CAR -- Dodge Stratus 96' SE

If I detach the negative cable from the ground stud is this going to cause problems?


"Several systems on the vehicle require battery power to be available at all times, either to ensure their continued operation, or to maintain control unit memories such as [PCM] which would be wiped out if the battery were to be disconnected"
-------Haynes Repair Manual 5-2

I noticed a faint note underneath the hood all I could make out is something about idleing values

 

I think you can safely disconnect, but you will have to reprogram your radio station and the powertrain will have to re-adapt to your driving. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, but if you are concerned, there are devices which maintain 12V across your electrical system while the battery is temporarily out of the circuit.

Although I have never been a fan of zero-maintenance batteries, I am thankful we have one in this application! Can you imagine checking electrolyte levels every few months on a Stratus?

 

I would not worry about it, the PCM will relearn in a few miles. Its not a big deal.

 

everything wil be fine...i disconnect mine any time i do any sort of electric work to my car...the only thing is that youll lose your presets, and you wont be able to pass an emissions tests for 50 or so miles..

 

Thats weird so the car adapts

 

The PCM will just relearn. There are presets in the PCM, kind of like you can unplug your home computer and bring it to a new house without loosing anything. But it takes a little time to fine tune everything again after you reconnect the battery.

 

Some people, when disconnecting the battery, use alligator clips and wire to keep the vehicle powered until the battery is replaced. Tis is probably a lot more work than just doing what everybody here has suggested and driving the vehicle a bit after replacing the battery. It may not idle well at first, so start it and drive it right away. After a while, the systems will adapt and you are good to go.