The first fully automatic battery power protection device for your car, truck, RV & boat!
No more dead batteries! PriorityStart!, a worldwide patented, totally automatic solution to a motorist’s nightmare; the dead battery, is now available for installation on any standard vehicle battery.
How does it work? PriorityStart! senses voltage drops to a predetermined level, disconnects the battery until the ignition is once again turned, on and then automatically reconnects battery power! No buttons, switches, No Hassle!
Vehicle security system protection! A major feature of the PriorityStart! is the vehicle security system protection it provides. Since PriorityStart! automatically reconnects the battery, in most vehicles when the door is opened, vehicle security system operation is also protected. Protecting the battery protects the security system, which protects the vehicle and it’s contents.
Q: Why do I need battery protection?
A: Every vehicle, 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 on any vehicle 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 threatening situation. Jump starting can be dangerous not only to the vehicle but also the individual. Also, by preventing deep discharge, you maximize the life of the battery. One deep discharge costs from 1/4 to 1/3 the life of the battery.
Q: How does PriorityStart! work?
A: PriorityStart! is a computer-controlled electro-mechanical switching device (handles 1000 cranking amps) that constantly monitors the vehicle’s electrical system and battery power level. If, when the vehicle ignition is turned off, it detects a drop in battery voltage to a factory-set level (12 volts), it automatically disconnects the load, stopping the power drain and leaving starting power in the battery. PriorityStart! automatically reconnects the battery (any load greater than 100 microvolts reconnects the battery) when the ignition key is turned to the “on” position and the vehicle can be started. There are no buttons or switches to operate. The entire operation is automatic.
If you accidentally leave your lights, door ajar, radio, or any other electrical accessories on (or even experience a power draining short circuit), PriorityStart! protects you. There is no more dangerous jumper cable hookups. You simply start your vehicle. Dead batteries are a thing of the past!
Q: Will PriorityStart! disable my vehicle’s security system?
A: The PriorityStart! not only protects the owners, their time and safety, but it also protects the security system on the vehicle. If you experience a dead battery, the security system is inactive. With PriorityStart!, if the battery discharges to 12 volts it then disconnects the battery. 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. They have not only protected their starting ability, but have protected the security system that protects their vehicle and vehicle contents.
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. It only disconnects when needed to prevent the deep discharge of the battery. Your operation of the vehicle is not affected at all. The only change is that you will not be stranded by a dead battery.
Q: Doesn’t the introduction of a switch in the main battery connection 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 (one thousandth of an ohm), and, in the closed position, exerts a clamping force greater than 70 linear pounds. The net effect of these features is an electrical connection that is superior to even a normal battery post/cable clamp connection.
Q: Will PriorityStart! fit the battery in my vehicle?
A: PriorityStart! fits all standard vehicle batteries. Its universal design attaches easily to any 12-volt top-post or side-post battery. Only standard home tools are required. No vehicle modifications are necessary. Simply attach PriorityStart! to the battery using the supplied strap then make three easy connections at the battery:
1. Vehicle positive cable to PriorityStart!
2. PriorityStart! cable to battery positive post.
3. Attach ground wire.
Q: Can I use PriorityStart! on my tractor?
A: PriorityStart! is suitable for any vehicle or engine-driven device which uses a standard 12-volt battery. Some examples:
Automobiles (see car scratch repair) Light trucks Recreational vehicles
Fleet vehicles Van conversions Motor homes
Construction vehicles Fork lifts Off-road vehicles
Industrial vehicles Farm vehicles UPS equipment
Q: What are the temperature limits for PriorityStart! ?
A: Environmental design limits for PriorityStart! are –40ºF to +185ºF. The product has been in service in both North America and Foreign markets without a single report of failure from any temperature extreme.
Q: How large is PriorityStart!?
A: Dimensions are: 5″ x 3″ x 1-1/4″ thick. The complete unit, including cable, weighs approximately 1 pound.
Q: Once installed is there anything I need to do to make it operate?
A: No, it is totally automatic.
Q: How long will it take PriorityStart! to disconnect the battery if I leave the headlights on?
A: Depending on the condition of the battery, it may take 1 to 2 hours. For an interior dome light or other low-current drain, it may take 6 to 8 hours or more.
Q: Does PriorityStart! ever 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 detecting electrical “noise” 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 12 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 (perhaps 120 minutes), which will eventually be totally depleted. PriorityStart! will not disconnect the battery as long as the engine is running.
Q: What if I want to leave the hazard lights on with the ignition switch turned off?
A: Even though the engine is not running, if other electrical sources are operating on the vehicle, such as hazard lights, flashing emergency lights, strobes, auxiliary power supplies, PriorityStart! assumes the engine is running and will not disconnect the battery. It does not react to nearby electrical sources, they must be ones on your vehicle.
Q: Can I use my car alarm with PriorityStart! so that it will still operate when the battery is low?
A: Yes, car alarms can be wired directly to the battery, bypassing PriorityStart! This is true for any device you may want to add. (Note: Doing this will circumvent the battery protection provided by PriorityStart! as far as current drain from these devices is concerned. [Other, normally wired circuits will still be protected.] You may have to pay the consequences with regard to battery starting power.)
Q: What about memory devices in my vehicle?
A: Vehicle computer systems have ROM memory that resets itself after a few miles. The clock and radio may need resetting. Remember, when it operates PriorityStart! has protected your battery starting power. Without it you would have been unable to start your vehicle and would still have to reset memory devices.
Q: Can’t I simply buy a new battery?
A: Yes, but usually a new battery is not immediately available and “dead batteries” seldom happen when you can plan for it. Also a new battery is still vulnerable to unintentional discharge and thus cannot provide the safety, convenience or starting protection of PriorityStart!
Also, there is much concern about the disposal each year of millions of used batteries which introduce lead and sulfuric acid into the environment. By protecting batteries and extending their useful life, PriorityStart! users make a contribution toward a “greener” earth.
Q: Does PriorityStart! have a warranty?
A: Yes, a three year warranty.
Q: Can I transfer PriorityStart! to another vehicle, or to a new battery?
A: Yes, it can be easily transferred.
Q: My PriorityStart! regularly disconnects. Is it defective?
A: NO! Regular disconnection may indicate your battery is going bad from aging, or your vehicle may have an electrical short, loose alternator belt, or some other problem.
Q: Will PriorityStart! prevent all dead batteries?
A: No. A battery can still go dead from the effects of aging, or because of previously experienced “deep discharges.” If the battery frequently is switched off by PriorityStart!, you may need a replacement.
Additional notes:
BLI’s experience to-date on thousands of PriorityStart! units in all types of climates has revealed the following:
Analyzing the call for customer service assistance, we found the most frequent problem is that they have not followed the direction to clean all the cables and battery post at the time of installation. Corrosion, which is a common occurrence on batteries, inhibits an efficient, low-contact-resistance connection.
The installation instructions state that once the vehicle has disconnected the load, there must be a waiting period of at least 30 seconds, if they try to reconnect too soon (before the 30 seconds) the device will not connect. This is an extremely unlikely event since rarely would a vehicle operator attempt to start the engine immediately after a low-battery condition was detected and PriorityStart! disconnected the battery. In such a case all that is required is to wait a minute and try again.
In operation, PriorityStart! reconnects the battery virtually instantaneously when it senses the ignition switch being turned on or the activation of an interior light (by opening a door).
Dealers may wish to have a demonstrator version of PriorityStart! that is set to a higher voltage level (12.4 volts) to allow a brief elapsed time before disconnect occurs. This unit allows you to turn on headlights, turn off the ignition and observe a disconnect within a few minutes, rather than the normal couple of hours.
Installation & Application
Three (3) easy connections at the battery:
Vehicle positive cable to PriorityStart!
PriorityStart! cable to battery positive post
Attach ground wire
PriorityStart! can be easily installed on:
Cars, RVs, van conversions, construction vehicles, off-road vehicles, farm vehicles, trucks, motor homes, fork lifts, industrial vehicles, and UPS equipment. Also available in 24 volt configuration!
Installation & Application
Three (3) easy connections at the battery:
Vehicle positive cable to PriorityStart!
PriorityStart! cable to battery positive post
Attach ground wire
PriorityStart! can be easily installed on:
Cars, RVs, van conversions, construction vehicles, off-road vehicles, farm vehicles, trucks, motor homes, fork lifts, industrial vehicles, and UPS equipment. Also available in 24 volt configuration!
PriorityStart! benefits consist of: Priority Install
Automatic battery reconnect
Simple installation
Safety and convenience
Maximizes battery life
Designed for under-hood environment
Engine run & hazard light protection
Transferable from vehicle to vehicle
One universal design fits both top-post or side-post batteries
Ability to use accessories when engine is off
Environmental benefit: Reduces number of batteries discarded into the environment.