'87 Carrera...wise to hook up battery to test electrics w/engine out?
 

Hi there,

I recently bought an '87 Carrera cabriolet with the engine out, and although I have a 3.2 engine to put in it, it will be a long time before the engine is ready to install.

The car had a dead battery when I bought it and an extensive (and dated!) aftermarket stereo system. I surgically removed the aftermarket stereo wiring from the factory harness and fusebox. I'd like to test my work and look for any other electrical issues (convertible top, windows, HVAC, etc.) while I wait for my engine.

Do you guys ever connect the battery with the engine out? Should I disconnect the ECU and coil? Tape up the loose connectors in the engine compartment? Anything else to consider?

Thanks,
Jay

Here's a picture of my beast. Can't wait to get her on the road!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1503004219.jpg

Yes keep the batter in and charged. I taped the positive connection to the starter up. that way the alarm still works and everything else. Still listed to the radio when working on the car,

I would not use the car battery directly. Use a smalller positive wire and fuse it with 5 amp at first. Then test the low amp circuits. Lights will require bigger amp fuses. Wiyh thus method you will not melt wires.

I do this all the time. But I keep the ground disconnected when I'm not using the power for anything. It's not that I don't trust 35 year old German electrics or anything . . .