Disconnect a motorcycle battery

Steps to disconnect a motorcycle battery.

Prerequisites

Before disconnecting a battery

  • the following tools are required:
    • wrench, and
    • wire battery terminal brush, and

  • the following safety equipment must be worn:

    • safety goggles
    • long-sleeved rubber gloves or work gloves
    • safety footwear, and
    • long pants.

Refer to the Health and wellbeing resources and Safety at work procedures for additional information.

When this applies

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

You have determined it is safe to disconnect the battery, and you are able to do so. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended disconnection procedures if available, or these steps, even if the battery has no charge.

Procedure

  1. Ensure it is safe to disconnect the battery(ies).
  2. Locate the battery.
    Note: A common location is directly under the seat. Remove the seat and side cover to access it.
  3. Identify the positive and negative terminals.

    If the terminal says...

    Or shows this symbol...

    Then the terminal is...

    POS

    +

    positive.

    NEG

    -

    negative.

  4. Inspect the battery for a green and white ashy substance (signs of corrosion) on and around the terminals and wires.
    If the battery … Then ...
    shows signs of corrosion use a wire brush to remove the corrosive matter.
    does not show signs of corrosion proceed to step 5.
  5. Use the correctly sized wrench to loosen the nut at the side of the negative terminal. When the nut is loose, twist the terminal off the negative post.
    Important: Always disconnect the ground (negative (-) usually black) cable from the battery first. The negative terminal is the main power link, so disconnecting it cuts off power to the motorcycle.
  6. Remove the positive terminal from the positive post, if necessary.

    If the battery...

    Then...

    is being removed from the motorcycle.

    disconnect the positive terminal from the battery.

    is not being removed from the motorcycle.

    leave the positive terminal in place.

    Note: The positive terminal is usually red.
  7. Ensure the cable(s) cannot come into contact with the battery terminal or any part of the vehicle.
  8. Use a yellow oil marker to mark the motorcycle B/D to indicate that the battery has been disconnected.

    Mark

    • the windshield, or
    • the gas tank.
Parent topic: Safety considerations