What terminal to disconnect first on a car battery

Car batteries play an extremely important role in providing power for electrical components, ensuring engine operation. However, you need to pay attention to disassemble the old battery and add new energy to your motor every time it shows signs of exhaustion.

This process is not difficult, but not everyone knows how to do it properly. So, which battery terminal to connect & disconnect first?

This article will give you the answer under the most comprehensive view. Scroll down and discover in no time!

  • Which Battery Terminal To Connect & Disconnect First?
  • How To Remove The Old Batteries?
  • How To Install The New Batteries?
  • The Bottom Lines

Which Battery Terminal To Connect & Disconnect First?

Removing and installing batteries in the correct sequence will help ensure the safety of the engine and the quality of the energy. But newbies or even experienced drivers are not sure how to complete the task correctly.

If you are wondering about disconnecting a battery positive or negative first, do not worry! We’ve helped you compile the answers to each question. 

Which Battery Terminal To Disconnect First?

What terminal to disconnect first on a car battery

When you want to remove the energy from the tray, the first thing is to find out where the terminals are. Once the determination is successful, disconnect the negative terminal (-) first and then the positive (+).

If you do not follow this procedure and disconnect the (+) first, the power supply will create a direct path to the ground through the wrench. Meanwhile, the (-) cable acts as the ground cable, making disconnection extremely safe without creating sparks.

For your safety, follow the above procedure and never disconnect the anode first!

Which Battery Terminal To Connect First?

So, how to connect car battery properly?

The process of inserting the batteries into the tray occurs in the opposite direction compared to their replacement process. You will start with the anode (+) first, then finish with the negative (-).

Before proceeding with this task, you need to thoroughly check the condition of the top of the battery so that it is clean without debris or rust. Dirty batteries will generate weak currents between the terminals, causing danger during the installation.

How To Remove The Old Batteries?

Removing the old energy source is not as simple as you think – take out the power supply. Instead, you need to follow the following procedure to ensure the most secure system operation.

First, you need to disconnect the cables from the negative terminal. If you wonder about their characteristics, these cables usually have a black sheath and a (-) symbol above their sheath.

Then proceed to disconnect the cable from the positive terminal. These cables usually have a red sheath, and the (+) sign represents the positive pole.

During this process, never let a metal object come into contact with both terminals of the energy at the same time. Once this happens, it will harm the engine and yourself when you touch it.

When this step is completed, open the fixing clips and completely remove the power supply from the tray.

How to Disconnect a Car Battery

How To Install The New Batteries?

Before proceeding with this step, you must undergo a quick check of the system’s two connectors and cables. Should they have rust, this will not be good for the power supply after installing new batteries.

If you’re in this case, don’t worry! Your task consists of preparing some water, an iron brush, baking soda and thoroughly cleaning the rust spot.

Follow our instructions above to install the battery in the correct position and sequence – positive (+) and then negative (-). After that, please fix the tray with the fixing clips to prevent the energy from slipping. 

Finally, start the engine to check to see whether the new power source is working.

See more: Can A Car Battery Be Too Dead To Jump Start?

How To: Install a Battery in Your Vehicle

The Bottom Lines

Which battery terminal to connect & disconnect first during the maintenance process? With our article, you will certainly not have any headaches with this problem anymore.

Installing and removing the energy is an easy process whether you are a newbie or an experienced person. But above all, follow the replacement procedure above to ensure the safety of your engine and your health. Good luck!

What happens if you remove the positive terminal first?

It's important to disconnect the negative side of the battery first, otherwise you can cause an electrical short if the positive is removed first.

Which battery terminal must be disconnected first and why?

Removal of Old Battery Remove the negative (-) terminal first. This precaution is necessary to avoid damage to wiring and the battery by accidentally grounding tools. Remove the positive (+) terminal.