Stupid disconnect battery question

[pseto]

The radio and stuff went out last night, so I tried to change the fuses. Didn't work.

Now I get to the battery and want to know: how exactly do I disconnect the battery? What tool do I use to take the black cable off? I assume I cant use a regular wrench b/c I'll get fried?

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by pseto

The radio and stuff went out last night, so I tried to change the fuses. Didn't work.

Now I get to the battery and want to know: how exactly do I disconnect the battery? What tool do I use to take the black cable off? I assume I cant use a regular wrench b/c I'll get fried?

I use a regular old socket set. Disconnect the negative terminal FIRST and make sure the cable doesn't end up touching anything metal. Then disconnect the positive cable. That's it-you're done!

Also, pull off the vent pipe when pulling the battery out. Just pop it back in when reconnecting.

[X5Jay]

Pete's right. Just make sure you pull the neg first and you won't get fried. Shouldn't take more than a minute. When you're done, take a pic of your hair standing on end and post it for us!

[pseto]

Thanks guys. Stupid question #2, I assume the black cable is negative and red is positive?

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by pseto

Thanks guys. Stupid question #2, I assume the black cable is negative and red is positive?

Si.

[pseto]

thanks again. if you haven't already done so, please alert the world that idiots like me do exist!

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by pseto

thanks again. if you haven't already done so, please alert the world that idiots like me do exist!

Self-bashing not necessary. I've asked many questions that are probably bordering on obvious to some. That's what this board is here for.

[motordavid]

P, And be sure to attach that black/negative cable last
when reconnecting!

GL,mD

[pseto]

Thanks MD.

I got the battery disconnected and i accidentally closed the tailgate. now with no power, the tailgate won't open. is there a manual way to open it?

[motordavid]

P,
Here's a C&P from the '02 manual showing a procedure for opening
the tailgate following an "electrical malfunction", lol!
Good Luck!
BR,mD

Note: I pasted it twice...don't know if the line drawing pics will
come out, in the paste. See page 127 of your '02 Manual.

38

nTailgate

Manual release

In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the tailgate manually:
1. Unfasten the trim panel clip with the
vehicle key or with a screwdriver
(arrow 1) and remove it toward the
top (arrow 2)

530de317

2. Using the same tool, press the latch
in the direction of the arrow; the
tailgate is released
3. Reinstall the trim panel.

530de241

Luggage straps

Use the retaining straps on the cargo
area floor to secure smaller items of
luggage.
Movement is reduced when objects are
placed on the straps.
The lashing eyes located at the corners
of the cargo area provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
nets

* or flexible straps for securing
luggage.
Refer also to "Stowing cargo" on

page 127.

38

nTailgate

Manual release

In the event of an electrical malfunction,
you can release the tailgate manually:
1. Unfasten the trim panel clip with the
vehicle key or with a screwdriver
(arrow 1) and remove it toward the
top (arrow 2)

530de317

2. Using the same tool, press the latch
in the direction of the arrow; the
tailgate is released
3. Reinstall the trim panel.

530de241

Luggage straps

Use the retaining straps on the cargo
area floor to secure smaller items of
luggage.
Movement is reduced when objects are
placed on the straps.
The lashing eyes located at the corners
of the cargo area provide you with a
convenient means of attaching luggage
nets

* or flexible straps for securing
luggage.
Refer also to "Stowing cargo" on

page 127.