Unplug battery during head unit install?

[fieldy107]

Found alot of useful info on here regarding a head unit install but I could find out if I need to unplug the battery or not while Im doing it?

 

[cittris]

I installed my new headunit last friday and i did NOT disconnect the battery. As long as you are careful you shouldn't have any problems

 

[naughtika]

just to be safe.. i'd disconnect it.. or even just the fuse at the fuse block

 

[matchtheclown]

Depends on whether you want to risk blowing fuses and feeling what 12V is like through your hands mate.

Smart answer is it's a good idea until you have the wiring done.

 

[steveP]

if ur just plugging cables in, u should be fine (as long as u dont have the keys in and ignition on). if ur soldering, def disconnect it.

 

[Joe Bellissimo]

Safety is imperative with electricals

 

[Buckas]

i took tin snips to the loom with battery in just in a rush and totally not thinking. bye bye 3 or 4 fuses.

may as well to be safe

 

[VR-04-TT]

Safer to take it off, do the work and realise you didn't need to than to not take it off, do the work and find out you should've.

 

[happymatch]

i have blown few fuses plus some sparks on the fingertips. not a pleasant experience. I agree with the part where soldering and leave it till all the wireing are layed if you like.
I used a hand held drill once and.. long story short, do not take the risk.

 

[fieldy107]

Got it sorted thanks guys. Will add a photo to my members ride when I get chance but its nothing fancy anyway just a head unit...

 

[cowabunga438]

Depends on whether you want to risk blowing fuses and feeling what 12V is like through your hands mate.

12 V through your hands won't feel like anything.

With the ignition off there is only one live 12v wire in the stereo harness (the permanent 12v connection).

If all you are doing is plugging in a new harness there is no need to unplug the battery.

If you are doing cutting / soldering etc inside the dash on the harness, then you might want to take the fuse out. If the 12V line touches something else or the ground plane you could possibly do some damage or blow a fuse.

 

[pu-11-me]

Just a question for everyone who wouldn't disconnect the battery, can I ask why?

It takes 5 seconds to do it, and ensures the security of your electrical system. It has no detrimental effect on the vehicle, unless you forget to connect it again (Lolz), and its also something I do at every service anyway just to "refresh" the computer....

Just a thought

 

[Kitty's VR4]

Just a question for everyone who wouldn't disconnect the battery, can I ask why?

Ummm, maybe resetting the clock is a scary proposition.
prevention is better than cure

 

[harry]

Just a question for everyone who wouldn't disconnect the battery, can I ask why?

1) because there's no need... that would be my main reason.
2) easier to distinguish the constant 12v from the switched 12v if the battery is connected.
3) easier to test the stereo before bolting it in.
4) there's no need
5) my auto would un-learn everything
6) I've never blown a fuse installing stereos in my last 4 or 5 cars in as many years.

have NFI what soldering has to do with having the battery connected or not. its not like welding.

 

[cittris]

what he said

 

[cowabunga438]

1)

have NFI what soldering has to do with having the battery connected or not. its not like welding.

My only thought was that if you have a number of exposed wires you might accidentally touch the permanent 12V to something it oughtn't or the ground.

Even then it is unlikely anything would happen. However that is the only reason I said you might remove the fuse if you were doing extensive in dash work and not just plugging a harness in.

Having said that I have never disconnected the battery.

 

[Guest]

i do this for a job. and ive never disconnected the battery for a stereo install . you shoudnt have a problem with leaving it all live

 

[Riley]

i do this for a job. and ive never disconnected the battery for a stereo install . you shoudnt have a problem with leaving it all live

ill 2nd that......you shouldnt have bare wires anyway as you shouldnt cut the plug off

also makes it alot harder to work out power, acc, etc

 

[happymatch]

well true. but just in case

 

[Riley]

yes from a safety point of view its advised to disconnect it, but if you arent cutting the plug (allows you to plug the factory unit back in for sale) then it shouldnt be too much on an issue

if you just strip one wire at a time with the power, etc it will be fine unless you purposely put the + ive to ground