12 replies to this topic

[CHA55IE]

HELLO THERE ,



WHEN I CONNECT MY BATTERY IN THE BOOT OF MY CLASSIC MINI IT SPARKS


DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS OR HOW TO RESOLVE IT ?



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MOST APPRICIABLE

[Rhyd]

Where exactly are the sparks coming from, and are you connecting live first, then earth?

[bigdaddy]

Hi there it could be a number of reasons, it could be that the live feed from the starter to battery has worn through and shorting to earth , and it could be ( this is a actual one that happended to me) the wire from the starter to the battery had fallen to the exhaust then got hot and shorted . plus if its a small sark could be there is somthing switced on ,,
hope this helps
cheers steve

[taffy1967]

You sure you've got the battery fitted the right way around?

[CHA55IE]

the sparks are coming off the battery, i connect the live first then the earth secnd .



the earth lead is a little worn but its best to replace it . once ive replaced it ill let you know if the sparking continues.


thanks for all the help and info guys

Edited by CHA55IE, 17 September 2008 - 10:22 AM.

[lrostoke]

Mine actually gives a little fizzle when I reconnect it, I just put it down to the radio having a perminant live feed to it so some current being drawn, and possibly because alternator is plugged in ??

Either way everything is working ok, starts ok

[CHA55IE]

alright guys i have brought a new battery connector !


and i have fitted the part and then connected the battery and the sparking still is an issue



cheers

[MGMT]

Mine does this too - just small little sparks where the ring is tightened onto the battery?

thought it was normal!

[dklawson]

You've disconnected the battery so presumably anything using battery power continuously (clock, radio, etc.) has stopped and/or lost its settings. If those items have dedicated fuses, remove them temporarily and try connecting your battery again. If the sparks you're seeing are small, chances are one or more of those devices is pulling a little bit of current that is causing the sparks. Replace the fuses one at a time and repeat your battery cable re-connection and you'll probably determine which component is causing the current drain.

If that doesn't help isolate the source of the current draw OR if the sparks are big, temporarily remove the alternator plug. With the alternator plug disconnected, re-connect the battery cable. If the sparks persist... I'm at a loss. If the sparks disappear with the alternator unplugged, consider taking the alternator in for bench testing as it might have an internal problem.

[liirge]

Basically whats happening is that, as your connecting the live a circuit is being made, and something earthing, a very small spark maybe noticable if your radio or other equipment on board takes a permanent live, and as DK says removing the relevant fuses should stop this.
If however it is still happening then there is a wiring fault and a short circuit in the system. I would definitly look at the Battery to solenoid wiring, make sure its not earthing anywere. Also i would make sure the solenoid is wired correctly, infact there is a rare chance that the solenoid is stuck causing juice to the starter, and ignition, if your pulling away fast it wouldnt be noticable as not enough current is being drawn.

[CHA55IE]

hi there


i have disconected all the electrice to the solenad appart from the starter motor and then i reconnected the battery the sparking still continues i am really stuck at the moment bcause this is the first mini have done.

i have turned off everything inside the car but the sparking continues.


thanks for every reply most appriciable


charlie

07500949007

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24thsept 23:13pm -

we have to quickly touch the battery to notice somthings not right . it sparks straight away and the sparks are big .


i havnt unplugged the alternator yet but i will try it and let you know tomorro . thanks

Edited by CHA55IE, 24 September 2008 - 10:14 PM.

[dklawson]

Have you unplugged the connector on the back of the alternator and repeated your test?

You have not mentioned how big the sparks are.

[CHA55IE]

HELLO GUYS THANKS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUBMITTED ANSWERS TO MY QUIRIE


I HAVE FINALLY SOLVED THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS A RELIEF.


THE PROBLEM WAS MY MECHANIC HAD CLAMPED THE LIVE BATTERY CABLE UP TO THE FLOOR WHICH HAD TINEY TARES AND PINCHES IN IT WHICH WERE TOUCHING THE BODY WORK THATS WHY THE SPARKING OCCURED.

MANY THANKS I WAS MOST APPRICIABLE FOR YOURE HELP AND ADVICE .



CHARLIE