2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What's that thing under DS battery?

[Alan Reagan]

I just finished putting in new batteries tonight (had a slow start this morning and the gauge stayed to the left a little longer than I like). Anyway, when I pulled the drivers side battery, I noticed this floating disc in the bottom of the battery tray. It had two wires going to it and I have no idea what it could be unless it's the temperature sensor. Is that what that thing is. Description: Black, flat disc about 1 inch in diameter that fits into an indention in the bottom of the battery tray, driver's side. Two black wires come out the bottom.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Never mind. I saw Merryman's post. Battery temperature sensor.

 

[drees1]

Batt temp sensor. It is so refreshing to see a corner that is not cut every now and then. Voltage regulation based on battery temp greatly extends the life of the battery. Way to go DC

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by Alan Reagan
Never mind. I saw Merryman's post. Battery temperature sensor.

And, for those who may be wondering, the PCM uses this sensor to detect when the batteries are real cold and increases the charging current in order to warm them up faster, since a warm (or hot) battery can produce *much* more current than a cold one.

Fest3er

 

[illflem]

It's on the pass side on my '95s, DC must have made a move sometime.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Sooooo, what if I move the battery from the stock location? What should I do with the sensor, leave it alone? Which is what I did... ...





Later ,Rob

 

[Midnite]

My guess is that you should move the sensor as well. Otherwise, the sensor will keep saying that the battery is always cold.



Mike

 

[Alan Reagan]

I'd move the sensor. I think it's a great idea. Biggest reason it's a really great idea is that if it's used correctly, the new AGM (absorbed glass mat) type batteries are very sensitive to charging at high temperatures. If there is a hot limit as well as a cold limit in the charging system, it will significantly increase the life of those batteries. I think Optima falls into that category. A lot of the high end, ruggedized batteries fall into that (batteries that can be mounted in any orientation).

 

[Gifford]

97 doesnt have temp sensor?

I replaced the stock batteries years ago with Optimas; I didnt notice anything in the bottom of the tray. . wonder if I missed it, The Optimas were quite a bit shorter thatn the stock batteries so I put 1X4 blocks in the bottom (thereby defeating the purpose of the temp sensor, if I've got one. . ) OH well, the batteries have lasted 4 years with no sensor, guess it'll be alright.