Negative Battery Cable

[liamstears]

What exactly is the little bit on the negative battery cable? I know it's there for stop start/battery monitoring but what is it?

Is the one on mk7.5's the same as on the new mk8's?

Is a mk8 one compatible with a mk7.5?

[Paulkp]

Also for regenerative braking on some models.

Two different part numbers listed for up to Feb 2013, then only one part listed, but I'd check with Ford with your VIN/registration.

[Paulkp]

I've done a bit of reading - Voltage, Current and battery temperature, communicating with ECU via LIN bus.  And a warning about jump starting - never connect a jump lead to the terminal, always check in the vehicle handbook.

[MJNewton]

8 hours ago, Paulkp said:

And a warning about jump starting - never connect a jump lead to the terminal, always check in the vehicle handbook.

That's not related to the battery monitor in any way though as far as I am aware (as they are electrically connected anyway by a short length of cable). The issue is that when a circuit is made by connecting up a donor battery in parallel there can be a spark created which could ignite any hydrogen emitted by the battery. It is never the less sound advice though even if the risk might be small.

[Calee]

my 1988 ford fistiva the red cable is hooked to the negative battery post is thi right