Linking the two batteries together

[JassyTheDog]

I wondered if any has linked the two batteries (crank/start and aux). Normally they are separate until the engine is running. The reason I ask is that I have added a solar panel and 2 x leisure batteries with a split charge relay to the van I have converted to a camper. What I would really like to do is to link the two under seat batteries permanently so the split charge keeps them both topped up using solar power when the van is not used for some time.

[knobby1]

I wondered if any has linked the two batteries (crank/start and aux). Normally they are separate until the engine is running. The reason I ask is that I have added a solar panel and 2 x leisure batteries with a split charge relay to the van I have converted to a camper. What I would really like to do is to link the two under seat batteries permanently so the split charge keeps them both topped up using solar power when the van is not used for some time.

Mk6 or Mk7..?? You don't say which you have. Mk6 twin batteries are connected in parallel anyway. Mk7 are not.

Lord Knobrot

[JassyTheDog]

Sorry it's a MK7, they get link together once running only.

[Jim Archer]

Mk7 relay connects both for starting.

Jim

[Altransit]

Removing the big relay and replacing it with the solid link that's in the single battery fusebox, will do what you want.

Battery_Fuse_Box (8).JPG

Battery_Fuse_Box (5).JPG

I'm not sure that it's a great idea though, as you have no battery backup for starting if you run the batteries down

[loot]

Go to www.etis.ford.com and in 1 of the sections is bemm it is very useful and shows how to connect the batteries and their configurations, it even has 3 shown

[ned]

Link them like this

[Altransit]

Link them like this

I'm glad to see that the BJT school of faults and fixes is still alive and kicking

[ned]

Link them like this

I'm glad to see that the BJT school of faults and fixes is still alive and kicking

I think a little bit of BJT rubbed up sorry I mean rubbed off on all of us I’m sure he would have been proud of that bit of ingenuity.

[loot]

And offered us an appropriate tool 0000003,a or similar, 2 spanners welded to a length of hedge treasure and some foam tape wrapped round to make it nice to touch