Specifications

FCS1362 Page 25 of 74 © Nov 2010
2.9.2.1. Battery disconnection and existing electrical and electronic equipment
If a vehicle battery is disconnected problems may occur with existing electrical/electronic equipment in
the vehicle such as:
• engine management systems and other in-vehicle ECUs
• vehicle alarm systems
• in-car entertainment units and any other after-market devices fitted with an anti-theft security code.
o Disconnecting ICE from the battery supply and/or removal of the ICE may have some other
consequences, see section 4.5.1.
• other electrical devices, such as airbag warning lights and isolation switches.
There may be loss of functionality and/or loss of configuration data with any of the above. Consult with
the customer, vehicle’s handbook and any equipment instructions to ensure the necessary information is
available, for example the correct anti-theft security codes, to make any such affected equipment function
correctly once the battery is reconnected.
2.9.2.2. Battery isolation and seat mounted airbag
If removing a seat which contains side impact airbags, seat belt pretensioners or other SRS the vehicle
battery should be disconnected for safety. Before unplugging connectors associated with seat wiring time
must be allowed after the battery disconnection to ensure that any capacitors in the airbag or SRS
circuitry have fully discharged. Check with vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.
All disturbed wiring must be reconnected prior to restoring the vehicle battery or turning the ignition on.
2.9.3. Master isolation switch
For vehicles fitted with a master isolation switch the supply to the radio equipment should normally be
connected to the switched isolated side.
If, due to some practicable reason, installation of a certain mobile radio application means the master
isolation switch is to be bypassed the customer must specify such in writing and this fact recorded in the
installation documentation.
In vehicles subject to ADR, see section 2.2.4, the isolation switch must not be bypassed.
2.9.4. Power to installed equipment
Power should only be switched on and applied to equipment on completion of the installation.
Refer to section 4.3.1 for guidance regarding installing power cables to equipment.
2.10. Recommended tools & test equipment
All tools and equipment used should be functional, suitably maintained and, if required, calibrated.
• All measurement devices and meters should be regularly checked for accuracy.
o If accurate electrical measurement is required, the relevant test equipment must be regularly
checked and calibrated against a recognised national standard.
Suggested tool and equipment requirements include:
• A good quality general tool kit including screwdrivers, spanners, socket set, pliers, etc.
• Any specialist tools relative to the type of vehicle and products undergoing an installation
o Some types of fixings may require specific tools
o Correct equipment removal and trim tools should be used as appropriate
• VSWR meter, see section 4.8.2
• Antenna analyser, see section 4.8.2
• Multi-meter/DVM
o For testing earth bonding and aerial DC checks a milliohm meter may be required as a
standard multi-meter may not measure low ohms.
o An alternative to a dedicated milliohm meter is a converter that uses the millivolt range on a
standard DVM to display 1 millivolt for every milliohm measured.