wiring and battery

[marshmallow15]

i was wondering if it's necessary to remove the battery terminals if i do some wiring in my car? is there any present danger if i decide not to?

[tk1138]

Depending on what you're wiring you don't HAVE to. If you're donig something to a system that's not under power (like brake lights, or head lights with the switch off) then you can get away with out disconecting the power. For radios, and anything involving the engine I'd take off the negative terminal. <BR>You only have to remove one terminal to remove power from all systems, and usually the negative one has fewer attatchments. If your car doesn't already have some anti-corosion washers on the battery posts this is a good time time to get some. They keep a lot of stuff from building up on your battery and imparing your electrical system.

[marshmallow15]

what about if im going to cut into the cigarette lighter wiring? would i have to disconnect the negative terminal?

[tk1138]

Yes, that line is allways on in most cars. You could probably pull the fuse instead of detatching the terminal though, it has the same effect.