I am getting ready to clean some of the ground points and was wondering do I need to disconnect the battery first before removing grounds? I was reading a great thread by Munckhof and Bill Curlee about ground cleaning but saw no mention of it...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...re-report.html

 

No. Just leave the key OFF.

 

Thank you...

 

Always disconnect the battery Ground when working ON ANY Electrical components, Especially wiring & GROUNDS !!!

Many of those grounds are connected to Electronic Modules.

SAFETY FIRST

 

Good point!

 

It doesn't hurt, but not "necessary", as long as the key is out/off and not turned to "ON".

 

INCORRECT

Computer modules are still powered

Electronic Engineer, retired

 

The extremely low current draw (20-40 milliamps) involved for certain functions that remain active in "sleep" mode (not all do) make it unnecessary to disconnect the battery for cleaning the various grounds. Hell, just the act of disconnecting the battery negative cable alone causes more intermittent current draw/arcing.

 

I hate disconnecting the battery. It never comes off clean and I just hear relays clicking on and off. I don't know what does more harm. Leaving the battery connected, or all the relay clatter.

 

Like I SAID,,, per G.M.

Vehicle » Service Precautions » Vehicle Damage Warnings » General Service Precautions » Battery Disconnect Caution


Battery Disconnect Caution

Battery Disconnect Caution

Caution: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.



Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Notice: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage many solid-state electrical components. ESD susceptible components may or may not be labeled with the ESD symbol. Handle all electrical components carefully. Use the following precautions in order to avoid ESD damage:

Touch a metal ground point in order to remove your body's static charge before servicing any electronic component; especially after sliding across the vehicle seat.
Do not touch exposed terminals. Terminals may connect to circuits susceptible the ESD damage.
Do not allow tools to contact exposed terminals when servicing connectors.
Do not remove components from their protective packaging until required to do so.
Avoid the following actions unless required by the diagnostic procedure:
Jumpering or grounding of the components or connectors.
Connecting test equipment probes to components or connectors. Connect the ground lead first when using test probes.
Ground the protective packaging of any component before opening. Do not rest solid-state components on metal workbenches, or on top of Televisions, radios, or other electrical devices.

Ignition Off When Disconnecting Battery Notice

Ignition OFF When Disconnecting Battery Notice

Notice: Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

 

I would probably disconnect the battery ground cable just to be on the safe side.