If nothing is "on" and the battery has been out of a vehicle for a few weeks. Would you expect the final connection to the battery to spark alittle bit as you connect it?

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

Yes you will get a small spark. Some ciruits are always hot. To minimize the spark connect the ground last.

yes and imo it would be a good idea prior to installing to remove the battery tray and inspect for rust underneath as well as clear the water drain down there if necessary.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

An opinion I share....The tray was removed and upon removal revealed......No rust! The battery was out as part of a "new car to me" going over. I'm just now starting to reassemble the car in hopes of returning it to road worthy status.

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

Actually it doesnt matter if you hook up the positive cable last, the neg to battery or neg to block or body last. Current flow is current flow, same spark. The only difference might be to connect the negative cable at the body or block last so the spark will be further away from the battery which is outgassing or producing Hydrogen (bang). I always blow on my lead acid battery before I hook it up.......Had one blow up in my face once...Thought the battery charger was off, it wasnt. The last thing I saw was blue flames before they dragged me to the sink and dunked me. Lucky for me , no damage.

Disconnecting the ground lead first and connecting it up again last is done so that if you touch any part of the body with your wrench, it won't short.

After the ground lead is disconnected, there isn't any return path if you touch the body and the positive lead at the same time with your wrench.

A safety issue, pure and simple.

Wes

So very true, and thats what I do. I just thought we were talking if its normal to see a spark no matter which cable is put back on.