Priority Start Battery Protector

[11/10/99] Reviewed by: Michael McKeon - mouke@mindspring.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter

Electromechanical battery sensor. When the voltage drops too low, it disconnects the battery. It reconnects the battery when it senses that you are trying to start the car.

The product itself was very easy to install. But it required that I get the battery out of its nook. What a pain that was! Not inexpensive ($79.95) but it has already saved me four times. (Twice because I left the car parked for several weeks, twice because I forgot to turn off my lights.)

I'm very happy with the unit and would do it again. I'm considering putting one on my Camry as well.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Reviewed by: Leon van Dommelen - dommelen@miata.net

A device that disconnects the battery if you leave your lights on, or another drain occurs, and the battery becomes weak. It has enough smarts not to disconnect the battery if you have your hazard lights on or the engine is running. It automatically resets if you open the door, push the brake, or similar.

Installed without much problem. Good directions come with it.

After reading a seemingly lukewarm review of Priority Start in Miata Magazine 1997 issue 2, I had my doubts about the effectiveness of this unit. But when I drove along Florida's coast line to Panama City and had lunch in a sea food restaurant in Apalachicola, I left my lights on. When I got back to the car, Priority Start had properly disconnected the battery. I turned off the light switch and started the car with no problems at all. The only thing I had to do was reprogram the radio stations. Beats trying to find a tow truck and waiting an hour or so for it to show up! So, as far as I am concerned, the unit has already earned its cost. In view of the inconvenience of a dead battery and the high cost of replacing the Miata battery, I think the price of Priority Start (I paid $60 through the Dealer Alternative) is acceptable.

Some installation notes are on my Web page.


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