RE:Battery Disconnect Question

[Rodney Moore <m6bigdog@xxxxxxxx>]

Kevin,

>>>>>>
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1999 14:00:49 -0800
From: kielyk@domain.elided
Subject: Battery Disconnect Question
Just a quick question about disconnecting and reconnecting batteries when
working on the BMW's.
When disconnecting the battery which post is best removed first?
Then when reconnecting which post is best connected first?
By best, I mean least egregious to the electronics in the car.
- -Kevin
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

It is best to disconnect the battery ground terminal first and re-connect 
it last.
This will prevent shorting the positive terminal to ground while loosening 
the terminal with a wrench.

I also suggest that the period of time the main battery is disconnected be 
kept to a minimum. The NiCad batteries in the Service Indicator will be 
discharging while the main battery is disconnected. (I don't have any 
information on the discharge rate.  However as NiCads age there capacity is 
reduced) If the NiCads are subjected to a deep discharge they may not 
recharge when the main battery is re-connected.  This is most common with 
NiCads that have been in service for a number of years.  To solve the 
failed NiCads problem you will need to install new NiCads to repair the 
dysfunctional Service Indicator.
- ----
Rodney Moore
e-mail: m6bigdog@domain.elided

------------------------------