I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado my battery went dead last night completely I tried to put a new battery in there and when I hooked up my ground it's sparkes real bad like it was arkin and Cable was getting hot I don't want to frie the system?

 

There is a short to ground, take a good look at the positive battery cable. Look for any place it's insulation has chaffed (or melted) and touches the body, engine or frame. You know this is a Corvette forum? There are forums catering exclusively to Silverados, I'm not scolding, I'm sure others on here will...

 

Do you have the correct battery? The battery posts are marked + and -. The + cable must connect to the + battery post, which usually has a RED marker of some sort on the cable or the clamp.

Basic info, I know, but "sparks" indicate basic knowledge is missing. Sorry if I offended you by my "back-to-basics" talk.

Come and see us again when you buy your Corvette!

 

If the battery went "dead" in one night then you probably left something "on" or it is possible you might have a "short" in your electrical system.

When working with batteries be sure to have good face protection and preferably a rubber apron and gloves. I use a face shield when working with batteries, glasses are NOT enough protection as sulfuric acid can make a mess of skin exposed to it. If it gets into your eyes it can blind you very quickly so exercise caution around any battery. I also keep a fire extinguisher and a box of "Baking Soda" nearby. Working with batteries is "Serious Business" and can lead to some horrible accidents if not respected properly. You need to assume any liquid on the case of the battery could be acid so treat it accordingly.

It is normal for a battery to have a small spark or two while making the first solid connection to the existing wiring system. Arcing is another story, if the cables get hot then you might have a problem. I would suggest having a mechanic install the battery if you are not completely comfortable with your battery. If connected backwards where the battery positive was hooked to ground and the battery negative was hooked to the red Positive cables then you will fry something.

When a new battery is installed in a vehicle you always hook up the battery Positive side FIRST. Then when you attach the ground cable and there should be no excitement making the connections. If you mistakenly hook the ground cable first it makes it easy to short the battery when connecting the positive side by touching metal with the wrench. That will make some serious arcing for you and possibly "weld" your wrench between the battery and ground. If you "dead short" a battery IT CAN blow up or rupture the case and spray acid all over the place. Batteries can be very dangerous in the hands of the untrained...

If something major is pulling current from your Silverado like seat heat or other accessories, then you might see a small spark as you attach the ground/negative cable. Lots of sparks or arcing would indicate a short or problem of some sort.

ANY time you buy a new battery, charge it completely before installing it in the vehicle. I also like buying a battery that allows you to check and add to the electrolyte levels. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are okay for vehicles that sit around with little use as they have a very low self-discharge rate. Just remember that the Charging system in your Silverado was designed for a Flooded Lead Acid battery. The charging system in older GM vehicles might overcharge the AGM battery in normal usage causing the AGM battery's vent to open. That is not a good thing for AGM batteries.

When in Doubt get a professional opinion. Call your mechanic and have them check out your Silverado so you don't get hurt or hurt your Truck.