Navistar Electrical Systems CV
Integration Guide
Page 52 of 84
Revision Date: 9/12/2019
battery to be used when the vehicle is not running without affecting ability
to start the vehicle.
2. If remote batteries are required [ex: tray batteries]
–
see
‘additional
Information
’ below.
6.2. Additional Information:
Batteries may be located outside the engine compartment. When this is done the
following is recommended:
Negative Cable Recommendations:
[a] The first and
“most recommended” method for remote battery negative
cabling is a jumper cable between the battery terminals with a single
‘home run’ c
able directly to the engine block.
[b] An alternate - less recommended - method is using the frame as part of
the negative cable path. When this is done it is essential that appropriate
sized cables are used. The cable from the tray battery negative terminals
to the frame and the cable from the frame to the engine block [or a
transmission-to-engine mounting bolt] should be the same gauge.
[c] Welded studs - added to the frame - are recommended for the two
required connection points. [The frame bolt-clamping connection method
presents multiple failure modes and is not recommended.]
[d] The OEM negative battery cable will be too small for re-purposing to
this task.
Note: It is essential that the negative ground return path is not
compromised. Merely grounding the tray batteries to the frame WILL NOT
WORK. Extra care must be used to assure adequate current flow path to
the engine/transmission castings. The high current path is from the battery
negative terminal to the starter motor casting. The engine block is main
ground and the frame and body are secondary. The OEM frame
grounding is not sufficient if the frame is used as
‘part of the negative
battery cable.
’ and the additional cable to the engine/trans casting is
required for this case. The body grounding cable must be maintained in all
cases.
6.2.1. Positive Cable Recommendation.
[a] The first and
“most recommended” method for remote battery positive
cables is a jumper between the battery terminals with a single main
‘home
run
’ cable to the starter m
otor solenoid terminal.