[Hybyrd]

Replacing my IMA battery, with everything disconnected and the battery ready to remove, I realized I should have lowered the passenger-side window. Will anything disastrous happen if I re-connect the 12v just long enough to do that?

 

[mudder]

As long as the thick white cable that plugs into the DCDC converter isn't touching the chassis, you'll be just fine. You'll get CEL lights, but those will clear when you disconnect the 12 volt battery.

 

[*sean*]

Turning on the car may cause the HV contactor to close and charge the high voltage PDU capacitors. <edit> it must have been really late when I wrote this. If the IMA swtich is off and all harnesses to the battery disconnected and battery terminals disconnected and "battery ready to remove" there is no connection between the pack and the PDU capacitors. </edit> The safety precautions section of the IMA chapter of the Service Manual prescribes what needs to be disconnected and wait times for discharging.

 

[Hybyrd]

Just to lean toward the side of caution, I'm going to pretend I'm more obtuse than I actually am: Mudder, I see the white cable into the DCDC converter, but I have not unplugged it. Is there a risk of grounding it so long as it stays that way? Sean, I understand theoretically the risks of a charged capacitor, but is the danger to me and as such avoidable by just being careful, or to the equipment, and so requiring the discharge procedure?

 

[mudder]

If the white cable is still bolted to the DCDC, then you're fine. As Sean mentioned, if the IMA wire harness is still plugged in, then when you turn the key on the IMA system could become energized...

...but it sounds like you've already unplugged the IMA wire harness... so you're good to go. If you want to be 100% certain, post a picture of your IMA bay and I'll let you know if there's any live conductor danger introduced by turning the key on.

 

[Hybyrd]

Yeah, the IMA harness is unplugged, so I'm going ahead. Thanks to all for the timely advice.

 

[atikovi]

What does the passenger window have to do with removing the battery? It's removed out the back.

 

[Hybyrd]

Watch this space.

 

[SD Andy]

Yea I too wanna know what lowering the passenger window has to do with removing the IMA

 

[Hybyrd]

Southbound IMA Special

 

[mudder]

Ha, nice. From there, I guess someone wedges themselves below the side-to-side 2x4 and helps you lift the pack up and out?

 

[Hybyrd]

Actually, from this point the rail is tilted farther up, and the trolley pushes on south to drop its payload on a platform spanning the tire well at sill height just inside the back hatch. Then operator and assistant (aka wife), standing outside, reach inside to grab the handles and set battery on elevated dolly just outside car.

 

[mudder]

I get it... that car-looking thing with the orange strap dangling from it actually "walks the plank" to the back of the car. Creative!

 

[ducati916rdr]

Creative and cute, but having removed the battery from mine may times I never saw the need and was likely more lucky than physically adept.

 

[Hybyrd]

For the sake of my none-too-sturdy backbone, I rejected the idea of crouching in the spare-tire well and leaning over to heft such a weight. And also, I wanted to stop mid-trajectory to disconnect (and reconnect, on the new battery) the grid charger cable, and remove/replace the fan assembly with which it shares wiring, to avoid completely re-installing it.

 

[1036Project]

Clever setup! The little trolley reminds me of a pinewood derby car, brings back good memories. I'm assuming you've already removed the pack but I would love to see that thing in action on video!

 

[dalyn.amariyon]

As Sean mentioned, if the IMA wire harness is still plugged in, then when you turn the key on the IMA system could become energized...

 

[*sean*]

As Sean mentioned, if the IMA wire harness is still plugged in, then when you turn the key on the IMA system could become energized...

Apparently I was not awake when I read the original post and apologize. The OP wrote that the pack was completely disconnected from the car, so there is no electrical connection between it and the PDU capacitors I spoke of. I think that as long as he did not start the car (IMA motor turning) and enough time had passed that they would remain discharged. Suggesting to consult the manual regarding safety still stands.