Quick Question about Negative Battery Cable. . .
03-20-2007, 05:33 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by J Wikoff
I once didn't unhook the negative when pulling my alternator. The power lead hit the body of the alt, which rubbed the accessory bracket as I lifted it, sparks flew, ring terminal arc welded to the body of the alt, insulation on power lead was cooked and smoking.
So I ALWAYS unhook the negative.
So I ALWAYS unhook the negative.
03-20-2007, 08:00 AM
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I have done the same thing as J Wikoff. I got so used to changing the alt on my Lumina all the time that I flat out forgot to take off the neg cabe once. The sparks let you know you forgot!
03-20-2007, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by markwb
Originally Posted by J Wikoff
I once didn't unhook the negative when pulling my alternator. The power lead hit the body of the alt, which rubbed the accessory bracket as I lifted it, sparks flew, ring terminal arc welded to the body of the alt, insulation on power lead was cooked and smoking.
So I ALWAYS unhook the negative.
So I ALWAYS unhook the negative.
the negative is the preferred to be unhooked because you have a MUCH lesser risk of shorting out while unhooking it... If your taking off positive while the negative is connected, it is very easy to swing your wrench into ANYTHING metal and cause a short
03-20-2007, 08:13 AM
#14
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Hence the reason why GM installed an out of place looking piece of plastic on the radiator support right in line with the battery terminals on the 92-99'*.
03-20-2007, 09:03 AM
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I didn't unhook the battery cables when I changed a starter on a Cutlass once. I was a teenager and just forgot. Caught the car on fire. That was fun!! I'll spare you the details. Lessons learned.
03-20-2007, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by toastedoats
Originally Posted by willwren
Unhook both. The charge lead at the alternator is hot off the positive terminal from the battery.
and for the record, it takes about 4 seconds to remove the back seat, and 10 seconds to put it back in.
When I did my LIM ect, I had to remove the alternator. The negative cable was removed and nothing arked or grounded out, even when boosty touched the alt wire to the car. so im willing to bet, you will be safe just removing the negative cable.
03-21-2007, 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by toastedoats
the negative is the preferred to be unhooked because you have a MUCH lesser risk of shorting out while unhooking it... If your taking off positive while the negative is connected, it is very easy to swing your wrench into ANYTHING metal and cause a short
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