Why rushing is a very stupid idea lmao.

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g0thiac

G-Body Guru
Sep 6, 2020
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I won't lie, I try to be patient when I can but some days it just isn't easy, especially when you are trying to do something quick working on a vehicle, while it's getting cold outside and the sun is going down.

Still no excuses, as I nearly burned down my Caprice from moving the alternator with the battery connected. It was a very easy but pretty dumb mistake.

That said, can anyone tell me whats the best way to protect the alternator terminal at the back? Merry Christmas by the way, hope everyone is doing well and being safer than I was lol.

 
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mc1984ss

Master Mechanic
May 18, 2020
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Some gm cars from the factory had a small plastic cap that snapped over the terminal. I have a boot on mine for protection. I also have a circuit breaker inline bit really need to move it closer to the alt
 
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airboatgreg

Comic Book Super Hero
Oct 2, 2016
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First rule of electrical work when replacing components. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then the positive. You should service the terminals anyways.
 
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pagrunt

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Sep 14, 2014
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First rule of electrical work when replacing components. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, then the positive. You should service the terminals anyways.
I always disconnect the positive, get the cable(s) out of the way cover the terminal with proper type of tape. Never too much for safety.
 
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jiho

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Jul 26, 2013
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That's just one of the problems with computer cars. The computer has "keep alive" memory with a live battery feed, and when you disconnect the battery (like you should) the computer forgets everything it's learned about making you car run "right." Then it has to start over, and you think it's dying for a while, like maybe you did something wrong while working on it. So people try to avoid disconnecting the battery, which leads to incidents.

As for rushing? Nobody's found a cure yet. :mrgreen:
 
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SS_Malibu

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Sep 27, 2021
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I'll bet there's not one person on this forum that hasn't done the " I think I can do this without doing that mistake". Sometimes it becomes a bit more costly than other times. Patience is sometimes hard to do even at the best of times. I know I've paid plenty of "stupid tax" as Dave Ramsey calls it, but the mistake is made and the lesson is learned so I know next time be more careful when I do the same thing again. HaHa. You are in good company here. We feel your pain.
 
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mc1984ss

Master Mechanic
May 18, 2020
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I would agree with the above statement.

I was at a safety meeting conference one time and the head speaker told us something I'll never forget he said " you should never say I knew that was going to happen"
He is totally right and it's something I've taught my kids
 
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