Battery sparks and smokes after reconnecting

AZDANNO04

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
120,123 MILES

I had replaced the clutch etc; I had finished, and I was about to start the car I had remembered to connect the terminals. The battery is located in the trunk. I remembered that I only disconnected the negative. The positive was still on the battery. I noticed some build up, so I brushed the terminals, and I had the positive off. Made sure none were touching any metal surfaces. I then connected the positive
tightened all up. Just as I am about to connect the negative terminal. It sparks and keeps sparkling and smoking.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

A slight spark is normal, but it shouldn't be extreme or smoke. If it is, recheck around the transmission to make sure you haven't caused the positive terminal to short. Check the starter to make sure the power supply isn't shorted or disconnected.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 7:52 PM

AZDANNO04

MEMBER
266 POSTS

Found that one of the three wires was a positive for the starter.

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 AT 9:09 AM

AZDANNO04

MEMBER
266 POSTS

Got the car started and drove it a bit. Noticed the idle was high and went to AutoZone said to check the vacuum lines. Do you have a diagram of the vacuum lines on the 2.2 LS Coupe Cobalt Manual transmission?

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 AT 9:11 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

The pics below are what I have as far as vacuum schematics. By chance, do you have a live data scan tool? If you do, let me know what the short-term fuel trims are. I should be able to tell if there is a vacuum leak.

Also, here is a link you may find helpful. It explains how to check for a vacuum leak.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Here is a link that explains how to repair a high idle:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-idles-too-high

Let me know if that helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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