Without a battery, it is impossible to imagine a modern car from any segment and any purpose. They often have to be changed, removed to recharge to restore capacity, and installed back. Despite the fact that most modern batteries do not require maintenance, they do require correct connection.
Sequence of removing and attaching terminals from the battery
We have already talked many times about how important an element in a car’s design the battery is on the pages of our portal for motorists Vodi.su. However, often in everyday life you can notice how novice drivers and auto mechanics do not follow the order of removing terminals and reconnecting them. How should you remove and install the battery correctly: which terminal to remove first, which terminal to put on first, and why exactly? Let's try to figure out this problem.
Disconnecting and removing the battery
The battery, like any other part of a modern car, has its own service life. You will notice that something wrong is happening to the battery when it begins to discharge quickly and the electrolyte inside begins to boil. In addition, in conditions when during the autumn-winter season the car is idle for a long time on the street, even experienced car mechanics will advise you to remove the new battery and temporarily move it for storage in a warm place.
There may be other reasons for removing the battery:
The terminals must be removed in the following sequence:
First remove the negative terminal, then the positive one.
A natural question arises: why such a sequence? Everything is very simple. The negative is connected to ground, that is, to the metal body or metal parts of the engine compartment. From the positive, wires go to other elements of the vehicle’s electrical network: the generator, starter, ignition distribution system and other consumers of electric current.
However, we immediately note that such a serious outcome if the order of removing the terminals is not followed is possible only in some cases:
That is, the sequence of removing the terminals does not have to be like this - first “minus”, then “plus” - since if everything is done carefully, then nothing will threaten you or the wiring with electrical equipment. Moreover, most modern cars have fuses that protect the battery from short circuits.
Nevertheless, it is in this sequence that the terminals are removed at any service station, out of harm’s way. Also, in any instructions you can read that if there is a need to carry out certain repairs, then to disconnect the battery it is enough to disconnect the terminal from the negative terminal of the battery .
The positive electrode can be left connected.
What is extremely undesirable to do?
Adhere to certain security measures to protect yourself from possible troubles and financial waste. Do not perform actions that could damage the battery housing. Do not tilt or overturn the battery. Also, do not damage the filler plugs or necks.
Do not add acid or store a discharged battery, especially at sub-zero temperatures. By damaging the contacts, you risk incurring additional costs by damaging the equipment. Be careful when working to remove and connect the battery in your vehicle.
Car batteries have to be changed periodically, but this procedure does not require a mandatory visit to a service station. After all, the process of replacing the battery is quite simple and can easily be carried out by the car owner independently.
First you need to find out which terminal is positive and which is negative. There is a marking on the battery for this purpose. The color of the wires will also help. Black is “minus”, and red is “plus”. negative wire should be removed first After all, it is connected to the “ground” of the car, that is, to its body, so deactivating it eliminates the risk of a short circuit.
Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the nut of the terminal coupling bolt, and then shake the terminal from side to side. It should be removed from the negative terminal of the battery.
Preparing to remove the battery
The need to remove and install the battery may arise for several reasons: replacement with a new battery, the need for charging, installation of new electrical equipment, repair of components that are difficult to access if the battery is installed. When replacing an old battery with a new one, you need to pay attention to the location of the terminals. It differs for different types of machines. You should choose a new battery with the same pole arrangement as the old one, otherwise the wires may not reach the terminals.
Before starting work, you should prepare the following tools:
Before removing, you need to carefully inspect the battery for broken seals, cracks or stains on the surface. The electrolyte, which is located in the battery, contains a solution of sulfuric acid and causes burns if it comes into contact with the skin.
When working with damaged batteries, you need to wear rubber gloves, and if the skin is damaged, neutralize the acid with a solution of baking soda.
Car battery replacement technology
After purchasing a new battery, you need to install it in its regular place in the car. Experienced car owners know where the battery is located and how it is attached to the car body. For beginners, it is better to read the machine’s operating manual to quickly determine these nuances.
A necessary tool.
Tools must be prepared before all work begins. Although dismantling an old battery is not a difficult operation, it will not be successful without tools. Most often, this will require a pair of wrenches: 10 open-end type, as well as 13 socket type with a wrench. But it’s better to look at the battery connection or in the manual. It is quite possible that on a particular model, the battery terminals and the battery itself are secured using different bolts and nuts.
Determining the location of the battery
Next, you can open the hood and find the battery underneath. Most often it is installed on a special shelf in the left or right corner of the engine compartment. If the battery is not detected, then it’s worth looking better. But maybe it really isn't under the hood. Sometimes, saving space, manufacturers mount batteries under seats, in the trunk and other places. Again, the machine's operating manual will help.
Maintaining safety when connecting the battery
So, the battery has been detected, and the tool is ready. But it is necessary to remember every minute about the safety of personal and automotive electrical appliances. The ignition key must be moved to the zero position or simply removed from the lock.
External inspection of the installed battery
An old battery may be damaged and there is a risk of burns. After all, battery electrolyte is nothing more than diluted sulfuric acid. Therefore, if there are cracks on the battery, no plugs, or drips on the surface of the battery, it is better to wear thick rubber gloves.
Disconnecting the terminals from the battery
Removing the battery
To remove the battery, you must remove its fasteners. Most often it is held on a special shelf using a pressure plate on a pair of tightening bolts. To unscrew them you need a socket type wrench. Although sometimes a cap will help. It must be remembered that the battery is heavy (14-17 kg), so removal is carried out with caution.
Installation of a new battery.
Remove accumulated dirt and other debris from the shelf, and then clean the internal surfaces of the wire lugs using fine-grained sandpaper. By ensuring excellent contact with the terminals, you can solve a lot of future problems in one fell swoop. Some car enthusiasts prefer to treat the wires with a water-repellent mixture.
Before installing a new battery, you should also clean its terminals. The new battery must be installed in the same way as the old one. Next, put on the pressure plate, and then tighten the clamp bolts. At the same time, you should not over-press them, because you can damage the battery.
Procedure for removing the battery
Modern cars contain many electronic devices. If the battery is disconnected, the on-board computer system may malfunction. To avoid this, you can connect a portable charger before removing the battery, which will provide power to the on-board network. The sequence of actions should be like this:
Now you can begin installing the new battery. Before connecting the battery to the car, you need to remove debris from the shelf and clean the contacts that have oxidized during battery operation.
How to connect a new battery?
Now let's look at how to properly connect the battery in a car. Make proper preparations before starting installation. Remove dirt, dust and other debris from the corresponding connector, and then clean the internal surfaces of the wire tips using fine-grained sandpaper.
Before installing a new battery pack, you need to clean the terminals. The installation sequence for a new battery is no different from installing the old unit. Place the pressure plate on and then tighten the clamp bolts. Perform the work carefully so as not to damage the integrity of the product. To connect the battery, use the following algorithm:
- Follow the reverse sequence of steps when installing the battery. Connect the "+" wire to the corresponding terminal first, and then connect the "-" wire to the negative terminal.
- Some manufacturers, for safety reasons, make terminals of different diameters, thereby preventing accidental confusion when connecting wires to terminals.
- Tighten the mounting nuts firmly using a wrench.
It is most often necessary to install a new battery pack due to the exhausted resource of the old one. If you are not confident in your own abilities and skills in working with the tool, use the support of the technical center staff.
Battery care
Proper care and operation will extend the life of the battery.
To maintain the battery, you need to wipe its case with a dry, clean cloth to remove moisture and remove dirt and dust from the ventilation holes. If the battery is serviceable, then regularly measure the electrolyte level and its density. Monitor the condition of the contacts, clean the terminals and treat them with a special anti-corrosion compound. The installation sequence is very important when installing a battery. The main thing is to remember that you must connect the plus first, and then the minus. If everything is done correctly and the on-board computer is configured, then you can count on trouble-free operation of the car. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the design of the transformer.
Source
Remove the terminal to clear the error
When removing the terminal, another error may occur, which will create even more problems. There are safer ways to reset without further hassle. You can remove one terminal (plus) to cause a short circuit. If the battery is new, most likely nothing will happen. But this method is still not recommended, since in the event of a breakdown there will be nothing to reset.
If it is possible to discharge the battery to zero, it is better to do so, and then sort it out at a service center.
