Issue with battery replacement

MKSKI

MEMBER
2004 FORD F-150
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

Hello,

I tried changing my battery for the first time today, but as soon as I got to the negative connector, it started popping, my air turned on, and my car started dinging. I'm afraid I'll get electrocuted if I try to tighten things down while all these things are happening. I just got this truck and it does have an aftermarket remote start on it. Is it safe to continue? This doesn't seem normal.

Respectfully,

Mary K

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi Mary,

First, you won't get electrocuted from the battery. However, it can be shorted and cause issues, so make sure to be careful with that. Don't allow anything that is metal or a conductor to cross between the battery terminals at the same time. Also, install the positive first and then the ground.

Next, turn the key off, turn all things off, and close the door. The noise you heard is because there was an immediate electrical draw on the battery from those components.

Now, as far as the aftermarket remote start, as long as it's properly installed, it should be okay. I personally am not a fan of them unless it is original equipment on the vehicle.

Here is a link you may find helpful. It explains how to change the battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, you won't get electrocuted from the battery, so don't worry about that.

If you have a chance, let me know if you get it together. Remember, turn everything electrical off and close the doors. That way, even if there is a spark or sound when you make the last connection, it will be minimal.

Let me know if I can help.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 AT 8:28 PM

MKSKI

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks so much for the quick reply. The key was not in the ignition but my door may have been open. I ended up putting the negative cable around the nob (I don't know the official terms) without tightening it down because I was afraid I was going to be electrocuted if I touched the metal. Even though it wasn't tightened down, I went to start my truck to see if it would actually start. It started up, then I tried to turn it off and I took out the keys and it kept running. I had to hit the stop button on my automatic start for it to turn off, so something funny I going on with that.
I feel relieved that I won't get electrocuted if I touch it. It's just so strange that the air starts to flow, it starts to make sparking sounds and my truck starts digging as soon as that ground cable touches the nob. I did attach the positive before the negative. I wonder if the electric start is messing with things. I didn't install it, it came that way and I've only had it a few weeks.

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Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 AT 11:06 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

First, you are very welcome. As far as the things turning on when you attach the battery, if the switches are on they will start running. However, the idea (if I understand correctly) of the engine not turning off with the key is wrong. If it was me, I would have the aftermarket remote start system removed. It doesn't sound like it's working properly. I never experienced it, but I have heard horror stories about how they cause problems.

Regardless, I'm here if you need help or have questions. Don't be afraid to ask if you need anything.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

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Friday, July 23rd, 2021 AT 6:27 PM