How to disconnect/charge battery

[iand123]

I'll start by saying im a complete novice so apologies for the dumb question!!!

I have a 2003 1.6 menage dynamique which im looking to sell. I havent used it for a while and believe the battery is dead. Have borrowed a battery charger but am a bit confused. I have removed the plastic cover but then see alot of wires (i was expecting just the black and red +ve and -ve connections). There are also a few other red wires. Which ones of these should i disconnect? Can i just disconnect the main two black and red connectors? I also assume i can leave the battery in the car whilst i charge it?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[tomalamix]

its better to disconnect the wires from the battery and then charge it solo, without any accessory attached.

[davelowe]

There will be one 10mm bolt attaching the negative lead to the battery (the black NOT the red wire). Remove this using a spanner or small socket. Anything in the way (sometimes this is the case) should be unbolted first to gain access. If in doubt, take a photo on your phone or similar for future reference. Normally this is only one connection, but it varies.

Now, you have disconnected the car electronics from the battery. This is a good plan as voltage spikes from the charger can cause problems. Leave the red connection alone.

With the charger, attach the red cable clip to the still connected battery terminal, and the black clip to the lead terminal on the disconnected battery terminal. Turn on the charger and give it 4 hours - the exact time should ideally be monitored with a multimeter (a tool), however this brief tutorial is deliberately simple.

After a time, remove the charger, and replace what you have disconnected. If the car then starts, all well and good. If it fails to start, the battery maybe dead. In this instance you should have someone perform a CCA test - or employ someone with other tools and tests to give you further advice.