Jump Starting a DA-40

Any DA40 related topics

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Joey
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Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Joey »

Can you use the external power connector to "jump start" a dead battery on a DA-40 or should you removethe cowl and the battery and charge it up that way? Looking at the simplified wiring diagram with the essential bus installed it looks like you can, but I've never had to do it. I was just thinking if I get stuck on a remote site....
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Lance Murray
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Lance Murray »

It is far better for the battery to charge it with a proper charger. Otherwise you risk damage to the battery. I don't think you really need to remove it but you will have to pull off the battery cover. While you have it out go ahead and top it off with distilled water. Make sure you read the battery owner's manual to do it correctly.
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Joey
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Joey »

I was just wondering since the external power automatically turns on the G1000 if using the external power plug with a charger is bad for the G1000 too....
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Lance Murray
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Lance Murray »

Turn on your battery first before connecting your external power. This gives a cushion for transient power spikes from the ground power source. You're battery will act as a large capacitor.
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Steven
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Steven »

I'm not sure if it is the same in a DA40, but you definitely can jump start a DA20 from the EPU. There is a procedure for it in the flight manual. I did it a couple weeks ago.
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by markfnkl »

Speaking of external power, what do folks recommend for a battery tender/charger?
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Gary
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Gary »

markfnkl wrote:Speaking of external power, what do folks recommend for a battery tender/charger?
I do not own one but other DA40 owners have used a BatteryMinder.
http://www.thebatteryminder.com/aviatio ... -c-25.html
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by Ralphie »

Gary wrote:
markfnkl wrote:Speaking of external power, what do folks recommend for a battery tender/charger?
I do not own one but other DA40 owners have used a BatteryMinder.
http://www.thebatteryminder.com/aviatio ... -c-25.html
Check on Ebay. I bought this same unit on Ebay for under $100 brand new...... :D
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markfnkl
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by markfnkl »

Good deal: thanks for the suggestion.
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Re: Jump Starting a DA-40

Post by gsontheimer »

Steven wrote:I'm not sure if it is the same in a DA40, but you definitely can jump start a DA20 from the EPU. There is a procedure for it in the flight manual. I did it a couple weeks ago.
Yes, there is a relais for the EPU as well, if I remember that correctly. But not in the DA40. And there is nothing in the flight manual about jump starting or starting from an EPU. So if the battery is low because of a long winter, what do you do? Just turn on the master switch, plug in an external battery in parallel, and crank the propellor with the starter, then, after the engine runs, unplug the external battery?
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