WHILE WATCHING A NEIGHBOR DISCONNECT HIS BATTERY SINCE HE IS GOING NORTH FOR THE SUMMER AND HIS CAR STAYS HERE IN FLORIDA,HE DISCONNECED THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL. I ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE POSITIVE TERMINAL WHEN I LEAVE MY CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. DOES IT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE?
It makes no difference. It is slightly less risky to disconnect the ground wire but don’t worry.
If the hood stays closed, there is no risk difference. I think the previous poster is suggesting that if the positive wire is still connected, it could be shorted out with a metal engine compartment component. But electrically, it makes absolutely no difference.
The negative first disconnect sequence is used to reduce spark generation potential. After the cable is disconnected it makes no-difference which one was disconnected,the time that it mattered was at the disconnect time,if you made it past that your good.
I once shorted out a positive terminal to the frame while disconnecting it. Almost welded the ratchet to the frame. No harm done since it was a 69 Buick, but since then I always disconnect the negative terminal first. I’m afraid to think what it would do to newer car’s electronics.