Corrosion on the pig tail

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by ATHiker

Would using the battery disconnect switch in the Escape effectively disconnect the battery before cleaning?

The switch is in the line connecting the battery and the power centre. Where does the charge line of the 7-pin connector go? Wiring details vary by model and year.

In the 15A Wiring Diagram posted by Steve, the charge line goes to the battery, so the switch would not disconnect the battery from the 7-pin connector.

[cpaharley2008]

Let's not forget that the switch also does not turn the solar off, so if the pig tail wire is from the battery then it will be hot from the solar charge.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by ATHiker

Would using the battery disconnect switch in the Escape effectively disconnect the battery before cleaning?

As Brian and Jim have mentioned, the battery isolator switch isn't what you want. Disconnect the battery at the terminal before shooting the 7-pin with any solvent.

The factory 7-pin on mine seems very susceptible to corrosion. If it keeps requiring periodic cleaning, I'll probably just cut it off and wire up a new Pollak plug. I've heard good things about them. On some of the Ford forums they suggest using a Pollak anyway because the cheaper ones don't fit snugly and properly in the socket.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

As Brian and Jim have mentioned, the battery isolator switch isn't what you want. Disconnect the battery at the terminal before shooting the 7-pin with any solvent.

But then, according to some- one should also cover up the solar panel(s) if any to prevent possible damage to the controller. Don't think that is the case for our GoPower 30 Amp ETI installed(not in the manual), yet who knows for sure?

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Rossue

But then, according to some- one should also cover up the solar panel(s) if any to prevent possible damage to the controller. Don't think that is the case for our GoPower 30 Amp ETI installed(not in the manual), yet who knows for sure?

Yeah, I've never seen a consensus on that either Ross.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Rossue

But then, according to some- one should also cover up the solar panel(s) if any to prevent possible damage to the controller. Don't think that is the case for our GoPower 30 Amp ETI installed(not in the manual), yet who knows for sure?

ideally solar panel charge controllers are installed indoors, near the batteries. the outdoor panels are innately weather proof, I mean, they put them on house roofs and such, and they survive up there for 30 years.

[Rossue]

Sorry John, I didn't fully explain: there is one school of thought that says you should cover a solar panel before disconnecting the battery to avoid damage to the controller.

[float5]

I believe that we were told to cover the panel by Samlex.

[John in Santa Cruz]

the controllers i've looked at say you should disconnect or unplug the panel before the battery.