I have a base Fit 09.

When working on the radio it recommends disconnecting the negative terminal.

When I popped the hood it wasn't clear to me exactly how to do that?

I checked the manual and it doesn't give any advice?

Can I just tug the negative terminal up and off? Or do I have to loosen some of the hex nuts?

I know, I know, totally lame question, I'm just afraid to hurt my new car. =)

 

Yep, you'll need to loosen the nut first before the terminal can come off the battery post.

 

I'm not sure you should continue any further. Put down the wrench and step away from the Fit, LOL

 

There is totally some truth to that.

But you gotta start somewhere. =)

Thanks for the help!

 

10mm is what honda uses on all batteries. Just use a small socket or a 10mm wrench if you have too. I use a cordless drill and 10mm at work just to bust them in and out.

 

As an aside, the Fit has the most pathetic battery ground wire I've ever seen on a vehicle. I've seen bigger ground wires in boom boxes! Hard to believe it can handle cold starting currents without being a significant voltage drop.

 

A long time ago one of the major car companies EE Manager said to turn off all accessories first, then disconnect the ground side battery terminal connector (-)by loosening the tightening nut while holding the loop on the terminal, and then removing the loop quickly to minimize the arc effect (sudden surge of electricity due to a short gap). Then you may remove the positive connection (+) the same way for thorough powering down. Remember if the positive side is not diconnected you must be certain the negative terminal loop does not come in contact with any part of the positive battery lead.
MAKE SURE THE REMOVED CONNECTORS CANNOT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE BATTERY TERMINALS OR EACH OTHER. Wrap in sturdy plastic bag is good practice.(I believe thats why the postive terminal is also disconnected; MAKE SURE IT CANNOT TOUCH ANOTHER METAL SURFACE as they will all be grounds to that terminal !)

Replace in reverse order, power side positive first, and ground negative second, again quickly putting thr loop on the terminal. And yes you will have to re-program your radio stations AND YOU WILL NEED THE RADIO CODE FOR YOUR CAR to restart & re-program your radio

 

Awesome, thanks for the great reply mahout, that sounds like a great technique!