Maintaining your car’s settings and memory during battery replacement is crucial, and an Obd2 Saver is a handy tool for this. However, using the wrong power source with your OBD2 saver can lead to serious problems. It’s vital to understand the safe way to power your OBD2 device to prevent damage to your vehicle’s electrical system or personal injury.
When working with OBD2 savers to retain settings like radio presets, seat positions, and anti-theft systems while disconnecting your car battery, never use a high current power supply. The risk of accidental grounding, even for a split second, is significant. This can result in a battery explosion or generate extremely high heat, posing a severe burn hazard. Imagine the consequences of welding-level heat in such a delicate electronic environment!
A much safer approach is to use a low-current battery charger. A NOCO G3500 battery charger, with a maximum output of 3.5 amps, is a suitable option and should perform the task effectively. For years, professionals and DIYers have successfully used similar low-amp power sources, such as a home-built 12v / 1 amp hobbyist power supply. The beauty of using a low amperage supply is its inherent safety. If a short circuit occurs, the voltage simply drops, preventing any damage.
Conversely, avoid using devices like the NOCO GB40 jump starter to power your OBD2 saver. While marketed for automotive use, its high current output and safety circuit design make it unsuitable for this application. The NOCO GB40 is designed to detect the ‘pushback’ from a healthy battery before enabling its high amperage output (up to 500 amps!). When connected to an OBD2 port with only a minimal load (like the typical 70mA draw of vehicle memory systems), the GB40 might behave unpredictably unless you activate its OVERRIDE function. Engaging the override feature in this scenario is exceptionally risky and defeats the purpose of safe practice when using an obd2 saver.
What could go wrong if you use a high current supply? Many OBD2 ports are protected by a 7.5 amp fuse on the 12V power line. Overloading this circuit is easy with a jump starter, and you will likely blow this fuse. While a blown fuse might not completely disable your car’s system, it can certainly cause unexpected faults and require further troubleshooting.
If you encounter issues after using an obd2 saver, first, double-check your battery connections to ensure they are clean and tight. Use a voltmeter to test the battery voltage directly at the posts – you should see around 12.6 volts for a fully charged battery. Then, check the voltage at the battery terminals, an inch or so away from the posts, to rule out corrosion or connection problems. Consistent voltage readings are essential for proper vehicle operation after using an obd2 saver during battery replacement.
In conclusion, while obd2 savers are valuable tools for car maintenance, prioritize safety by choosing a low-current power source like a dedicated low-amp battery charger. Avoid high-current jump starters to prevent electrical damage and ensure a smooth battery replacement process. Always double-check connections and voltage to confirm everything is working correctly after using an obd2 saver.
