Battery installation

[Prof. Robert]

I'm getting ready to install a new Odyssey battery in my '95 R1100RSL, and according to my Clymer's (pg. 51), I'm supposed to connect the positive cable before connecting the negative cable. Since I'm new to BMW wrenching, I'm wondering if this is a BMW thing or is the manual wrong. If the manual is correct, can someone tell me why.

Thanks,
Robert

[lawman]

this is the common procedure in any negative ground application; rationale: greatly lessen the chance of a spark; spark plus fuel fumes equals the potential for bad things to happen; good luck...wj

[Motor31]

In making any DC connection the routine is always Positive, first on and last off. As has already been mentioned this reduces the amount of arcing tremendously especially in the event of this closing a circuit.

[Prof. Robert]

I'm getting ready to install a new Odyssey battery in my '95 R1100RSL, and according to my Clymer's (pg. 51), I'm supposed to connect the positive cable before connecting the negative cable. Since I'm new to BMW wrenching, I'm wondering if this is a BMW thing or is the manual wrong. If the manual is correct, can someone tell me why.

Thanks,
Robert

Thanks for the feedback fellows. You've reinforced what I've always practiced. I should add, however, that I misquoted my Clymer's manual; the instructions read. "6. First install and tighten the negative battery cable, and then install and tighten the positive battery cable" (pg. 51).

While I may be something of a git sometimes, I like to think I'm not always a complete git.:bolt

[John Brase]

Thanks for the feedback fellows. You've reinforced what I've always practiced. I should add, however, that I misquoted my Clymer's manual; the instructions read. "6. First install and tighten the negative battery cable, and then install and tighten the positive battery cable" (pg. 51).


I had to check. You are right, Clymers does say that. THEY ARE WRONG!!

They have it right in the "undo" instructions, though.

John

[lawman]

the only time it would be correct would be in a positive ground engine; some years ago this was fairly common in cages; I am not aware of any positive ground bikes.

[saab93driver]

This is the normal procedure, this way you avoid causing a spark. If you hooked up negative first and then positive, if you inadvertently touch wrench to frame when tighten the + terminal you'd get a nice spark since you have completed a circuit, maybe melt something.

[PGlaves]

This is the normal procedure, this way you avoid causing a spark. If you hooked up negative first and then positive, if you inadvertently touch wrench to frame when tighten the + terminal you'd get a nice spark since you have completed a circuit, maybe melt something.

With a car battery at least, you can spot weld a 1/2" wrench to the fender well. And burn your glove. And burn the hand in the glove.

12 volts with a few hundred amps acrcing can be very interesting!

[PAULBACH]

Just did that - on a motorcycle. Fortunately the wrench did not weld itself to the frame. Spaces are much more cramped and accidently grounding a wrench is very easy to do.