I'll be gone for five days and for some reason the charge in my truck batteries start getting pretty low by the 3rd day if it's not been driven. I have an Edge unit which I only use for the gauges but the screen is dark when the truck is parked. That's the only thing I can imagine is causing a draw. I'd rather just disconnect the cable(s) so I can be sure it will start when I return. Can anyone tell me which cable(s) need to be removed when you have two batteries? (Ford F-250).
cannesdo wrote: The batteries were new in March and this was the case from week one since they were installed. My truck has been like this since I bought it, regardless of the battery age. It may be the chip. I just don't want to take any chances.
Yes looks like you need to pull a cable.
However I would also determine the excessive power draw and repair if possible.
MURPHY55347 wrote: Batteries are connected in parallel so you only need to disconnect the one negative cable that goes to chassis ground. I use a disconnect switch like this. You just partially unscrew the green knob and it disconnects the battery. https://www.zoro.com/battery-doctor-battery-disconnect-switch-negative-12v-20308/i/G3024804/
True batteries are in parallel on our trucks (12V DC), but that does not mean that there is just one ground for both. I know this for sure on the Dodge with Cummins as each battery is grounded to the engine block, not sure how Ford grounds theirs.
The OBD (On Board Diagnostic) port is under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. On my truck it is very visible and the Edge device can be easily unplugged while sitting in the seat. Might be different on other trucks but I'll bet it is easy access for diagnostic reasons. The plug on the back of the screen is an easy remove also but not as easy as the OBD port. I have a back up camera and a pyrometer hooked up to mine so it is a little crowded behind the screen.
I neglected to mention in my previous post that my Edge does not power down if the engine is turned off before the gauges load.
Durb wrote: My Edge CTS will sometimes have a scenario where the screen is black but the screen is on which can be determined when it is dark. I find this happens when I start the engine but shut it off before before the gauges can load. Upon restart the gauges will refuse to load until I hit menu twice. I am in the habit now of letting the truck run long enough to load the gauges before shutting down. If you think the Edge is your drain culprit it is easy enough to unplug it from the OBD port for extended non use.
MURPHY55347 wrote: Batteries are connected in parallel so you only need to disconnect the one negative cable that goes to chassis ground. I use a disconnect switch like this. You just partially unscrew the green knob and it disconnects the battery. https://www.zoro.com/battery-doctor-battery-disconnect-switch-negative-12v-20308/i/G3024804/
Thanks...which one is that on an F250 -- the one on the passenger side?
spud1957 wrote: Just make sure your key holes are all working and not seized as your remote access doesn't with the batteries disconnected.
Ah excellent, thanks! Did you know they also don't work when the truck is already running? Kept it running once and locked it in order to charge some camera batteries...Thought I was so smart taking the remote opener fob with me...but not so much. Had to break in. Pro tip. If it's cold and you hit the catch on the center sliding window with a hammer the glue will separate from the window and it will open up with you having to actually break the window. ๐
ScottG wrote: I have read that before about Edge (which I like) units causing battery drain. Maybe just pull the fuse on the Edge rather than disconnecting batts?
I've had the edge on the truck since day 1 but since my new transmission has been in I only use it for the gauges. Is there a fuse in the edge unit or do you mean in the fuse panel? How do I know which fuse it is?...thanks...
Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote: Well you want to disconnect both neg cables. But if the trucks batteries can not hold a charge for five days, you need to buy two new good quality batteries! Any truck/vehicle should be able to sit for 90 days or mare without having to worry about it not starting.
Don
The batteries were new in March and this was the case from week one since they were installed. My truck has been like this since I bought it, regardless of the battery age. It may be the chip. I just don't want to take any chances.
My Edge CTS will sometimes have a scenario where the screen is black but the screen is on which can be determined when it is dark. I find this happens when I start the engine but shut it off before before the gauges can load. Upon restart the gauges will refuse to load until I hit menu twice. I am in the habit now of letting the truck run long enough to load the gauges before shutting down. If you think the Edge is your drain culprit it is easy enough to unplug it from the OBD port for extended non use.
