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Battery Neutral

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Old Apr 13, 2012 | 08:15 PM
  #1  
RBodeman's Avatar
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Battery Neutral

Im installing a new horn on the HHR soon. These horns sound like kazoos and just cant be heard.

However my question is about the battery negative? How do I disconnect it? I know the battery is in the back by the spare tire (I have the SS). But its not like the old batteries where there was a positive and negative posts and you just loosened it and pulled it off.

Last edited by RBodeman; Apr 13, 2012 at 09:39 PM.
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 08:32 PM
  #2  
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I think you mean "negative" post correct? The later model batteries have recessed sockets vs. standing posts. The connectors are held in with a bolt that has a 5/16" (or 8mm) hex head on them. You unscrew to disconnect them.

There should be a positive disconnect under the hood if I remember right. You can just disconnect at that point so you don't have to go "down under" in the back to get at battery. Sounds like you already have that open though.

Those horns are super wimpy! I replaced mine with an air horn the day after a truck just about plowed over me on I294 in Chicago!
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 09:40 PM
  #3  
RBodeman's Avatar
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Yes negative posts. My bad. I knew as I was writing it I was using the wrong wording but just had a brain freeze and could not think of the correct words.

Corrected post.
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 10:06 PM
  #4  
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Just remove the fuse for the horn... Then do your thing..
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 10:26 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by sleeper
Just remove the fuse for the horn... Then do your thing..
Ha! Great point! Sometimes engineers "scratch their right ear with their left hand" and ponder why the reach is so far.
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 11:21 PM
  #6  
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[QUOTE=CarlsSS;635585]There should be a positive disconnect under the hood if I remember right. You can just disconnect at that point so you don't have to go "down under" in the back to get at battery. QUOTE]

I'm not sure what you are refering to regarding that positive disconnect under the hood - but if any tools are involved in doing that, to suggest that would be much more than very bad advice.

To disconnect the positive side of a battery without disconnecting the negative side, is just asking for serious problems. Shorting out the positive side with a ring will cost you a finger - shorting it out with a wrench will leave you with some serious burns, and a toasted wrench.

If there is such a "positive disconnect" under the hood that can be disconnected safely, please give more details.
Old Apr 13, 2012 | 11:25 PM
  #7  
843de's Avatar
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Plus, shorting out the positive side will leave you needing a new ECM/BCM/TCM etc.
Old Apr 14, 2012 | 12:55 AM
  #8  
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LOL - now that would need a special visit by the "stupid fairy" - semi-similar to jacking up the front of the car using a bottle jack on the aluminum oil pan. It does take all kinds eh?
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