have had no battery issues yet.
I am still on the factory battery on my 2014 model.
It is a bit expensive compared to other adapters but I really like the push button to force it to pair.

.
.
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AFAIK, it's only the F-Type that has a "sensitive" OBD port that can leave module(s) active.

 

There's been a few reports of it happening on the F Pace, but not as widespread as the F Type. Then again, that demographic is not quite like this one, nor have the Paces been around as long.

 

I have had the same problem with my '17 Vert convertible. Vert ground wiring I believe, is routed differently than coupe. I have inquired about this pn this forum when I purchaded an identical cut off switch as The Rock. Eight months ago! No one offered a solution so it sits on my shop shelf!
Just another stupid cowboy not comfortable with pulling out trunk panels without suggestions from forum members.
Thanks in advance.