Your vehicle’s battery terminals need to be disconnected at some time during operation. There is a wide range of possible causes, from troubleshooting to replacement. As you may have noticed, the negative terminal is always disconnected first.
But, why disconnect negative battery terminal when working on car?
It’s mainly done for safety reasons. The car’s negative battery terminal is hardwired to the metal chassis. And from there to the rest of the car’s systems. By removing it first, the chassis of the vehicle is cut off from the negative polarity of the battery. This eliminates the possibility of a short circuit, fire, and accident.
That will be for the short summary. I will take you through the details and hopefully, you will get your answers.
Let’s begin!
Why Do You Disconnect The Negative Terminal First On A Car Battery?
You may have this question every time you disconnect your car battery. Why the negative terminal first?
The car’s negative battery terminal is hardwired to the chassis. And it’s distributed to the rest of the vehicle via the chassis.
If you detach it first, the chassis of your automobile won’t come into contact with the battery’s negative terminal. This should prevent a short circuit in the system. It will shield your car’s battery and electronic components from harm.
I have explained these reasons below for your clarification-
Reason 1: To Prevent Short Circuit
A short circuit is one of the worst-case scenarios for any car’s electrical system. It may happen at any time while working on the electrical system, especially when disconnecting the battery.
To prevent this, you will need to disconnect the negative terminal first. Removing the positive terminal first will prevent the static discharge resulting in a short circuit.
Reason 2: To Protect the Electrical Equipment in the Car
Disconnecting at a safe distance is better for your car’s components. For this, utilize a metallic tool that can come into contact with the car’s chassis or other metallic parts.
The battery terminal and the chassis will not experience any voltage drop if the connection is made on the negative side. But a significant short circuit will result if the same is made on the positive side.
Reason 3: To Safely Discharge the Static Current
Friction from your clothing against the automobile seat might lead you to become electrically charged as you exit the vehicle. When you let your energy out via the car’s body, that’s when the shock hits.
These static charges are released to the ground when the negative terminal is initially disconnected. Everyone working on the car can feel secure doing so. Or else you risk getting zapped.
Reason 4: To Prevent Fire and Accidents
Disconnecting the positive terminal first may cause a fire from the short circuit. This might end up in an accident. To prevent fire and accidents, it’s best to remove the negative ones first.
Reason 5: To Prevent Battery Drain
Not disconnecting the negative lead might start draining your battery. Assuming your car is negative or ground, there will be a slow drain if you disconnect the positive one first.
This slow drain might kill the battery at a later stage. Hence, it’s best to disconnect the positive end first.
Is It Ok To Just Disconnect The Negative Terminal On A Car Battery?
Yes, it is okay to just disconnect the negative terminal on a car battery. Finding the battery’s negative terminal and detaching it is all that’s required.
Then again, the question arises, do I need to disconnect both battery terminals when working on a car?
No, you don’t need to. In any case, you should always disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery before working on the electrical system of a vehicle. Not severing both cords is unnecessary.
Disconnecting the negative terminal only breaks the whole circuit easily. Hence, the car is safe to work on.
So, should you disconnect the positive or negative when working on a car?
You will need to disconnect just the negative terminal only. Remember to remove the negative terminal first, then the positive, when detaching the cables from the battery. Make sure you connect the new battery’s positive terminal to the device first, then the negative.
Step By Step Guide to Disconnecting The Car Battery Safely
Now you know you will need to disconnect the negative end only when working on a car. But, you might think, how can I disconnect the car battery safely?
To answer this question, I have divided the process into 4 easy steps.
Step 1: Turn Off The Ignition
Put the ignition into the “Off” position. Then, turn off the engine by removing the key. Even though it’s so fundamental, this often gets skipped over because it seems so obvious.
Step 2: Find Out the Negative Battery Terminal
Lift the cover and place the battery in its holder; it’s beneath the hood. A majority of batteries are located in front of the motor.
The batteries in some vehicles are tucked away neatly behind the dashboard, while in others they’re over to the side. There are times when you have to work around obstacles to achieve your goal.
Check the battery for a black cable. You shouldn’t touch the red one since it’s the positive terminal. These cables either squeeze-clamp, open, and remove from the battery, or are directly bolted to the battery terminal.
Step 3: Loosen and Disconnect the Cables
The connection is secured to the battery with a clamp. However, pressing the clamp together might not be enough to release the cable. The clamp may need to be released from the battery. Do it by jiggling the cable back and forth while being squeezed.
If the clamp ever comes loose from the battery, ensure it never touches the battery again. The battery in a car is what turns on the electrical power to the engine.
The car’s electrical system may be reactivated if the negative terminal of the battery comes into contact with the battery. This can happen even if the cable is not secured onto the battery. This would defeat the purpose of taking such precautions to guarantee the cable is severed. Disconnecting the negative terminal will also reset the airbag system.
Keep the cord from interfering with the battery by hanging it. The wire should be long enough to reach from the car’s windshield all the way down the side. Cables are typically around 1 foot in length. Put a piece of tape over the cable to keep it in place while you get your work done.
Step 4: Remove the Battery From The Casing if Necessary
If you want to replace the battery, you will need to remove it from the casing. You will find a clamp holding the battery to the case.
Use a wrench or ratchet to loosen the clamp bolts. Then carefully remove the positive terminal like the negative one. Carefully, remove the battery by removing the clamps.
4 Safety Precautions While Disconnecting the Car Battery
Here are the safety precautions you should follow while disconnecting the battery:
- Wear safety glasses and utility work gloves to prevent injury.
- While connecting, the positive terminal should be connected first, followed by the negative terminal.
- A car’s battery should never be disconnected while the engine is running.
- Do not keep the terminals in touch with the car body, set them aside.
Hopefully, these tips will come in handy while disconnecting the car battery.
When You Should and Shouldn’t Disconnect Negative Terminal?
You might have this curiosity to know when to disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery. We have got your answer in the following segment.
When You Should Disconnect Negative Terminal
- While working on car electronics
- While welding something to the car
- While doing bodywork
- When installing new components
When You Shouldn’t Disconnect Negative Terminal
- While running the engine
- During wet conditions
- During extreme temperatures
That’s it! Just make sure to keep these in mind before disconnecting the negative terminal.
FAQs
Will Disconnecting Negative Terminal Reset Car?
This is a question of the vehicle’s age and electronic control unit (ECU). Disconnecting the battery may reset the system in certain older vehicles. But in most modern vehicles, it has no effect beyond possibly resetting the time and radio stations.
Should I Disconnect The Battery When Welding On A Car?
Yes, you should. It’s unsafe to weld near batteries or power sources, or when the battery is connected. Before beginning any welding, make sure the battery is removed and all power is turned off. The welder’s current can cause electrical components to overheat or even short out if it flows through them.
Why Do You Connect The Positive Terminal First?
This is because the positive cable will not arc if your wrench or spanner touches the car’s body. This is during the process of tightening up the cable due to the absence of the ground.
If The Negative Battery Cable Is Disconnected, Can The Battery Drain?
No, the car battery won’t drain if you disconnect the negative battery terminal. If you disconnect them the charge will be stored and you can use the car even after months. However, not disconnecting the negative terminal will drain the battery. In worse cases, your battery may be dead.
Conclusion
That will be all on why disconnect negative battery terminal when working on car. Hopefully, you got your questions answered.
Don’t forget to follow the safety guidelines. Always wear safety gloves and goggles. Remember to turn off the engine before operating.
See you soon!
