How To Install a Battery Isolator (EASY & CHEAP!)

Is your battery going flat or you need to store your car without draining the battery? In this super simple DIY video you'll learn how to fix the problem with a basic universal battery isolator switch which you can install in less than 5 minutes and costs next to nothing!

It's worth noting that if you're battery is draining all the time, it could be an indicator of a wiring fault or issue with an electrical component so it's definitely worth investigating and repairing the main problem because a switch or isolator also will inhibit your alarm and security systems.

Must-have tools:

Ryobi Gear (Australia/NZ):

Ryobi Gear (everywhere else):

Video Gear:

Other:

Disclosure: We may earn from some of the links above as Amazon Associates.

Also something to note around Mighty Car Mods: we are normal guys and are not trained mechanics. We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy. Talk to a qualified mechanic if you are in any doubt.

[mightycarmods]

Here's a quick DIY for you - The RB 240 has been killing batteries so we decided to check out some cheap and easy ways of isolating the battery - and this is what we found. And remember our new project car will be revealed next Monday (24th of September)

[driftdatshizz]

On behalf of All New Zealanders we thank you for your compliment on our battery cut out switch skills.

[johnaavang]

Reminds me of the old videos. love the new stuff too! just nostalgic.

[psementalist]

Boy howdy you weren't lying about more epic episodes of Mighty Car Mods

[HondaCL]

Love these cheap & easy Everyman mods.

[PapaAcer]

This was a great nod to the good ol’ days. Just got my Mighty Car Mods book for my birthday by the way. Thanks boys! I am ecstatic to finish reading it and am so happy I got the signed one. Best birthday present EVER!

[SirDaffyD]

That kill switch you installed on the 240, I had one of them on my Torana in the late 1980's. Great idea. I didn't drive it as often as i'd have liked due to it being highly modded and not practical as a daily, But when I did want to drive it, I just twisted the knob & away I went.
Another great informative video guys. Keep them coming.

[tajhgill]

"First step is to jack up your car" jacks up an esky instead hahah

[lucaweller]

You'z should legit make a t-shirt that says. "How to change you air freshener. Step one, Jack up the car."

[timassgoblin]

Missed the ole' jack up your car bit.

[sports]

disconnecting your battery can also reset factory radios, clocks and such. so that's worth considering

edit: if you have a self learning auto box, disconnecting power usually means it will need to relearn shift patterns when you drive it again (at least for some Mitsubishi's), so if your car shifts funny for a few k's after re connection, this maybe the cause.

[aidan]

Speaking of New Zealand, when are you lads coming over for some automotive goodness??

[jcwat]

I've been spoilt for choice with all your videos this week boys.

[SBYSB]

Loved thats snippet of editing like the old videos, man that was so satifying to watch. I really miss the old type of video. Stuck in the

[kyle]

I'm liking these videos lately, really helps me "isolate" what YouTube channels make good content

[ItalianStallionLouie]

Marty, Moog, just want to say thanks for the great content.

I’m so glad you’re still doing DIY vids. These are what got everyone to your channel originally, as you do them with flair and comedy. I really hope you do more of them, alongside the builds too.

[clivewilliams]

Those brass battery disconnects have issues namely that they can come loose over time with vibration and if that happens when the engine is running you have just fried the alternator! The two (only?) best ways of isolating the battery is either physically disconnecting the -ve terminal or using the motorsports (Autolec) switch. The Autolec switch has the big advantages that a) when switched off it grounds the alternator thus saving it from damage and the red key can be taken out when you leave the vehicle to stop the low lifes going for a ride. Operating the Autolec switch externally is only required for some motorsports classes and therefore it does not require the wire pull for a street car or track day car, which was a misleading in your comments.

[vaderni]

When I was 16 this was one of the few mods I did to my truck that I could afford. IDK why but it always made me really happy, the small things I did to it was encouraging cause I finally had a car of my own to do whatever to.

[Nirawen]

I always thought Moog was taller than Marty.. odd.

[therickman]

After all the people complaining about MCM not doing cheap DIY mods anymore, you guys come up with this, and its utterly pointless. Even a disconnected battery will slowly lose its charge when its left for an extended period of time. I love it