Welding - What to Unplug

[64nailhead]

If you unlpug the ECM, MSD, whatever, then you can be assured that it won't be damaged. Is it really that difficult that you would not consider unplugging it? If you get done welding to find out that you fried you MSD box, then you might consider if it was the worth the amount of ease that was created by not unplugging it.

I unplug the ECU(s) everytime I weld on anything (shrug).

 

[79 GP 4 speed]

I disconnect the battery on any vehicle I weld on, including newer vehicles.

 

[mccormack944]

Basic rule of thumb is disconnect negative battery cable, however I have welded on many cars as new as 2019 with as many as 38+ computers never disconnecting a thing everything was fine. At the end of the day it’s how much time you want to spend to take precautions.

 

[pontiacgp]

By and large, the precaution of disconnecting the battery when welding is to NOT trigger any airbags.

thanks but I am divorced....

 

[bracketchev1221]

I disconnect the ground on the battery and keep the welding ground right at the weld site.

 

[DRIVEN]

I've only ever had 1 related issue and I can't 100% pin it on welding. Could have just been Mopar reliability.

 

[Ribbedroof]

There was a bulletin in the early/mid 2000s from Ford about the instrument clusters in the E-vans. Seems they were especially susceptible to damage from welding near them, They stressed that not taking the proper precautions would damage the cluster and it WOULD NOT be a warrantable item.

 

[grandamman]

You could leave all of the batteries connected.

welding with batteries - Google Search

 

[mccormack944]

I've only ever had 1 related issue and I can't 100% pin it on welding. Could have just been Mopar reliability.

Fried a tipm?

 

[DRIVEN]

Old Neon PCM. Died randomly on hot days. Started a couple weeks after a rear body and taillight pockets were welded in.