Last updated 2021-10-28

Disconnect a battery

Steps to disconnect a battery in a safe manner.

Before you begin to disconnect a battery

you will need the following tools:
- wrench, and
- wire battery terminal brush
you must wear the following safety equipment:
- safety goggles
- long-sleeved rubber gloves or work gloves
- safety footwear, and
- long pants.

Batteries must be disconnected whenever there is the potential for a battery to cause a fire or explosion.

Ensure that there are digital images of the dashboard, instruments, and the odometer.

Note: This must be done prior to battery disconnect in the event the vehicle has a digital odometer.
Ensure the vehicle is switched fully off.
Identify the location of the vehicle’s battery(ies).

If you are unable to locate the battery(ies), search battery in Mitchell Cloud Estimating (MCE).

Note: The vehicle information must already be loaded in MCE.

Important: Some vehicles have multiple batteries requiring disconnection.

Result:

MCE presents an illustration identifying the battery(ies) location.
Inspect the battery casing to check that there are no cracks or battery fluid on or around the battery.

If the battery casing has been compromised, use the equipment supplied in the ICBC Spill Kit to neutralize and/or contain spilled battery fluid.
Visually inspect the battery and cables to determine that it is safe to disconnect the battery cable from the battery terminal.