A battery should be removed while the engine is running. A battery should be removed with the headlamps ON. Who is right?

• A. A
• B. B
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (D)

Never disconnect a battery while the engine is running. When the engine is running, the alternator is actively charging and powering the electrical system, so removing the battery at that moment can cause a voltage spike or backfeed that may damage the alternator, regulators, fuses, and other components. Having the headlamps on doesn’t make it safe; it simply means current is flowing and adds to the risk of sparks or arcing when the terminals are exposed. The proper procedure is to turn the engine off and all electrical loads off, disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive. When reconnecting, attach the positive terminal first, then the negative. So, neither statement is correct.