Dual 12 Volt Battery System
When disconnecting and isolating the negative battery clamp from the main battery, the auxiliary battery is still connected to the electrical system through it's connection to the main battery cable end. Both batteries must be disconnected to remove power from the vehicle electrical system. If both battery negative cables are not isolated it will result in the system still having battery connection and a potential power spike or power of the system and can cause damage or deployment of air bags. The auxiliary battery negative cable must be removed from the main battery cable end and isolated to power down the electrical system and components.
DUAL BATTERY DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT PROCEDURE - The batteries can be properly disconnected in one of two ways:
DISCONNECT - METHOD ONE
- Remove the nut (2) for the supplemental (auxiliary) battery negative cable, remove and isolate the cable eyelet. This disconnects the auxiliary battery only.
- Remove the nut (3) for the main battery negative cable, remove and isolate the cable eyelet. This will isolate the main battery.
- This image shows the battery system completely isolated while leaving the battery clamp (1) still in place and the IBS (2) still connected.
CONNECT - METHOD ONE
- Connect the main negative cable eyelet to the IBS. Install the nut and tighten to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS NOTE:
Overtightening of the nuts connecting the negative cables to the IBS will cause damage to the IBS or break the stud or the nut.
- Connect the supplemental (auxiliary) battery negative cable eyelet to the main battery cable. Install the nut and tighten to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DISCONNECT - METHOD TWO
- Remove the nut (2) for the supplemental (auxiliary) battery negative cable, remove and isolate the cable eyelet. This disconnects the auxiliary battery only.
- Disconnect the IBS (4) harness connector.
- Loosen the nut (1), remove and isolate the main battery negative clamp from the post. This will isolate the main battery.
- This image shows that the auxiliary battery negative cable eyelet (1) is disconnected and isolated, the main battery cable (2) is still connected to the battery clamp but removed from the main battery post. This is acceptable but you must isolate the battery clamp and cable from touching the negative battery post.
CONNECT - METHOD TWO
- Connect the main battery negative clamp to the post. Tighten the nut to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
- Connect the IBS harness connector.
- Connect the supplemental (auxiliary) battery negative cable eyelet to the main battery cable. Install the nut and tighten to the proper torque specification. Refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS NOTE:
Overtightening of the nuts connecting the negative cables to the IBS will cause damage to the IBS or break the stud or the nut.