Quick Question about Negative Battery Cable. . .
#1
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Thread Starter
Quick Question about Negative Battery Cable. . .
Is it mandatory to disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the alternator? The reason why I ask is because the battery on mine is underneath the back seat. :?
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Groton, CT _NEBF 05, 06, 07_
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would be inclined to lift the battery positive at the battery. That way you're removing battery potential to ground at the alternator terminal while working the alternator. Lifting the battery negative doesn't really help you. Does that make sense?
#3
Senior Member
Posts like a Camaro
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by markwb
Lifting the battery negative doesn't really help you. Does that make sense?
#4
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Yes, the negative is always the cable to be removed before any work is performed. It is not suggested that you work on your car or alternator for this matter w/o unhooking the battery. The most it does is cause you to learn how to set the clock. (I'm VERY good at setting my clock... )
Look at it this way Mac.. if you take a moment and unhook the battery, you won't be able to test if your fillings light up when that tingly feeling of electricity passing through your body occurs.
Be safe..unhook.
Look at it this way Mac.. if you take a moment and unhook the battery, you won't be able to test if your fillings light up when that tingly feeling of electricity passing through your body occurs.
Be safe..unhook.
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Fitchburg Ma _ToastedRice_
Posts: 6,837
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
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.
#8
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Groton, CT _NEBF 05, 06, 07_
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well.....which ever way you want to do it. Positive , Negative or both. The bottom line is that you are placing the battery on open ckt. Sometimes the books aren't always gospel. In this particular scenario there are two different (maybe 3) schools of thought, neither of which are wrong.
#10
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
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.