2011 Ford Exp batt cut off switch

[maxwell18]

Wondering if anybody with a vehicle (I have a 2011 ford exp) that requires the key in the ignition to unlock the steering to tow it, can you just use a battery cut switch to turn battery off switch and still unlock the ignition? Any connection with the electronics to unlock the steering? I am trying to get away from running a charging wires from MH to toad.

[Dave Fernandez]

The steering wheel lock is mechanical and operated by the key. So disconnecting the battery will not disengage the steering wheel lock.

[maxwell18]

I have to unlock the steering to tow, using a battery cut off, effect anything else being disconnected? The idea is you run your battery down by having the key on, so by cut off switch you save the battery, if not you will have to jump your toad anytime you tow for a couple of hours.

[MisterT]

I use a battery cutoff switch on my 14FordFiesta - it will only go back to 'I', the 'ON' position, while in NEUTRAL, unless the battery is cutoff. With the cutoff switch we have never had any battery issues - cranks beautifully every time, no matter how many miles, hours, or days since last connected.
Towed for 20k miles, only driven about 7k. Just put in neutral and go!

[nothermark]

AFAIK installing a battery cutoff is common practice.

It may reset trouble codes in the engine computer and the engine may go into a retraining cycle when you start it after the battery power is restored. Pulling battery cables is a common way for shade tree mechanics to accomplish resetting without the proper software. I would not hesitate to do it. I would check for mechanical interference of the cutoff switch and the closing hood. ;-))

[redcolorado]

Check out the Battery Brain. It operates from a key fob no need to open the hood. Summit Racing had the best price when I got mine. It mounts inline with the positive battery cable and a small wire connects to the negative. Parasitic drain is very small.

[wa8yxm]

Cars come in 3 flavors for this (Pick ups, vans, automobiles)
Some the ignition switch has several positions

ACC LOCK OFF ON (Start) (The prens means momentary (Spring return) contact).

Some it's Lock Acc On (Start)

Some do not even have that any more but we are talking KEY locks

IF yours does not have an OFF then you have to disconnect SOMETHING

ANd even on the ones that do.. Sometimes there are electronics that need to be disabled when towing.

So 3 types
Those WITH an "OFF (But not locked) position
which do not need anything else disconnected

Those with said position that do need a 2nd switch or pull a fuse

and those that do not have an OFF but not lcoked

NOTE: THe fuse you pull.. May just be a decent anti-theft device.