How to Disconnect Car Battery Terminals
Virtually all car batteries are of the lead-acid variety, where lead compounds are submerged in acid to produce electrical power. When the engine is off, lighting and accessories get their power from the battery. Once the engine is running, the battery is kept charged by the alternator. The battery is connected to the charging and electrical system by thick cables whose terminals are attached to the negative and positive battery posts.
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Instructions
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Top Mounted Battery Terminals
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1
Park the vehicle in a well-ventilated area. Open the hood or battery compartment.
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2
Loosen the negative battery terminal clamp with a box-end wrench in a counterclockwise direction.
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3
Grasp the negative battery terminal and lift if straight up, using a twisting back and forth motion if needed to loosen it from the post.
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4
Push the negative cable aside so that it will not come into contact unintentionally with the negative battery post.
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5
Remove the positive battery terminal in the came fashion.
Side Mounted Battery Terminals
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6
Park the vehicle in a well-ventilated area. Open the hood or battery compartment.
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7
Loosen and remove the negative terminal retaining screw with a wrench.
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8
Pull the terminal away from the battery.
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9
Push the cable away from the battery where it will not come into contact with the negative battery post.
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10
Remove the positive terminal in the same fashion.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When removing battery terminals, the ground cable should always be removed first. Most vehicles utilize a negative ground system, but a few use a positive ground system. Check your owner's guide, repair manual or with your dealer if you are not sure which system your vehicle has.
If your battery terminals are corroded, you may clean them if desired with a solution of baking soda and water before removing them.
Some lead-acid batteries vent explosive gas. Sparks resulting from improperly removing battery terminals from the battery could cause it to explode. Wear safety goggles when working around batteries. If your vehicle is in a garage or other enclosed space, open the doors to dissipate any gas that may be present.
