I am in the process of adding a 2nd battery to my trunk. I am going to use a battery isolator to seperate the charging of both batteries. I am not quite sure where to put the isolator or the wiring coming off of the alternator. Any help from anyone who has experience with this would be great. Thanks

 

hummm. forgot electronics. they cannot be in series (is that right ??), because that would give you 24 volts. starters set-up for 12 volts.
so, in parallel.
But, what is reason ??
you will add weight, and cost ?

 

definatly wire the isolator close to the first battery.... just remember to FUSE the wire before going towards the rear and put it as close as you can do the power source!and be sure to tie the wires outta the way from anything moving or hot!!!!!!!!!


but why add a second battery?
you got crapy voltage with your small system?
if so try and fit a fullsize battery in thier. i did in my 99civic ex.... it is very tight... and had to trim alittle part off the lower battery for it to clear the AC bolt, and UCA bolt. but it does fit nice and snug
and best of all now i have great voltage!
i also used my old optima yellow top D34/78... tho with my ABS modual i cannt use the side posts.. BUT for the top posts is all ya realy need...
mines worked great with just a single battery!

who cares about alittle extra weight tho... unless your racing of course.... i love adding weight/extra toys

 

Addictiontobass- do you run one wire from the alternator to the isolator and the rest of the wiring that was origionally connected to the alternator to the isolator?

 

Does anyone know the best place to mount an isolator in a 2002 civic

 

well first...get the isolator.... and then lets see how big it is and just move it around and find a good spot where it will fit...

for the extra battery and isolator i would run a 4gauge wire from the alternator to the isolator, and right next to the alternator put a fuse on it right thier, then to the isolator. and then when you run the wire to the rear of the car where you want it. and before you wire it to the battery use ANOTHER fuse right next to the battery.

but instead of doing all that work first... WHATS THE PROBLEM/REASON FOR WANTING A SECONDARY BATTERY?
if its bad voltage just pop in a fullsize battery under the hood and buy a highpower alternator and call it a day! no need for the secondary battery unless your pushen a real hardcore stereo system.

 

+1 for trying a bigger battery first.

 

it fits


tho im thinking about taking it out and painting it black.
ALSO upgrade your ground wires with larger wires! i used 1/0gauge welding cable for mine.. i just did two... battery to strut bar bolt and another wire from same spot ran over to the AC bracket... same spot TINY stock ground wire.. and removing that wire! you can keep your factory ground wire if ya want BUT definatly not needed and looks ugly as hell!

just look at those stock ground wires...... rubber split off... TINY what 8gauge wire. realy pathetic! no good for aftermarket goodies!