Battery disconnection necessary

[Erwego]

Hello all,

I've been browsing the forums and I have noticed people saying to disconnect the negative lead to the battery when doing some work.

I plan to install a cruise control to my 04 Z4, I picked the part up today. Possibly get the steering wheel recovered as well.

Am I correct in saying that I need to disconnect the negative lead and let the car sit fro 15- 30 minutes otherwise I may get an airbag fault?

If so, I assume that by doing this I won't have other problems, like having to enter a code into the radio?

Sorry for the stupid questions, I've not actually owned a car for about 20 years!

 

[edd_jedi]

I would leave it for more than 15 minutes, I triggered my airbag light by removing the door airbag about 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery last week. Which is strange because I took the seats out the week before with no issue, and if anything that was probably under 10 minutes.

You will lose things like the clock and MPG readings etc.

 

[cj10jeeper]

You don't need to disconnect anything if your just connecting cruise control. Just undo the top and lower covers and clip it into the steering column slip ring.

If however you need to remove the airbag such as to change the wheel then as posted leave it 15 mins minimum.

If you don't fancy messing with the steering wheel with an airbag 30cm from your face disconnect it anyway. I hate the frickin' things near me when working on cars....

 

[edd_jedi]

Yeah I've changed many an airbag steering wheel over the years, always nerve racking!

 

[Erwego]

If I wasn't nervous before, I am now!!

Thanks all for your replies. I'll try the cruise with the battery attached, and my fingers crossed if I do the steering wheel