Roger

hello All..

Is it safe to disconnect the battery by disconnecting the ground strap located behind the tool compartment via large wing nut? Are there any other options?

I'd rather not take out the spare tire to do this each time.

Any information concerning the topic would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
Roger 87s4

Mark R.

Not only is it safe, but I believe that is actually the best way.

Regards, Mark
Black 84 S in Atlanta

soontobered84

It's the way I always do it

dshulik

That's ironic, just learned that trick today at my mechanic's shop. The 993 he was working on had a Rennlist sticker in the window (:

BrianG

I dunno if it's the right way, but it's the Wally-way. <img src="http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/cockpit.gif" alt=" - " />

kaamacat

Yes. Without a doubt. In-fact that's also a great time to take a brass brush (little small guy looks like a toothbrush on steiroids), and clean the surfaces. A super clean metal-to-metal contact is extremely important.

As you've probably heard, typically the first thing that someone will ask back at you when you've got an electrical problem is..."do you have a good ground?"

Bob

Dave H.

although brass prob'ly won't be a problem, generally you should try to avoid using dis-similar metals to clean metal. you can actually cause the corrosion you're trying to remove. the back of the car is steel so a stainless steel brush or scotchbrite would be a better option...

Roger

Thanks to all that responded. That's going to make my life much easier.

Some have mentioned cleaning the contact points...after cleaning, do you use some kind of electrical lubricant to fight off corrosion?

thanks again...

Roger 87s4

Dave H.

go buy some spray battery post cleaner and spray it on, covering it. the foam will collapse into a corrosion inhibiting film...

Erik - Denmark

Roger,
Remember, when disconnected, the ground wire/strap to be placed so IT DON'T/CAN'T TOUCH THE CHASSIS GROUND! <img border="0" alt="[nono]" title="" src="graemlins/nono.gif" />
Therefore more safe to disconnect the strap from the battery <img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />

Steve J.

I keep a short piece of vinyl tubing inside the tool panel that slides onto the end of the ground strap when disconnected so it can't accidently touch the body. Easier than removing the spare and opening the battery box.

Ell

The reason it is safer to disconnect the strap away from the battery is because of the spark. It is the same reason when jumping a battery you connect the ground to a chassie point instead of the battery. If there are any vapor fumes around the battery and you cause a spark by disconnecting the ground, the battery could explode. Just take the steps of protecting the strap from touching ground or remove the strap from the battery after you disconnected it from the chassie.