Battery sparks when hooking up to terminals

CAT13$

MEMBER
2002 LINCOLN LS
3.9L
V8
2WD
90,000 MILES

When connecting the battery thermals to the battery, the battery sparks. Would it be a ground wire? I just put an engine in from another Lincoln.

Thursday, May 31st, 2018 AT 5:54 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,740 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. It is normal for a minor spark to occur when first attaching the ground wire. There are components which have a constant draw on the battery. Even an interior light will cause it. If the spark is excessive or extreme, then you have a dead short.

I would suggest following these directions for locating an electrical draw. If the draw is equal to or less than what is discussed, it is normal. However, if it is excessive, follow the directions provided to locate the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight

Do this and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe