Battery cables spark

[serrano2782]

Does anyone know why i get sparks when i connect the negative cable to a new battery? I replaced the negative cable with a new one.

[landy]

Are you connecting the negative cable to the negative post of the battery? Connecting it to the positive side of the battery will result in some big sparks!

If you've got the cables and posts connected with the correct polarity and there's still some sparking, there may be an electrical accessory that was left in the on position such as heater fan, etc. So when you the cable touches the battery post, the circuit for the accessory is completed.

[Longhorn 70]

How bad are the sparks? A small spark indicates a small current draw. If it looks like an arc welder, that's a different story.

[cool68]

look on battery for + for positive large (usually red) cable to starter. small wire to junction. - negative (usually black) cable to ground bolt on motor.

[serrano2782]

cool68 jumction?

I do have the positive to the positive and when I went to connect the negative that is connected to the alternator bracket its sparked when I touched the prong to the post

[serrano2782]

LANDY

Would this include head lights and winshield wipers?

[piecesparts]

If the spark is small, have you considered any thing like a aftermarket radio powering up the memory section of it, or an audio amp that is loading the power circuit on it? Just waiting for the turn on signal to power it up. How about a clock circuit in the truck?

[hamjet]

Every thing should be turned off, including lights, ignition key. unless you have a clock, or modern radio which always has current running to it for the clock there should be no spark at all when touching the wire to the battery....

[67 chevelle]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

If the spark is small, have you considered any thing like a aftermarket radio powering up the memory section of it, or an audio amp that is loading the power circuit on it? Just waiting for the turn on signal to power it up. How about a clock circuit in the truck?

happens on almost all vehicles , unless you have an older one with no newer electrical devises installed

[serrano2782]

67 chevelle

Its a 1970 pick with no radio. Shell only

[cool68]

Originally Posted by serrano2782

cool68 jumction?

I do have the positive to the positive and when I went to connect the negative that is connected to the alternator bracket its sparked when I touched the prong to the post

search here for thread: Electrical Issues...Need Help!!! and in Electrical Section here for thread: Color Wiring Diagram FINISHED - both have info for you to help understand the correct wiring on your truck. have you ever had you battery tested to find out condition? a battery in poor condition (even a new one) can cause problems too.

[serrano2782]

COOL68

Just replaced the battery and cables.

[LONGHAIR]

There is some kind of load on the system. It could be from lots of things, but the main thing here is safety. Quit disconnecting it from the battery end of the cable. Take it apart from the other end. The sparking will still happen, but it will be away from the battery itself. Sparks near a battery can blow the whole thing up in your face.

[hamjet]

what about dome light, cargo light, anything like that, pull fuses, then check to see if you still have a load. if that stopped the sparking, add fuses one at a time till you find the culprit. Oh, and Longhairs right, at least wear safety glasses....