Quick Release Battery Terminals

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Johnny 216GSi
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Johnny 216GSi »

Paul_1978_yorks wrote: Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:05 pm I was thinking of getting some quick release battery terminals, as I’m likely to be taking my negative terminal on and off through the winter to save the battery when the car is out of use for periods.

I wondered if anyone had used them and had any thoughts.
I've got one of these fitted to my car:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124162582873

Take the bolt out of the "output" terminal, and the post is the same diameter as the post on a standard battery, so you just attach your negative wire here and clamp up as if clamping to the battery.

The isolator function is just a turn of the black knob anti-clockwise until it feels loose. To reconnect, turn the knob clockwise until it feels tight (and be ready with your key or alarm fob if the alarm goes off after reconnecting...!)

No wiring modifications needed and it's really quick to fit.

The *only* caveat is that you need to make sure the knob is quite tight when reconnecting the battery. I've had one incident (only one mind, in several years of having this fitted) when I tried to start the car having tightened the knob and it just died as if the battery was flat. It was just that I hadn't given it a decent enough tighten. It's been fine ever since and it's been fine for years now.

Recommended for the winter, definitely. I used to take my battery lead off with a spanner but you can end up rounding off the nut on the clamp. Plus, if you do need to go out in the car, it's really easy to just pop the bonnet, turn the knob, drop the bonnet and get in... hardly any inconvenience at all, really.
Rover 216GSi K reg. Flame Red over Tempest Grey

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Paul_1978_yorks
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

Brilliant, thanks John, this sounds like exactly what I need, cheers!
Current:
2018 Volvo V40 Cross Country
Former:
214 SEi x4, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
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Plodder
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Plodder »

Looks good I might invest in one myself
1991 Rover 416 GTi Auto - Flame Red - Owned since Aug 97 :)
961tat
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by 961tat »

My alfa 159 as lever clamp as standard :D

https://ibb.co/qr0Q1Lh
Paul_1978_yorks
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

961tat wrote: Wed Nov 10, 2021 10:08 pm My alfa 159 as lever clamp as standard :D

https://ibb.co/qr0Q1Lh
Show off :D
Plodder wrote: Wed Nov 10, 2021 8:53 am Looks good I might invest in one myself
I ordered mine last night - quick job for the weekend hopefully!
Current:
2018 Volvo V40 Cross Country
Former:
214 SEi x4, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
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Plodder
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Plodder »

Yep I ordered mine today too. :D
1991 Rover 416 GTi Auto - Flame Red - Owned since Aug 97 :)
midlifer
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by midlifer »

Plus 1 for John's (Johnny 216GSi ) knurled knob (ooh err, missus) terminal.

I've used one on my Coupe for several years now, as the alarm system will flatten the battery on an unused car in around two weeks. The car isn't used much over the winter months and this constant drain (and associated charging) seriously reduced the life of the battery.

Using this device prevents the 'will it/won't it start' lottery each time I want to use the car and all of the hassle when it is 'won't it'.
Paul_1978_yorks
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

midlifer wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2021 4:52 pm Plus 1 for John's (Johnny 216GSi ) knurled knob (ooh err, missus) terminal.

I've used one on my Coupe for several years now, as the alarm system will flatten the battery on an unused car in around two weeks. The car isn't used much over the winter months and this constant drain (and associated charging) seriously reduced the life of the battery.

Using this device prevents the 'will it/won't it start' lottery each time I want to use the car and all of the hassle when it is 'won't it'.
I’m glad I started this thread! My device hasn’t turned up yet though :bored
Current:
2018 Volvo V40 Cross Country
Former:
214 SEi x4, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
Paul_1978_yorks
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Paul_1978_yorks »

Fitted mine this evening. Had to fit it at an angle though instead of square, as the bonnet prop touched the device when it was down. See how it goes!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbpTdHo5EN ... =copy_link
Current:
2018 Volvo V40 Cross Country
Former:
214 SEi x4, 216 SLi, 216 Cabriolet, 416 GSi, 420 GSi Tourer, 25, 45, 75
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Plodder
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Re: Quick Release Battery Terminals

Post by Plodder »

Tried fitting mine yesterday but the earth lead connector doesn’t tighten properly as the earth lead clamp tabs have bent .
Looks like I’m almost on the limit with the battery terminal as well.
Didn’t have time to do any metal forming on it but will try later.
Looks good though😃
1991 Rover 416 GTi Auto - Flame Red - Owned since Aug 97 :)
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