What does disconnecting the negative battery cable do?

Q: Why do you disconnect the negative first? The negative terminal from the battery is connected directly to the vehicle chassis, then to other components in the car. Therefore, disconnecting it first will isolate the car chassis from the negative polarity of the battery and reduce the chance of short-circuiting.
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What happens when you disconnect the negative battery cable?

If you remove the negative clamp and inadvertently complete a circuit to ground, there will be no current flow because the ground clamp is already grounded. Subsequent shorting of the positive terminal to ground will then produce no current flow because the current has no return path to the negative post.
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Will removing the negative battery cable reset computer?

While disconnecting the battery will not permanently damage your vehicle's computer, it can cause it to function differently. That's because, if you disconnect your battery for long enough to reset the computer, it may cause the processor to forget everything it has learned.
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When should I disconnect negative battery terminals?

When disconnecting the cables from the old battery, disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Connect the new battery in the reverse order, positive then negative.” When you are replacing your car battery, It isn't always easy to remember the order in which to disconnect and reconnect the terminals.
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Can I just disconnect the negative?

Always discuss this with your dealer prior to disconnecting your battery. In order to disconnect the battery, all you have to do is remove the cable from the negative port. Do not let the negative and positive cable ends touch under any circumstances.
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Which cable do you disconnect to check alternator?

You can check the alternator by simply starting your car and then disconnecting the negative battery cable. Be careful doing this, though, because there are a lot of moving parts in your engine compartment that could cause injury.
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Which battery terminal should be disconnected for storage?

Which battery terminal should be disconnected for storage? It is always recommended to disconnect the negative terminal first. When connecting the battery, however, the order will be opposite: Positive end first, then negative terminal after.
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Does unplugging battery reset check engine light?

Leaving the battery disconnected for about 15 minutes will ensure the vehicle systems will completely reset when you reconnect the battery. Secure the negative cable back to the terminal and cover it with the cap (if applicable). Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light.
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Do you need to disconnect both battery terminals when working on car?

The positive connection is made to the starter motor, and this is also why it's usually recommended that you remove the battery cable from the starter before doing any work on the car battery. What is this? The negative terminal should always be disconnected first since it's connected to the ground.
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How long will a car battery last if disconnected?

If you know you won't be using your car for a while or won't be able to recharge it weekly, it may be best to disconnect it completely from the vehicle. When stored properly out of the car in a secure place, a detached car battery has the chance to last up to six months.
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Will disconnecting battery reset transmission?

Will disconnecting the battery reset TCM? Simply disconnecting the battery would not return the TCM to its default settings, you would need to use a transmission scan method to do so. Disconnecting the battery terminals will not complete the phase or solve any gear shift issue.
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Will disconnecting battery reset crankshaft sensor?

To reset the check engine light you can disconnect the battery via the negative battery terminal and let the vehicle sit for an hour before reconnecting the battery. A failed crankshaft position sensor will generally cause the vehicle to stalls when it's running or cause the vehicle to not start at all.
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Which terminal do you disconnect to work on a car?

Make sure you disconnect the negative terminal first. Lay the disconnected negative cable carefully to one side, making sure it's well away from the battery terminal. Disconnect the cable from the positive battery terminal in the same way, then lay it to one side.
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How do I reset my car after replacing the battery?

To reset your car, just follow these easy steps:
  1. Detach the battery cable for two to three minutes.
  2. Reconnect the battery and start the car.
  3. Drive the car for at least 10 miles to let the engine control units find any potential problems.
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How long does it take for a car computer to reset?

Here's something you probably don't know: after clearing the car's computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results. You can use GOFAR to constantly monitor your car diagnostics.
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Which battery terminal must be disconnected first and why?

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery

You should always remove the negative battery terminal first, to reduce the risk of sparks which can make the car battery explode. Once the negative terminal has been located, use the wrench to loosen the nut that holds the terminal.
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Can you test an alternator by removing the negative terminal?

If you're tempted to test an alternator by disconnecting the negative battery cable, don't do it. A good alternator may indeed keep the engine running without the negative cable, but this was never a good test. In the pre-computer days, you could pull it off without damaging anything.
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How do I relearn a crank sensor without a scanner?

  1. Turn off all of the accessories. ...
  2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph at part throttle. ...
  3. Cruise at 55 mph for another 5-6 minutes.
  4. Decelerate to 45 mph without using the brakes, and maintain 45 mph for 1 minute.
  5. Perform 4 deceleration cycles, without using the brakes, of 25 seconds each where no specific speed is necessary.
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Do you have to disconnect battery to change camshaft position sensor?

Disconnect your negative battery cable. This should be done any time you work with sensors or electrical components. It may be easiest to remove and replace the camshaft sensor from under your vehicle, but it can also be done from the top by removing the air filter housing.
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