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A magic spark

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by andyprius, Sep 5, 2010.

  1. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    In reconnecting the neg. grd . lead from the 12V battery I got a very beautiful spark, intensely white and mutidirectional. Is this a capacitor discharge from that brake booster box ( loaded with capacitors ) or is it something else. How can it be prevented?? Of course the car was OFF :cheer2:
     
    #1 andyprius, Sep 5, 2010
  2. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Even when off, many of the Prius systems still draw some power. The brake capacitor bank in particular can pull a pretty good current.

    To avoid a big spark you have three options:

    1) Don't disconnect the battery.

    2) First reconnect through a resistive path, then make the direct connection.

    3) Connect very quickly. It will still spark, but not as much.

    Tom
     
    #2 qbee42, Sep 5, 2010
  3. andyprius

    andyprius Senior Member

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    Since I installed the battery cut-off switch it is not a problem, I just wondered if the Toyota techs bleed this off first. Maybe shutting down the SKS to eliminate the parasitic current. ??
     
    #3 andyprius, Sep 5, 2010
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    I noticed the same thing too when I removed the negative cable a while ago to sand down the - battyery cable to chassis contact and grease it.
    When re-connected surprising spark there in standby.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Sep 6, 2010
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