Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

When removing the battery from a vehicle for servicing, always remove the:

Disconnecting the negative cable first minimizes the risk of a short circuit or arc. The negative terminal is the vehicle’s ground, so once it’s removed, the battery is no longer connected to the chassis. If you accidentally touch a tool to the positive terminal while the negative is still connected, a path to ground could be created through the tool and frame, causing a dangerous spark or short. By removing the negative first and reinstalling the cables in the reverse order (positive first, then negative last), you keep the system safely isolated during removal and ensure a controlled reconnection.

Disconnecting the negative cable first minimizes the risk of a short circuit or arc. The negative terminal is the vehicle’s ground, so once it’s removed, the battery is no longer connected to the chassis. If you accidentally touch a tool to the positive terminal while the negative is still connected, a path to ground could be created through the tool and frame, causing a dangerous spark or short. By removing the negative first and reinstalling the cables in the reverse order (positive first, then negative last), you keep the system safely isolated during removal and ensure a controlled reconnection.