Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Battery cut-off switch on a M3W

Has anyone had a battery cut-off switch fitted to their new 3 wheeler?

I was asked to fit one for insurance reasons. I might go with a different insurance company in the end, but it still seems like a good idea.

I had a chat with my dealer and he said they were standard on other Morgans until around 2003. Fitment is under the dash.

So, are they fiddly and more hassle than they are worth? Is there a risk of the key falling out when you go round a corner in a spirited fashion? Or simply a sensible mod that you can use when you feel the need, and otherwise leave the key in and forget about? Is there an advantage in being able to disconnect the battery if the car won't be used for a few weeks?

Is there any other anti-theft measure you can fit which has the same cost: impact ratio?

I fitted one to my Caterham when I built it a few years ago, and still consider it a worthwhile mod. I haven't done the Morgan - yet, but will probably get around to it. Not only is it a good thief deterent, although the 'key' is standard, it is not something most thieves will have on them, more importantly, by disconnecting the battery, it will stop it discharging, during long off road periods, which cars like this enevitably have, particularly if an imobilizer is fitted. There is also the safety aspect of being able to disconect the battery quickly in the event of an incident.

BTW, it won't fall out once turned on as there is a bayonet type fitting in it, a bit like a light bulb. You can leave the key in and forget about it if you want, it won't do any harm, but I dn't find mine at all fiddly, although it will depend on where you have sited it I suppose.

Make sure to go for the slightly more expensive Motor Sport fitting with a 'gizmo' that will drain current from the alternator if the engine has to be turned off with the big red key, instead of the ignition key. If this happens without the 'gizmo' then the alternator will fry. Look in the Demon Tweeks, Burtons or other good Motor Sport suppliers catalogue. From memory, about £15 - £20 should cover it.

being a manual transmission in the US is nearly enough of a theft deterrent for most in the United States.

My 1930 2 speeder has a bayonet red key type. Hidden under the passenger seat since as standard in 1930, there is nothing to stop anyone turning things on, starting the car and driving off.

Has to be said, most folk are flummoxed by the controls but I fitted one anyway.

As far as a modern one is concerned, as stated above you must fit the type that puts a load on the alternator as well as having a separate ignition contact. Widely sold for motorsport so you'll have no difficulty finding one.

Mine would be fitted by Morgan using genuine parts, any idea if they have this safety feature?

No idea, ask them if
a) it stops the engine
b) it has alternator protection so can be used as an engine off switch

Cheap ones don't stop the engine and could blow up ones alternator. Anyone used to preparing race cars should get it right, although most race scrutineers can tell tales of battery isolators that didn't stop the engine.

What you want is:
The right battery isolator
and not:
The wrong battery isolator

I have one fitted to mine and like the additional security it gives. As someone else has said, if you fit the right sort there is pretty much no chance of it falling out by accident.

Brian