T Max split charger question

Looking for help from anyone who knows about the T Max split charger.

I had a flat starting battery on my truck at the weekend, this is the first time it has happened and think I must have left something switched on.

Anyway, I though no problem I can use the "Link" function on my T Max split charger and jump start myself off my axillary battery. But it didn't work and I couldn't hear the solenoid click in.

So my question is, does the solenoid require power from the main starting battery to operate? I could trace all the wires but it is well wrapped up and hidden away so thought I would ask here first.

If it does require power from the starting battery has anyone overcome this in any way, maybe fitting a switch so it can take power from either as needed?

Thanks,
IJP

Hi. I have not had much experience with the T max split chargers as I have always gone for twin alternators and a manual link switch - however I do recall hearing this before. The solenoid works from the starter/main battery which means if this is 100% depleted the link function is of no help. You could make a low power link across the batteries to give at least something from one battery to the other however if the T max link did not connect and you cranked the engine over then massive power through a thin wire ends in err, fire (or blown fuse).

The only other way is to wire up a battery cable/winch size wire manual link. But if you are going to do this as well as the T max link, and you can get to your batteries you can just use a set of jump leads across the batteries.

Hope this helps, Dave.

Thanks Dave, that does help, I wasn't sure if it was just my system that was wired wrong.

My wife and 2 kids were in the car when I found the battery was flat, with a superior tone of voice I said "that's no problem, this truck can jump start itself", my triumph lasted as long as it took to push the link button and turn the key.

I always carry jump leads so that will now be plan B. Need to check they are long enough though as the auxiliary battery is in the back.

IJP

Agree with Dave, also heard this. Remember a split charging system uses a relay which must be powered from somewhere, you can do what I did with one, not T max though.

Found the power cable connected to the vehicle main battery, ran a separate wire from this wire to the second battery through a switch, leave switched off normally and if you lose total vehicle battery power you can switch on and get power to operate the relay from the auxiliary battery, once started switch the switch off. I fitted a key switch for security.