Hi guys,

I need to disconnect the battery on the Focus to install my new ST seats. Looking at it, the access is a nightmare and I have no idea how to get at the negative terminal to disconnect it basically! Any pointers would be much appreciated, and sadly I don't have a billion piece socket set with magic extenders, just a spanner basically!

The plastic covers on top of the battery come off but still don't leave much room to access the negative terminal you could either remove the clamp holding down the battery and pull it forward or disconnect the other end of the negative cable near the Lh shock (jump start point for negative )

Just disconnect the positive and make sure it's isolated well (cover it and tape it so no chance of contact).

The proper way to do it is slide up the front of the battery box which then pulls out and allows the battery to be pulled forward.

Don't just remove the shock ground as it'll still be earthed to the gearbox.

The gearbox is earthed to the chassis not directly to the battery

You need a strong earth for the engine sensors and starter, you couldn't rely on the chassis earth to be good enough for that.  The neg cable splits at the battery, one half goes to the shock, the other goes down to the gearbox.

Cheers guys, will just disconnect the positive then! I assume this will mean I won't have exploding seat airbags in my face!

Right so the bonnet lock is broken now 🤬. Can I pull the fuse instead of disconnecting the battery and then put it back when I’m done?

1 hour ago, dtulip8 said:

Right so the bonnet lock is broken now 🤬. Can I pull the fuse instead of disconnecting the battery and then put it back when I’m done?

I mean, I'd probably fix the bonnet lock first...

Seriously though, I'd want the battery fully isolated rather than just pulling a fuse personally.  

Also missed your post from yesterday, disconnecting just the positive is fine but as I said, make sure it's covered so there's no chance of it springing back and touching the terminal.

Yeah lock is top priority! I will wait for that to be done then, then it’s recaro time!