how to weld OR how not to fry your computer
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From: downtown denver , colorado
I am a heavy duty mechanic and welder who regularly welds on vehicles with engine/trans/abs,chassis and other electronic control systems,just disconnect battery so no current flowing usually just disconnect ground side is fine(just make sure all grounds removed at battery)also it is just common sense to ground close to your work when welding to try and keep current flow in the affected area,Oh by the way I have forgotten to disco batteries once or twice prior to light welding and happy to report no fried or cooked electronic components but do not recomend this.I have done a fair bit of welding on my 07 rubi(with neg cable disconnected at battery)and have had no issues
Sponsoring Vendor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,646
Likes: 0
From: Bedford, Texas
We like to protect the JK and disconnect the PCM and the TIPM just for protection.
I have heard alot of people mess the modules up just prtect yourself
Gerry
And oh of course the Battery needs to be disconectted
I have heard alot of people mess the modules up just prtect yourself
Gerry
And oh of course the Battery needs to be disconectted
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: South Louisiana
When i welded my c gussets i didnt disconnect anything either, no issues. If i would do it again, i would disconnect the battery at least. Its too easy to disconnect not to.
corey d
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Southern CO
I know this is an older thread, but I'm getting ready to weld in the ORE control arm skids and rear shock skids. I am planning on TIG welding these on since I have tons more experience with that and that's the only welder I own. I am assuming most of everyone's experience noted above is with MIG or stick welding. Does the high frequency start of Tig affect the ECU/Sensors or otherwise?
When I welded on my YJ I unhooked the battery and REMOVED the ECU from the firewall, mostly because it was easy. And never had an issue either. On the other hand the JK is still under warranty....
Thoughts or experiences???
Adam
When I welded on my YJ I unhooked the battery and REMOVED the ECU from the firewall, mostly because it was easy. And never had an issue either. On the other hand the JK is still under warranty....
Thoughts or experiences???
Adam
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, ON
Still shouldn't have any problems with tig. Like everyone said keep ground close and unhook battery. There are products that you could buy to hook up to your bettery as well. They take any extra voltage/amperage. They work well. Well i guess anyway you don't really see anything happening when you have them plugged into the leads of the battery. No news is good news I guess. I've used these welding on muiti million dollar military vehicles with TONNES of electronics with no problems at all.
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 1
From: Denton, TX
I haven't disconnected the battery, nor had any problems. As long as your ground for the welder isn't on the other side of the Jeep. it should be fine. Keep it as close as you can to what you're working on..
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Van, WA
I know this is an older thread, but I'm getting ready to weld in the ORE control arm skids and rear shock skids. I am planning on TIG welding these on since I have tons more experience with that and that's the only welder I own. I am assuming most of everyone's experience noted above is with MIG or stick welding. Does the high frequency start of Tig affect the ECU/Sensors or otherwise?
When I welded on my YJ I unhooked the battery and REMOVED the ECU from the firewall, mostly because it was easy. And never had an issue either. On the other hand the JK is still under warranty....
Thoughts or experiences???
Adam
When I welded on my YJ I unhooked the battery and REMOVED the ECU from the firewall, mostly because it was easy. And never had an issue either. On the other hand the JK is still under warranty....
Thoughts or experiences???
Adam
When I worked on tractors we used those stabilizers you hooked to the battery.