How do You Determine +/- Ground?

[CDW]

Replacing my battery and I didnt pay any attention to whether it was positive or negative ground. How do you determine which way it is, and will it matter if I get it backwards?
P.S.
Thanks to the panel for all their asssitance in resovling my starter problem.

 

[Sweating in Florida]

If you have one of the old tractors like mine a 8n
its a positive ground. Positive post to the battery terminal that gets grounded to the frame or engine. The opposite of modern equiptment.
What happens when you do the opposite I can't say
but I'm sure some one will tell you.

 

[blitz]

set your old battery in the holder or line it up like it was in the holder and check the wires... with the terminals in the right places the wires will probally fit only one way...

 

[r geiger(oR)]

IS IT A 6 OR 12 VOLT BATTERY? 6 volt, positive ground, 12 volt neg ground.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

A little more info from you would help you get a correct answer.

Is it 6v or 12v?

What model tractor is it?

If it's 12v, does it have an alternator or a generator?

Front or side distributor?

Depending on what you have, it could matter a great deal. If it's 12v w/ an alternator, reversing the polarity will fry the alternator.

Post back w/ some more info & you will get some more precise answers.
50 Tips

 

[Duner Wi]

Engine off turn headlights on and look at ammeter. If it shows discharge you should have it correct, if it shows charge I think you have battery in backwards.

 

[Dunk]

(quoted from post at 21:45:20 08/13/09) Engine off turn headlights on and look at ammeter. If it shows discharge you should have it correct, if it shows charge I think you have battery in backwards.

And will probably have destroyed either your alternator, or your voltage reg.

I think there are more without headlights, than with...

 

[willie in mn]

CDW
If you still have the cables, look at the clamps. Pos post is larger than the Neg.
Quick & dirty. Set the battery in place. Attempt to hook up one cable. If it fits, it's right. If the clamp is way too loose, or way too tight, it's wrong.
Do this with only one cable, won't hurt a thing if wrong. If you hook up both cables wrong, will most likely let all the smoke out of alt or reg.