View Single Post
Old 04-06-2012, 07:59 PM   #28 (permalink)
brucepick
OCD Master EcoModder
 
brucepick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Eastern CT, USA
Posts: 1,936

Outasight - '00 Honda Insight
Team Honda
Gen-1 Insights
90 day: 54.18 mpg (US)
Thanks: 431
Thanked 396 Times in 264 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by steffen707 View Post
Hey Brucepick, do you only use the big power switch to shut off the alternator? Or do you also do something with the 4pin alternator connector?
I do leave the 4 pin connector unplugged when not running the alt, but of course the positive output cable being switched off absolutely prevents charging.

As for the 4 pin, I think that if not charging, it makes no sense to send those signals and voltages across the small wires, so I pull that one too. Once or twice I forgot to pull the 4 pin; no serious consequences but I think there's some load in leaving those little circuits operating.

I only plug in the 4-pin part way when I do use the alt (which is rarely). That way it's easier to unplug again later. Getting at the release can be a pain. Access is definitely improved with a replacement direct alt charging cable that approaches the alt from above as opposed to the oem which comes up from below.
__________________
Coast long and prosper.
Driving '00 Honda Insight, acquired Feb 2016.


  Reply With Quote