Disconnect the negative side of both batterys completely. This means do not even have the cable sitting on the terminal. After that is done any and all sparking will cease to exist when changing the relay wires.
__________________ 1991 Ford PL Custom Ambulance Type III 7.3L Diesel. Photo Here Pioneer AM/FM/XM/CD Stereo. Code 3 lightbar, Whelen Strobes and flasher lights. Whelen flood lights on front, rear and sides. There bright enough to turn darkness into daylight. Siren with several tones plus electronic airhorn and PA. Custom 3" exhaust from manifolds back with a Gibson Superflow Muffler [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]. Dual alternators and dual sets of batteries. If I need a jumpstart all I do is push a button. On spot tire chains that install and de-install themselves at the flip of a switch. Also has air compressor on board along with suction unit and O2 system.
1972 Cadillac Hightop Ambulance by Superior Lucky if I get 10MPG
CompuDoc - I agree I need to get the last remaining neg cable from the drivers side battery disconnected. The problem is when I try to do this I get major sparking.
Tim - My starter relay wiring is the same as yours, thanks for verifying that for me. I tried to remove the red wire as you suggested but I got some sparking just by loosening the nut that is holding it down. Also I mention above if I try to remove the last remaining neg battery cable on the drivers side I get bad sparking.
Is there something I can to get things de-engergized without the sparking or am I just going to have to live with trying to yank the neg battery cable off(although the last time I did this it turned over the starter motor and the truck lurched forward a little...I have since put the truck in neutral [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] )
Do you have the key off, all accessories turned off, and the doors closed? Have you changed the starter relay on the inner fender? It doesn't make sense that the starter engages when you remove the negative cable. Just pull the negative cable off, standing to the side and ignore the sparking. Make sure you're not pulling the positive cable.
I believe this model had a bad ignition switch that was recalled by Ford. It may be shorted causing your problems. Check to see if yours was recalled and if it hasn't don't connect the batteries until the ignition switch is replaced.
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Regards,
Paul - Pocono Mtns. USA '90 E350 7.3L Ex-Ambulance High Top 400K Miles, No Turbo, Stock Stock stock, 10 oz. Bars Stop Leak and No ELC!
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