Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
Good stuff, thanks. That gives me some ideas of what to look for. I'm just headed out to see what's at the local auto parts store. I want a non-energized, manual switch / disconnect like some of those, rather than a relay/contactor setup. I won't be switching the thing on/off very often, so I don't need the convenience of a remote dash mounted solution. Opening the hood and flipping a simple switch is fine.
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I promise to read all 20 pages, but I did read on the "plug in blackfly" website that the civic vx has parameters to shut off the alternator. Any idea where blackfly, or Randy, who he quoted got this info?
I have a civic vx engine (d15z1) in a 96 civic hatch and have noticed that when going slow at night the lights are dim, i take my foot off the gas and coast, lights get bright. I think his info about the VX alternator shut off is my "problem". Turns out it might be for better gas mileage.
What I was thinking is disconnecting the alternator whenever the brake isn't pressed with a relay. That way when you're coasting to a stop, it uses the alternator as a brake and charges the battery a little, but when you're going you don't have that drag. That in conjunction with charging the battery at home might net a nice gain overall, and give more distance per "home charge". Also it wouldn't drain your battery as much so you might gain more overall years of use per battery.
EDIT: I just realized 95% of the time I stop i just coast with car in gear, no foot on brake and then apply the brake 5 feet from the stop sign. Might need to use a microswitch that disconnects it when the throttle is all the way closed......YAY!