Welding on a newer car

[wayne74447]

Is it okay to weld on a newer auto? I have a 1996 Chevy truck i need to weld a patch panel into. It is a very computerized vehicle and was wondering if there is any big issues welding. I thought i would in hook the battery, pull the harness off of the ECU, and all the sensors on the engine. Would this be suffecent?

Wayne

[ZRX61]

Make sure there is nothing electrical within a couple of feet, ground cable as close to the weld site as possible & also completely disable the airbag system...

[shoddy_f-body]

I weld on late model cars all the time.All you need to do is unhook both battery terminals and your fine.Dont mess with the airbags. I use a surge protecter that hooks to each battery terminal and protects the system from spikes without unhooking the battery because Some new cars are a major PITA after you unhook the battery(alarm systems,radio locks ect) But on your 96 just unhook the battery.

[Phil V]

I agree, just unhook the battery and you're good to go. And I also agree that the welding ground cable needs to be close to the weld area (which it should be regardless, just as a good welding practice.)

SOME high end radios have a built in security guard that if the power is disconnected from the car you have to have a pre-programmed Key CD to put into the stereo or the stereo won't work. Without that key cd you have to send the stereo back to the manufacturer to get "unlocked".

[wayne74447]

Thanks guys, i just bought this truck, its orig from nevada. some moron put runningboards on it and blew the screws through the rocker needless to say one leaked some moistore and made a weak spot about 2x2 square so i am replacing that metal in the rocker area on the rear cab.

wayne