When removing a battery, should the positive or negative terminal be disconnected first?
2 Answers
When removing a battery, disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. The steps for battery removal are: 1. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal; 2. Disconnect the negative terminal; 3. Disconnect the positive terminal; 4. Unscrew the nut on the battery securing strap, release the strap, and remove the battery. The functions of a battery are: 1. To supply power to the starting system, ignition system, and electronic fuel injection system when starting the engine; 2. To power the vehicle's electrical equipment when the engine is off or at low idle; 3. To assist in powering electrical equipment when the generator's output is insufficient; 4. To mitigate voltage surges in the electrical system and protect the vehicle's electronic devices; 5. To store excess electricity generated by the alternator.
When disconnecting the car battery, always remove the negative terminal first. As someone who's been working on cars for years, I've encountered this issue several times—removing the positive terminal first can cause problems. The battery's negative terminal is connected to the vehicle's frame, and accidental contact can lead to a short circuit with dangerous sparks flying. Once, I forgot the sequence out of carelessness, and the moment I loosened the positive terminal, there was a loud "pop" from arcing electricity, charring a nearby tool. Now I've learned my lesson: always loosen the negative terminal screw first, then carefully remove it using insulated gloves—safety comes first. After disconnecting the negative, handling the positive terminal becomes much safer. For reinstallation, reverse the order: connect the positive terminal first, then the negative. Never rush the process; ensure the ignition is off to prevent electronic systems from acting up. These small procedural details help avoid major mishaps, protecting both your car and yourself.
