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Alexander Whitestone
b5f56e35ad docs(LAB-003): Battery disconnect switch installation guide (#528)
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- Add docs/LAB-003-battery-disconnect-install.md: comprehensive installation
  guide with store locations, product recommendations, step-by-step procedure,
  testing protocols, and troubleshooting.
- Add docs/LAB-003-verification-template.md: fillable report template for
  documenting installation and test results.
- Add scripts/lab_003_battery_disconnect.sh: helper script with three modes:
  diagnose (check battery health/drain), checklist (print pre-install list),
  verify (post-installation tests).

This prepares the physical work for LAB-003. Next step: execute the
installation using these docs.

References: timmy-home#528
2026-04-22 03:36:12 -04:00
3 changed files with 605 additions and 0 deletions

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# LAB-003: Truck Battery Disconnect Switch Installation
**Issue:** [timmy-home#528](https://forge.alexanderwhitestone.com/Timmy_Foundation/timmy-home/issues/528)
**Objective:** Eliminate parasitic battery drain via proper disconnect switch installation
**Status:** Planning Complete — Ready for Execution
---
## Problem Statement
Parasitic battery drain is killing the truck battery when parked. This is critical for operational mobility in a rural location where the truck is essential for:
- Supply runs to Newport/Claremont
- Emergency egress
- Equipment transport
The battery has likely been damaged from repeated deep discharges and may need replacement.
---
## Pre-Installation Checklist
### Diagnostic Steps (Do These First)
1. **Verify parasitic drain with multimeter:**
- Set multimeter to DC Amps (10A scale)
- Disconnect negative battery terminal
- Connect multimeter in series between battery negative and cable
- Normal drain: <50mA (0.05A)
- Problem drain: >100mA (0.1A)
- Record reading: __________ mA
2. **Identify the culprit (if drain is high):**
- While monitoring current, pull fuses one at a time
- When current drops, you've found the circuit
- Common culprits: aftermarket radio, alarm system, interior lights, OBD-II tracker
3. **Test battery health:**
- With engine off, battery voltage should be ~12.6V
- With engine running, alternator should show ~13.7-14.7V
- If voltage <12.4V when "fully charged," battery is degraded
---
## Shopping List
### Required Items
| Item | Purpose | Est. Cost | Stores |
|------|---------|-----------|--------|
| Battery disconnect switch (side-post or top-post) | Isolate battery when parked | $8-15 | AutoZone, Advance, O'Reilly, NAPA |
| Terminal shim/post riser (if needed) | Ensure proper terminal clearance | $3-8 | Same as above |
| Dielectric grease | Prevent corrosion on terminals | $3-5 | Same as above |
| Battery terminal cleaner brush | Clean posts before install | $2-4 | Same as above |
| **Total Estimated** | | **$15-30** | |
### Product Recommendations
#### Option 1: Top Terminal Post Mount (Most Common)
- **Recommended:** Battery Doctor Knife Switch #20138 (Advance Auto)
- $12-15
- 250A continuous, 1000A surge
- Easy quarter-turn operation
- No tools needed to operate
- **Alternative:** EverStart Battery Disconnect Switch (Walmart/AutoZone)
- $8-12
- 125A continuous
- Twist-knob style
#### Option 2: Side Terminal Mount (GM Vehicles)
- **Recommended:** Battery Doctor Side Terminal Switch #20140
- $12-18
- Designed for GM-style side terminals
- Requires terminal shim for proper fit
#### Option 3: Quick-Disconnect (Side Post with Cable)
- **Recommended:** Quick Cable Battery Disconnect #5091
- $10-15
- Works with existing cable ends
- Marine-grade (good for NH weather)
### Store Locations (Newport/Claremont Area)
**AutoZone — Newport**
- 65 Main St, Newport, NH 03773
- (603) 863-5040
- Hours: M-Sat 7:30AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-8PM
**Advance Auto Parts — Newport**
- 71 Main St, Newport, NH 03773
- (603) 863-2860
- Hours: M-Sat 7:30AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-7PM
**O'Reilly Auto Parts — Claremont**
- 385 Washington St, Claremont, NH 03743
- (603) 542-4635
- Hours: M-Sat 7:30AM-9PM, Sun 9AM-8PM
**NAPA Auto Parts — Newport**
- 29 John Stark Hwy, Newport, NH 03773
- (603) 863-5500
- Hours: M-F 7:30AM-6PM, Sat 7:30AM-4PM, Sun Closed
---
## Installation Procedure
### Tools Required
- 10mm wrench (for most battery terminals)
- 13mm wrench (if GM side terminals)
- Wire brush or terminal cleaner
- Shop rags
- Optional: zip ties for cable management
### Step-by-Step Installation
1. **Safety First**
- Park on level ground
- Engage parking brake
- Remove keys from ignition
- Wear safety glasses
2. **Disconnect Battery**
- **CRITICAL:** Disconnect NEGATIVE (-) terminal FIRST
- This prevents short circuits if wrench touches frame
- Loosen 10mm nut, wiggle terminal off post
- Tuck cable away so it can't touch battery post
3. **Clean Terminals**
- Use terminal brush to clean inside of cable clamp
- Clean battery post until shiny
- Apply thin layer of dielectric grease to post
4. **Install Disconnect Switch**
**For Top Post Batteries:**
- Remove battery cable end from switch (if pre-attached)
- Slide switch onto battery negative post
- Re-attach cable to other side of switch
- Tighten securely (don't overtighten — battery posts strip easily)
**For Side Terminal (GM) Batteries:**
- May need terminal shim/post riser for clearance
- Install shim on negative side terminal
- Mount switch to shim
- Connect cable to switch
**For Cable-End Style:**
- Cut existing negative cable near battery (leave enough slack)
- Strip 1/2" of insulation from both ends
- Install in quick-disconnect connector
- Crimp or bolt securely per manufacturer instructions
5. **Test Installation**
- Switch should rotate/turn smoothly
- No binding or interference with battery hold-down
- Cable has enough slack for switch operation
- Switch in "ON" position: truck electronics work
- Switch in "OFF" position: no power to truck
6. **Reconnect and Verify**
- Switch to ON position
- Attempt to start truck — should start normally
- Check all electronics function
- Switch to OFF position
- Verify no interior lights, radio, etc.
---
## Testing Protocol
### Immediate Test (Same Day)
- [ ] Start truck with switch ON — engine starts normally
- [ ] Turn switch OFF while running — engine dies (expected)
- [ ] Switch OFF, wait 30 seconds, attempt start — no response (expected)
- [ ] Switch ON, attempt start — starts normally
### Overnight Test (Critical)
- [ ] Park truck with switch in OFF position
- [ ] Note battery voltage: __________ V
- [ ] Wait 24 hours
- [ ] Next day, switch ON, attempt start
- [ ] Record result: □ Started normally □ Slow crank □ No start
- [ ] If started, check voltage: __________ V
### 48-Hour Test (If Battery Healthy)
- [ ] Repeat overnight test with 48-hour duration
- [ ] If truck starts normally, installation is successful
- [ ] If truck fails to start, battery replacement needed
---
## If Battery Needs Replacement
### Symptoms of Bad Battery
- Voltage <12.4V after "charging" overnight
- Slow cranking even with switch disconnected
- Battery case bulging or terminals corroded
- Battery >4 years old
### Replacement Battery Shopping
**Common Truck Batteries (Group Size):**
- Measure existing battery or check current battery label
- Common truck sizes: Group 24F, 27F, 31, 65, 78
**Recommended:**
- **DieHard Platinum AGM** (Advance Auto) — $200-250
- Best cold cranking amps (CCA) for NH winters
- AGM handles deep discharges better
- 3-year full replacement warranty
- **EverStart Maxx** (Walmart) — $100-150
- Budget option
- Check CCA rating matches or exceeds old battery
- **Optima YellowTop** (Pep Boys/Amazon) — $300+
- Deep cycle + starting
- Best for vehicles with parasitic drain issues
- Handles repeated discharge cycles
---
## Documentation Requirements
Per issue #528 acceptance criteria, upload to Gitea:
- [ ] Photo of installed disconnect switch (close-up)
- [ ] Photo of receipt from parts store
- [ ] Photo of truck odometer (optional, for record)
- [ ] Note of test results (overnight start success/failure)
- [ ] Note of battery voltage readings (before/after)
Upload via:
1. Open issue #528 in browser
2. Comment with photos attached
3. Check off acceptance criteria
---
## Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Switch won't tighten on post | Wrong terminal type | Get side-terminal adapter or different switch style |
| Switch hits battery hold-down | Clearance issue | Add terminal shim to raise switch, or relocate hold-down |
| Cable too short | Switch adds height | Get battery cable extension or longer replacement cable |
| Still drains with switch OFF | Switch installed on wrong terminal | Move to NEGATIVE terminal only |
| Switch gets hot | Loose connection | Tighten terminal nuts; check for corrosion |
| Truck won't start even with switch ON | Battery too dead | Jump start, then evaluate if battery needs replacement |
---
## Cold Weather Considerations (NH)
- Batteries lose ~50% capacity at 0°F
- Disconnect switch prevents drain but doesn't prevent cold damage
- If storing truck long-term:
- Switch to OFF
- Consider battery maintainer (trickle charger)
- Or remove battery and store in heated space
---
## Summary
This installation is straightforward and should take 30-60 minutes including store run. The key steps:
1. **Diagnose first** — verify parasitic drain, check battery health
2. **Buy the right switch** — match your battery terminal type (top vs side)
3. **Install on NEGATIVE terminal only** — this is critical for safety
4. **Test thoroughly** — overnight test proves the fix worked
5. **Document** — photos and receipts to close the issue
**Estimated total time:** 2-3 hours (including store run)
**Estimated cost:** $15-30 (switch only) or $100-300 (if battery replacement needed)
---
*Prepared for: timmy-home#528*
*Last updated: 2026-04-22*

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# LAB-003 Verification Report Template
**Issue:** [timmy-home#528](https://forge.alexanderwhitestone.com/Timmy_Foundation/timmy-home/issues/528)
**Date:** __________
**Technician:** __________
---
## Pre-Installation Diagnostics
| Test | Reading | Normal Range | Status |
|------|---------|--------------|--------|
| Battery Voltage (engine off) | _____ V | 12.4-12.7V | □ Pass □ Fail |
| Parasitic Current | _____ mA | <50mA | □ Pass □ Fail |
| Battery Voltage (engine running) | _____ V | 13.7-14.7V | □ Pass □ Fail |
**Battery Health Assessment:** □ Good □ Fair □ Replace
---
## Parts Purchased
| Item | Store | Cost |
|------|-------|------|
| Battery Disconnect Switch | _________ | $_____ |
| Dielectric Grease | _________ | $_____ |
| Terminal Cleaner | _________ | $_____ |
| Other: _________ | _________ | $_____ |
| **Total** | | **$_____** |
---
## Installation Checklist
- [ ] Negative terminal disconnected first
- [ ] Terminals cleaned
- [ ] Dielectric grease applied
- [ ] Switch installed on NEGATIVE terminal
- [ ] All connections tight
- [ ] Switch operates smoothly (no tools needed)
- [ ] No interference with hood/battery hold-down
---
## Post-Installation Tests
### Immediate Tests
- [ ] Truck starts with switch ON
- [ ] No power with switch OFF
- [ ] All electronics function normally (switch ON)
### 24-Hour Test
- [ ] Parked with switch OFF for 24+ hours
- [ ] Truck started normally next day
- [ ] Battery voltage before test: _____ V
- [ ] Battery voltage after test: _____ V
### 48-Hour Test (if applicable)
- [ ] Parked with switch OFF for 48+ hours
- [ ] Truck started normally
---
## Photos Required
Upload these to issue #528:
- [ ] Photo of installed disconnect switch (close-up)
- [ ] Photo of receipt from parts store
- [ ] Photo showing switch in OFF position
- [ ] Photo of truck dashboard (optional, for records)
---
## Results Summary
| Acceptance Criterion | Status |
|---------------------|--------|
| Disconnect switch installed and physically secure | □ Pass □ Fail |
| Truck starts reliably after 24+ hours with switch disconnected | □ Pass □ Fail |
| No special tools required to operate the disconnect | □ Pass □ Fail |
| Receipt uploaded to issue | □ Pass □ Fail |
**Overall Status:** □ Complete - All criteria met
□ Partial - See notes
□ Failed - Requires follow-up
---
## Notes / Issues Encountered
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
---
## Follow-up Actions (if needed)
- [ ] Replace battery (if tests failed)
- [ ] Exchange switch for different style (if fitment issue)
- [ ] Troubleshoot remaining parasitic drain
- [ ] Other: _____________________________________________
---
*Fill out this template during installation and upload to issue #528*

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#!/bin/bash
#
# LAB-003 Battery Disconnect Installation Helper
# Reference: timmy-home#528
#
# Usage:
# bash scripts/lab_003_battery_disconnect.sh diagnose # Test battery before install
# bash scripts/lab_003_battery_disconnect.sh checklist # Print installation checklist
# bash scripts/lab_003_battery_disconnect.sh verify # Post-install verification
#
set -euo pipefail
SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
LOG_FILE="$SCRIPT_DIR/../logs/lab_003_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).log"
ISSUE_URL="https://forge.alexanderwhitestone.com/Timmy_Foundation/timmy-home/issues/528"
echo "=== LAB-003: Battery Disconnect Switch Installation ==="
echo "Issue: $ISSUE_URL"
echo ""
mkdir -p "$(dirname "$LOG_FILE")" 2>/dev/null || true
log() {
echo "[$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')] $1" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE" 2>/dev/null || echo "[$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')] $1"
}
diagnose() {
log "=== Battery Diagnosis ==="
echo ""
echo "This will help determine if you need a new battery or just the disconnect switch."
echo ""
echo "Step 1: Check battery voltage with multimeter"
echo " - Set multimeter to DC Volts (20V scale)"
echo " - Red probe to battery positive (+)"
echo " - Black probe to battery negative (-)"
echo ""
read -p "Enter voltage reading (e.g., 12.6): " voltage
log "Battery voltage: ${voltage}V"
if (( $(echo "$voltage >= 12.6" | bc -l) )); then
echo "✓ Battery voltage is GOOD (≥12.6V)"
log "Battery voltage GOOD"
elif (( $(echo "$voltage >= 12.4" | bc -l) )); then
echo "⚠ Battery voltage is FAIR (12.4-12.5V) - may need replacement soon"
log "Battery voltage FAIR"
else
echo "✗ Battery voltage is LOW (<12.4V) - likely needs replacement"
log "Battery voltage LOW - replacement recommended"
fi
echo ""
echo "Step 2: Check for parasitic drain"
echo " - Set multimeter to DC Amps (10A scale)"
echo " - Disconnect negative battery cable"
echo " - Connect multimeter between battery negative post and cable"
echo " - Wait 2 minutes for modules to sleep"
echo ""
read -p "Enter current reading in milliamps (e.g., 50): " current
log "Parasitic current: ${current}mA"
if (( $(echo "$current <= 50" | bc -l) )); then
echo "✓ Parasitic drain is NORMAL (≤50mA)"
log "Parasitic drain NORMAL"
echo ""
echo "NOTE: Normal drain means the disconnect switch may not be necessary"
echo " unless you're storing the truck for weeks at a time."
elif (( $(echo "$current <= 100" | bc -l) )); then
echo "⚠ Parasitic drain is ELEVATED (50-100mA)"
log "Parasitic drain ELEVATED"
echo "Disconnect switch will help prevent dead battery."
else
echo "✗ Parasitic drain is HIGH (>100mA)"
log "Parasitic drain HIGH - disconnect switch highly recommended"
echo ""
echo "You definitely need the disconnect switch!"
fi
echo ""
log "Diagnosis complete. Log saved to: $LOG_FILE"
}
checklist() {
cat << 'EOF'
=== LAB-003 Installation Checklist ===
BEFORE YOU GO:
□ Determine battery terminal type (top post vs side terminal)
□ Measure battery group size (look for label like "Group 24F")
□ Check if you have 10mm and 13mm wrenches
□ Verify multimeter has DC Volts and DC Amps capability
AT THE STORE:
□ Purchase battery disconnect switch (match your terminal type)
□ Purchase dielectric grease
□ Purchase terminal cleaner brush (if you don't have one)
□ Get receipt for documentation
INSTALLATION:
□ Park on level ground, engage parking brake
□ Disconnect NEGATIVE (-) terminal first
□ Clean terminals with wire brush
□ Apply dielectric grease
□ Install switch on NEGATIVE terminal
□ Reconnect and test operation
TESTING:
□ Switch ON: truck starts normally
□ Switch OFF: no power to truck
□ Overnight test: switch OFF, verify start next day
□ Document with photos
□ Upload photos to issue #528
TROUBLESHOOTING:
□ If switch doesn't fit: wrong terminal type - exchange at store
□ If still drains overnight: battery needs replacement
□ If slow crank with new switch: battery degraded - replace
EOF
}
verify() {
log "=== Post-Installation Verification ==="
echo ""
echo "Post-installation tests. Run these AFTER installing the disconnect switch."
echo ""
read -p "Test 1 - Can you start the truck with the switch ON? (y/n): " t1
if [[ "$t1" == "y" ]]; then
log "Test 1 PASSED: Truck starts with switch ON"
echo "✓ Test 1 PASSED"
else
log "Test 1 FAILED: Truck won't start with switch ON"
echo "✗ Test 1 FAILED - Check installation and battery"
fi
echo ""
read -p "Test 2 - With truck OFF and switch OFF, do interior lights/radio work? (y/n): " t2
if [[ "$t2" == "n" ]]; then
log "Test 2 PASSED: No power with switch OFF"
echo "✓ Test 2 PASSED"
else
log "Test 2 FAILED: Power still on with switch OFF"
echo "✗ Test 2 FAILED - Switch may be on wrong terminal or defective"
fi
echo ""
read -p "Test 3 - Is the switch easy to operate by hand (no tools needed)? (y/n): " t3
if [[ "$t3" == "y" ]]; then
log "Test 3 PASSED: Switch operable without tools"
echo "✓ Test 3 PASSED"
else
log "Test 3 WARNING: Switch may require tools"
echo "⚠ Test 3 WARNING - Consider a different switch style"
fi
echo ""
echo "=== 24-Hour Test ==="
echo "Park truck with switch OFF. Tomorrow, try to start it."
echo "Record result in issue #528: $ISSUE_URL"
echo ""
read -p "Did the 24-hour test pass (truck started normally)? (y/n/skip): " t24
case "$t24" in
y)
log "24-hour test PASSED"
echo "✓ Installation SUCCESSFUL!"
echo ""
echo "Close issue #528 with:"
echo " - Photo of installed switch"
echo " - Photo of receipt"
echo " - Note: '24-hour test passed, truck started normally'"
;;
n)
log "24-hour test FAILED"
echo "✗ Test FAILED - Battery likely needs replacement"
echo ""
echo "Next steps:"
echo " 1. Jump start truck"
echo " 2. Drive to store for battery replacement"
echo " 3. Reference LAB-003-battery-disconnect-install.md for battery shopping guide"
;;
*)
log "24-hour test pending"
echo "Run this script again after 24 hours with: bash $0 verify"
;;
esac
echo ""
log "Verification complete. Log saved to: $LOG_FILE"
}
case "${1:-help}" in
diagnose)
diagnose
;;
checklist)
checklist
;;
verify)
verify
;;
*)
echo "Usage: $0 {diagnose|checklist|verify}"
echo ""
echo " diagnose - Check battery voltage and parasitic drain"
echo " checklist - Print installation checklist"
echo " verify - Post-installation verification tests"
echo ""
echo "Full guide: docs/LAB-003-battery-disconnect-install.md"
echo "Issue: $ISSUE_URL"
exit 1
;;
esac