More technical information on our troubleshooting guide!   Q: What does it do? A: PriorityStart! passively monitors battery voltage and detects a drain on voltage (lights left on, door ajar, 2 way radio, GPS, computer, short in system etc..) If a drain is detected, PriorityStart! disconnects the battery - preventing deep discharge, saving starting power - i.e. minimizing the dangers associated with a dead battery - like getting stranded. PriorityStart!  saves down time (Man hours, service calls, upset customers etc.) and prevents damage to computer, and electrical system (Jump starting can do major damage to electrical system). It maximize battery life (by not allowing the battery to go dead you get the maximum life out of the battery). Please note:  The PriorityStart! is a "Low-Voltage Automatic Battery Disconnect Switch".  It is not a "Battery Booster", and it does not put power back into a dead (or low) battery.  Therefore, for optimal performance, we strongly recommend that it is installed with a new battery. PriorityStart!  operates only when needed to prevent a dead battery! Q: How does it work? A: PriorityStart! monitors voltage. If voltage gets below 11.7 volts for a full minute,  [11.9 in some older models - check user's manual], PriorityStart!  automatically disconnects the battery. The unit then automatically reconnects the battery - simply operate a light switch, push on the brake pedal or turn key! No buttons or switches, just START!    NO DEAD BATTERY! Q: Can the PriorityStart! save a bad battery? A: The short answer: No.  If you have a damaged, or dying battery, it will not be able to hold a charge as well as a healthy battery.  The PriorityStart! will still detect a drain, and still disconnect at the 11.7 volt threshold.  However, if the battery is bad, the voltage will continue to drop, not leaving any starting power.  Remember:  Our unit removes the electrical load going into the battery, but if the battery drops in voltage on its own (i.e. bad/damaged battery), there is nothing that a battery disconnect switch, like our unit, can do.  For this reason, we strongly recommend installing the PriorityStart! along with a new battery. Q: What is it? A: PriorityStart!  is a small, computer chip driven, electro mechanical device with a bi-directional motor and 10 gear system that delivers 243 to 1 gear drive ratio and closes with 80 pounds of linear force. It will handle 1000 starting amps and uses proven technology.  Its housing is polypropylene - the same material as a battery case. PriorityStart! is light weight, approx. 1 lbs. PriorityStart! has four issued US patents and multiple issued International patents. Q: How is it installed? Does it work on side post batteries? A: PriorityStart! attaches as easy as 1, 2, 3... 1. Attach positive vehicle cable to top of unit. 2. Attach cable from PriorityStart to positive post on battery. 3. Attach ground wire to negative battery post. NO HARD WIRING! Universal, fits both top or side post. It's transferable - so when you have to replace the battery from normal life use, simply remove the PriorityStart! and attach to new battery. Q: Running the unit on a Dual Battery System:  A: On Dual Battery Installations, one PriorityStart! unit will handle dual batteries. Since there are a number of variables to the proper installation please contact BLI direct for assistance at 509-467-4203.   Q: What is the difference between the Standard model and the ProMax model? A: As a safety precaution, the PriorityStart! will not disconnect while the vehicle is running, or if the key is in the "on" position.  By listening to the "electronic noise" (also known as "engine run"), that several key components of the engine emit, it is able to do this.  However, some aftermarket, electrical accessories could produce false "electronic noise".  The 12-Volt ProMax unit is able to filter out these false signals.  The Standard unit can not.  Using the Standard unit in the wrong application can lessen the effectiveness of the PriorityStart!. The Standard unit is meant for vehicles straight from the (O)riginal (E)quipment (M)anufacturer.  It is not meant for vehicles with extra, electrical accessories put on afterwards. The 12-Volt ProMax unit is meant for vehicles with one or more aftermarket, electrical accessories that have been added.  (i.e. 2-way radios, computers, GPS Systems, phones, and other numerous accessories)  The 12-Volt ProMax unit can be used on law enforcement, municipality, utility, safety, and recreational vehicles that use multiple electrical accessories.  The 12-Volt ProMax uses higher MIL-standard components, and also includes a “surge protection” circuit.  The Marine model is equivalent to the Standard model in "electronic noise " filtering.  The 24-Volt ProMax model is equivalent to the 12-Volt ProMax.  Q: Why do I need battery protection? A: Every vehicle, or piece of equipment, new or old, requires a functioning battery to supply power - or it won't start! The fact is, when you get in your vehicle you rely on it to start. PriorityStart! assures that battery power will be available when you need it (According to the American Automotive Association (AAA), dead batteries are the number one cause of all road service calls). If you experience a dead battery, you have lost not only time and money, but could be stranded in a potentially dangerous situation. Jump-starting can be dangerous to not only the vehicle but also the individual. Also, by preventing deep discharge, you maximize the life of the battery. One deep discharge can costs half the life of the battery. Using battery starters, dangerous jumper cables, or questionable cigarette lighter devices means you have already had a "dead battery", and done irreparable damage to the battery. Q: How does PriorityStart! protect my battery? A: PriorityStart! prevents the battery from deep discharging by disconnecting the battery at a factory preset level. Enough power is left to start the engine. Simply step on brake pedal or operate light switch, and the battery is automatically reconnected. Q: Can't I just buy a new battery? A: Yes, but usually a new battery is not immediately available and a new battery will not provide the safety, convenience or starting power of the PriorityStart! Q: How does PriorityStart! provide vehicle security or lift gate protection? A: The PriorityStart!  not only protects the owner, their time and safety, but it also protects the security system on the vehicle. If you experience a dead battery, the security system or gate lift is inactive. With PriorityStart!  if the battery drains below 11.7 volts it then disconnects the battery, but when the owner or would-be thief opens the door or attempts to start the vehicle, the battery system would be automatically reconnected, thus reconnecting the security system or gate lift. Q: Does PriorityStart! switch on and off every time I start the engine? A: No PriorityStart! does not disconnect and reconnect each time the vehicle is started, only when a load has been left on when the key is turned off. Q: Doesn't the introduction of PriorityStart! in battery circuit decrease reliability? A: No.  PriorityStart! incorporates a patented heavy-duty contact and gear drive system that disconnects and reconnects the battery only when required. The contact resistance is less than 1 milliohm (tone thousandth of an ohm), and, in the closed position, exerts a clamping force greater than 80 linear pounds. The net effect of these features is an electrical connection superior to even a normal battery post/cable clamp connection. PriorityStart! is an electro-mechanical device, thus when it operates you may hear the gears engage, this is normal.  The quiescent draw is 12mA  (milliamperes) in the connect mode, 9mA (milliamperes) in the disconnect.  This is similar to a small LED, or a "negligible" draw.  The units are tested and certified to ISO, USCG and SAE standards, shock and vibration protected and is transferable from vehicle to vehicle. Q: If I need to disconnect the PriorityStart! for any reason - how would I do so? A: As it is very important to install the unit in the correct order, the same goes for uninstalling.  All you have to do is follow the installation instructions in reverse order - starting with removing the ground wire. Q: Can I use PriorityStart! on any 12 or 24-volt battery application? A: PriorityStart! is suitable for any vehicle or engine-driven device which uses a standard 12 or 24-volt battery (handles 1000 starting amps) Some examples: Automobiles Light trucks Recreational vehicles Fleet vehicles Van conversions Motor homes Construction vehicles Forklifts Off-road vehicles Industrial vehicles Farm vehicles Delivery vehicles Q: What are the temperature limits for PriorityStart! A: Environmental design limits for PriorityStart! are -40º F to +185º F. The product has been in service in both North America and Foreign markets, since 1996, without a single report of failure from any temperature extreme. Contrary to popular belief, a battery's worst enemy is heat, not cold. Hot weather leads to more corrosion, but the damage usually isn't detected until temperatures drop. Q: How large is PriorityStart!? A: Size of unit: 5"L X 3"W X 1.25"D - - Retail packaging dimensions: 8.5"L X 5.5"W X 3"D. The complete unit, including cable, and packaging weighs approximately 1.5 pound. Q: Does PriorityStart! disconnect the battery while the engine is running? A: No. PriorityStart! is designed to provide battery protection when the engine is NOT running (ignition switch in the off position). It will not disconnect the battery when the engine is running, even though the battery voltage level drops below the factory-set safe threshold. Circuits within this product recognize an "engine running" condition by sensing electrical "noise" (30 mill volts) created by fuel injectors, fuel pump, fan motors, etc., and will not disconnect the vehicle battery. If a vehicle alternator or alternator belt fails, the "engine running" circuitry recognizes the condition and prevents disconnection at the 11.7-volt threshold, allowing the vehicle to continue on the reserve capacity of the battery. In such a situation you are entirely dependent on the reserve capacity of the battery. PriorityStart! will not disconnect the battery as long as the engine is running. Q: Will PriorityStart! fit the battery in my vehicle? A: PriorityStart! fits the majority of standard vehicle batteries. Installation is simple - only three (3) connections. Q: Once PriorityStart! is installed is there anything I need to do to make it operate? A: No, PriorityStart! is totally automatic. Q: Can I transfer my PriorityStart! to another vehicle? A: Yes, it can be easily transferred. Q: Does PriorityStart! prevent all dead batteries? A: No, a battery can go dead from abuse or aging, but PriorityStart! maximizes the life of your battery. Remember, one deep discharge (which PriorityStart! prevents) reduces a battery's life by 30-40%. Q: Is the unit meant to protect batteries on vehicles in long-term storage? A: No.  We recommend that the vehicle is started every 60 - 90 days and ran for at least 15 minutes.  A battery can still discharge on its own if it is left for long periods of time.  The PriorityStart! will still disconnect at the appropriate threshold - even in this situation - but the voltage can continue to drop on it's own not leaving any starting power. Q: What about memory devices in my vehicle? A: Vehicle computer systems have memory that resets itself. Clock and radio may need resetting. Remember, PriorityStart! has protected your battery starting power. Without it you would still have to reset memory devices. Q: Can I jump-start vehicle with PriorityStart! installed? A: Do NOT jump-start through the PriorityStart!.  Improper jump-starting can damage the onboard computer and electrical system, and damage the PriorityStart!.  If you need to jump start, go directly to the battery posts and follow the instructions of the battery manufacturer. Q: How many amps can the PriorityStart! handle? A: The amount of Cranking Amps or Cold Cranking Amps does not affect the operation of the PriorityStart!; however, it can only handle 1000 Starting Amps, (amps that the starter will pull).  Please note: The PriorityStart! is not meant to be used with a high drawing amp accessories running continuously for an extended period of time.  Examples of this might be a lift-gate or a winch.   For more questions click here!   Additional notes: Suggested Test Procedure for 12-volt  - (Handles 1000-+ starting amps) Attach the PriorityStart! per the owners manual. Leave your headlights on to drain voltage of battery (do not use any accessory i.e. engine fans, power supply, light bar or any other accessory to "quickly" discharge the battery - this can cause damage). When the battery reaches a pre-determined level, it will shut off (the voltage setting is approximately 11.7). Measure the battery voltage with a voltage meter if possible. You must then wait at least one full minute before you can reconnect the unit. After the one minute time span, you can either put your foot on the brake pedal, turn the ignition key, any of these create a change in the circuitry, and the unit then automatically reconnects the battery. PriorityStart! is an electro-mechanical device, thus when it operates you may hear the gears engage, this is normal.