ECU power question?

[colorado80439]

Looking for suggestions, we are chassis wiring and do not have the engine wiring harness yet. (E38 ecu) we're installing a battery disconnect next to the battery controlled from a toggle switch at the instrument panel. I'm questioning whether we need to have constant power to the ECU if I will be using the battery disconnect frequently. IE bypassing the battery disconnect to power the ECU

Thanks!!

[dhutton]

Yes you do or you will lose all your fuel trims etc every time you remove power.

Don

[colorado80439]

Originally Posted by dhutton

Yes you do or you will lose all your fuel trims etc every time you remove power.

Don

Thanks Don, you're the man.

[65 Drop Top]

I believe you can use a small fused jumper wire to keep the ecu memory.

[colorado80439]

Originally Posted by 65 Drop Top

I believe you can use a small fused jumper wire to keep the ecu memory.

OH! I like that idea, I'll research that for sure
Thanks so much!!

[572Camaro]

American Autowire sells a “lifeline” which is a small circuit breaker that can bypass your main disconnect switch. If you trip the breaker, it auto resets.

I don’t know anything about your ECU but most aftermarket EFI companies want you to run power and ground directly to the battery.
I run FAST and they demand it due to electrical noise.

[65 Drop Top]

I suppose a breaker would be better than a fuse.

Another option, which is more involved and costs more, would be to use a battery back up. I saw a guy use one of those mini lithium ion jump starter batteries. He used it primarily for car stereo memory, but ecu memory should be the same. And if your car battery ever dies, this can jump start it. It’ll charge phones or laptops too.

[colorado80439]

Originally Posted by 572Camaro

American Autowire sells a “lifeline” which is a small circuit breaker that can bypass your main disconnect switch. If you trip the breaker, it auto resets.

I don’t know anything about your ECU but most aftermarket EFI companies want you to run power and ground directly to the battery.
I run FAST and they demand it due to electrical noise.

That's great, I think I may run a 20 amp version so I can use the power door locks with the battery disconnect open.