Disconnecting battery

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Jun 18, 2024 | 03:51 PM

ForestPat

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2023

Posts: 33

Likes: 7

Disconnecting battery

I camp. My truck battery runs down so fast. Then the passenger door lock stops working. Also, everytime I open a door all the lights come on and some stay on a loong time before they time out. It extremely annoying. The battery is supposely ok. The auto start stop almost never works.
I was wondering if it would be a problem if I disconnected the battery when camping? Then also, I could fully charge the battery as the BMS would not be engaged. Lights wouldn't all come on at night when I open a door.(I feel like I am in a spotlight!&#128556

.
Really, I am going to sell this truck cuz it sucks for camping, but I am still looking for another one.
But the question is, can I disconnect and reconnect the battery repeatedly or will that cause problems with the computers etc? I could install an isolator switch.
Thanks.
2021 f150 lariat 2.7 eco

Jun 18, 2024 | 05:36 PM

jcnorton

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 282

Likes: 68

From: N.E.Indiana

I haven't seen it myself but there is a lot of talk on the forums about batteries that tested "good" being replaced and fixing issues. I don't think unhooking it will hurt anything but there is things on these trucks that will reset/relearn afterwords, shouldn't be a big deal. Something I'm looking at for the "lighting up like a Christmas tree" every time you touch it is 4Dtech "dark mode" gizmo. You can do this with forscan if inclined, or this gizmo plugs into the OBD port and reprograms what lights come on (just interior I believe) and can be back to stock if you prefer while not camping just as easy .

Jun 18, 2024 | 11:33 PM

ForestPat

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2023

Posts: 33

Likes: 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcnorton

Yeah, I have been reading battery (threads. My dealer supposedly did an in depth battery test. I think part of the problem is the bms never lets the battery fully charge.
I am worried that using forscan will void my extended warranty. They always look for excuses.
The main interior lights I can keep off, though not all of the small ones. Its the exterior lights that get me. One on each mirror, driving lights, tail lights, light over the box etc. Crazy. The light in the tailgate is like looking into the sun its so bright. Ugh. I will look into 4D tech.
Thanks!

Jun 19, 2024 | 06:14 AM

jcnorton

Tuned

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 282

Likes: 68

From: N.E.Indiana

Ya I'm not a fan of all the lights either. I just stumbled across the 4Dtech stuff, one caution I noticed that on the dark mode one spot says it doesn't fit our trucks but the application list it says it does. I am going to call before I order to check, they say once installed no returns. Jim

Jun 19, 2024 | 12:19 PM

CoolBreeze3646

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 101

Likes: 103

If you disconnect the battery, better make sure the hood stays open. If not and hood is locked and doors are locked the only way to get into the truck is with the key if you have an electronic FOB.

Jul 15, 2024 | 03:20 PM

jonesjacob

4wd Low

Joined: Jun 2024

Posts: 12

Likes: 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForestPat

It sounds frustrating dealing with the battery drain and the annoying light situation. Disconnecting the battery while camping could be a temporary solution to prevent the battery from draining. However, repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting the battery might potentially cause issues with the vehicle's computers and systems over time. Installing an isolator switch could be a more reliable way to disconnect the battery when needed without risking damage to the vehicle's electronics. Keep exploring your options, and hopefully, you'll find a suitable solution that works well for your camping adventures!

Jul 17, 2024 | 02:48 PM

Bluegrass 7

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 7,907

Likes: 143

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForestPat

I camp. My truck battery runs down so fast. Then the passenger door lock stops working. Also, everytime I open a door all the lights come on and some stay on a long time before they time out. It extremely annoying. The battery is supposely ok. The auto start stop almost never works.
I was wondering if it would be a problem if I disconnected the battery when camping? Then also, I could fully charge the battery as the BMS would not be engaged. Lights wouldn't all come on at night when I open a door.(I feel like I am in a spotlight!&#128556

.
Another truck won't be very much different in your camping use for the issue that concerns you. They all do essentially the same thing.
All any Battery is for in a vehicle is for starting the engine and some reserve capacity for temporary use of Parking, 4 ways, Interior and some Head lite use.. After running, the engine Alternator supplies 100% of all power used and charges the the battery..
Your just asking to much of the Battery for too long a time and is why the A.S.S does not work. The Battery voltage is to low all the time and won't permit additional drain for repeated re-starts.
It's not the BMS to blame but drive cycles that are to short to often or a system fault is present that will inhibit the function and there are many possible faults causes in this very complex function. This is why the Battery tests ok for it's capacity once charged up..
A lot cheaper in the long run to consider an Inverter Gen to fill all the power requirements including at least a 4 amp charger for the truck.
Good luck.