Battery sparks and smokes after reconnecting

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
120,123 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 343 POSTS
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.
Nov 23, 2021 at 12:29 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 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
Nov 23, 2021 at 7:52 PM
Avatar
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 343 POSTS
Found that one of the three wires was a positive for the starter.
Nov 24, 2021 at 9:09 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
AZDANNO04
  • MEMBER
  • 343 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?
Nov 24, 2021 at 9:11 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 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.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Nov 24, 2021 at 9:37 PM