Proper Battery Terminal Installation and Removal

Proper Battery Terminal Installation and Removal

Properly connecting a battery terminal is important to ensure a secure electrical connection and to prevent damage to the battery terminals, wiring, ECU, or other electrical components.

BEFORE DISCONECTING OR INSTALLING AN ECU - THE BATTERY MUST BE DISCONNECTED

This procedure applies to motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, UTVs, and other powersports vehicles that use a bolt-style battery terminal connection.


Proper Battery Terminal Connection:

  • The battery terminal connection consists of the battery terminal itself, the main vehicle power or ground lead, and any additional accessory leads that may be connected directly to the battery.


  • Some batteries and vehicles use a washer between the battery terminal and the wiring. If a washer is present, it must be installed directly against the battery terminal.


The correct order of installation is:

1. Battery Terminal

2. Washer (if present)

3. Main Lead

4. Accessories

5. Connector Bolt


The connector bolt passes through the accessory leads first, then the main vehicle lead, then the washer, and finally threads into the battery terminal.

 


Accessory Leads:

Any accessories connected directly to the battery should always be installed on top of the main vehicle lead.

This includes items such as:

  • - Battery tender or battery charger leads
  • - USB or charging ports
  • - Auxiliary lighting
  • - Additional electrical accessories
  • - Other aftermarket electrical connections


The accessory leads should not be placed between the battery terminal and the main vehicle wiring.


If Your Battery Does Not Use a Washer:

  • Not every battery terminal uses a washer. Do not add a washer if the battery terminal was not designed to use one.
  • If a washer is present, however, it should always be positioned directly against the battery terminal, underneath the main vehicle lead.


This same installation procedure applies to both the positive (+) and negative (-) battery terminals.


Disconnecting the Battery:

When removing a battery or performing electrical work, always disconnect the negative (-) terminal first.

Disconnect the battery in this order:

  1.  Negative (-) terminal first
  2.  Positive (+) terminal second


Disconnecting the negative terminal first helps prevent an accidental electrical short. If your tool or another metal object accidentally contacts the vehicle's frame or another grounded metal component while working on the positive terminal, there is no complete electrical circuit once the negative terminal has been disconnected.


After the negative terminal has been disconnected, disconnect the positive terminal.


Installing the Battery:

When installing or reconnecting the battery, reverse the removal procedure.

Connect the battery in this order:

  1.  Positive (+) terminal first
  2.  Negative (-) terminal last


Connecting the positive terminal first and the negative ground connection last helps reduce the possibility of an accidental electrical short while making the connection.


Once both terminals are connected, make sure the battery terminal bolts are properly tightened and that the connections are secure.


Disconnect the Battery Before ECU REMOVAL or Electrical Work:

  • If you are performing electrical work on the vehicle or removing the ECU, it is always best practice to disconnect the battery before beginning the work.
  • After disconnecting the battery, allow the vehicle to sit for at least 1 hour before removing the ECU or performing sensitive electrical work.


This allows the vehicle's electrical system and ECU to completely power down before work is performed.


Failure to properly disconnect the battery before electrical work or ECU removal can potentially cause permanent damage to the ECU or other electronic components.


When in doubt, disconnect the battery before working on the vehicle's electrical system.

Quick Reference:

Battery Terminal Connection Order -

 

BATTERY TERMINAL

↓

WASHER (IF PRESENT)

↓

MAIN LEAD

↓

ACCESSORIES

↓

CONNECTOR BOLT


This order applies to both the positive (+) and negative (-) battery terminals.


Battery Removal:

  • NEGATIVE (-) FIRST → POSITIVE (+) SECOND


Battery Installation:

  • POSITIVE (+) FIRST → NEGATIVE (-) LAST


Following the proper connection and disconnection procedures helps ensure a secure electrical connection and reduces the risk of accidental shorts or damage to the vehicle's electrical components.

 

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