What To Do With Battery Sensor On A 2024 GMC Canyon AT4

Updated 08/12/2024 | Published 08/10/2024

Question:

I just bought a 2024 GMC Canyon AT4 that Im getting set up to flat tow. The shop that is putting this all together is locally known for doing good work and has great reviews. The battery disconnect has been a problem until the tech saw your video and is currently going to order it. On your installation video, I was trying to get a close up of your negative terminal on your 2024 Canyon battery, as mine has some kind of a sensor on it. When disconnected I get error messages on the dash and nasty messages from On - Star to charge my battery. Ive enclosed a photo of what it looks like My question is did your canyon have the same sensor and if not, should I be concerned that this sensor does more than just indicate what the charge level is on the battery? And will your disconnect switch still work on my truck and I wont have to worry about the vehicle electric parking brake activating while Im flat towing it down the highway? Appreciate a quick response before they put this on my truck. Thanks much! BH

asked by: Brett H

2024 GMC Canyon Battery sensor
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Brett. I went over the video for the battery disconnect on the 2024 Canyon and I was able to find a part where they show a good view of the battery terminals. The battery on this vehicle did not have a sensor like in your picture. So, I am afraid we are getting into a bit of uncharted territory here. I suggest that you reach out to a GMC dealership for more info on this sensor. I definitely don't want any key functions to be affected, but we don't have any info on what the sensor actually does so checking with GMC will be your best bet.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Brett

8/12/2024

Thank you Jess! Sent a note out to my salesman regarding the specifics on that sensor. When disconnected from the truck, I would get an engine light and nasty messages from On-Star about charging my battery asap! I'm sure it is just that but will find out more from the dealer. Regarding the disconnect switch that we are looking at getting for our flat tow, my manual states the following: "To avoid death, serious injury or property damage, before towing the vehicle, always disconnect and secure the negative battery cable and cover the negative battery cable post and cable with a non-conductive material. If the battery is left connected or the battery cable contacts the post, the electric parking brake may activate during towing, which could cause a crash." I'm no mechanic so I have to ask, if you disconnect power from the negative side or positive side, the power is disconnected regardless right? Will your switch accomplish what we need? That is if the sense is only for the tracking the battery condition? Thanks! BH

Jesse M.

8/12/2024

@Brett So, yes disconnecting either battery cable will cut power to the vehicle. The Roadmaster battery disconnect attaches to the positive battery post because that is what the polarity of the solenoid is designed for. This also allows for a positive current source for accessories such as a breakaway switch or stop light switch. The instruction in the manual is for just simply removing the cable and securing it. The Roadmaster disconnect is the much safer "by the book" way of disconnecting the battery without risk of anything contacting the battery posts.