I have finished my 2.0i pinto engine start/run wiring and I'm reasonable confident that it is correct, but don't want to put the car battery on and risk blowing the ECU etc. until I'm totally sure.

Has anyone tried or can anyone think of a reason why not to try testing the wiring with a smaller 12v battery, such as one of these:

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/Portable+Technology/Batteries/Duracell/MN21/197361

I was hoping to connect it to the battery terminals and use one of the Sierra interior bulbs to test the ignition switch, ECU relays, fuel pump wiring (without the pump connected), starter motor wiring (without the ignition feed connected), etc.

Is the smaller battery going to confuse / kill the ECU, TFI module, coil, injectors, etc. if I leave them plugged in?

Think the ecu etc will kill the battery. Doubt it won't supply the current needed by the ecu

I used a low current lead acid battery from a burglar alarm for testing purposes. It was great when trying out the lighting circuits in particular, but high current items like fuel pumps, coil pack and ecu would just try and draw too much current and the battery would just shut down.

Fit a small auto-reset circuit breaker between battery and lead. It will trip if you have a direct short somewhere.

Maplins

A battery charger is always good for testing, 4 amps will be enought to ensure if you have a short or not.

Darren

Or just connect a piece of fuse wire from the car battery. That way if it draws a high current, then you blow the fuse wire rather than melt your loom.

I just bit the bullet and turned mine on - smoke can be a useful indication of a problem!

quote:

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Originally posted by turbodisplay
A battery charger is always good for testing, 4 amps will be enought to ensure if you have a short or not.

Darren

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