Battery disconnect/reconnect question

[dcsmrgun]

I'd like to disconnect my battery so I can clean the leads. I've never pulled the battery before, and my only prior experience doing so was on a friend's Acura MDX, which sounded the alarm as soon as the battery was reconnected.

Do I need to worry about any factory alarms sounding or any other unpleasantness (aside from having to reprogram the radio, whatnot) when reconnecting the leads? I'm in an apartment community so the neighbors wouldn't be too happy with me

 

[ExplorerDMB]

You should be fine. If it does sound off, disconnect the battery. A lot of cars are different, but I do not think Ford set theirs up like that. So you shouldn't have a problem - I never do atleast. Disconnect your Neg cable first and reconnect your Neg cable last! Good luck! Also, either put battery corroision protection on the leads.

-Drew

 

[dcsmrgun]

Any recommendations for cleaning the battery connectors? I'd hate to make the job worse by applying something that's going to react with whatever's there right now.

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

There's a product you can get at any auto parts store called "Terminal Cleaner" which will do the trick. Follow that up with terminal grease to prevent corrosion and you'll be good to go.

 

[Crankcase]

Also get an actual battery brush..They are about $5 and have special brushes to clean the poost and cable end.

 

[FC2ED]

If you would like to use an inexpensive cleaner you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean the leads and battery terminals. Mix enuff water with the BS to make it a loose paste. Brush it on and hose it off.

 

[yaman]

I am actually having this problem. Battery died. Took it out to charge. Went to reconnect. Connects pos first. When I connect the neg the alarm is sounding off.

Any ideas?

 

[FC2ED]

My aftermarket alarm does the same thing. Just normal. You have to de-activate the alarm just like you would if you were trying to enter the vehicle.