i have a weird problem where my cars sterio system is on when my car is off and drains my battery. (audio doesnt even work period) i know the fix is to disconnect and reconnect the battery, im mostly interested in knowing whether you can be shocked disconnecting using a metal wrench. thanks in advance.
2007-11-29 03:52:20 · 1 answers · asked by james P 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Disconnect the ground (negative) lead first. The battery will have a minus sign next to the terminal. You can the disconnect the positive cable. It will have a plus sign next to it. When you reconnect the battery, connect the positive before reconnecting the negative.
If you want to disconnect the battery so it wont drain you can just disconnect the ground side only.
2007-11-29 04:07:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always disconnect the ground [-] first, if you really want to do that regularly install a switch like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BATTERY-QUICK-DISCONNECT-CUT-OFF-SWITCH-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQihZ014QQitemZ330192867625QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
the switch, also available at auto-parts stores, prevents sparks as well as being convenient.
However, it is not hard to find the problem. With the vehicle shut off & the doors closed, disconnect the battery ground cable, put a 12V test light [or ammeter] between the battery negative & a known good ground. If it lights, something, like an interior or glovebox lamp, etc. is staying on. Remove fuses 1 at a time to find the live circuit.
Do not rule out that the battery may be weak. Most cars have some live circuits, even when shut off. It could be that the battery no longer has any reserve.
Here is the test procedure for determining battery or alternator problem after requiring a jump start. Note, requires a voltmeter [$3.50 at Harbor Freight]
1] Check battery voltage on non-start vehicle. Will probably be under 12V. Verify good clean connections, look for cracked corroded or loose terminals.
2] Jump start. Note, always have the jumper vehicle running when performing a jump start, sounds basic but I actually had a friend who argued it should not, meaning he would be jumping with less voltage & could strand both vehicles.
3] With jumper cables removed, check voltage at battery. It should be 12.8V to 13.7V. If below 12.8V the alternator or voltage regulator are suspect. If in the range, the battery is either dead, low on water or in need of a full charge. If over 14.7V the voltage regulator is not functioning properly.
Take your time, be methodical & good luck!
I was an ASE certified Technician & GNB Battery, customer service rep.
2007-11-29 05:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all,even though you may see sparks, you won't get a shock. Disconnect the black smaller diameter post side first then the positive red larger post if a top post style battery. If a side post you still do the negative black cable first. With the side post style make sure you remove the corrosion from between the cable and hold down bolt on the red positive lead. You should always connect the positive red lead first and then the black negative lead last. If you jump a tool between the battery posts you will cause a spark and what ever metal object made the contact will become very hot and may cause the battery to explode if left in contact too long. I hope you are aware of the acid in the battery fluid it seems some people are still naive when it comes to the dangers of battery replacement or maintenance.
2007-11-29 04:07:35 · answer #3 · answered by thebax2006 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Disconnect the battery ground lead first. This will be the lead with the minus sign on the battery and will usually be a black cable. As long as you don't cross the positive and negative leads together with the wrench, you will not get shocked.
For what you are doing, this is the only lead you need to disconnect as this breaks the circuit.
Be aware that constantly connecting and disconnecting your battery can damage your alternator. The arching when you connect and disconnect the leads can damage the diodes.
The real problem is with the wiring to the radio. Your radio has two power leads. One to an un-switched circuit that always has power to keep the radio settings when the car is off. The other power lead is to a switched circuit that has power only when the ignition switch is on. This power lead turns the radio on and off with the ignition switch.
You either have these leads reversed, or the switched lead is incorrectly connected to a circuit that always has power.
Correct this and you won't need to keep disconnecting your battery.
2007-11-29 03:55:39 · answer #4 · answered by Mad Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reconnecting Car Battery
2016-12-26 06:19:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't get shocked from the negative terminal at all, so don't worry about that one. When you're messing with the positive terminal, make sure no parts of your body are touching any metal from the car, and make sure that the wrench doesn't hit any metal while you're loosening the nuts. It would be easiest to just leave the positive terminal alone and only remove the negative terminal cable. That should do it!
If you're going to have to be doing this a lot, they make switches that go between the battery terminal and the cable, so you just switch it off and that basically disconnects the battery. That way you don't have to mess around with loosening the battery cable every time.
2007-11-29 04:02:48 · answer #6 · answered by The Jesus 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you won't get shocked by a car battery. but the proper way to diconnect a car battery is to remove the negative terminal first cuasing the ground in the vehicle to disipate. so there is no chance of getting shocked from touching any other metal object while pulling the postive cable from the terminal.. to put back on start with the positive cable first followed by the negative....
2007-11-29 04:10:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just take one terminal off of the battery for what you want to do, it doesn't matter which one you take off as you just want to break the circuit for a couple of minutes and the battery won't shock you as long as you don't touch the other cable with the wrench while taking the bolt loose or accidently touch the wrench to metal while you are on the bolt.
2007-11-29 12:07:30 · answer #8 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you only touch one terminal at a time you will not be shocked. You have to complete a circuit to get a shock. Wouldn't removing your radio fuse be a simpler solution if the radio doesn't function in the first place?
2007-11-29 03:57:20 · answer #9 · answered by michinoku2001 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have the car off
and dont touch the battery cables to each other or to metal
thats it
2007-11-29 03:56:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋