Component damage

[Westerngeophysical772]

Can anyone tell me if before starting" MIG" welding on a car or motorbike, is it advisable to remove a battery lead to prevent damage to modern day vehicles electrics/electronics or is it OK to press on as is bearing in mind that some cars need to have a memory chip inserted into the system to keep circuits live during a battery disable. Thanks for any help

 

[Wedg1e]

The only way to be absolutely certain is to unplug the alternator and disconnect anything that uses a microprocessor - eg the engine management ECU.

Yes it's a hassle but so is forking out for new bits and (usually) a reprogram by the dealers.
On the other hand you can leave everything as it is and you may get away with it - you hear stories of success and failure either way.

 

[john224]

IN that case you should buy a surge protecter device aprox £40 ,, Its a box with 2 leads coming out one for possitive and one for negative just clip across battery and carry on welding,,

 

[Robotstar5]

and keep the work return clamp as close to the weld as possible