why the negative battery cable?

[throne7]

I have always been curious about this. Everytime someone recommend do something (replace/repair) in the car, he would say first "remove the negative battery wire". I understand you want to cut power to the electronics so they don't get fried. But why the negative? Isn't removing the positive wire accomplishing the same thing? Just wondering.

[ILUVMILS]

The simple rule of thumb is to ALWAYS dis-connect the negative side first. That way, if you accidentally short the positive side when removing it, no damage will be done.

[Matt L]

It's too easy to hit the wrench to ground when removing the positive cable. Thus you always remove the grounded cable first, which is almost always the negative cable.

[whunter]

Originally Posted by Matt L

It's too easy to hit the wrench to ground when removing the positive cable. Thus you always remove the grounded cable first, which is almost always the negative cable.

Exactly correct.
If you ground the negative cable by accident, there is NO possible danger/damage/hazard.


If you ground the positive cable by accident, the following thread covers the facts of what can happen in great detail.

Battery Safety
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/141479-battery-safety-post1057827.html

[Kestas]

I remember lending a few tools to my neighbor so he could service the battery. From my window I could see the sparks fly as he was attempting to remove the positive cable first.

[superlite17]

Negative is where the electrical flow goes...high low gradient...?
Paul