This past weekend, I was ready to hook up my "Griot's Garage Battery Manager III." The literature for the device says that the unit is designed to "maintain charge on 12 volt batteries, lead acid, WET, MF, AGM as well as most other GEL batteries." The literature goes on to state that the Battery Manager III "can detect battery voltage and recharge battery frequently and automatically. When the vehicle's battery is fully charged, the charging LED will remain on."
I have a fully functioning dashboard analog clock in my 1967 GTO. Of course, such clock operates at all times, even when the car is not running. The instructions to the device above has the following caveat: "Before connection to the Battery Manager III, you should turn OFF any lights, or other 12 volt accessories that are connected to your vehicle's electrical system." This made me pause and I wasn't comfortable connecting the Battery Manager III because I thought the dashboard analog clock was a "12 volt accessory" and might be damaged.
Will connection of the Battery Manager III damage the analog clock in the dashboard? Any experience or advice is welcomed. Thanks.
__________________
Last edited by ppurfield001 : 03-10-2008 at 05:14 PM.
I am not really positive, BUT, I think turning off accessories is so you don't damage the battery manager (sudden load). Or maybe so you don't fry delicate electronics ( newer cars with computers and LEDS etc.)
I am not really positive, BUT, I think turning off accessories is so you don't damage the battery manager (sudden load). Or maybe so you don't fry delicate electronics ( newer cars with computers and LEDS etc.)
Thanks for your thoughts. So, you think my analog clock is at risk?
Nah ! It probably dosen't keep good time anyway !! Seriously, I doubt it. ALSO....safety is an issue ...the more draw there is on the battery, the bigger the spark will be when connecting the clamps to the battery terminals....Like when you jump a dead battery!!!!!
I wouldn't worry about it. The clocks amp draw is so low it shouldn't have any effect on your battery tender. The tender will adjust output to keep the battery at operating voltage.
__________________
Comp VRX3 Cam Package, Kooks LT's and Catted Mids,Fast 92 Ported Intake. Ported TB, Magnaflow Catback,ASP Pulley, Volant CAI.Tuned by Vengeance Racing 404/393. Oh and dual black fuzzy dice.
I wouldn't worry about it. The clocks amp draw is so low it shouldn't have any effect on your battery tender. The tender will adjust output to keep the battery at operating voltage.
Thanks Eric and GTOsarge, I've come to the same conclusion that only high-amp drawing or sensitive electronic items are an issue.. So I will hook up the battery manager this weekend. Thanks again.
The clock on my '66 GTO wasn't much use, since it kept lousy time and I disconnect the battery between rides anyway. So I took it out and put a tach that I got from Ames in the space.
The clock on my '66 GTO wasn't much use, since it kept lousy time and I disconnect the battery between rides anyway. So I took it out and put a tach that I got from Ames in the space.
Alan, the clock I have actually keeps good time and I have a hood tach. Thanks for the suggestion, which is a good one.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
