Originally Posted by
twanger
I've spent a bit of time screening this subject so as not to repeat the info but do not feel comfortable w/ my findings so here goes .
Installing a batt tender ---- remove both terminals , neg first , & hook up tender for a couple of days . To re-attach terminals --- pos first .
Is this correct ?
Thankyou
I disconnect the battery when charging. However, my Roadster is never mothballed in Texas, so the battery is just disconnected for a short time during charging. I charge the battery every month since the Crossfire is so sensitive to voltage issues and it's a way to stay on top of the health of the battery.
I've been following Pizzaguy's process whenever dealing with the battery. I like the reasoning behind it. Maybe this is more applicable to removing and replacing a battery, but there is always a risk of a voltage spike when first connecting a battery charger. And there has been a post here about someone connecting the battery charger with the wrong polarities. It fried the Crossfire.
Here is a cut-and-paste from one of Pizzaguy's posts:
One thing we finally DID realize, was that we had fewer issues by using a neat trick to stop the inductive kick that happens when the battery is disconnected and the new one connected: Adding low resistance across an inductor decreases inductance. So, how do you do this? Easy, in order to more safely change the battery, do this (the steps in red are the "inductive kick" suppressing steps, the rest is standard safe practice):
1 Shut engine off.
2 Turn high beam headlights on, if you have fog/driving lights, turn them on as well.
3 Disconnect battery ground cable.
4 Disconnect battery positive cable.
5 Cover battery positive post (just a caution, if not just be careful to not lay tools across posts of battery - the spark can ruin your day).
6 Yank old battery, dispose of properly.
7 Put new battery in place, fasten down the clamp(s) and restraints that hold it.
8 Clean, with a wire brush, the inner contact surfaces of the battery clamps.
9 Pull off the protective cover from the positive post (that should be there on any new battery).
10 Place anti-corrosion wafers around the posts on the battery (or do step 14).
11 Connect positive cable.
12 Connect negative cable - some minor sparks will fly from post to clamp, do not be concerned.
13 Turn lights off.
14 Spray anti-corrosion spray on the posts and terminals (if you did step 10, this step is optional but never a bad idea.)
You have now down a "Throttle reset" as that information is lost without the battery in there. Some radio presets will also be lost unless you have a JVC radio.